Digitizing is the act of entering digital data (point by point with a digitizing tablet or by scanning the design) into a computer and then defining the data to represent stitch types, stitch directions, density settings and machine efficiency.
聽The digitizer (also known as a puncher) creates a map, which the embroidery machine follows to get from starting point to ending point.
Many different roads can be taken to get from start to finish. Each digitizer will have a different point of view when approaching a design.
There are three basic stitch types that are used for all embroidery:
Satin
Satin stitches are nothing more than zigzag stitches. A satin stitch can range in thickness from just over 1mm to usually a maximum of 12mm. A satin stitch is used for nice detail and for most size lettering.
Fill
A fill stitch is used to cover a large area in a design. Fill stitches are a series of running stitches aligned together to create a solid area of coverage in the design. Fill stitches can be aligned to create patterns or they can change direction to provide different effects from within the design.
In addition to different stitch types, the other factor a digitizer has to deal with is density, stitch directions and stitch lengths. The stitch directions and stitch lengths enable the digitizer to create different effects with the stitch types just described. The density refers to stitches per inch. The greater the density, the more stitches will be used within that defined area.
A good technique for a digitizer to use is to use a greater amount of underlay to stabilize the material and allow for less density to be used in the particular segment of the design.
Digitizing is an art and takes a considerable amount of time to learn and create a quality design.
Good digitizers will continuously try to advance their skills.
The Digitizing Process:
A digitizer begins by creating a cartoon, which is an enlargement of the artwork 3 to 6 times the actual size, or by scanning the artwork into the computer.
The next step is for the digitizer to lay out the different stitch types, stitch directions, densities and then to create a map of starting point, ending point and the paths to take along the way.
The next step is to actually digitize the design. The digitizer will enter coordinates using a puck, which is attached to a digitizing tablet or a mouse, which is connected to the computer.
After the design is digitized, a sample of the design is sewn out. It is always best to sew the sample on the exact or similar material that will actually be used for production. If the design has any flaws, it will then be edited and a new sew out will be done for verification. This process must repeat until the design sews perfect.
With proper training and a great deal of practice, digitizing can be a rewarding and satisfying art form.
About artwork
Business cards, letter head -- digital art files (.cdr, .bmp, .jpg, .tif, .eps, .gif, or .pcx). Mailing or emailing the artwork is preferred, but high-res faxes may work as well (depends on complication of logo).
It is important to have all the details before digitization begins including the type of garment the design will be placed on and the size of the design.Depending on your answer to this question will determine your answer to some of the questions below.
Design size (left chest, jacket back, front chest) What is the exact size of the design? If the size of the original artwork differs from what your final design size will be stretching or distorting the original design be required? For instance, let鈥檚 say that the original artwork is two inches high by four inches tall. And you really want it to be five by eight inches.
Type of garment (T-shirt, cap, polo, sweatshirt) Fabric Type (fleece, Pique, leather, jersey, cotton) On what material wills the design eventually be sewn? This will determine what stitch effects will be used, and the way the design is punched.
Thread Type (poly, rayon, metallic) What thread weight and type is to be used? Different thread weights and types also affect the way a design is punched. For instance, since metallic thread is thinner than regular 40-weight thread, a tighter pitch should be used, such as .35mm.
Do you have standard preferences with respect to pitches, fill angles, under-stitching or trim lengths? If so, this information should be obtained before punching the design.
Do you have automatic trimmers? If so, at what stitch length do you prefer trims as opposed to joining blocks. If we will be doing the embroidery for you ,our standard is to place automatic trims at 1mm We believe this achieves a cleaner looking embroidery design.
Lettering should not be done any smaller than 4 mm or(.20" tall if lettering is any smaller you will not be able to see the letters clearly, unless there is a stable fill background under the lettering.
Number of colors in design.
Machine Format you need to design disk in.
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