Tutorial: Manual Digitizing of Lettering

While Studio includes a dedicated Lettering Tool for rapid text creation, it requires an Alphabet or font file compatible with the desired style. Professional digitizers often encounter custom company logos where no standard font matches, requiring the lettering to be digitized manually.

This tutorial focuses on the manual digitizing of small satin stitch lettering. If your project requires large, plain-filled lettering with outlines, please refer to the How to Digitize a Logo tutorial.

The principles of lettering digitizing are demonstrated using the character "A". Two primary approaches are presented: 1. Manual digitizing with columns and connections, and 2. Digitizing with auto-column. The second approach is semi-automated and can utilize trace tools for vectorization.

Both methods assume the user has a graphic template (raster image) of the logo to serve as a guide.

Approach 1: Maximum Control over Stitch Direction

In this method, every object is drawn node-by-node in a specific sequence. Digitizing satin stitch lettering manually requires two primary tools: the Column Tool (satin stitch) and the Connection Tool.

Characters typically consist of multiple columns. To ensure a continuous sew-out without unnecessary jump stitches or thread trims, you must use Connections between column segments. These same connection paths are often used to link separate characters together.

Since the character "A" cannot be rendered as a single continuous column, we will construct it using several segments linked by connections.

Select the Column tool (left icon) or the Column with Pattern tool(right icon):

The Pattern tool functions similarly to the standard Column tool but applies a texture to wider segments. Ensure that "Mode A" is selected in the column mode dropdown menu in the top-right corner; this mode allows for a different number of nodes on each side of the column.

Column mode A - "Separate edges".

Digitize the first column by placing nodes to define the edges. In the diagram, (1) indicates the object's start point and (2) indicates the endpoint. The stitches will fill the column from the start to the end. Note that the column slightly overlaps adjacent areas to compensate for the pull effect of the fabric, preventing gaps during sewing.

Right-click and select Generate Stitches. The column will appear as follows:

This object is now managed via the Object Inspector on the right side of the screen.

To begin the next section of the "A" without a jump stitch, select the Connection tool:

Create a path to the next start point. Use Generate Stitches or Finish from the pop-up menu.

Digitize the second column. Because the top apex of the "A" is too sharp for a single continuous column, stop the column at the peak:

Before starting the final column, insert a connection from the previous object. To ensure the connection remains invisible, draw it in a "V" shape so it is hidden beneath the subsequent cover stitches:

Complete the final column. The finished character now consists of three columns and two connections (marked C). This specific order ensures all connections are hidden.

Note that the endpoint (E) of the final column is at the bottom left. If you are connecting multiple characters using "nearest point" connections, you may need to reverse the start/end sides of the last column to place the exit point on the right side.

The Object Inspector now lists all five components in sewing order (top to bottom).

You may select these objects and group them for easier scaling or movement. Use the "Group 1" command for basic grouping.

Approach 2: Faster Workflow with Auto-Column

This method uses the Auto-Column feature to automatically generate the stitch sequence and internal connections. While this is faster because it does not require digitizing separate segments, the user has less granular control over the exact path of the thread.

Digitize the outer boundary of the character using the Fill tool:

The start point is indicated by a small cross (bottom-left) and the endpoint by "spider legs" (bottom-right).

Next, digitize the internal hole using the Opening tool:

If the graphic template is high resolution, you may use the Trace Tool to vectorize the edges automatically.

Finally, select the "Auto-Column" option in the Parameters window and generate stitches. Studio will automatically calculate the satin stitch fill and necessary connections.