Parameters - Whole Design

This chapter provides a technical overview of the "Whole Design" parameters in Embird Studio NEXT. These settings allow for universal control over an embroidery project, covering essential project metadata, thread and fabric dynamics, tie-up anchoring logic, and comprehensive underlay management for various object types.

These parameters govern the global environment of the project and are organized into several functional tabs:

Main settings of the design
Thread-related settings
Fabric-related settings
Tie-up stitches
Offset of underlay
Fill underlay
Underlay of column and appliqué

Main Settings of Design

Name: This parameter is utilized for identifying user-defined border samples.

Reference Width, Reference Height: These values define the bounding box dimensions for user-defined border samples.

Overlong Stitch Mode: Most embroidery machines enforce a maximum stitch length limit, typically 12.7 mm (approx. 0.5 inches). When a digitized path exceeds this limit, Studio can either insert intermediate needle points to split the stitch or replace it with a jump (floating) stitch. Needle points may introduce unwanted texture, while floating stitches can remain loose; this control allows for the selection of the preferred mitigation method.

Combine Arranged Outline Parts: When enabled, this feature consolidates outline elements into larger continuous segments during the Arrange Outline Parts optimization process. When disabled, elements remain distinct for more granular manual editing.

Thread Related Settings

Fills Start/End Gap: This setting introduces a slight clearance to prevent thread accumulation or bulging at the boundaries of fill areas. This is particularly critical when a running stitch outline is placed around the fill object.

Columns Start/End Gap: This defines the clearance at the start and end of column-based objects. Since the vectors on screen represent the stitch axes, the actual thread width is greater; this gap prevents unsightly thread buildup at the terminuses of columns and columns with patterns.

Minimum Stitch Length: A global constraint that prevents the generation of stitches shorter than the specified value to protect the machine and fabric.

Fabric Related Settings

Additional Pull Compensation: This parameter provides a global adjustment for different fabric types. If the fabric is highly elastic or the stitches tend to sink, increasing this value adds pull compensation across the entire design simultaneously.

Additional Spacing: This allows for universal density adjustments to accommodate different thread weights. If a specific thread choice makes the design appear too sparse or excessively dense, use this slider to recalibrate the overall density.

Tie-Up Stitches - Global Settings

Tie-up stitches are essential for anchoring the thread and preventing unravelling during trims. Control of these stitches is hierarchical; this section defines the global defaults categorized by object type.

Fill Tie-Up Stitches: Automated securing stitches added before and after jump stitches for Fill, Mesh, and Sfumato objects.

Outline Tie-Up Stitches: Automated securing stitches for Outline and Connection objects.

Column Tie-Up Stitches: Automated securing stitches for Column, Column with Pattern, and Appliqué objects. (Exceptions include jumps within columns exceeding 1.2 cm in width).

Manual Stitch Tie-Up Stitches: Automated securing stitches specifically for Manual Stitch objects.

Tie-Up Stitches Length: Defines the maximum permissible length for all automated tie-up stitch types.

Note: These global defaults can be overridden at the individual object level via the object's Parameters.

Offset of Underlay

This global setting dictates the distance of edge and zig-zag underlays from the object boundaries across the entire project. Two modes are available:

Optimized and scaled offset (in %): Offsets are automatically calculated based on object size, with a global percentage scale used to adapt the design to elastic or high-loft fabrics (e.g., use >100% for fleece).
Absolute offset (in inches or millimeters): Sets a fixed distance for all underlay offsets regardless of object dimensions.

The mode is selected via the combo box on this tab. The following controls adapt to the chosen mode:

Offset of Edge Underlay (A): Controls the global inset distance for edge underlays in fills, columns, and appliqués.

Offset of Zig-Zag Underlay (B): Controls the global inset distance for zig-zag underlays in fills, columns, and appliqués.

Fill Underlay

Defines the minimum and maximum stitch lengths for the edge and zig-zag underlay structures specifically for Fill objects.

Underlay of Column and Appliqué

Defines the minimum and maximum lengths for center-walk (A), edge (B), and zig-zag (C) underlay types for Column and Appliqué objects.

Note: Global underlay defaults can be overridden for specific objects through their individual Parameters settings.