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An embroidery design in Studio is composed of objects in vector format. Studio allows you to create vector objects manually, node-by-node, or semi-automatically using the Freehand Tool or Trace Tool. You may also import vector objects from vector graphic files.
This chapter focuses on the manual digitizing (vectorization) of objects using the node-by-node method.
Digitizing via node-by-node vectorization involves manually placing control points, or nodes, to create scalable vector objects composed of vector contours.
The simplest object in Studio consists of a single edge, which is a series of line segments or curves also known as "spline". Certain object types require a "closed" edge, meaning the first and last points must occupy the same position. To create a single-edge object (such as an outline), follow these steps:
1. Click the Outline Tool button in the toolbar at the side of the screen. This activates the creation/editing mode.
2. Make sure that Edge Element Type in the toolbar is set to Bézier curves.
3. Click within the work area to place the first node of the object. The first node is identified by a hairline cross.
4. Click another location to create the second node. The element connecting the first and second nodes initially appears straight; however, it is functionally a curve because it possesses control handles (indicated by small arrows).
5. Add two additional nodes. To edit the position of any node, select it by clicking and drag it to a new location while holding the primary mouse button. Currently, all elements between nodes are straight. We will now bend them to create smooth arcs.
6. Click the first handle (arrow) node of the first element to select it. While holding the primary mouse button, move the node to a new position. This transforms the line segment into a curve.
7. Select and move the remaining handle nodes individually until the entire object is smooth.
8. You can now click the secondary mouse button (or tap a pop-up button) to invoke the menu for finishing the object or generating stitches. An outline object does not require closing. However, objects such as fill, opening, or sfumato must be closed. To close an object, select the Close Edge command from the pop-up menu.
9. Choosing Finish Object or Generate Stitches command from the pop-up menu will end the vectorization mode and include the vector object into the design.
The pop-up menu also contains commands for inserting or deleting nodes, converting elements between straight lines and curves, and several other commands specific to object editing. Most of these functions are also available via the horizontal button bar at the top of the screen.
Additional functions are accessible through Main Menu > Nodes. These include options to snap nodes to grid lines, guide lines, other nodes, work area edges, or the edges of other objects.
Bézier curves in node editing mode can be adjusted intuitively by dragging any part of the curve. Points on the curve under the cursor can snap to grids and guide lines, similar to regular nodes.
Holding the primary mouse button on any element of the edge for one second will insert a new node at that location. Double-clicking the primary mouse button achieves the same result.
Holding the primary mouse button on a node for one second will delete the node. Double-clicking the primary mouse button also achieves this result.
Note: The behavior for inserting and deleting nodes via long-click or double-click can be toggled. These options are located in the Embird's main dashboard settings, specifically under the "Controls-General" section.
Objects with two edges are filled with stitches that extend from one edge to the other at varying angles. This object type is used for satin stitches and appliqué. To create an object with two edges, follow these steps:
1. Click the Column Tool button in the toolbar at the side of the screen. This activates the creation/editing mode.
Note: The pale gray stitches shown are for illustrative purposes only. They serve as a visual aid to represent the final result. During the digitizing process, only the vector outlines are visible. The software generates the actual stitches once the shape definition is complete.
2. Click in the work area to place the first node of the object. The first node is marked by a hairline cross.
3. Click another location to create the base of the column object. The base is displayed as a dashed line. Both edges will originate at this base and terminate at a second base at the opposite end of the column. The start and end bases are always line elements; they define the stitch angle at the beginning and end of the column. Stitch angles between these points are interpolated from the two bases.
4. Create a new node by clicking in the work area. This forms the first element of the edge.
5. Create several additional nodes for the first edge.
6. Now select the node at the other side of the base. This step is essential, as it informs the program that subsequent nodes belong to the second side.
7. Click repeatedly in the work area to create nodes for the second edge.
8. Both edges are currently composed of line segments. The Bézier curve handles (currently straight) are displayed as small arrows.
9. Select and move the handle nodes to smooth both edges. Hold the primary mouse button to drag handle nodes to new positions. This method allows for the adjustment of any node, not just handles. Stitching begins at the location of the first node (marked with a cross) and ends at the final node on the second side. To change the sides of the column, use the Main Menu > Edge > Swap Edges command.
10. Click the secondary mouse button anywhere in the work area (or tap the pop-up menu button) to invoke the menu. Select Generate Stitches. This completes the creation/editing mode and fills the object with stitches. If you prefer not to generate stitches immediately, use the "Finish Object" command instead.
11. The finished column object features stitches running in a zig-zag pattern from the start base to the end base. Bases may not be sufficient to define stitch angles for complex columns. In such cases, use the End of Segment command from the pop-up menu to define angles within the column. This command connects a selected node to the nearest node on the opposite side, defining the stitch angle for that specific segment.
Digitizing an Appliqué object is identical to creating a column object, with the exception that Appliqué must form a closed figure. The image above depicts an Appliqué before the edges are closed, showing a gap between the start and end bases.
This image shows an Appliqué object with closed edges. To ensure precise alignment of the start and end bases, use the pop-up menu from step 10 and select the Close Edge command.
The pop-up menu can be used to insert or delete nodes on a vector edge. To add multiple nodes rapidly, please utilize the Insert Elements Mode.
In embroidery design software like Studio, two-edge objects are a specialized concept distinct from traditional computer graphics. Unlike a single vector path defining a shape's perimeter, two-edge objects use two separate paths to define the boundaries of a satin stitch fill. This approach is essential for controlling stitch direction and density, which are critical for high-quality embroidery.
The primary reason for using two edges is to accurately define the stitch direction across a shape. In standard computer graphics, a fill is an area bounded by a single outline. In embroidery, the fill consists of individual stitches. The satin stitch creates a smooth, glossy surface by laying flat stitches parallel to one another, completely covering the fabric. The two edges define the outer boundaries of these stitches, while the angle lines (called "bases") define their direction.
To create a simple crescent moon shape in embroidery, you would draw one edge for the outer curve and a second for the inner curve. The software generates stitches that travel perpendicularly between the curves, creating the satin stitch effect.
Left: A simple graphic shape defined by a single curved vector line. Middle: The same shape prepared for embroidery with two distinct vector edges and angled "basis lines." Right: The final satin stitches generated by the software.
The start and end bases act as stitch directors. By drawing these bases at different angles, you influence the slant of the stitches throughout the object. For complex shapes, the End of Segment command allows for additional angle lines, providing a level of control that distinguishes embroidery digitizing from standard vector graphics.
In node-editing mode, you can place and manipulate special marker points to define the position of effects, origins, or tie-up stitches within the vector object.
Selecting multiple nodes simultaneously is useful for moving, deleting, or converting multiple contour segments (edges) at once. Multiselection facilitates efficient manipulation of complex geometry.
There are two primary methods for selecting groups of nodes:
Once multiple nodes are selected, you can perform the following actions: