Quick Guid to start your embroidery journey¶

Prepare your file¶

1. Install the Software¶

First thing to create your own Design is to set up the software. Therefor you need to Download Inkscape from the official page.

Next step is to install the ink/stitch plug in. Check out this link for a detailed description.

2. Create your Design¶

The embroidery machine is working with vectore files. This files are built by mathematic formulas that establish points on a grid instead being composed of pixels. Therefore they are infinite adjustable in size.

create vector image¶

Create Vectore files in Inkscape (How to work with inkscape)
use existing pictures or graphics

load into incscape in own layer trace image with Path > Trace Bitmap or Shift+Alt+B

clean up the vector shapes, using Path > Simplify (Ctrl+L). Delet nodes by hand to create as few curves as possible.

The tracing function often creates vector parts which are to small to stitch. Therefore cleanup your document again to remove this parts Extensions > Ink/Stitch > Troubleshoot > Cleanup document...

working with existing SVG files

import .svg file by File > Import..

importing Vectore files from another software

save file as .ai or .svg

import it into incscape with File > Open

text

Ink/Stitch offers ready to use fonts which can be inserted into your document through **Extensions > Ink/Stitch >

3. Convert to Embroidery Vectors & Parametrize¶

Save your vector file from changes by copying the layer

open object panel with Ctrl + shift + O

Right click on the layer (if you didn’t rename the layer it will be called Layer 1)

Click on Duplicate, Close the eye by clicking on it. It will make the first layer invisible.

Any layer, group, or vector shape that is set invisible will be ignored by Ink/Stitch. We will now work with the copy.

Use groups to structure your document:

Select objects with your mouse
Add or remove objects with shiftclick
Hit Ctrl+G

Ungrouping objects works as follows:

Select the group(s)

Hit Ctrl > Shift > G

Stitch types¶

Stitches¶

Path object	Stitch type	appearance
(Dashed) stroke	running stitch
Each node of a path represents a needle penetration point	manual stitch
stroke	zig-zag stitch
stroke	bean stitch
curves	ripple stitch

Satin coloums¶

Path object	Stitch type	appearance
contoured path object without infill colour (contour width = satin stitch width)	Line to Satin
converts stroke to patterned outlined satin	Live Path effect Satin
ZigZag line/ rippled line	Zigzag Line to Satin
two mostly-parallel lines	Manual Satin Coloum
Two combined strokes (with optional rungs)	E-Stitch

fill stitches¶

Path object	Stitch type	appearance
Closed path with a fill color	auto fill
	guided fill
	contour fill
	meander fill
	circular fill

Parametrize¶

The following step shows you how to align different stitch types and filling stitches to separated elements of your sketch.

Set parameters using Extensions > Ink/Stitch > Params

opened parameters pannel and preview window /

The params command works for stiches and fill stitches. Each time you change parameter values, you’ll be able to see the simulated result in a preview window. Once you are satisfied with the result, click Apply and close to save the values into your SVG-file. To find out more about the different values, hold the curser over the value or look it up at following table:

Stitch type	Parameter values	Meaning
stitch	Methodes	select stitch type
	Repeats	defines how often line is stitched
	Bean stitch number of repeats	type at least 1 to change from running stitch to bean stitch
	running stitch length	defines length of stitch
	stitch tolerance	all stitches must be within this distance of the path low tollerance = stitches will be closer together high tollerance = sharp corners may be rounded
	allow lock stitches	tie stitch at beginning and or end of path
	force lock stitches	must be enabled to lock manual stitch
	tack stitch	tack down stitch type
	lock stitch	defines lock stitch type see variances here
	Stopp after	Add a STOPP command after stitching this object
	Trim after	Add a TRIM command after stitching this object
fill stitch	fill methods	select fill type
	expand	expand the shape before fill stitching to compensate for gaps between the shape. Negative values contracts instead
	Angel of lines of stitches	Angel increases in counter clockwise direction 0 is horizontal negative angels are allowed
	maximum fill stitch lenght	lenght of eaach stitch in a row shorter stitch may be used at start or end of a row
	spacing between rows	distance between row of stitches
	End row spacing	increase or decrease the row spacing towards the end
	Stagger row this many times before repeating	lenght of the circle by which successive stitch rows are staggered fractional values are allowed and can have less visible diagonals then integer values
	skip last stitch in each row	last stitch in each row is quite close to the first stitch in the next row Skipping it decreases stitch count and density
	Underpath	travel inside the shape when moving from section to section Underpath stitches avoid traveling in the direction of the row angel so that they are not visible This gives them a jagged appearance

To convert lines into satin coloums select Extensions > Ink/Stitch > Tools: Satin

create satin: Extensions > Ink/Stitch > Tools: Satin

To create a satin coloumn select one of the following options, depending on the output you want to create:

Convert Line to Satin
- for equal width satin columns
- Add a contour to a path object (without filling)
- Set contour width to the size you want your satin stitch to be
- Run Extensions > Ink/Stitch > Satin Tools > Convert Line to Satin to create a satin coloumn
- Optionally run autoroute to optimize it: Extensions > Ink/stitch > Satin Tools > Auto-route Satin..

Stroke to Live Path Effect Satin
- for easily modifiable satin coloumn with optional patterned outline
- Extension > Ink/Stitch > Tool: Satin > Stroke to Live Path Effect Satin...
- once auto-routing is used on this type of satin, the live path effect will be applied and the path can only be adapted manually afterwards!
- to convert this into a standard satin column: Path > Object to path

Zig-Zag Line to Satin
- simple satin column creation for graphic tablets and touch screens
- Extension > Ink/Stitch > Tool: Satin > Zig-Zag Line to Satin...

Manual Satin Coloumn
- take full control over every part of the satin column
- A satin column is defined by a shape made of two mostly-parallel lines. Ink/Stitch will draw zig-zags back and forth between the two lines. Vary the thickness of the column as you like.
- Combine two strokes with Path > Combine or Ctrl+K.
- Check path directions! For the satin column to work, they have to be equal. If they are not equal, select one point of one subpath with the Node Editor Tool (N) and run Path > Reverse. This will reverse only the selected subpath.
- use Node Methode or Rung Methode
- Select your satin column and run params through Extensions > Ink/Stitch > Params to set parameters

Running Extensions > Ink/Stitch > Params will give you the possibility to fine-tune your satin column and to use underlay.

Underlays are useful if you use a streachable fabric to prevent the coloum from shrinking. Satin Column supports three kinds of underlay, of which you can use any or all simultaneously.

Center Walk Underlay	Contour Underlay	Zig-Zag Underlay

4. Stitch Order & Attach Commands¶

Its important to optimize the order to minimize color changes and reduce or hide jump-stitches. You can also use it to define which layer should be on top to create a clean appearance and hide pathends.

To organize your objects press shift and select them in the order you want them to be stitched out.

Run Extensions > Ink/Stitch > Re-stack objects in order of selection

To insert a colour change simply assign different colours to your objects.

You can find more infos about the topic here

5. Visualize¶

To check your design, Ink/Stitch provides a (realistic) stiching preview

Extension > Ink/Stitch > Visualize and Export > Simulator/ Realistic Preview

Extension > Ink/Stitch > Visualize and Export > Simulator/ Realistic Preview

Preview window

Ink/Stitch will show you layer by layer your finished design. If you enable the eye symbol, a realistic animation of your stichting object is depictured.

Additional information about the stitching preview

When your are unsatisfied with the result, go back and change the parameters until it turns out as you imagined.

6. Save your file¶

Once you’ve got everything in the right order, run File > Save a copy... to save it as a by your machine supported file format.

Most machines can support DST, and some Brother machines prefer PES. The Embroidery machine at Fab Lab Barcelona works with PES Files. Do not forget to also save your file in the SVG-format. Otherwise it’s going to be difficult to change details later.

7. Test sew¶

Load your PES file to the USB-stick of the sewing machine.

It´s always good to test your design before starting the final run. Keep in mind to use the same stabilizer and try to use the exact same fabric and thread.If you're working with t-shirts, find a similar knit fabric, and remember that knits need good stabilization.

Sew the design and keep an eye on the machine to catch any surprises.

gaps = might mean the fabric got stretched.
stitches too close together = too many stitches per inch, it makes it hard for the machine to sew

Go back to your svg file in case you need to optimize some parameters.

Sample files¶

Here you can see what your design will look like from the Inkscape file, to the Inkstitch preview with all your settings, to the final embroidered result.

How to use the machine¶

1. Prepare the fabric¶

Insert your fabric into a frame that fits your size of the design.

Frame	max. file size
small	2cm x 6cm (hxw)
middle	10cm x 10cm (hxw)
large	18cm x 13cm (hxw)
extra large	26cm x 16cm (hxw)

1 - inner frame \ 2 - outer frame \ blue - fabric + embroidery stabilizer

Open and close the frames with the screw. Insert fabric and stretch it until there are no more creases. To stabilize the fabric you can insert a embroidery stabilizer at the back of the fabric.

2. Embroidery machine¶

Turn on the embroidery machine by pressing the switch on the right side of the machine (so that it stands on "|")

On the Display should show up the main menu, looking as follow:

pre-installed embroidery patterns
pre-installed Brorher exclusive embroidery patterns
flower-alphabet
normal alphabet
border
always press this button to remove embroidery frame
Patterns stored in the machine's memory
Patterns stored on external USB device

3. Wind and insert thread¶

3.1 Bobbin thread¶

Winding the bobbin thread¶

Open cover
Insert coil 1 - notch 2 - spring of the shaft of winding device Place the bobbin on the shaft of the winding device so that the spring of the shaft fits into the notch in the spool. Press lightly on the spool until it clicks into place
Click coil into place following the arrow
The start/stop button next to the needle will lights up orange 4.Insert the yarn you want to use 1 - spool pin, 2 - spool cap* Insert yarn horizontal onto spool pin. Make sure that the thread will unwinds from the front below** and that the spool cap is larger than the yarn spool
Insert thread therefore follow the broken line and wind the end of the thread clockwise around the spool
Press start button
winding is finished when the winding slows down. Press start/stop button again to stop the winding.

Insert the bobbin thread¶

Lift needle Push the needle position button (3) once or twice until needle is lifted up.
Lift presser foot lever by pushing presser foot lever button (4)
Open the bobbin compartment cover by pushing the lock to the right 1 - bobbin compartment cover, 2 - lock
Insert bobbin thread Hold the spool with your right hand so that the thread unwinds to the left. Hold the thread with your left hand. Then insert the bobbin into the bobbin case with your right hand.
close bobbon compartment cover by pushing the lock to the right again and lightliy push down the cover.

3.2 Upper thread¶

Insert upper thread¶

To insert the upper thread follow the line on the embroidery machine.

Keep in mind that the needle must be in the highest position. To check: line mark on the handwheel should be at the top (4).Otherwise turn handweel until line mark is on top or press needle position button one or two times (3).

Insert thread into needle¶

The embroidery machine is able to automatically insert the thread into the needle by following the steps shown in the picture above.

For this step it is also very important that the needle is in the highest position.

4. Isert embroidery frame¶

To insert the frame, the sewig foot need to be lifted up! Therefore press presser foot lever button which is the 3rd button above the needle

Raise frame locking lever
Align the embroidery frame guide with the right edge of the embroidery frame holder. Slide the embroidery frame into the holder. Make sure to align the arrow mark on the embroidery frame with the mark on the holder.
Close the frame locking lever to secure the embroidery frame in the holder.
To remove the fraim follow the steps backwarts.

5. Select, place and stitch design¶

Select your design by choosing one file out of the of the preinstalled libraries (blue) or choose your own design from the USB device (yellow)
Scroll through designs by using the arrow buttons
Select your design by clicking on it and confirme your choice by pressing the insert buton (bottom right)
In the following menu you can addapt your design properties e.g. mirroring or thread choice. Normally you dont need this step. Just skip it by pressing end editing (bottom right)
To position your design use the following arrow buttons
Check placement outlines
You can select the edge or boarder you want to check. To view the entire embroidery area, press the button to the right of the arrow symbols. The embroidery frame moves and shows the embroidery area.

6. Start stitching¶

Lower presser foot with presser foot lever button and start stitching by pressing the embroidery button (green lightening button above needle - 1)

Examples¶

Embroidery Library¶

The embroidery library is a physical overview of all the stitches, fills, and satin columns which you can create with the embroidery machine of the Fab Lab Barcelona.

It is an ongoing projects which is open to be continued by embroidering on different materials, conductiv threads, font types and everything else you want to try out.

Here you can find the .pes file to recreate the embroidery library