Basic Shapes in Vectorization mode
This is another mode in which basic shapes can be used. The first is the Selection/Transform mode.
Unlike the selection/transform mode, which only allows you to create ready-to-use shapes, the vectorization mode allows you to edit shapes at the node level and combine multiple shapes together.
A shape can also be combined with the spline edge of the object being vectorized. It is also possible to change the starting point of the shape.
Basic Shapes
Basic shapes are geometric and ornamental patterns that are often used as basic building blocks in creating embroidery.
Geometric shapes include ellipse, triangles, regular polygons, etc.
Ornamental shapes include flowers, stars, hearts, spirals, etc.
In vectorization mode, shapes are available from the Main Menu > Shape.
The meaning of the shape parameters and the functionality of the snap controls are the same as in selection/transform mode.
However, the Thickness and Corner parameters related to column objects are not available in this mode.
This is because the corners and two sides of the column are created directly here and are not generated by offset of the shape.
Although this means a little more work, it also allows you to create columns of variable thickness, which are not available for Shapes tool in the Selection/Transform mode.
Example - Satin Stitch Ellipse
In vector mode, it is easy to combine several shapes into one object. A very common case is vectorization of a satin stitch ellipse of variable thickness.
Click on the Column Tool button in the tool bar at the left side of the screen.
This will switch Studio into the vectorization mode.
Click on the work area to place the first node of the object.
The first node is marked by a hairline cross.
Click on another place to create a base of the column object.
Note that focused node is displayed with thick border.
The base is displayed as a dashed line.
Both edges will start in this base and end in another base at the opposite end of the column.
Basis are always straight lines and they define angle of stitches at beginning and end of the column.
Angle of stitches in between is interpolated from these two basis.
Use main menu >Shape >Ellipse to select the ellipse shape.
The default number of elements for an ellipse is four, which is sufficient in most cases.
However, it is possible to select a higher number of elements if necessary.
Draw an ellipse near the focus point.
Use the circular handles 1 and 2 to adjust the size of the ellipse and the center diamond-shaped handle to move it to the desired location.
Click the secondary mouse button anywhere in the work area and select to elements from the context menu.
This converts the ellipse into a series of elements. The start and end points of the series are placed near the focus point.
The first side of the column is complete.
The shape has become part of the column edge.
Now click on the first node of the second side to focus it.
Draw second ellipse close to the focused point.
Click secondary mouse button and select to Elements command from the pop-up menu.
This converts the second ellipse into a series of elements. The start and end points of the series are placed near the focus point.
Both sides of ellipse are complete.
Click secondary mouse button anywhere in the work area again.
Select Generate Stitches command from the pop-up menu that appears on the screen.
Finished object is the satin stitch ellipse with variable thickness.
Note: On a device without a mouse, you can use the pop-up menu button to bring up a context menu instead of a secondary mouse click.
Rectangle - Corners
In addition to the regular rectangle, the Shapes tool provides rectangles whose corners have been modified in three different ways:
Types of corners.
- Rounded Corner (Filleted Corner): This replaces a sharp 90-degree corner with a smooth, outward curve.
- Scalloped Corner: This replaces a sharp 90-degree corner with an inwardly curved notch. It creates a decorative, concave shape at the corner.
- Chamfered Corner: This replaces a sharp 90-degree corner with a straight, angled cut. It is like slicing off the very tip of the corner.
The amount of corner modification is measured in percentages. These percentages are based on half the length of the rectangle's side.
100% means half the length of the side.
