Embroidery digitizing by itself can be intimidating to beginners, and as you move into working on fine detail digitizing designs, the process gets even harder. For any type of endeavor to be successful, following best practices always works. Digitizing fine detail designs can be demanding because you need to pay attention to the smallest detail so you can capture the design’s true essence. There are essential aspects of embroidery digitizing that you have to keep in mind so you can achieve desirable results.
1. Choice of needles
Fine details designs will require needles that can accommodate thinner threads, which are necessary in getting all the fine details done. When you use bigger needles for thinner threads, you will end up damaging the fabric once the needle pierces through it. Pair thin threads with thin needles so you can achieve great results without the risk of damaging the fabric. More often than not, digitizers use No. 60 thread and 65/9 needle for the process. For digitizing caps, you will need to use a different approach as the material is already thick.
2. Prioritizing higher stitch density
In most cases, digitizers use standard threads, but if you have fine detail designs, you need to use thinner threads. Using No.40 thread will not provide you the results you want because it is thicker. As a rule of thumb for fine detail designs, you need to use No.50 thread as it is thinner by 25% to 30%. Depending on the design, thinner threads may only be applicable for certain portions of the whole design. You will only need to increase the stitch density of this specific portion of the design.
3. Taking thread path into consideration
Approaches in embroidery digitizing are different depending on the design. In this case, you need to keep the thread paths simple. If there is small lettering, it needs to be digitized in the most natural way. Less is more in dealing with fine detail designs. When digitizing small letters, tread them as though you are writing a particular letter. When you are mindful of the intricate shapes and lines of each letter, your fine detail digitizing approach will be spot on. It is also necessary that you keep the letters close so the number of trims will be low.
4. Choice of underlay
Expect designs that use thinner threads to sink easily into the fabric. This is why you need to have an underlay which will serve as the fabric’s protection. A strong underlay is necessary for the process so you can keep details intact. The primary purpose of the underlay is to sustain the design. It is ideal to use it, especially if the fabric is slippery. A strong and solid underlay will give you a clear and flawless embroidered design.
5. Keeping fonts simple
The fact that you are already dealing with fine detail designs makes the use of complex fonts extra challenging. You need to focus on simpler fonts to improve readability and to highlight the smallest details of your design. While the use of complex font style might be tempting, it does not contribute to the overall appeal of your design. Due to the limited space, complex fonts might be hard to read. Go for simpler alternatives if complex letters become unreadable when embroidered on fabric.
6. Stabilizing different types of fabric
Some fabrics are easy to deal with while others can be a bit of a challenge. You will need to have a stable foundation so you are in complete control of the digitizing process. With a solid underlay, any slippery or unstable fabric will have a stable foundation. Aside from strong and solid underlay, you can use toppings which are water-soluble so designs are embroidered in complete and clear details. You will have flawless results afterward.
Intricate embroidery digitizing projects need skills and hands-on experience so you can achieve the best results. These tips will be your first step to becoming good at fine detail digitizing designs.