Custom Outline Borders

A Border is a vector object constructed from pre-digitized components known as border fragments, rather than standard fill stitches. A border may include an outline in a contrasting color. While Studio provides several pre-defined border fragments, users can also define their own. This tutorial explains the process of creating custom border fragments and incorporating them into embroidery designs.

This illustration shows various border examples: a simple border using a single column object, a complex leaf border featuring columns and connections, and a rope border with an integrated outline.

Digitizing a Border Fragment

Border fragments are small designs created within Studio. Unlike fill patterns or motifs, which use separate editors, border fragments are digitized directly in the main Work Area. However, because these fragments have specific technical requirements, certain Studio tools are disabled during their creation.

To initiate a new border fragment, select Main Menu > Design > Border > New Border. A specialized border template will appear in the Work Area.

Technical Note: A border fragment is restricted to Column, Column with Pattern, Outline, and Connection objects. Tools for other object types are unavailable in this mode.

Example 1 - Single Column Object

In this first example, the border consists of a single column object. The object is contained within the Border Cell, originating on the left and terminating on the right. Maintaining parallel stitch directions at the start and end points ensures a contiguous appearance when the border is stitched; in this configuration, additional connections between fragments are unnecessary.

Template for digitizing a border fragment

The template used for digitizing border fragments.

Border Strip: A fragment may extend beyond the Border Cell (B) into the strip area. This creates an overlap between sequential fragments.

Border Cell: The primary area where the border fragment is drawn.

Start Side: The precise location of the entry point or edge. Correct placement is vital for contiguous sewing.

End Side: The precise location of the exit point or edge. Correct placement is vital for contiguous sewing.

Preview: Shows how the fragments align when repeated.

Border fragment in Object Inspector - single column object

A single column object fragment as seen in the Object Inspector.

To define the fragment's name, default width, and height, use main menu > Options > Parameters to open the Parameters Window. Navigate to the Whole Design Parameters tab and set the Name, Reference Width, and Reference Height.

Once the fragment is complete, use Main Menu > Design > Border > Save Border As to save the file. Borders are saved as compact EOF files without background images. To edit an existing border, always use Main Menu > Design > Border > Open Border to ensure the specialized drawing template is loaded.

Example 2 - Column Object with Outline

This fragment includes a column object and an outline in a different color. During the stitch compilation process, Studio automatically reorders objects so that outlines are stitched after all columns and connections are finished. It is efficient to digitize the fragment so that the columns stitch without trims, and the outlines do the same. Note that a trim will occur between the columns and outlines due to the color change.

Elements of rope border in Object Inspector

Illustration: Elements of the rope border in the Object Inspector. Objects are sorted by color, with a trim occurring before the outlines.

The column object in this example is drawn to exceed the cell boundaries on both sides. This overlap in the rope elements prevents gaps in the final stitching. Due to this overlap, a connection object must precede the column to ensure contiguous stitching. The start point of the connection (1) can be placed freely; Studio aligns it to the previous fragment during compilation. The end point (2) must connect directly to the column object.

Rope border fragment is composed of connection, column and outline

Rope border fragment in Object Inspector

The rope fragment is constructed from a connection, a column, and an outline.

The rope fragment structure in the Object Inspector.

The contour is designed so that its start point aligns with the end of the previous fragment's contour. The following illustration demonstrates how the contour is drawn to create layered stitching while maintaining proper entry (S) and exit (E) positions.

Outline of rope border fragment allows contiguous connection

Part of rope border contour has 3 layers of stitches and the rest has 2 layers.

The contour of the rope fragment facilitating contiguous connections. (S) denotes the start point and (E) denotes the end point.

Diagram showing sections with two and three layers of stitching within the contour.

Example 3 - Column and Connection Objects

In this configuration, the fragment utilizes columns and connections. Accurate placement of the initial and final connections is critical for a seamless border. The first connection must start on the left side of the cell, while the last connection must end on the right side. Intermediate connections are used only to link column objects within the fragment.

Border fragment with columns and connections

Border fragment with columns and connections in Object Inspector

How to Use Custom Border Samples

If Studio is still in border creation mode, save your work and start a new design via Main Menu > Design > New or open an existing design.

To make your custom fragments available in the Parameters window during standard digitizing, you must add them to the User Borders list in the Fragment Editors.

Select Main Menu > Gadgets > Fragment Editors and choose User Borders. Select one of the five user-defined border slots and load your EOF file from the storage. Close the Fragment Editors window.

List of Editors: Select the User Borders item.

Control Buttons: Reset, Cancel, or Apply changes.

Active Border Slot: Load and Reset commands apply to the selected slot.

Menu Button: Accesses Load Border and Reset Border commands.

Splitter control.

Your custom border fragments are now linked to the design and appear in the selections within the Outline Parameters window. They can now be applied to Outline objects throughout your design.