Elements

Photo Flash Element for a commercial logo

Wilcom — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 12:00:00 +1100

Understanding
Your Creative Stitch Types

A Step-by-Step

Let’s use the unique stitch type produced by Wilcom’s Photo Flash add-on Element to create something amazing. Photo Flash is traditionally used to quickly transform and convert black-and-white photographic images into realistic embroidery designs. The technique creates even rows of both satin and running stitches connecting at the edges of the bitmap image.

The Photo Flash stitch type automatically handles the spacing of the stitches by concentrating rows of satin stitches in darker areas and thinning them out to run stitches in lighter areas of an image. This produces amazingly realistic black-and-white photo embroidery.

The embroidered image’s resolution is controlled by selecting between ‘coarse,’ ‘medium’ or ‘fine.’ This controls the overall concentration and thickness of the rows with added options to control row angles.

Let’s experiment with the attributes of the Photo Flash stitch type to create an exciting logo.

It was surprisingly quick and easy to create a commercial logo for a local winery

1

Photo Flash works best with a high-contrast image. Take the bitmap image of the grapes into your favorite graphics software to create a high-contrast black-and-white image. Here we use Corel Photo-Paint included with your EmbroideryStudio Decorating and Designing software and choose the ‘Image Adjustment Lab.’

2

Import the newly created black-and-white bitmap image and start digitizing each individual grape. Add texture by filling some grapes using the Accordion Spacing tool from the Shading and Open Fill add-on Element. Leave the default settings, Spacing Max 2.00mm and Spacing Min. 4.0mm.

3

Now we need to crop away the white background. EmbroideryStudio Designing software has a great tool that will crop any irregular shape. Click Graphics menu tab >> Crop Bitmap >> Any Shape. Create the crop outline using the same left and right mouse clicks used to digitize straight or curved lines.

4

Use EmbroideryStudio’s Photo Flash Element to create an interesting shadow effect over the grapes. Photo Flash uses the entire bitmap shape, so we’ve cropped the image leaving only the parts we want to be embroidered. Select the entire cropped grape image and set the Resolution to Fine and the Background setting to Light.

5

Open up the density of the Photo Flash stitch by clicking on the Fills tab and changing the stitch values to 1.5mm while leaving the skew angle at the default 60%.

6

Digitize the stem and use the Branching tool to re-sequence the embroidery design for the best embroidery results.

7

Finish by adding Wilcom’s world-class lettering to the design. Use the lettering Baseline options to create a gentle curve quickly. The Vintage Cellar logo measures 24cm in height and has just over 18,000 stitches.

The Photo Flash add-on Element is compatible with EmbroideryStudio Designing software only.

Ask about Wilcom's EmbroideryStudio
Photo Flash Element today!

CONTACT YOUR LOCAL DISTRIBUTOR >>

Stipple stitch for an artistic effect

Wilcom — Wed, 22 Jun 2022 12:00:00 +1000

Stipple for an Artistic Effect

With origins in quilting, stippling is used to fill large open areas on quilts and help hold down the inner foam. Tighter stippling flattens the quilt background and highlights the unquilted areas for an embossed-like effect.

Stipple Fill creates a textured effect and fills a closed shape with a meandering running stitch pattern.

Wilcom expands on the original Stipple and adds other effects to the basic stitch type producing, a total of 3 unique stitch types.

Stipple
Backstitch

Used to pronounce a thin run stitch and increase its definition.

Stipple Stemstitch

Used to add texture and volume to a design.

Stipple
Fill

The original meandering run stitch.

All the Stipple stitches are another creative way to reduce stitch count, machine run time, and customer cost without sacrificing the embroidery design.

The loop spacing controls the density of the stitches. The tighter the loop spacing, the higher the stitch density resulting in better overall coverage. Using a contrast thread color helps define a shape and is perfect for use in large embroidery designs, as the run stitch generally produces few stitches than satin or tatami fills.

With embroidery efficiencies considered, the final design has an artistic dimension and best of all, can be reshaped and re-sized, the same as all object-based embroidery in EmbroideryStudio software.

The finished embroidered design is soft and flexible, and comfortable to wear.

Stipple Stemstitch

Wilcom used Stipple Stemstitch with Madeira’s Burmilana thread to add texture and volume and create a faux chenille effect with a standard embroidery machine. Read more>>

Stipple Fill Dragonfly

Wilcom’s in-house digitizer uses Stipple Fill in this gorgeous dragonfly design. The wing surface looks effective with layers of colored sections and a stippling effect that covers the entire wing for add movement.

Try using Wilcom’s Stipple Fill and variegated thread for extra color.

Define shapes | Add texture | Low stitch count | Flexible embroidery | Unique design

Stipple Fill is available in the
Shading and Open Fills add-on Element.

Shading and Open Fill Element is compatible with EmbroideryStudio Designing software.

Split the difference with custom splits

Wilcom — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 12:00:00 +1000

Split the difference with Custom Splits

How to add dimensional effects to your embroidery!

Outstanding digitizers aim to create an exciting design with texture and detail while optimizing the design for efficient machine run time. Wilcom’s EmbroideryStudio offers multiple Elements that can automate many complex digitizing processes. One of my favorites is the Custom Split Element.

The Custom Split Element includes various methods to add definition. Use the pre-set template designs or create your own with User Defined Split. Digitizers can decide on the precise needle penetrations required to form and complete the embroidered object adding ‘splits’ in the exact places to build an impressive visual effect.

Tip:

For the best satin stitch results with the User Defined Split feature, digitize split lines approximately perpendicular to the stitch angle.

Run Away Run Stitch

An outline run-stitch is commonly used to define detail in an embroidered shape. However, registration is an important consideration. An alternative is to use a custom split method and avoid the registration issues altogether.

Custom splits can be applied to satin stitch or tatami stitch types. Depending on the base stitch, the effects vary in intensity but always produce a visually interesting result.

Luxurious Satin Stitch

Satin stitch has a more luxurious feel than flat tatami. The downside of the satin stitch is its length restraints. Custom Splits allows you to use these limitations to your advantage by intentionally splitting the satin to help define the shape.

The upside is that you can digitize with satin stitch for that luxurious feel while minimizing stitch count.

Fewer, Faster

A further benefit is creating fewer objects. What could have been an extra object is now a stitch split inside one larger object shape. There is no need to worry about overlapping objects or if the objects will pull apart when embroidered. The result significantly speeds up the digitizing and the production process and results in an exciting design.

User Defined Split is one of the methods in the Custom Split Element. The digitizers address the graphic design as a whole and create the entire embroidery object, including the split lines in one step. Most importantly, the splits remain scalable and editable like all other design objects.

Dull to Exceptional

Compare the two palm trees. One uses flat tatami with a run stitch to define the trunk. The other uses a rich, luxurious split satin stitch for the palm leaves and split detail in the tatami trunk.

The luxurious ‘split’ palm tree has depth and dimension. The leaves appear realistic, and the trunk will stitch effortlessly without registration issues.

Create detailed textural designs that are efficient to run in production. Add User-Defined Splits, carving, and other dimensional split effects to your embroidery repertoire!

Add-on Custom Splits Element

Features includes:
Flexi Split, Carving Stamp, Make Lines for Stitch Effects, User Defined Split

Enquire about EmbroideryStudio e4.5 add-on Elements

Traditional Chenille embroidery

Wilcom — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 12:00:00 +1100

Chenille

and EmbroideryStudio e4.5 Designing

Chenille continues to be a popular technique for specialist embroidery houses with the right equipment.

Traditional chenille embroidery is made with a single, continuous yarn worked into the material and raised in a loop or pile. Commonly recognized by loops of yarn, chenille provides a soft fuzzy carpet-like appearance. Because chenille work is done with yarn instead of thread, it is not generally used for small intricate designs.

Chenille Stitches

Traditional chenille consists of 2 basic stitch types. Moss and Chain stitch.

Moss stitching gives chenille its characteristic look. The loop is used to fill shapes and create a sense of depth. It can produce a wide variety of effects ranging from low, compact to high, plush stitching. In contrast, Chain is generally used for outlines and more delicate work. It is also used to secure or create neat edges for looped moss.

With chenille work, needles have a hook instead of a threaded eye.

Yarn is pulled up one loop at a time by a looper housed below the needle plate. No bobbin is required.

Embroidery Stitch Patterns

The EmbroideryStudio Chenille Element provides a number of stitch patterns typically associated with Chenille work. Coil, Square, Island Coil, and Double Square. These are generally employed with Moss stitch.

Other patterns are available for use with Chain Stitch.

Chenille is a recognizable, unique embroidery technique, and it lends itself to high stitch count designs. The thicker yarn makes it easier to cover larger areas with fewer stitches.

Usages

Chenille designs look best at larger sizes because of yarn thickness and the relative size of moss and chain stitching. Detail can be added by over-sewing with standard embroidery. Chenille sometimes employs multiple strands of yarn for distinctive looks and textures.

It is frequently used for sweatshirt emblems. Usually simple clear shapes. Wilcom’s EmbroideryStudio Chenille Element is often combined with regular embroidery for decorated apparel, such as sports and woolen jackets. It is also widely used with children’s apparel.

Chenille also finds application in custom apparel and fashion markets. Chain stitching provides an interesting alternative to moss for more delicate work.

Chenille has become popular, making its way into department stores just in time for Christmas!

Kids Chenille stick-on letters found in Target stores in Australia

Chenille vs 'faux' chenille

Let’s compare moss stitch in traditional Chenille with the popular ‘faux chenille’ embroidery technique.

Faux chenille is created with exclusive stitch types in EmbroideryStudio e4.5 Designing and embroidered on any standard embroidery machines, without the need for specialized equipment. The chenille loops are mimicked horizontally using thicker yarn, while real chenille loops raise up from the fabric.

True chenille embroidery is made using a single, continuous yarn worked into the material and raised in a loop or pile. Specialized embroidery machine equipment is required. The Chenille backing is usually felt, and softer than regular embroidery backing.

Chenille embroidery is easily achieved with
EmbroideryStudio e4.5 Designing Chenille Element.

EmbroideryStudio Chenille Element

EmbroideryStudio Chenille is object-based which makes design scaling easy. Enlarge or reduce designs and the program automatically recalculates and regenerates stitching. You can also control needle height, corners, stitch length, and much more.

Importantly, the Chenille Element includes professionally digitized Chenille Letters, shown in your font library by the pre-fix ‘CH’.

See it in action!

Download the EmbroideryStudio’s Chenille Supplement

Beading

Wilcom — Mon, 23 Aug 2021 12:00:00 +1000

Decorative Beading

Our latest digital embroidery innovation

EmbroideryStudio e4.5 Designing now supports Beading devices using the much-anticipated new Beading add-on Element. Never have there been so many beading decorative options and variations possible. Create detailed beading designs using multi-bead runs and unique decorative fixing stitches, previously only possible by hand.

Beading Palette

New to beading and like the Sequin Advanced Element, a Beading Palette is prepared for a design. This is where the user defines the bead shape, color and size.

Now commercial embroidery machines can create unique beading run objects with a variety of different beads.

How to use the Beading Palette

Click the Beading Toolbar, select the Bead Palette Editor and prepare the palette with beads for use.
Specify shape, color, and size.
Set the desired bead spacing and fixing style from the Object Properties docker.
Remember to first Select Machine Formatfrom the Design dropdown menu that supports bead devices.

Superior level of creativity and control

Bead Auto Run

Create the beading run object using the beads in the palette. The changeable default settings are editable down to the individual bead level, making it easy to create the desired look. The system will automatically drop the first bead from your palette, and the Object Properties docker controls the rest.

Bead Manual Run

If more control is needed, select the Bead Manual Run, where beads are placed with precision with every mouse click. Manually digitize each stitch and drop a bead with a right-click. Select from the decorative fixing stitches or create your own fixing stitch. The Tab key will toggle through the bead palette to select the exact bead for the drop.

Fixing Stitches

The fixing stitches support the classic upright, flat, and sideways beading options. Besides the traditional types, decorative fixing stitches, such as star and flower patterns are available for each individual bead in the run object. The choice is incredible. Use one fixing stitch or multiple fixing stitches in your bead run and design.

Endless design potential

Not only is there a choice of multiple beads, but you can also now access unique fixing stitches for the different beads. It completely broadens the creativity that’s possible.

More Options. More Control. More Variations.

Use the settings in the Object Properties docker for bead position, spacing, orientation and more.

Scalable

Once a beaded object is created, it can be re-sized or re-shaped as any other object-based embroidery object. The editing options have intelligent spacing for tight curves so that at all times, the beads appear evenly spaced.

Watch the Wilcom team digitize a stunning beaded flower design that previously could only be embroidered by hand.

The Beading Element is available as an add-on Element in
EmbroideryStudio e4.5 Designing

Raised Satin

Wilcom — Mon, 26 Jul 2021 12:00:00 +1000

Take Your Digitizing To New HEIGHTS!

EmbroideryStudio Designing is packed with hundreds of features to facilitate and speed up the digitizing process.

The Wilcom design team was tasked with creating a quick and impressive embroidery design. The challenge was to select uncommon features from EmbroideryStudio.

This striking black and white design began as a smaller digitized pattern and effortlessly transformed into a larger repeat pattern to fill our largest embroidery hoop.

The Mirror Merge tool, often used to create wreaths or decorative borders, is used to duplicate and transform the selected objects, merging them into a unified design object.

Mirror Merge Array is used to duplicate horizontally and vertically, simultaneously copying in both planes.

The Mirror Merge tool automatically creates one design
that is re-sequenced for optimal production.

Click the Mirror Merge Array tool and move your cursor to duplicate the design. Design outlines are created by the software and once in the correct position, press Enter to confirm. Set the number of columns and rows to fit your fabric, product or hoop.

Raised Satin for Added Height!

The Wilcom team went one step further by selecting Raised Satin for extra definition. Raised Satin has made this design literally pop off the fabric. While it’s not exactly 3D embroidery, it eliminates the need for handling foam.

With a single click, Raised Satin is selected. Simply choose how many repetitions in the Satin Count and remember the more layers selected, the higher the stitch count!

Try Raised Satin in lettering for added definition!

Create this look with EmbroideryStudio Designing

See it in Action!

Here we walk you through tools and features in EmbroideryStudio Designing that could elevate your future embroidery designs.

The Raised Satin tool is a standard feature in
EmbroideryStudio Designing

Enquire about Wilcom tools and features today!

Got questions? We’re here to help.
Contact us

June Giveaway

Wilcom — Tue, 29 Jun 2021 12:00:00 +1000

Wilcom’s June Giveaway

Experience Wilcom’s amazing creative stitch types with our FREE weekly giveaway.
This embroidery design is courtesy of DavidSharp.co.uk

The Final Giveaway

Wilcom has given away ONE FREE embroidery design each week in June.

The final design uses EmbroideryStudio’s Stipple Stemstitch to create a Chenille effect.

Grab it below!

Subscribe and Stay Tuned

Subscribe to our blog
and be the first to know when new content is posted

Learn how to create a Chenille effect
with EmbroideryStudio using your embroidery machine
Click here >>

This week's FREE design

Simply fill in the form below and we’ll send it to you.

This was the final freebie.
We hope you enjoyed our June Giveaway!

Faux Chenille

Wilcom — Thu, 13 May 2021 12:00:00 +1000

The Chenille Effect

David Sharp, a Wilcom UK customer, has used one of the numerous creative stitches in Wilcom’s EmbroideryStudio e4.5 Designing to create the look and feel of Chenille without the need for expensive specialized attachments. He tells his story to Images Magazine.

“This technique uses the Stipple Stemstitch in Wilcom e4.5 software; together with the thicker Madeira thread, it not only produces an unusual finish but also saves approximately 18,000 stitches compared to a standard tatami fill.”

Dominic Bunce Embroidery Digitizer of DavidSharp.co.uk

We love it when Wilcom customers innovate with our software and find new ways to create an ‘old look.’

David Sharp combines this unique Wilcom stitch type with a thick Madeira thread.

Burmilana is 3x thicker than your standard embroidery thread with a No.12 weight and is perfect for this Chenille effect.

Wilcom’s Shading & Open Fill Element

This Element includes 3 Stippling Effects, a method commonly used to create textured fills.

The Stipple Fills meanders randomly within a closed shape.

Stipple Stemstitch Fill

The Stipple Stemstitch Fill produces a jagged, textured fill and the main setting change required to achieve this faux Chenille look is to decrease the Stipple values or stitch density. Decrease the Loop Spacing to a value of 1. This tightens the meandering lines and along with the thicker thread produces the Chenille effect. Always test for the best results!

Keep in mind that the machine’s upper thread tension will need to be tightened.
Read more >> Tips & Best Practices

Use the Outline and Offset tool to quickly create a satin stitch outline and tidy up the edges of the Stipple Stemstitch. If working with 3D embroidery, this added satin stitch will help perforate the foam.

Chenille has been around for a very long time. The difficulty has always been that it can not be achieved with a standard
embroidery machine, until now!

See what’s possible and read the entire story in Images Magazine

or see it in action >>
https://www.facebook.com/wilcom/posts/6140524629294567

Contact your local Wilcom distributor for more information about owning
Shading and Open Fill Element

String Stitch Daisy Flower

Wilcom — Wed, 05 May 2021 12:00:00 +1000

String Stitch

At Wilcom, we’ve been showcasing our creative stitch types with different applications.

Today we showcase the String Stitch Element. It creates decorative ‘string art’ stitch effects, which consists of a series of overlapping ‘curved stitches’ to quickly create depth and movement in any design.

These unique stitching patterns normally require manual digitizing and manipulation of the objects.

String Stitch can be use with open shapes and closed-shaped objects, and is ideal for scallop edge shapes.

How could you use String Stitch in your digitizing?

How to create this Daisy Flower

With the right tools, you too can be creating exciting textural designs. See how we’ve used String Stitch Outline in this modern daisy flower design.

The flower petals are digitized using Contour Stitch (Curved Fill Element) and String Stitch is used to finish the curved petal edges. The yellow centre is also digitized with String Stitch Outline and produces this mesmerizing swirl effect.

Completely different effects created from
these 2 differently shaped objects

Download your FREE Daisy EMB file below

String Stitch Properties

The main properties that control the look of the stitch is the Stitch Spacing and Chord Length. Chord Length is the distance between the edge of the stitches and the original line.

The shape of the object will also play a part in how the stitches present, perfectly illustrated in the above design. The tight curved shape of the petals create a different stitch as compared to the tight circular flower centre.

The different String Stitch effects

Select either String Stitch Outline or String Stitch Fill

The Daisy flower and other embroidery designs are included FREE in WilcomWorkspace Studio.

Plus, you can keep all the designs even after the trial ends!

Trial WilcomWorkspace for 14 days FREE

Download your FREE Daisy.EMB file

Simply fill in the form below and we’ll send it to you.

Texture with String Stitch

Wilcom — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 12:00:00 +1100

Add texture with String Stitch

Now is the time to experiment with textural stitch type. See what you can create with this uniquely traditional Indian stitch, called Paghadi Stitch. The series of overlapping ‘curved stitches’ quickly create depth and movement in any design. How could you use String Stitch in your digitizing?

String Stitch or 'Paghadi' Feature

Creates decorative ‘string art’ stitch effects commonly known as String Stitch or traditionally ‘Paghadi’ – a method of fixing small mirrors commonly used in India.

“Available for use with open shapes and closed-shaped objects”

Why use it?

String Stitch can produce unique stitching patterns that normally require manual digitizing and manipulation of the objects. It is ideal for low-density scallop edge shapes.

Properties

The main properties that control the look of the stitch is the Stitch Spacing or density and Chord Length, which is the distance between the edge of the stitches and the original line. The shape of the object will also play a part in how the stitches present.

How to use it?

Select an input tool such as Open Curve , Complex Fill or others, then select either String Stitch Outline or String Stitch Fill.

Try using the ‘Freehand Tool’ and watch the String Stitch appear in real time.

Traditional Use
to hold small mirrors

Texture Added
to a Spa Retreat logo

Elements

Photo Flash Element for a commercial logo

UnderstandingYour Creative Stitch Types

It was surprisingly quick and easy to create a commercial logo for a local winery

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Ask about Wilcom's EmbroideryStudioPhoto Flash Element today!

Stipple stitch for an artistic effect

Stipple for an Artistic Effect

StippleBackstitch

Stipple Stemstitch

StippleFill

Stipple Stemstitch

Stipple Fill Dragonfly

Split the difference with custom splits

Split the difference with Custom Splits

Tip:

Run Away Run Stitch

Luxurious Satin Stitch

Fewer, Faster

Dull to Exceptional

Add-on Custom Splits Element

Traditional Chenille embroidery

Chenille

and EmbroideryStudio e4.5 Designing

Chenille continues to be a popular technique for specialist embroidery houses with the right equipment.

Chenille Stitches

Traditional chenille consists of 2 basic stitch types. Moss and Chain stitch.

With chenille work, needles have a hook instead of a threaded eye.

Embroidery Stitch Patterns

Other patterns are available for use with Chain Stitch.

Usages

Chenille has become popular, making its way into department stores just in time for Christmas!

Chenille vs 'faux' chenille

EmbroideryStudio Chenille Element

See it in action!

Beading

Decorative Beading

Our latest digital embroidery innovation

Beading Palette

How to use the Beading Palette

Superior level of creativity and control

Bead Auto Run

Bead Manual Run

Fixing Stitches

Endless design potential

More Options. More Control. More Variations.

Scalable

Watch the Wilcom team digitize a stunning beaded flower design that previously could only be embroidered by hand.

Raised Satin

Take Your Digitizing To New HEIGHTS!

Raised Satin for Added Height!

See it in Action!

June Giveaway

Wilcom’s June Giveaway

The Final Giveaway

Subscribe and Stay Tuned

This week's FREE design

This was the final freebie.We hope you enjoyed our June Giveaway!

Faux Chenille

The Chenille Effect

Stipple Stemstitch Fill

String Stitch Daisy Flower

String Stitch

How to create this Daisy Flower

String Stitch Properties

The different String Stitch effects

Download your FREE Daisy.EMB file

Texture with String Stitch

Add texture with String Stitch

String Stitch or 'Paghadi' Feature

Why use it?

Properties

How to use it?

See how John creates these cute bunnies quickly.

Understanding
Your Creative Stitch Types

Ask about Wilcom's EmbroideryStudio
Photo Flash Element today!

Stipple
Backstitch

Stipple
Fill

This was the final freebie.
We hope you enjoyed our June Giveaway!