Object Types

Each type possesses a specific stitch layout and adjustable parameters, such as density and angle (see the Parameters chapter).

The core technical components of a Plain Fill include:

• Rows: The software partitions a large vector area into rows. These rows are positioned according to a specific Spacing (density) value. Tight spacing provides full fabric coverage, while wider spacing creates a light, translucent effect.
• Needle Point Patterns: As the machine moves along a row, the needle must penetrate the fabric at regular intervals. The arrangement of these needle points creates a visible texture. Offsetting needle points between rows creates a smooth, uniform surface.
• Decorative Textures: By intentionally arranging needle points, users can create geometric patterns - such as bricks or diamonds - without changing thread colors. It is also possible to define up to five custom patterns via Main Menu > Gadgets > Fragment Editors > User's Patterns.
• Directional Control (Angle): The angle of the fill rows is a critical digitizing choice. It affects both the "sheen" (how light reflects off the thread) and the stability of the design. Typically, fill angles are set perpendicular to the fabric grain or underlay to prevent puckering.

The edge of a fill object consists of lines and curves. The cross icon indicates the beginning of the contour line. The diagonal lines indicate the location of the final fill stitch, as well as the angles of the cover stitches (longest line) and zig-zag underlays (short and medium lines).

The small star inside the object is the focus point for effects such as circular fills. This focus point can be positioned or moved in node-editing mode. In this mode, use the command from the pop-up menu to place the focus point, then use the cursor to move it to the desired location.

Studio automatically generates an edge underlay and two zig-zag underlays, in addition to overlaps and connections. Fill objects may also contain holes.

Users can adjust various parameters of the fill object, including stitch density at the start and end points and effects such as wave or circular fills. Fill objects can also be populated with automatic column (satin) stitches. A fill object can be followed by a Carving object.

The Fill object with holes (left) and carved lines (right). An object with a single fill can contain multiple holes and/or carvings.

Left: Plain fill with density gradient. Right: Fill with wave and gradient.

Left: Fill with circular stitches and gradient. Right: Contour fill with gradient.

While a Plain Fill uses parallel rows of stitches that travel back and forth across a shape regardless of its contour, the Auto-Column Fill automatically calculates the "flow" or direction of the stitches based on the shape's edges. The software internally divides complex shapes into smaller, manageable sections to determine the best stitch flow. This is done automatically, saving the digitizer the time of manually creating individual Column objects.

The core features of Auto-Column Fill include:

• Contour-Following Stitches: Unlike the fixed angle of a Plain Fill, Auto-Column stitches change their orientation to remain roughly perpendicular to the edges of the shape. This is ideal for curved objects like flower petals or letters.
• Variable Stitch Length: Because the stitches span the width of the "column" segments created by the software, the stitch length varies according to the thickness of the shape at any given point.
• Satin-Style Underlay: Auto-Column objects use column-specific underlays (like Center, Edge, or Zig-Zag) rather than the grid-based underlays used for standard fills.

Plain fill (left) and auto column fill (right).

Fill - Motif Mode

Motif Fill is a decorative technique where an area is filled with repeated patterns or small embroidery designs (motifs) instead of solid rows of stitches. It functions similarly to a wallpaper pattern, tiling the selected motif across the vector shape.

The core technical components of a Motif Fill include:

• Motif: Instead of simple needle penetrations, the software uses a "sample" or "fragment." called motif.
• The Grid System: Motifs are arranged on a mathematical grid. You can control the Spacing between these motifs both horizontally and vertically, allowing for either a dense, lace-like texture or a loose, scattered appearance.

Key technical features and advantages:

1. Reduced Stitch Count: Because Motif Fills often contain empty space between the decorative elements, they typically use far fewer stitches than a solid Plain Fill. This makes the embroidery softer and more flexible, which is ideal for lightweight fabrics.
2. Multi-Motif Grids: Advanced settings allow you to define a grid (up to 3x3) containing different motifs. The software then cycles through these motifs across the object, creating complex, mosaic-like effects.

Sfumato stitch

Sfumato objects are used to create photo-realistic embroidery designs. A Sfumato object is drawn in the same manner as a Fill object, but the internal stitches are generated differently. The thread creates meanders of various sizes to mimic the image or photo positioned beneath the object.

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Column

A satin stitch object is referred to as a column in Studio. A column consists of two edges, each of which can have a different number of elements (lines and curves). The dashed line marks the end of a segment inserted by the user; these segment ends determine the stitch direction. The beginning and end of the column automatically serve as segment ends. The program generates a small gap at the start and end of the column to prevent stitches from bulging.

Excessively long cover stitches are replaced with jump stitches ending with a short stitch. The program generates center walk, edge, and zig-zag underlays, and automatically shortens stitches in curved sections.

Very sharp or asymmetrical corners of a satin object should not be created using a single column. Instead, they should be digitized as a roof, folded, or split corner. These corners are formed by separate columns and the connection objects between them.

A Carving object can follow a Column object.

Common error message: "Cannot compile such a twisted object. Insert some segment end into the object or adjust the outlines."

Solutions:

1. Avoid using too many nodes. Curves allow for smooth outlines even with a small number of nodes.
2. Ensure the two sides of the column do not intersect.
3. Use segment ends within the column to define the stitch direction.

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Column with pattern

A Column with Pattern is the same object as a Column, but the user can define a pattern by which the stitches are divided. Users may also define their own patterns.

Both Column and Column with Pattern objects can be used with the envelope effect.

A Column with a Pattern object can be followed by a Carving object.

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Connection

Objects that do not touch are automatically connected with jump stitches when the finished design is built. To avoid jump stitches, use the Connection Object to create a path of running stitches between objects.

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Manual stitches

The Manual Stitches are a specific object type where the digitizer maintains absolute control over every needle penetration. Unlike automatic objects - such as Fill or Satin stitches - where the software calculates stitch placement based on density, a Manual Stitch object follows the exact nodes placed by the user.

Manual stitches are primarily utilized for:

Precision paths: Creating specific connections between design elements that must follow a particular path to remain hidden.

Fine details: Digitizing tiny elements, such as a glint in an eye, where automatic stitching may be too bulky.

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Outline

An outline consists of a single edge that may be open or closed. Users can apply different stitch samples to the outline. This object type is typically used for outlines added on top of a fill or column. The outline can be converted to a sketch, satin stitch, border, overlock, or appliqué, and vice versa.

Various samples projected onto the outline object.

The Overlock mode can be used to create a patch contour, including corners.

Another example of an outline utilizing Overlock mode.

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Appliqué

The Appliqué Object is similar to the Column Object but must be closed. It is used to secure a piece of fabric instead of filling an area with stitches. The Appliqué Object automatically generates marking, tack-down, and covering stitches. Tack-down stitches use a separate color to prompt a machine stop, allowing the fabric to be trimmed.

Appliqué objects can also include holes. Marking, tack-down, and covering stitches for the main appliqué and its holes are automatically sequenced: all marking stitches first, followed by all tack-down stitches, and finally all covering stitches.

Some Mesh fills resemble Sashiko embroidery, a traditional Japanese technique utilizing simple, even running stitches to create geometric patterns.

Other Mesh fills are appropriate for stippling, free-standing lace, or decorative textures. The Mesh object is drawn exactly like the Fill object, including optional holes and carvings.

Mesh stitches form a continuous ornate path, such as blackwork tiles, crosses, font glyphs, Celtic knots, or fractals. The fill can be modified through transformation (rotation, offset, skew, and perspective projection) and effects (fisheye, ripple, swirl, etc.).

The small star inside the object serves as the focus point for effects such as Fisheye or Swirl. This focus point can be moved in node-editing mode. Once the focus point is placed via the pop-up menu, use the cursor to relocate it.

The second marker within the object is the Mesh Origin point. Certain plant fills utilize this point as a growth origin. Positioning and moving the Mesh Origin is similar to managing the Focus point.

Examples of different mesh fills.

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Carving

The Carving tool is located in the main Toolbar.

Carvings are paths drawn directly over objects (similar to holes). Their function depends on the parent object type:

1. For Fill and Column objects, they serve as paths to split stitches and add texture.
2. For Sfumato objects, they provide an additional stitch path.
3. For Mesh objects, they provide an additional stitch path or a base from which the fill originates.