Object Types

Digitizing in Embird Studio means drawing of objects, which are filled with stitches according to parameters set individually for each object. This approach was chosen because embroidery design usually contains areas of the same type of stitches - plain fill (2), satin stitches (3), outline (1), etc. Such areas can be digitized as a separate objects of respective type and color. Program fills them with appropriate stitch type and user does not need to care about each individual stitch.

Stitches order within object is controlled by program, with a single exception: object's beginning and end point, which are defined by user. Stitching starts at beginning point and stops at the end point of the object. Definition of these points is important for correct connection to previous and next object.

Objects are listed in Object Inspector list (right side picture). They are listed in the actual sewing order from top to bottom.

Objects have vector (curve or straight line) edges, which means that they can be resized without loss of quality. Edges are defined by points called nodes. Straight line edge has two nodes - start and end node. Curves in Studio have three nodes - start, middle and end point. Node in the middle of curve defines arch of the curve.

Straight line (left) is defined by 2 points. Curve (right) is defined by 3 points.

Object usually contains several line and/or curve elements.

Studio uses these types of objects:

• Fill
• Sfumato
• Column
• Column with Pattern
• Connection
• Manual Stitch
• Outline
• Applique

Each type has specific stitches layout (described below) and adjustable parameters like density, angle, etc. (see Parameters chapter).

Fill Object

The edge of a fill object is composed of lines and curves. Small rectangles are end points of lines and curves. Small circles are middle points of curves. The cross at the top is beginning of the edge. Diagonal lines at the bottom indicates the place of last fill stitch and angles of cover stitches (longest line) and zig-zag underlays (short and medium length line). Small cross in the object is the 'Focus point' for effects like Circular fill.

Studio automatically generates edge underlay and two zig-zag underlays as well as overlays and connections. Fill object can contain openings. User can adjust various parameters of Fill object, including stitch density at beginning and end of object and effects like the wave, contour or circular fill. Fill objects may be filled also with automatic column (satin) stitch.

Most common error message: "Compilation Failed. The sequence is probably not correct. Adjust sequence outlines."

Solutions:

1. Do not use too many nodes. The curves allow you to create smooth edges even with small number of nodes.

2. Make sure that all edge element are correctly drawn and that middle points of curves are placed correctly. No edge element should cross other elements.

Sfumato Object

Column Object

Satin stitch object is called column in the Studio. Column is composed of two edges. Each edge can have different number of parts (lines and curves). Dashed line indicated the End of Segment inserted by user. Segments ends define direction of stitches. Beginning and end of Column are automatically Segment Ends. Program generates small gap at beginning and end of Column to prevent stitches bulging.

Too long cover stitches are replaced by jump stitches ended with short running stitch. Program generates center walk, edge and zig-zag underlays and it also automatically shorts stitches in curved parts. Too sharp corners of Column object are automatically replaced by roof, folded or split corner.

Column object may be followed with Carving object.

Most common error message: "Unable to compile so twisted object. Please insert some segment end into object or adjust edges."  Solution:

1. Do not use too many nodes. The curves allow you to create smooth edges even with small number of nodes.

2. Make sure that two sides of column do not cross each other.

3. Use Segment Ends inside of column now and then to define direction of stitches. When making circle or rectangle border with column object, there should be about 4 or more segments inside of column.

Column with Pattern Object

Column with Pattern is the same object as Column, but user can define also the pattern, according to which stitches are split. User can define also her/his own patterns.

Column with Pattern object may be followed with Carving object.

Connection Object

Manual Stitches Object

Manual Stitches are composed of series of lines. Use them to produce fine details.

Outline Object

Outline is composed of one edge that may or may not be closed. User can use various stitch samples for the outline. Typically, this object is used for running stitch outlines added on top of fill or column. Outline may be  turned to sketch, satin stitches, border or to applique and vice versa.

Applique Object

Applique Object is similar to Column object, but it must be closed. It serves for stitching down the piece of fabric instead of filling the area with stitches. Applique Object automatically generates marking, tack-down and cover stitches. Tack-down stitches have separate color in order to stop machine and allow user to cut off the fabric.