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{{incomplete}}
{{syllabus
 
|is_part_of_syllabus=Machine embroidery
|is_part_of_module=InkStitch
|do_not_show_sub_page=No
|page_next=InkStitch - installation
|status=to improve
|last_modification=2018/06/05
|objective=Understand the purpose of InkStitch, Install InkStitch,
Run a InkStitch annotated SVG file
|difficulty=beginner
|see_also=Computerized embroidery,
InkStitch - basic use
|cat_syllabus=InkStitch
|prequisite=InkScape
}}
[[fr:inkStitch]]
[As of summer 2022, this documentation is outdated and requires some updating. Principles remain the same]
== Introduction ==
== Introduction ==


'''[https://inkstitch.org Ink/Stitch]''' is an [[Inkscape]] extension for designing machine embroidery patterns. According to the [https://inkscape.org/en/~wwderw/%E2%98%85inkstitch-embroidery-extension extension page], {{quotation|Select objects that you want to apply embroidery properties and using the extension, set the parameters for the desired object(s). Once all desired objects have embroidery properties, use the extension to generate the necessary stitch file.}}
'''[https://inkstitch.org Ink/Stitch]''' is an [[Inkscape]] extension for designing machine embroidery patterns and machine embroidery files. Ink/Stitch is in our opinion the best open source and free embroidery digitizing software. It offers good basic functionality and can be used in schools to teach both vector graphics and design. - [[User:Daniel K. Schneider|Daniel K. Schneider]] 20 July 2018


'''Warning''' and disclaimer: This page is not associated with the InkStitch project. Please also read the documentation (including tutorials) [https://inkstitch.org/ in the official site]. We just made a little tutorial while we were learning and testing this extension.
According to the [https://inkscape.org/en/~wwderw/%E2%98%85inkstitch-embroidery-extension extension page], {{quotation|Select objects that you want to apply embroidery properties and using the extension, set the parameters for the desired object(s). Once all desired objects have embroidery properties, use the extension to generate the necessary stitch file.}}


As far as we can tell without much testing (May 3 2018, InkStich version 1.7) this extension seems to be the '''first usable open source program that allows creating embroidery files within an open source drawing tool'''. Summarizing:
According to the [https://inkstitch.org/ project page], {{quotation|Ink/Stitch aims to be a full-fledged embroidery digitizing platform based entirely on free, open source software. Our goal is to be approachable for hobbyists while also providing the power needed by professional digitizers.}}
* Ink/Stitch allows creating stitch files from particular SVG drawings, i.e. so-called path. Any SVG object can be translated into a path object.
* SVG fills can translate to filled stitch areas, SVG strokes can translate to zigzag (simple satin) and lines. Finally, there is a mechanism to create satin columns from path that include two sub-path lines.
* SVG path objects can be parameterized for all of these four stitch types (filled areas, simple zigzags, complex satin zigzags, or lines). Various underlays can be configured, e.g. satin stitches can have three sorts (a center line, border lines or a zigzag).
* InkStitch also supports thread color and project management.


As of May 24, 2018 the [https://github.com/lexelby/inkstitch/releases/latest latest release] was 1.8. We did most of the testing with version 1.7.
'''List of tutorials'''


== Installation ==
You also can use the navigation menu to the right


This extension software was tested with Ubuntu 16x and Windows 10 on May 3 2018. We managed to produce embroidery files for both Linux and Windows.
* [[InkStitch - installation]]
* [[InkStitch - basic use‎‎]]
* [[InkStitch - satin columns‎]]
* [[InkStitch - manual stitches]]
* [[InkStitch - tips and trouble shooting‎‎]]
* [[InkStitch - from satin columns to fills with satin borders]]
* [[InkStitch - stitch files from Noun Project icons‎‎]]
* [[InkStitch - emoji embroidery]]
* [[InkStitch - embroidery logos]]
* [[InkStitch - create stitch files from hand drawings‎‎ ]]
* [[InkStitch - embroidery patch]]
* [[InkStitch - QR code embroidery]]
* [[InkStitch - lettering]]
* [[InkStitch - design letters]]
* [[InkStitch - Geneva-simple typefaces]]
* [[InkStitch - fills with programmable stitches]]
* [[InkStitch - data visualization]]
* [[InkStitch - hotfix]]


=== First time installation ===
'''Print version'''
* [[EduTech Wiki:Books/InkStitch]] (either as free PDF or as PediaPress book)


* Download the [https://github.com/lexelby/inkstitch/releases/latest latest release]
'''Warnings''' and disclaimers:  
* De-archive in the personal extension folder of Inkscape.


'''Under Ubuntu'''
* '''This documentation is not associated with the InkStitch project'''. Please '''also read the official documentation''' (including tutorials) [https://inkstitch.org/ in the official site]. We just made a little tutorial while we were learning and testing this extension.
* Extract files to <code> ~/.config/inkscape/extensions</code>
* Some screenshots were made from early versions. Since the project took off during late sprint/summer 2018, changes were made to the interface and others may follow. Please take this into account. Over time, we will adapt most of the documentation...
cd ~/.config/inkscape/extensions
tar zxf ~/Downloads/inkstitch-v1.0.0-Linux-x86_64.tar.gz


'''Under Win 10'''
== Features ==
* Unhide the AppData directory (go to c:\users\__your_home__\, e.g. c:\users\janet
* Unzip in c:\users\__you__\AppData\Roaming\inkscape\extensions


If this does not work, check where the extension folder is in Inkscape: Edit->Preferences->System
As far as we can tell, the Ink/Stitch extension is the '''first usable open source program that allows creating embroidery files within an open source drawing tool'''. Summarizing:
 
* Ink/Stitch allows creating stitch files from particular SVG drawings, i.e. so-called path. Any SVG object can be translated into a path object.
Once you installed the extension, restart Inkscape.
* SVG fills can translate to filled stitch areas (i.e. tatami stitches), SVG strokes can translate to zigzag (simple satin) and lines. Finally, there is a mechanism to create satin columns from paths that include two sub-path lines.
 
* SVG path objects can be parametrized for all of these four stitch types (filled areas, simple zigzags, complex satin zigzags, or lines). Various underlays can be configured, e.g. satin stitches can have three sorts (a center line, border lines or a zigzag).
=== Upgrades ===
* Most embroidery formats can be imported, reused and adapted using Inkscape's path tool (F2).
 
* InkStitch also supports thread color and project management.
You may have to delete the old extension files first. Go to the extension directory and kill each embroidery* and inkstitch* files.
 
Then, proceed as above.
 
== Basic use of InkStitch ==
 
You can try to following steps in order to test the extension and to learn about basic functionality.
 
===Step 1 - draw an object===
 
Create an object, e.g. a circle. You can use both fill and stroke. Below is an example and its SVG code.
[[file:SVG-yellow-circle-stroke-fill.png|none|thumb|300px|A circle with a yellow fill and a blue stroke (border)]]
 
The SVG code defining the object uses the SVG <code>circle</code> tag. 
<source lang="XML">
<circle
      style="opacity:1;fill:#ffff00;fill-opacity:1;stroke:#0000ff;stroke-width:5.92615652;stroke-miterlimit:4;stroke-dasharray:none;stroke-opacity:1"
      id="path4147"
      cx="123.99713"
      cy="650.45123"
      r="106.87944" />
</source>
 
You can open the builtin XML tree editor if you want to check the code (CTRL-SHIFT-X)
[[file:Inkscape-092-XML-editor.png|800px|none|thunb|XML editor view of the circle]]
 
===Step 2 - convert to path===
Transform '''all objects''' you want to stitch to '''paths:'''
* Select  all object(s), e.g. hit CTRL+A
* Menu Path->Object to Path
An [https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/SVG/Tutorial/Paths SVG Path] includes both numbers representing positions and letters representing drawing and moving operations, including Bezier curves and Arcs. You do not need to understand how this works. Only make sure that all objects you plan to stitch are represented by a <code>path</code>. To check this, open the XML editor, then click on the object in the workspace. The XML code will be highlighted.
 
<source lang="XML">
<path
  style="opacity:1;fill:#ffff00;fill-opacity:1;stroke:#0000ff;stroke-width:5.92615652;stroke-miterlimit:4;stroke-dasharray:none;stroke-opacity:1"
  d="M 230.87657,650.45123 A 106.87944,106.87944 0 0 1 123.99713,757.33067 106.87944,106.87944 0 0 1 17.117691,650.45123 106.87944,106.87944 0 0 1 123.99713,543.57179 106.87944,106.87944 0 0 1 230.87657,650.45123 Z"
  id="path4147" />
</source>
 
Objects that are not of "Path" type, are ignored by InkStitch (remember that!)
 
=== Step 3 - Parametrize SVG path for embroidery ===
 
Select at leas one object. In menu Extensions -> Embroider -> Select Params and play with them. There are actually quite a lot compared to other SVG to embroidery translators.
 
For now, we just suggest accepting the defaults. We shall explain more parametrization in the next section. You also will learn later that InkStitch will add properties to SVG paths, defining how stitch objects should be created from each drawing.
 
=== Step 4 - Create the Embroidery file===
 
You can either create a stitch file for a selection of objects or for all path objects. To create an embroidery file for the whole design:
* Click into some empty space (in order to deselect)
* Menu Extensions -> Embroider -> Embroidery
* Select the format of your machine. In case you are unhappy with the result, select a widely used format such as Tajima (DST) and then use a free translator to convert to your proprietary format.
* Type a directory name where you can find your files, e.g. c:\users\__you__\Desktop on windows or /home/schneide/schneide/embroidery/inkstitch under Linux. The file will remember this information.
 
You can skip the next step providing some technical details about how embroidery objects are represented in Inkscape.
 
===Step 5 - Inspect in Inkscape===
 
You now also will have a new layer that includes the Stitch Plan, i.e. the objects that have been exported as Stitch objects. You can check this to visualize the points that will be stitched. Alternatively you could use an [[Computerized_embroidery#Free_converter_tools_and_other_utilities|embroidery viewer]]
 
In order to examine the Stitch points
* select the Stitch Plan layer and hide the others (this should be done automatically after using the ''Embroidery'' operation).
* Select the ''Edit Path tool'' in Inkscape
* Zoom in
 
[[file:Inkstitch-stitch-plan.png|800px|none|InkStitch, Stitch Plan. This information will be used to create the embroidery files ]]
 
If you look at the SVG code, you can see that your path are now annotated with stitching information. In addition, the new ''stitch plan'' layer contains two huge path objects - one for the border and one for the fill - that define all the points to be stitched, plus the stroke color for both. Since the circle was split into two objects with strokes, there is of course no more fill.
 
[[file:Inkstitch-stitch-plan2.png|800px|none|thunb|InkStitch, SVG code for the Stitch Plan]]
 
== Simple embroidery parametrization of SVG objects ==
 
InkStitch can produce four kinds of stitch packs from an SVG object: Running stitches, simple zigzag, satin columns and fill stitches.
* A filled stitch '''area''' from SVG path with <code>fill</code> defined
* '''Simple zigzag''' or '''running stitches''' (lines) from SVG objects with <code>stroke</code> defined
* Two objects (an area and a zigzag/line) from a path that has both fill and stroke
* '''Satin stitches''' from a path that includes two "polyline" subpaths
 
If we understood right:
* SVG Fills can only translate to areas (also called tatami stitches or fills)
* Strokes translate to simple zigzag or simple lines
* Two strokes with the same amount of nodes can translate to satin columns
 
=== Paths with fills to embroidery areas ===
 
SVG fills are translated to areas filled with a simple linear pattern. You can define an underlay, density and orientation (rotation), and add trim and stop code, i.e. have the machine cut the thread and/or stop.
 
In order to parametrize a fill:
* Select an path object that has a fill and no stroke (e.g. something like the green or the red circle below)
* Open the parameter popup window: Menu Extensions -> Embroidery -> Params
 
You will see a little popup that say "Params working, please wait". Just move it out of the way and ignore it. Now look at the <code>Embroidery Params</code> popup window. It will have three tabs (see grey popup in the next screen capture).
* Auto-Fill: Try to change the fill angle. You can also can add STOP and Trim code if they are supported by the stitch file.
* AutoFill Underlay: Add an underlay, i.e. stitches that will be stitched underneath the pattern. This will add some stability and also a little 3D effect. Do not make it too dense.
* Fill: An alternative to auto fill
 
[[file: Inkstitch-stitch-params-1.png|thumb|none|800px|Parametrizing SVG fill objects]]
 
=== Paths with strokes to zigzag stitches ===
 
SVG strokes are translated to simple zigzag or satin stitches that can have an underlay. If you open again the Param popup (Menu Extensions -> Embroidery -> Params), you will see different tabs:
* Stroke (used by default)
* Satin Column
* Center-Walk Underlay
* Contour Underlay
* Zig-Zag Underlay
 
By default, there will be a simple Satin stitch (i.e. a zigzag) for a fat stroke, as shown in the following screenshot. Ignore the satin column, since InkStitch cannot translate simple strokes to satin columns.
* Small zigzags are difficult to stitch since they pull and distort the tissue a lot. If you can, go for line thickness between 2 and 3 mm. Otherwise, use less density.
 
[[file: Inkstitch-stitch-params-2.png|thumb|none|800px|Parametrizing SVG stroke objects]]
 
=== Paths with fills and strokes ===
 
Objects that have both fill and stroke will allow parametrization of both, i.e. the param popup will present the combined tabs from the area and stroke parameters.
 
[[file: Inkstitch-stitch-params-3.png|thumb|none|800px|Parametrizing SVG objects with stroke and fill]]
 
If we understand right, strokes of objects that allows have fills can only translate to simple zigzag, not satin stitches that create rounded corners. Workaround:
* Copy paste (in place) the object
* Remove the fill from one of these
* Remove the stroke from the other.
 
=== Summary ===
 
InkStitch provides good basic functionality for creating Stitch files with Inkscape.
 
The stitch file in Tajima DST format was accepted by our multi-needle machine, but I did not stitch the design since it is not really interesting.
{|
|-
|[[file: Inkstitch-stitch-params-result.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Simulation of the Embroidery]]
|[[file: Inkstitch-stitch-params-result-brother.jpg|thumb|none|400px|Stitch file accepted by our [[Brother PR1050X]]]]
|}
 
Remarks:
*Colors are wrong since the thread palette used in the viewer of Stitch Era and the embroidery machine are different from the default. Thread palettes are difficult to understand...
* There are some extra extra stitch sections that should not be stitched (the little lines).
 
In this section we just presented basic functionality. In particular, InkStitch allows creation of satin colums from more or less parallel lines and also simple lines.
 
== Creating Satin Stitches ==
 
By default, Ink/Stitch translates strokes to either lines or simple perpendicular zig-zag stitches. The simple zigzag model works works relatively fine for straight lines or circles, but it cannot handle corners as in the little rocket drawing that we will now digitized. In addition, ZigZag stitches do not look as nice as the more parallel satin stitches.
 
Creating satin columns requires some extra work that we shall explain now.
 
=== Example explained with a snake and an ellipsoid donut ===
 
Let's create a simple snake:
 
(1) Draw two lines with the bezier tool.  
* For starters you can just do this by clicking using the Bezier drawing tool (SHIFT-F6)
* Draw both in the same direction
We got something like this:
 
[[File:inkstitch-satin-intro-2.png|thumb|none|800px|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.
[[File:inkstitch-satin-intro-2.svg|thumb|none|800px|A '''not yet''' stitchable snake made from two lines (SVG file)]]
 
(2)  Make sure that each path has the same number of points. If not:
* Click on the Edit Path tool (drawing tools panel next to the selection tool) or hit <code>F2</code>
* Select two nodes, then click on "Insert New Nodes into selected segments" to add a new node
 
(3) Combine these into a single path:
* Select both lines
* Menu Path -> Combine or CTRL-K
 
[[File:inkstitch-satin-intro-3.png|thumb|none|800px|A snake made from two lines]]
 
SVG file for download (click on the picture until you see the *.svg, then "save page as":
[[File:inkstitch-satin-intro-3.svg|thumb|none|800px|A stitchable snake made from two lines combined into a single path (SVG file)]]
 
'''Ellipse example'''


The two lines of the path do not need to be open. E.g. two embedded ellipses with the same amount of points for each line also works.
As of December 16, 2018 the [https://github.com/lexelby/inkstitch/releases/latest latest release] was 1.21.0. We strongly encourage using the latest version and checking regularly for updates.  


[[file:Inkstitch-stitch-satin-10.png|thumb|600px|none|Satin stitch created from closed lines]]
See also:
* [[Computerized embroidery]]
* [[Embroidery glossary]] and [[Concepts of computerized embroidery]]
* [[Computerized embroidery in education]]


=== Rocket example ===
== Support groups ==


Let's compare a rocket stitched quickly with one that uses proper satin stitches. We will start from a little [[https://openclipart.org/detail/261329/rocket-ship-as-clip-art Rocket Ship] from OpenClipArt. There are several other variants of this, e.g. [https://openclipart.org/detail/22539/rocket-icon rocket icon] by pitr that we used [https://edutechwiki.unige.ch/en/Stitch_Era_-_creating_embroidery_with_hot_fix_stones here].
* Report technical problems [https://github.com/inkstitch/inkstitch/issues as issues] to the developers at Github. Do check first if there is already an open issue with the same problem
* [https://www.facebook.com/groups/inkstitchfrance inkscape - inkstitch]. Friendly and dynamic french group.
* [https://www.facebook.com/groups/945979722406352/ InkScape to Ink/Stitch Enthusiast Group] Unfriendly American group (e.g. links to tutorials outside facebook are not allowed, who wants to create content on facebook ?)


==== Cleaning the SVG file ====
== Events ==


{|
{|class="wikitable"
!Place/Date!!Status!!Event
|-
|-
|[[file:Rocket-ship-Clip-Art.svg|Rocket Ship|right|200px|thumb|Source: [https://openclipart.org/detail/261329/rocket-ship-as-clip-art] needing cleanup Rocket Ship as Clip Art] (SVG file)]]
|Amsterdam, Monday, July 24, 2019|| [[image:080.svg]]||[[Machine_embroidery_in_education_workshop_(EdMedia2019)]] Short URL: https://edutechwiki.unige.ch/en/meew
|[[file:Rocket-ship-Clip-Art2.svg|Rocket Ship|right|200px|thumb|Source: [https://openclipart.org/detail/261329/rocket-ship-as-clip-art Rocket Ship as Clip Art], but cleaned up]] (SVG file)]
|[[file:Inkstitch-stitch-satin-simulation-2.png|Rocket Ship|right|200px|thumb|Source: Simple stitching without satin stitches]]
|}
 
The drawing is fairly straight forward. In order to process this with Ink/Stick
* 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:
{|
|-
|-
|[[file:Inkstitch-stitch-satin-1.png|thumb|600px|none|SVG with pure fills and pure strokes]]
|Dagstuhl October 29, 2018||Done||[[Data visualization with machine embroidery]] (75 min workshop at the [https://www.dagstuhl.de/18441 Dagstuhl Seminar 18441 on DataPhysicalization]
|[[file:Rocket-ship-Clip-Art3.svg|Rocket Ship|right|200px|thumb|Rocket Ship with separate layers for download (SVG file)]]
|-
|New York October 9. 2020 (demo)|| [[image:080.svg]]||
[[Computerized embroidery for identity building (fablearn2020)]] (http://edutechwiki.unige.ch/en/fablearn2020)
|}
|}
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 hand 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).
{|
|-
|[[file:Rocket-ship-Clip-Art9.svg|Rocket Ship|200px|thumb|Rocket Ship that is stitchable. Click and click to get the SVG]]
|[[file:inkstitch-satin-8.png|Rocket Ship|350px|thumb|Rocket Ship that is stitchable.]]
|[[file:Inkstitch-rocket-result.jpg|200px|right|thumb|Stitch simulation]]
|}
==== Transforming strokes into "satin path" ====
Now let us go through the more complicated procedure of transforming existing graphic elements (SVG path) into path that can be stitched as satin path. Remember:
* A path must have two subpath, each with the same number of nodes that should be roughly aligned
* Each subpath 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, i.e. 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!)
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:
* Select all strokes: CTRL-A (the fills should be hidden)
* Menu Path -> Stroke to Path
* Remove the fill and make the strokes smaller.
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.
* 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 the duplicate.
* Select the left wing and then the body (hold down the SHIFT key).
* Menu
* Repeat that operation for the right wing, i.e. firstly duplicated the body then subtract it.
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.
{|
|-
|[[file:Rocket-ship-Clip-Art6.svg|Rocket Ship|200px|thumb|Paths that will not correctly work (click for SVG for download)]]
|[[file:Inkstitch-stitch-satin-7.png|200px|thumb|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.
[[file:Inkstitch-bad-path-direction.png|none|300px|thumb|Path directions are different in the two subpath]]
* To see directions, set <code>Show path direction direction on outline</code> in Edit -> Preferences -> Tools -> Node
* Reverse for example the following the outer line:
: <code>Menu: Path -> Reverse</code>
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 zizag 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)
{|
|-
|[[file:Inkstitch-stitch-satin-12.png|300px|thumb|Impossible to define a start point in a closed path]]
|[[file:Inkstitch-break-path.png|400x400px|thumb|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::
{|
|-
|[[file:Rocket-ship-Clip-Art12.svg|Rocket Ship|200px|thumb|Stitchable rocket ship (click for SVG for download)]]
|[[file:Inkstitch-stitch-satin-13.png|400px|thumb|Stitch simulation (as seen in the [[Stitch Era tutorials|Stitch Era]] software)]]
|}
==== Summary ====
Creating satin stitches from existing drawings seems to be a bit difficult. 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.
=== Adding direction lines (rungs) ===
Good positioning of points on each of the two lines helps getting the stitch directions right. However, there are situations where you need to add so-called direction lines ("rungs" in InkStitch terminology) for satin columns:
* Some tricky corner areas
* Complicated drawings where moving points is both difficult and time consuming
* Special situations where you want the stitch directions to be weird.
The directions of the zigzag lines in the following example are not exactly nice.
{|
|-
|[[File:round-bird-1.svg|thumb|300px|none|Round bird model (SVG File). Source [https://thenounproject.com/liv_iko/collection/birds/?i=898697 Liv Iko] (Noun project) ]]
|[[File:InkStitch-round-bird-1.png|thumb|340px|none|Round bird without direction lines ]]
|[[File:InkStitch-round-bird-1b.png|thumb|300px|none|Round bird without direction lines ]]
|}
In order to tell InkStitch how to orient satin stitches you now can add "rungs" (or direction lines) into each stitchable path. There are two methods a quick one and the one I used before I have been told about the fast one by the the creator of this program.
'''Quick adding of rungs'''
#  Make sure the existing satin column path (with the two subpaths) is selected with the Node Editor tool.
#  Press P or select the Pencil tool.
#  '''Hold <code>Shift</code>'''.
#  Click once at the start of the rung.
#  Click a second time at the end of the rung.
'''Slow method for adding rungs''' (not holding the SHIFT key)
* 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 path for which we made the rungs + all the direction lines. Then hit CTRL-K (Menu: Path->Combine)
* Check if the Embroidery Parameters are still OK (Menu Extensions -> Embroidery - Params
We also fixed the departure point for the head and added an eye. The result is below and already looks much better. However, we found that the *.PES version had a mistake, so we create ad *.DST. Our Brother can stitch that too.
{|
|-
|[[File:InkStitch-round-bird-2.png|thumb|300px|none|Round bird with direction lines ]]
|[[File:InkStitch-round-bird-2b.png|thumb|250px|none|Round bird with direction lines, Tajima DST file produced ]]
|[[File:InkStitch-round-bird-2c.png|thumb|250px|none|Some extra stitches (not harmful)]]
|-
|[[File:InkStitch-round-bird-2d.png|thumb|300px|none|Brother PES file does not work in this case.]]
|[[File:round-bird-2.svg|thumb|281x281px|none|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. ([https://thenounproject.com/liv_iko/collection/birds/?i=898697 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 ==
=== Downloading SVG files from this wiki ===
Most designs used in this tutorial (including the half baked and failed ones) are available as SVG files, but you will have to make a little effort to get them. Definitely, do not "save the image as". A MediaWiki (e.g. this wiki or Wikipedia) displays SVG files as reduced PNGs. In order to download the SVG:
* Click on the picture
* Click again on the picture when you see File:XXX.svg in the title. You now should just see a drawing in your browser
* Now, use the browser's file menu: '''Save page as''' or hit CTRL-S in your browser
=== Inkscape version ===
From the [https://inkstitch.org/docs/install/ author of InkStitch]: {{quotation|I highly recommend version 0.92 or greater, which has a really key feature: the Objects panel. This gives you a heirarchical list of objects in your SVG file, listed in their stacking order. This is really important because the stacking order dictates the order that the shapes will be sewn in.
Versions 0.92.2 and higher let you bind a key to new commands, “stack up” and “stack down”, which I assign to pageup and pagedown. These let you arbitrarily reorder objects in the SVG file, which lets you directly manipulate which order they stitch in. It works way better than the default “raise” and “lower” commands.}}
In older versions, e.g. Ubuntu 16LTS have 0.91X, Edit -> Preferences -> Behavior -> Selecting. Then tick "Select in all layers" but let "Ignore hidden / locked objects" ticked. This was you can translate objects that sit in different layers more easily. I also have this option for more recent versions.
=== Working with layers and stitch order ===
Objects are stitched according to foreground/background order. Last object in the list of objects in the objects panel will be stitched first since it is in the back.
You can change that order in several ways:
* In Inkscape 0.92 or higher, use the Objects panel (Menu Object -> Objects)
* Use PageUp/PageDown keys and verify in the objects panel (recommended).
* Move the position in the XML Editor
* Use layers. An Inkscape layer is just an SVG group (<code>g</code>) with a special tag. So if you put an object in a layer it will have its position influenced by the layer's position.
If you import a drawing, e.g. from [http://openclipart.org openclipart], you could:
* Create a new layer first (Menu: Layer -> Add Layer) or open the Layers panel (Menu: Layer -> layers)
* Select the Layer
* Copy/paste the picture from the SVG page (or import the SVG File)
* Ungroup all objects
* Maybe, arrange them in different layers according to stitch type and order
* Order (strokes and small area usually should be on top)
=== Printing a design ===
There are two options:
* Create an embroidery file, open with a free or commercial stitch file viewer, then print
* Use Menu: Extensions -> Embroidery -> Print. This functionality provides some information about the Stitch Packs, e.g. the number of stitches, color and trim/stop stitches.
[[File:Inkstitch-print-function.png|thumb|300px|none|Print function of InkStitch]]
=== Creating a patch ===
Creating patches is explained in the [[Embroidery patch]] article. Below is an '''untested''' example to be used preferably with the "precut" method.
[[File:inkstitch-patch-61-5mm.svg|thumb|300px|none|SVG model for creating patches. You will have to put something inside]]
=== Creating stitch lines ===
By default, InkStitch translates '''solid''' strokes bigger than 0.5pt to zigzag lines.
Since it is easier to see fatter lines, you also can make the stroke of the line '''dotted''', i.e. not solid. It will translate to a simple stitch line as opposed to a zigzag. So, if you need a simple line, make it dotted as shown in the following picture. Bottom left shows the SVG drawing and upper right the Stitch plan.
[[File: inkstitch-intro-3.svg|none|thumb|600px|Creating stitch lines using dotted lines (SVG file)]]
== Trouble ==
=== Error messages ===
==== error: satin column: object pathXXXX has a fill (but should not) ====
This probably means that you got some "left over" properties in the object that you should remove.
* Open the XML Editor
* Remove all the InkStitch properties (in particular the ''satin'' one). Click on the "remove properties" button on top
[[File:Inkscape-kill-property.png|thumb|none|600px|Remove / kill a property in Inkscape]]
==== error: satin column: object path3XXX has two paths with an unequal number of points (x and y) ====
This means that you have extra nodes in a subpath defining a satin stitch line.
* Identify which line has an extra point, then remove it
* Click on the ''Edit Path by Nodes icon'' or hit F2
* Select the node(s) - also called points - that you want to remove.
* Kill it. This may require adjusting the Bezier controls of the adjacent points.
[[File:Inkscape-delete-selected-nodes.png|thumb|none|600px|Remove / kill one or more selected nodes]]
Notice: Points can be sneaky and hide under another one. In order to find these, you must move every node and if OK put it back in position with CTRL-Z.
==== error: satin column: One or more of the rungs doesn't intersect both rails. ====
Each rail should intersect both rungs once.
This means that your satin stitch drawings are not just made of two sub-path (lines) and/or that direction lines (rungs) are badly placed.
(.... to be completed)
=== Satin stitch param combination makes the script crash ===
As of May 2018 (InkStitch version 1.7.1 / Inkscape v. 0.91) some combinations of parameters can lead to a crash of the script, i.e. the embroidery will not be generated.
You will have to remove the InkStitch specific properties from the SVG code to fix that. This can be done for example by saving the file as simple SVG and then editing the source code. Otherwise, in InkScape, in the XML Editor (CRTL-SHIFT-X), there is a little "delete property" button on top of the property panel.
It is better to test the embroidery for each parameter change and save the file under a different version number if things go well. This way you only have to undo the last changes or copy/paste the older object that was still working.
Exemple error trace:
<source lang="bash">
Traceback (most recent call last):
  File "embroider.py", line 108, in <module>
  File "inkscape-0.92.2/share/extensions/inkex.py", line 283, in affect
    errormsg(_("No matching node for expression: %s") % path)
  File "embroider.py", line 97, in effect
   
  File "inkstitch/extensions.py", line 195, in elements_to_patches
  File "inkstitch/elements/element.py", line 244, in embroider
  File "inkstitch/elements/satin_column.py", line 401, in to_patches
  File "inkstitch/elements/satin_column.py", line 370, in do_satin
  File "inkstitch/elements/satin_column.py", line 254, in walk_paths
  File "site-packages/backports/functools_lru_cache.py", line 113, in wrapper
  File "inkstitch/elements/satin_column.py", line 101, in flattened_beziers
  File "inkstitch/elements/satin_column.py", line 128, in flatten_beziers_with_rungs
  File "site-packages/shapely/ops.py", line 464, in split
ValueError: Splitting a LineString with a GeometryCollection is not supported
[9557] Failed to execute script embroider
</source>
== Birds example ==
Let's create an embroidery from complex SVG paths.
Below are notes taken while I learn. I am aware that these are not good enough for beginners - [[User:Daniel K. Schneider|Daniel K. Schneider]] ([[User talk:Daniel K. Schneider|talk]]) 16:23, 4 May 2018 (CEST)
'''Get some artwork'''
* Get four birds from the noun project (become a member if you want to download and reuse objects without having to use them under their free CC license. I got 4 birds from the [https://thenounproject.com/liv_iko/collection/birds/?i=898697 Bird] collection by Liv Iko
* Pick the ones you like.
* Download as SVG !!
* If you are a non-member, remove the text with the CC license, i.e. edit each file in Inkscape, but make sure to cite the author properly if you publish your embroidery.
If you are unable to get this done, you can start from our own example, but do not publish it on any website without giving credit to Liv Iko.
=== Embroidery with area fills ===
After downloading some icons from the noun project:
* File -> Import; Select the four SVG files
After arranging the four drawings, you could see something like this:
[[file:inkstitch-birds-0.svg|800px|thumb|none|SVG file with four imported icons from Liv Iko's [https://thenounproject.com/liv_iko/collection/birds/?i=898697 Bird] collection. Click twice to get the SVG source]]
* If you do not download from the Noun Project, you can our example above. Make sure to click twice in order to get the SVG file until you see just the drawing, then "save the page as". Also, do not forget to credit the original author.
* Save the file, e.g. call it birds0.svg
====Arrange position and size====
* Arrange the designs, e.g., on a bottom line and also adjust the size so that the embroidery will fit into you hoop.
* Each of the birds is now a single SVG path. These are not yet suitable for a nice colorful embroidery. We will have to break them apart
[[file:inkstitch-imported-birds-1.png|800px|thumb|none|Each bird is a a single path]]
* Save the file, e.g. call it birds1.svg
* Again, you could directly take the [https://edutechwiki.unige.ch/mediawiki/images/8/8a/Inkstitch-birds-0.svg SVG file] directly from this wiki.
====Break path apart====
* Select all
* Menu: Path -> Break Apart
You now should see four piles of black objects.
[[file:inkstitch-birds-2.svg|800px|thumb|none|SVG file with four imported icons from Liv Iko's [https://thenounproject.com/liv_iko/collection/birds/?i=898697 Bird] collection]]
Again, you could download the [https://edutechwiki.unige.ch/mediawiki/images/5/5c/Inkstitch-birds-2.svg SVG source]
====Colorize====
The result are layered "path" objects composed of fills that you now should color a bit. For each object, including the large black backgrounds:
* Add a fill color
* Remove the stroke color
* The easiest way of doing this is to open the "Fill and Strokes" panel, then the XML Editor (Shift+Control+X)
* click on each path object of the XML editor and then define a fill color and remove the stroke color if there is one.
[[file:inkstitch-imported-birds-2.png|800px|thumb|none|Color each object. You can use a thread palette for that]]
====Simplify====
Currently we have up to three layers, which is too much for stitching.
* We now use the difference operator to subtract an element from the element underneath.
* Copy a smaller area that sits on top of a larger area and move it outside the graphic
* Shift-select the larger (black) area and shift-select the area that sits on top
* Menu: Path->Difference or hit CTRL+-
* Now you should see a hole in the bigger black area. Move the the save smaller area in place. Increase its size a bit so that it overlaps.
[[file:inkstitch-imported-birds-3.png|800px|thumb|none|Color each object. You the difference operator to subtract a smaller area from an underlying area]]
You also may want to cleanup a bit. In Inkscape, click on File->Clean up document
====Create two layers====
This is not strictly needed, but you should take the reflex of creating layers into which you put different types of drawing objects.
* Create a new layer and call it Areas
* Select all colored areas and move into a new layer
* Rename the layer with the black "lines" in "Lines"
====Parametrize====
In your SVG drawings you only got so-called fills. The plugin will translate these into areas filled with linear motif. You can change the angle and the Stitch length for now.
* Hide the Layer called ''Lines''
* Open Extensions->Embroidery->Params. This will now allow to parametrize the Stitch Areas
* Add STOP and TRIM if you got a multi-needle machine
* Augment stitch density a bit (e.g. 0.2mm per line / 5 lines per mm)
* Change other default values or just Apply and Quit (we did not change anything else here)
* Do the same for the Lines layer, show it and hide the Area layer
====Create the embroidery====
* Firstly verify that you do not use too many different colors (e.g. make sure that all the orange is the same)
* Put all the same colors next to each other if you have single thread machine (use the Objects tool for that)
* Stitch the larger objects first, i.e. move them down in the layer.
* Move the "lines" layer up. Lines usually are stitched last.
* Show all layers you plan to embroider, e.g. here we got "Lines" and "Areas"
* Menu extensions -> embroidery -> embroider
** Select the machine format. As of May 2018, the PES file is incorrect, use DST format which Brother also can stitch.
[[file:Inkstitch-birds-4.svg|800px|none|thumb| SVG birds file with two layers, [https://edutechwiki.unige.ch/mediawiki/images/8/84/Inkstitch-birds-4.svg downloadable] ]]
The simulated result now looks like this (DST gets the colors wrong, but that's not a real issue since most people do not have a sixteen needle machine with the good threads already installed).
As you can see there are also some extra objects that should not be stitched, but they won't hurt. The lines can be easily removed.
[[file:inkstitch-imported-birds-4.jpg|800px|thumb|none|Simulation of embroidery]]
=== Create borders with satin stitches ===
In order to get satin stitches we need to replace fat strokes by two lines. In principle the following should work, see the Rocket example above.
* Go back to an early version of the SVG file (after breaking apart)
* Select the object for which you need satin borders
* Make two copies
* Create an inset and outset: Menu Path -> Inset and Menu Path -> Outset
* Make the stroke smaller
* Remove the fill
* Make sure that each of the two object has the same number of points, remove the superfluous ones.
* Fix direction lines
* etc.
Since this is design is not too original, we only did this with the first bird. The example is described in [[InkStitch#Adding_direction_lines_.28rungs.29|Adding direction lines]]. Feel free to improve your InkScape node editing skills by completing the other birds ....
== Links ==
* [https://inkstitch.org Ink/Stitch] (home page, which includes several manual pages)
* [https://github.com/lexelby/inkstitch Ink/Stitch] Github directory
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsbD8mnSAO4 Inkstitch Intro Video] (Youtube)
[[category: computerized embroidery]]


== Copyright modification ==
== Copyright modification ==

Latest revision as of 12:25, 8 October 2023

Machine embroidery
Module: InkStitch
▬▶
⚐ to improve ☸ beginner
⚒ 2023/10/08 ⚒⚒ 2018/06/05
Objectives
  • Understand the purpose of InkStitch
  • Install InkStitch
  • Run a InkStitch annotated SVG file
See also

Objectives

  • Understand the purpose of InkStitch
  • Install InkStitch
  • Run a InkStitch annotated SVG file

See also

  • Quality: to improve
  • Difficulty: beginner

[As of summer 2022, this documentation is outdated and requires some updating. Principles remain the same]

Introduction

Ink/Stitch is an Inkscape extension for designing machine embroidery patterns and machine embroidery files. Ink/Stitch is in our opinion the best open source and free embroidery digitizing software. It offers good basic functionality and can be used in schools to teach both vector graphics and design. - Daniel K. Schneider 20 July 2018

According to the extension page, “Select objects that you want to apply embroidery properties and using the extension, set the parameters for the desired object(s). Once all desired objects have embroidery properties, use the extension to generate the necessary stitch file.”

According to the project page, “Ink/Stitch aims to be a full-fledged embroidery digitizing platform based entirely on free, open source software. Our goal is to be approachable for hobbyists while also providing the power needed by professional digitizers.”

List of tutorials

You also can use the navigation menu to the right

Print version

Warnings and disclaimers:

  • This documentation is not associated with the InkStitch project. Please also read the official documentation (including tutorials) in the official site. We just made a little tutorial while we were learning and testing this extension.
  • Some screenshots were made from early versions. Since the project took off during late sprint/summer 2018, changes were made to the interface and others may follow. Please take this into account. Over time, we will adapt most of the documentation...

Features

As far as we can tell, the Ink/Stitch extension is the first usable open source program that allows creating embroidery files within an open source drawing tool. Summarizing:

  • Ink/Stitch allows creating stitch files from particular SVG drawings, i.e. so-called path. Any SVG object can be translated into a path object.
  • SVG fills can translate to filled stitch areas (i.e. tatami stitches), SVG strokes can translate to zigzag (simple satin) and lines. Finally, there is a mechanism to create satin columns from paths that include two sub-path lines.
  • SVG path objects can be parametrized for all of these four stitch types (filled areas, simple zigzags, complex satin zigzags, or lines). Various underlays can be configured, e.g. satin stitches can have three sorts (a center line, border lines or a zigzag).
  • Most embroidery formats can be imported, reused and adapted using Inkscape's path tool (F2).
  • InkStitch also supports thread color and project management.

As of December 16, 2018 the latest release was 1.21.0. We strongly encourage using the latest version and checking regularly for updates.

See also:

Support groups

  • Report technical problems as issues to the developers at Github. Do check first if there is already an open issue with the same problem
  • inkscape - inkstitch. Friendly and dynamic french group.
  • InkScape to Ink/Stitch Enthusiast Group Unfriendly American group (e.g. links to tutorials outside facebook are not allowed, who wants to create content on facebook ?)

Events

Place/Date Status Event
Amsterdam, Monday, July 24, 2019 080.svg Machine_embroidery_in_education_workshop_(EdMedia2019) Short URL: https://edutechwiki.unige.ch/en/meew
Dagstuhl October 29, 2018 Done Data visualization with machine embroidery (75 min workshop at the Dagstuhl Seminar 18441 on DataPhysicalization
New York October 9. 2020 (demo) 080.svg

Computerized embroidery for identity building (fablearn2020) (http://edutechwiki.unige.ch/en/fablearn2020)

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).

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