InkStitch - satin columns

Objectives

• Create satin columns
• Manipulate InkScape strokes to create two lines
• Use direction lines (rungs)

Prerequisites

• Inkscape
• InkStitch - basic use

See also

• Computerized embroidery

• Quality: to improve

• Difficulty: intermediate

Creating Satin Columns

By default, Ink/Stitch translates strokes to either lines or simple, rather ugly, perpendicular zig-zag stitches. The simple zigzag model works works relatively fine for straight lines or circles, but it cannot handle irregular shapes. In addition, ZigZag stitches do not look as nice as the more parallel satin stitches.

Satin columns as opposed to simple zig-zag lines can have irregular borders. A typical example would be the trunk of a tree, a leg of a horse or a snake that ate a professor.

Creating satin columns requires some extra work that we shall explain now. We first shall introduce the principle and then demonstrate these with two examples. Once you went through the first section, you also can look at InkStitch - from satin columns to fills with satin borders.

Anatomy of satin columns

A satin column is defined by:

• A single SVG path, also called rail
• Containing two sub-path lines that go in the same direction. I also call these rails (sorry)
• The two sub-paths must have either an identical number of nodes or rungs (that we also call direction lines)

Satin column with rungs. The two rails point to the same direction (red arrows). Recommended use.

Satin column without rungs (even number of nodes). Not recommended in most cases but I use them all the time for precision work.

It is crucial that the two rails point in the same direction (materialized by the small lines the sub-paths) since the program connects points from the first point in one line to the first point in the second line. If the two lines start from different directions, the stitches will look like a star run over by a truck and not like a satin column. In the picture above you can see the direction of the lines. Read more in the fix path directions section below.

Also if you want to make changes to such a combined path object, you must use the Path Editor (hit F2 or click on the Edit paths by nodes icon).

As we shall explain below, this type of SVG object must be parameterized to translate to satin columns. If you want to play with a working example, below is an SVG file for download.

Stitch Plan for a simple satin column (some extra rungs added). Click twice and "Save Page As".

Direction of satin rails

Problem: For InkStitch to work correctly, the two rail sub-paths must point in the same direction.

Path directions are different in the two subpaths. Not good !

• To see directions of lines, set Show path direction direction on outline in Edit -> Preferences -> Tools -> Node
• Then reverse one of the lines

Select the line

Menu: Path -> Reverse

Below you can see a file that has subpath directions that need fixing. If you see something like this, as opposed to a nice satin design, you don't even need to inspect the drawing. Just pick one of the two rails and reverse it.

Path with a sub-path direction that requires fixing

Start and end of the lines

Lines should start and end somewhat close to each other.

You may be able to create a satin line from closed lines, but usually this will not work. It did in the example below. We therefore recommend cutting closed shapes, e.g. circles.

Satin stitch created from closed lines. Usually will not work !

However, we do not recommend speculating that this will work. We recommend that round closed shapes, e.g. circles, are cut once - at the same place - as in the following picture.

Satin stitch defining a border for a patch

The two rails of this border have been defined with 4 points each. On top we broke both lines.

A circle can be used for making satin columns around a patch. If you are interested in creating patches, read InkStitch - embroidery patch.

Satin columns from simple lines

There exist different strategies to create sating columns from simple lines. The most simple procedure is to draw fat lines without fill, only a stroke and then translate the line to a satin column

Step-by-step instructions

First, create a drawing:

• Draw a line that has a good width for satin stitches, e.g. between 2 and 6mm.
• Select this object
• Verify that it is a stroke only line and not a shape with stroke and fills (Menu Object -> Fill and Stroke)
• Use the Extensions->Ink/Stitch->English->Convert line to Satin command.

A simple stroke (before)

A simple satin column

Second:

• Parameterize as satin column: Extensions->Ink/Stitch->Params
  • The Satin Column tab should be selected
  • Tick Custom satin column

You now should see a simulation. If it looks good, then click on Apply and Quit

Parametrize satin stitch

Tip:

• When convert a line to a satin path with two rails and rungs, the old object will be destroyed. We suggest making a copy of it and putting it in a separate "Artwork" layer.
• If you are not happy with the stitch directions, add some extra rungs as explained below. In short: edit path tool (F2), hold SHIFT key and draw lines that intersect both rails (use pen tool).
• If you modify the generated result, you may have to add rungs (see below), since - again - rails must have the same number of points. Bending a line will add points.

Creating satin stitches from lines is probably not the most common usage, so read on and learn how to create satin stitches with different forms than lines.

Creating irregular satin columns

In embroidery, most satin columns are irregular, i.e. the rails are not parrallel. Think of fonts or flower petals. To create these, some extra work will be required.

A simple snake example

Let us create a simple snake with a nice satin stitch design

Draw two lines with the bezier tool

• For starters you can outline the figure by clicking, using the Bezier drawing tool (SHIFT-F6)
• Draw both lines in the same direction

We got something like this:

A snake in the making. Two simple paths

For exercising, you can download the original SVG (click on the picture until you get the SVG, then save as).

A not yet stitchable snake made from two lines (SVG file)

Smoothing

To create a smoother line, select it, then hit CRTL-L. This works both with normal object selection or in Edit Path mode (F2)

Alternatively, you can enter Edit Path mode (F2), then select single nodes and make them "smooth" or "auto-smooth". Play with the icons in the nodes menu bar on top as seen in the screenshot above.

Adding rungs (direction lines)

Rungs define the direction of the satin stitches. Add as many as you need !

Without rungs, the software will use pairs of points to determine directions, with rungs it will use the rung direction to do so. This only works if both rails have the same amount of points. An native extension in Inkscape can do that for you. So, after selecting the path(s), go in the extension menu > select visualize path > Number nodes.

Option (a): Quick adding of rungs to a single path with two lines

1. If needed, combine two lines into a single path: Select both and hit CTRL-K
2. Make sure the existing satin column path (with the two subpaths) is selected with the Node Editor tool (F2)
3. Press P or select the Pencil tool.
4. Hold Shift.
5. Click once at the start of the rung.
6. Click a second time at the end of the rung.

Make very sure that each rung extends over both sub-path, i.e. the two lines.

Option (b) Adding rungs as separate paths, then combine

• Draw the direction lines for a given path using either the Bezier tool (click+click+right-click) or the freehand lines tool (click+click)
• Select the two rails + all the direction lines. Then hit CTRL-K (Menu: Path->Combine)
• Check in the object manager (Menu Object->Objects), that there is only one single path for this embroidery object.

The following two files (that you can download) illustrate the principle. Also, notice that this time the snake has a professor inside.

A stitchable snake with rungs, i.e. direction lines (SVG file)

If you look at the SVG file, you can see that the upper line has more points. So rungs also will fix that.

A stitchable snake with rungs with stitch layer shown (SVG file)

Parametrize

• Select the snake
• Menu: Extensions -> Ink/Stitch -> Params
• Select Satin column tab and tick "Custom column"
• Add one or more underlays with the three other tabs (center-walk, contour or zig-zag)

Parametrize an SVG path with two subpath for satin stitching

You can of select several objects for parametrization. Just make sure that all of these are "satin" objects, e.g. two rails plus rungs or two rails with the same amount of nodes (see below)

Leaf example

The next example repeats the same procedure as oulined in the snake example, but the drawing is a bit different and we also will mention how to cut a closed shape and how to deal with the direction of the rails which must be aligned.

Draw half of a leaf

• I used the Bezier tool and did a first version by clicking. Make sure that the final point is inserted on top of the first one.

Break path - downloadable SVG file

Smooth it

• Edit nodes mode (Hit F2)
• Select the upper nodes (not the flat line at the bottom)
• In the nodes bar: Click on "Make selected nodes smooth"
• Make some minor adjustments if needed.

Break path - downloadable SVG file

Create two rails by cutting the path at both ends

• Select an end point or both
• Nodes Menu bar: Break path at selected nodes
• Repeat with the other end if needed

Break path, using the break path icon in the nodes menu bar

Check if the path is really broken

• Disable snapping (Hit %)
• Grab each end point and move it a bit
• The next picture clearly shows two sub-path.

Break path - downloadable SVG file

Add rungs (See above for details)

This will insert the rungs into the path. If it fails, select the rails first, then the rungs and hit CTRL-K

• Click in an empty space, then select the leaf
• Hit F2 (Edit node mode)
• Press "p" (pen tool)
• Hold down the SHIFT key (all the time !!) while you insert rungs
• Click-click for each rung

Half leaf with satin columns - downloadable SVG file (sub-path direction line fixed)

• Verify that this a single path (Menu Object->Objects)

Fix direction of lines

• Most likely directions of lines are wrong (see above)
• Select the line at the bottom and Menu Path->Reverse

Adjust the size

• Our initial drawing is too big. Satin stitches usually should be no longer than 6mm
• Menu Object->Transform
• Select mm and Scale proportionally
• Set height to 7mm or smaller

Parametrize

• Menu Extensions -> Ink/stitch -> Params
• Select the Satin Column tab and tick Custom satin column
• Define an underlay

Half leaf with satin columns - downloadable SVG file

Stitchable leaf with satin columns

Create the other half of the leaf

• Hide the stitch plan (if you already got one)
• Copy / Paste in place the leaf (Menu Edit)
• Menu Object -> Flip vertical
• Move in place
• Define stroke colors if not done before
• Menu Extensions -> Ink/Stitch -> Embroider

Finish - add a stem

• In the Objects menu, hide the stitch plan
• Select the drawing layer (e.g. Layer 1)
• draw a line and make it satin as explain above

Half leaf with satin columns - downloadable SVG file

and enjoy.

Half leaf with satin columns - simulation

Create satin columns without rungs

It is possible to create satin columns without rungs if both path have the same number of points

Let us take up again the snake example from above that starts with two lines.

(1) Combine the two lines into a single path

• Select both lines
• Menu Path -> Combine, or CTRL-K

The following picture shows the result we want to get (after parameterizing, explained just below) and its SVG path structure.

A snake made from two lines

SVG file for download (click on the picture until you see the *.svg, then "save page as":

A stitchable snake made from two lines combined into a single path (SVG file)

(2) Count the nodes

If the count is uneven, either add or remove points to/from one rail.

To add points:

• Click on the Edit Paths tool (drawing tools panel next to the selection tool) or hit F2
• Select two nodes or click on a segment, then click on "Insert New Nodes into selected segments" to add a new node

To find out the exact number and position of nodes we suggest the following procedure: Copy the object and put it outside the drawing area. Select this copy. Menu Extensions -> Visualize Path -> Number nodes .... This will replace the drawing with big dots and numbers. You now can repair the original drawing with the Edit Paths tool, i.e. add or delete points in a more informed way.

Number the nodes for a path. To the right we can see the extra node. We also can see that we should cut the two lines since the start of the outer line (point 1 on top is opposite of point 21 and not point 11 as it should

Alternatively (and easier), just add direction lines (rungs) as explained above.

Rocket example

Disclaim : the icon used for this example came from Openclipart.org. This site doesn't work anymore.

Let's compare a rocket stitched quickly with one that uses proper satin stitches. We will start from a little Rocket Ship from OpenClipArt. There are several other variants of this, e.g. rocket icon by pitr that we used here. The procedures explained below were made for an early version of Ink/Stitch and could be simplified a bit since version 1.16. I.e. one could use the stroke to satin column converter.

Cleaning the SVG file

Source: Rocket Ship as Clip Art (SVG file), needing cleanup

Source: Rocket Ship as Clip Art, but cleaned up (SVG file)

Source: Simple stitching without satin stitches (image)

The drawing is fairly straight forward. In order to process this with InkStitch

• Ungroup everything
• Create a new layer, called Rocket strokes
• Put all elements in this layer.
• Open the XML Editor, click on each element and kill about 6 useless elements that sit underneath the windows. The resulting SVG only should have six objects.
• The wings overlap with the body of the rocket, but let's keep this for the moment.

It now (at least for the 1.7x version we discuss here) is important to follow all the steps on the SVG before you configure the embroidery params. Else you may have contradictory instructions in your objects. If the embroidery process fails with an error message, try removing all embroidery parameters in the XML Editor. Create a copy of you SVG file and save it. Personally, I just "write the file as" before each major operation. This way, I can easily restart from a prior version .....

Now you could digitized as shown above. However if you want nice satin stitches then you should remove all the fills and transform the fat strokes into double lines.

Let's separate fills and strokes first. We will do this in the following way:

• Select all
• Copy and paste in place. Edit->Copy then Menu Edit-Paste in Place. We now have 12 objects instead of 6.
• Move all the new objects to a new layer called Rocket fills (select these six in the Objects tool (Menu Object->Objects), then use the layers menu to move them)
• Lock the layer called Rocket fills.
• Remove all fills from the objects that sit in Layer Rocket strokes
• Now lock this Rocket strokes layer and kill the strokes from the objects that sit in the Rocket fills layer.

The resulting object structure should look like this:

SVG with pure fills and pure strokes

Rocket Ship with separate layers for download (SVG file)

This now can be directly stitched as shown in the picture above. However, you can notice the rather ugly satin stitches.

Creating satin stitches with manual drawings

As you should recall from the "snake" example above, satin stitches are made from two lines that have the same amount of points. There are several ways to achieve this from an existing drawing. In any of these cases, you will have to do some "point surgery". Also, the result can fail. If you do not feel comfortable with using or learning more advanced path editing, you could just make some hand drawings. We suggest the following procedure:

• Lock the fills layer but keep it visible
• Create a new layer
• Draw the lines as explained in the "snake example above". Use (at least provisionally) a different color to the drawings.

The result looks OK, but I didn't take time to make minor adjustments since I spent too much time on the attempt described below).

Rocket Ship that is stitchable. Click and click to get the SVG

Rocket Ship that is stitchable.

Stitch simulation

Transforming strokes into two sub-path lines for satin stitches

Now let us go through the more complicated procedure of transforming existing graphic elements (SVG path) into a paths that can be stitched as satin path. Remember:

• A path must have two sub-path, each with the same number of nodes that should be roughly aligned
• Each sub-path must go into the same direction (see explanations later)
• Closed shapes must be broken, since InkScape does not allow to define a start node.

See also this video: https://inkstitch.org/tutorials/lex-neva-video-tutorial-1/

Before you start

• Hide the "Fills" layer and maybe lock it. I.e. you only should see the strokes !
• Unlock the "Strokes" layer if it was locked

Simplify the drawing and reduce overlaps

Simplify the drawing

remove all extra points that are not needed (but you can do this later). Inkscape can help with that (hit CTRL-L, but not too many times!)

Remove larger overlaps

In a next step, we will have to clip the part of the wings that overlap with the body of the fuse. An easy way to do it is to use substraction again.

• Hide the fill areas
• Copy/paste in place the rocket body. The easiest way to do so is the open the "Objects panel" (Menu Object->Objects), select the body, and then duplicate.
• Select the left wing and then the body (hold down the SHIFT key).
• Menu: Path -> Difference
• Repeat that operation for the right wing, i.e. firstly duplicate the body then substract it.

Transform stroke paths to path with two lines

In order to get two strokes (lines) instead of a single fat stroke, we can translate a path to a path with both fill and strokes. An other alternative would be to use insets and outsets. Anyhow, one general procedure is the following

• Select all strokes: CTRL-A (the fills should be hidden)
• Menu Path -> Stroke to Path

Now make the strokes very small and remove the fill.

• Select all (CTRL-A)
• Menu Object -> Fill and Stroke
• Remove fills
• Set Stroke to 1px

Repair the wings

• Unfortunately the wings did not fully overlap with the body, and there is some junk to remove. You must strive the obtain two single lines for each wing as shown in the picture below.
• Drag out both wings.
• Select the Edit path tool
• Kill superfluous nodes
• Kill segments at the end of both wings
• (Maybe) transform the sharp corners into a round symmetric node.

Clean up the rocket body

• Now make sure that you got the same amount of nodes in the outer and the inner line. To do so, we suggest rather killing nodes than adding new nodes. When you try to embroidery a path that has two subpath of different node length, InkStitch will complain and tell you which node to fix. Remember that for later.
• Align outer and inner nodes (roughly)
• Also make sure that no node sits on top of another one. You can find out by moving each node and then - if OK - put it back in position by hitting CTRL-Z
• Make the inner top a bit less sharp (make it a symmetrical node)

If you try to embroider now, you will get a very bad results, since inner and outer path go into an opposite direction.

Paths that will not correctly work (click for SVG for download)

Failed attempt. InkStitch associates the wrong lines (body only shown).

Fix path directions

Problem: For InkStitch to work correctly, the two sub-path must point in the same direction. In our case they were not.

Path directions are different in the two subpath

• To see directions, set Show path direction direction on outline in Edit -> Preferences -> Tools -> Node
• Reverse for example the following the outer line:

Menu: Path -> Reverse

In our example, each path had a wrong subpath, e.g. the inner path went clockwise and the outer path counter-clock wise.

Fix the start point

Problem: The zigzag of the satin stitch does now work but it is badly oriented now.

• Closed paths do not have a start point and you cannot define one. As a result Inkstitch will associate "random" points, i.e. will start using the first node found in the path definition (we believe). To fix that, we will create a break in the closed path of the hull and the three windows.
• Use the Edit Path tool to select two nodes, one for each subpath, then break the path (see the figure below)

Impossible to define a start point in a closed path

Break path at node

Let us parameterize separately the stroke and the fill layers.

• Hide and lock one layer before you work on the other.
• In the Embroidery -> Param popup, have all the path in the stroke layer use satin stitches if you did not do so already. Also, we suggest adding at least a center underlay since this will stabilize the tissue a bit.

The result looks like this:

Stitchable rocket ship (click for SVG for download)

Stitch simulation (as seen in the Stitch Era software)

Summary

Creating satin stitches from existing drawings requires some extra effort. There might a way to do it more quickly, but we did not manage to find so far. So in some cases, we recommend re-drawing by hand two lines defining satin stitches. In fact, all depends on your respective node editing or drawing skills. Personally I am better at editing than at drawing.

Creating fills and lines from dotted strokes does work well and doesn't require any special preparation.

Trim stitches do not seem to work in every case, but that is not a major issue. Anyhow, most people using InkStitch probably do not have multi-needle machines and prefer to cut away thread as opposed to re-threading.

A bird with direction lines (rungs)

Not surprisingly, the directions of the zigzag lines in the following example are not exactly nice. So let us fix them

Round bird model (SVG File). Source Liv Iko (Noun project)

Round bird without direction lines

Round bird without direction lines

In order to tell InkStitch how to orient satin stitches we now add "rungs" (or direction lines) into each stitchable path, as explained above.

We also fixed the departure point for the head and added an eye. The result is below and already looks much better.

Round bird with direction lines	Round bird with direction lines, Tajima DST file produced	Some extra stitches (not harmful)
Brother PES (InkStitch V.1.8.1)	Round bird model (SVG File) file for download

If you like this bird, you can modify it. However, if you publish it, please acknowledge the original design. (Liv Iko). Also, you should be aware that this design is really small (less than 3cm), stitching it properly may be a bit difficult.

Tips and tricks

Flipping satin columns

Satin stitches start on one rail. In some case you would like to switch "left-to-right", i.e. start stitching from the other rail.

• Select the object
• Use Extensions -> Ink/Stitch -> Satin tools -> Flip satin columns

Example code

Flipped satin columns. File with two identical objects. Left column starts from top "left". Right column starts from top "right"

Design file	Parametrized and embroidered
Simulation

Trouble shooting

• Make sure that each satin column is defined as a single object: Open Manu Object->Objects and click through the objects
• Make sure that rails have rungs and the the rungs are shorter than the rails and that they do no cross
• Make sure that rails do not cross

Read InkStitch - tips and trouble shooting

Copyright modification

Contents of this page including pictures and SVG files are also available under the GNU Free Documentation License and the Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license.

The Inkstitch project can use any element (text fragments, SVG files, pictures) for the project's official docs without giving attribution (just copy and paste).