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These parameters apply only to selected objects that are Outline objects.
This page details the parameters for the Outline object in Embird Studio NEXT, a comprehensive tool for computerized machine embroidery. It explores the six distinct stitching modes available for outlines: Sketch, which mimics flat satin stitches; Samples, for repeating stitch patterns; Satin Stitches, creating outlines of consistent width; Appliqué, for tacking down fabric; Border, utilizing pre-digitized objects; and Overlock, replicating serger stitches. The page describes the common parameters applicable across modes, such as width and flipping, and delves into the specific settings for each mode, including underlay options, and the advanced controls offered for the Overlock mode.
The combo box at the top of the Outline parameters panel allows you to choose from available stitching modes:
Satin Stitches, Appliqué, and Border modes share the same parameters, except for the Outlines Color and Border sample length, which is only used with Border.
The Width parameter is common to all outline modes. Width is the width of reference cells along the outline to which the stitches are projected. It is not necessarily the width of the finished outline, because the projected stitch sample can be wider or narrower than the reference cells.
Outline object with stitch samples (left), outline object with satin stitches (right).
The Flip Sides option is common to Sketch, Samples, Border, and Overlock modes. Use this option to mirror the stitch pattern for the respective outline mode.
Sketch is a special outline that resembles very flat satin stitches. It can be used for outlines that are thicker than a running stitch outline and thinner than the narrowest possible satin outline.
Sketch parameters Length (A) and Width (B).
Sample is a series of stitches that are repeated along the outline. When you change the sample, the program automatically sets the Width, Minimum Length, and Maximum Length parameters to the default values for this sample. However, you can change these parameters if you wish. The user can define up to 5 own stitch samples in main menu > Gadgets > Fragment Editor User Samples.
Sample Length.
In arcs, the program automatically decreases the length of samples for better approximation of the curve. If you want to have all samples of the same length even in curves, set the Minimum Length equal to the Maximum Length.
Width of the Sample.
The Spacing parameter defines the maximum distance between stitch samples. If the Outline object forms an arc, the distance on the inner side is smaller.
The Corners parameter defines how corners of the outline in Satin or Appliqué mode are rounded or trimmed.
Pull Compensation is the prolongation of each stitch on the edge of an object in order to compensate for thread pull (on elastic fabric) or sinkage (on fleece). Thread pull causes the ends of stitches to be pulled inwards, and the object becomes somewhat smaller (narrower) than intended.
The Auto Select Underlay check box allows the user to switch off the automatic program decision regarding which type of underlay will be used for the object.
The Center, Edge, and Zig-Zag check boxes allow the user to choose which underlays will be used for the object.
Border - the Outlines Color defines the color of running stitch outlines if the border sample contains outlines.
Border - the Border sample length defines the size of the samples along the outline.
Controls in this tab allow you to override global (overall) underlay settings, which are normally applied to each object when generating stitches. See the Individual Underlay Parameters chapter for more information.
If more control is needed, convert the Outline object to a Column object, which has more parameters available.
A serger, also called an overlocker, is a specific kind of sewing machine designed to produce finished edges on fabric. While a standard sewing machine mainly joins fabric together, a serger accomplishes multiple tasks at once: it sews fabric, trims away extra material along the seam, and wraps thread around the raw edges to prevent them from unraveling.
The Overlock mode of Outline object mimics the wrapping stitches made by the serger machine. However, the stitches do not wrap around the edges of the fabric. They are sewn on the top side of the fabric like other regular stitches.
Sample is a series of straight stitches or satin zig-zag blocks that are repeated along the outline.
Cell Length. Samples are aligned along the outline so that virtual cells are computed along the outline, and then samples are projected into these cells, one sample per cell. Cell Length defines the spacing of cells along the outline.
Cell Length.
Spread. This parameter controls the additional prolongation of the outer side of the overlock sample. With most samples, the spread causes overlapping of the samples. Besides the visual effect it creates, the meaning of spread for samples with satin blocks is to ensure better coverage of the fabric's loose edge.
Left: Basic shape of sample, right: sample with spread at the top.
Spread has no effect on samples with a red mark.
Transverse Lines > Layers. The Transverse Lines in the overlock sample are those individual stitches that run from the inner contour to the outer contour and vice versa. They are treated differently than stitches parallel to the edges and also differently than the satin stitches. Transverse lines can be sewn as multi-layered to achieve a bean-stitch effect. Available options are single layer, 3 layers, and 5 layers.
Illustration of transverse lines in overlock outline (solid, magenta) versus edge lines (dotted, black).
Transverse Lines > Dispersion. If transverse lines are multi-layered, Dispersion controls how far the layers are from one another. The first layer is in the middle, and the next layers are offset to the left and to the right. Dispersion provides thicker look of the sample. Dispersion has no effect on single-layer lines.
The Satin Stitch > Spacing parameter indicates the density of the satin parts (if there are any in the chosen overlock sample).
Width is the width of reference cells along the outline to which the samples are projected. It is not necessarily the width of the finished outline, because the projected sample can be wider or narrower than the reference cells.
Cell Width.
Flip Sides Use this option to swap the sides of the overlock.
Sample Baseline This option defines the reference contour on which the sample cells are constructed. The inner contour is shorter than the center line and the outer contour. Therefore, projecting a given cell length onto the outer contour results in a different spacing of cells than when projecting the same cell length onto an inner contour or a center line. This effect is most visible near sharp corners of the outline. The selection of the baseline depends on the overlock sample and the effect you prefer.
Left to right: Inner contour as baseline, Center line as baseline, Outer contour as baseline.
Pull Compensation is the prolongation of each stitch on the edge of an object in order to compensate for thread pull (on elastic fabric) or sinkage (on fleece). Thread pull causes the ends of stitches to be pulled inwards, and the object becomes somewhat smaller (narrower) than intended.
