How to Convert an Image to Embroidery Design: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you are a beginner trying to digitize your design, this blog will be handy for you. In this tutorial, you will get to know the complete conversion process of image to embroidery design in a few easy steps.
Introduction
Starting from the basics, you should know what the embroidery design actually is. Embroidery design is the art of decorating fabric with needles, thread, and other decorative things. And a person who performs embroidery is known as an embroiderer. Embroidery can be done by hand and machine (often called modern embroidery). When a person uses software to create a design, this process is called digitizing. So, instead of digitizing, embroidery design is actually a stitch file having all the instructions that the machine follows to create the intended design.
Custom embroidery:
It is a form of embroidery in which we can convert pictures (from a phone or the internet) or text into embroidery by using digitizing software. Custom embroidery has great demand in the personal and professional sectors. Benefits of custom embroidery include personalized clothing and unique branding and marketing. The process of converting a picture to an embroidery design involves a few simple steps:
- Select a good picture with a simple background.
- Change the image format if needed.
- Choose an entry-level embroidery digitizing software. Wilcom is recommended because of its accessibility to both beginners and professionals.
- Import your image into software and adjust its size.
- Set design parameters and start digitizing. (Auto-digitizing or manual digitizing)
- After finishing, save and export the design into a machine-ready format. DST is a widely used machine file format that works with multiple embroidery machine brands.
- Test the setting for optimal results.
Understanding the Basics of Embroidery Design Conversion
In order to change the image to embroidery design, there are some points you must know.
Image type
Custom embroidery is a vast field, though, but you can’t use any image for digitizing. Raster and vector are two types of images used for digital art and branding. You must know the difference between raster and vector images and how they affect the end result.
Raster image or bitmap
They are usually made up of small dots known as pixels. If you increase the size of the image beyond a limit, it becomes pixelated and gives a blurry appearance. JPG, PNG, TIF, and GIF are commonly used raster file formats.
Vector image
These kinds of images are made up of lines and shapes. Such images are resolution independent and can be enlarged. Vector images are most used in printing and embroidery because their file size is less than raster. SVG, AI, CDR, EPS, and VSTM are examples of vector images.
Embroidery File Formats
Just like image file formats, embroidery software and machines also have their own formats. It acts like a language or instructions for a particular device so that it can translate the design into a real form. A complete guide on Machine Embroidery File Formats
Software format vs machine format
Every embroidery digitizing software has its unique format that is used to create, edit, and save the digitized designs. You need to export software files into machine file format for actual design creation. But embroidery machine formats have stitching information for the design. These file formats are not generally editable. If you want to know what the best embroidery digitizing software is, then you can visit: Best Embroidery Digitizing Software
Examples:
- .EMB, .BE, DSB, and .ART are examples of embroidery digitizing software formats.
- DST, PES, JEF, EXP, and VP3 are machine file formats.
Tools You’ll Need
Look at the following must-have embroidery digitizing tools you need for a smooth image conversion process.
01- Embroidery digitizing software
First of all, you must carry well-known embroidery digitizing software. It allows you to create/import, customize, resize, and fine-tune embroidery designs. Before picking the best software, keep in mind your budget, preferred features, and digitizing skills.
Wilcom, Hatch, PE-Design, and InkStitch software are our top choices from the options available. After purchasing the software, check your operating system compatibility for Windows or Mac. If you want to know about top tools of embroidery digitizing, then you can visit: Top Tools For Embroidery Digitizers
02- Compatible Embroidery Machine
In order to test your design setting, you must have a compatible embroidery machine at your workplace. It also ensures the digitized design file is in the correct format and stitchable onto fabrics. So Brother, Janome, Bernina, Babylock, Husqvarna, etc., are the best brands for standardized embroidery machines. Simply, you can pick any of their machine models according to your budget and required features.
03- Optional Accessories
Digitizers also need to have some embroidery accessories like stabilizers and specialty threads. They can use them to test fabric stability and how stitches work for optimal results. However, you also need USB drives for transferring files from computer to machine.
Step-by-Step Guide to Convert an Image to Embroidery Design
Let’s get into the detailed steps of converting an image to embroidery.
Step 1: Choose the Right Image
Choosing the right image for custom embroidery is a very critical step. You can convert almost all kinds of images to embroidery designs. But the characteristics of good images are that they contain simple shapes, clean lines, and fewer colors and are scalable. Have a look at the following consideration for choosing the best images for custom embroidery:
1- High-quality Vector images
They are strongly recommended for custom embroidery because they are scalable. Vector graphics contain simple lines and curves that don’t lose their clarity during resizing. For example, SVG images give the best digitizing results.
2- High-resolution raster images
Being an entry-level digitizer, you can also use raster images because of their simple shapes. But the drawback is that raster images lose quality when they are scaled up. Examples include JPEG, PNG etc.
3- Image with less color
Simple images that have fewer colors are not only easy to digitize but also worth the embroidery cost.
Step 2: Import the Image into Digitizing Software
The second step is to import your selected image into embroidery digitizing software.
Supported file formats:
Before importing, make sure the software supports that image file format. If you are using Wilcom embroidery software, it will support SVG, JPG, PNG, BMP, EPS, and EMB image file formats.
1- Import image
If you are a Wilcom user, open the Wilcom software, go to the file menu, and select “Import graphics.”
Locate your image from the PC and select it. In this way your selected image will be imported easily into the Wilcom software.
2- Adjust the size
If you want to resize images in Wilcom software, it has a tool for transforming images without needing a separate vector program. With this transforming tool, you can easily crop, scale, and modify images. To resize your image:
- First, select the image you want to resize.
- Click on “transforming tool.” You can also measure the size you want for your finished embroidery design.
Step 3: Digitize the Image
There are two options to digitize images into embroidery.
1- Auto-Digitizing
Wilcom software has two features to auto-digitize your image to embroidery design. Go to the file menu and click on “Graphics.” Scroll down, and there you can either choose “Instant Smart Design” or “SmartDesign to auto-digitize your image.
Instant Smart Design
When you select “instant smart design,” this feature will auto-digitize your image within seconds. But the drawback is it will completely alter the order of stitches and design elements. This results in loss of detail and bad-looking embroidery, which is difficult to stitch on fabric as well.
Smart Design:
It is the second option for auto-digitizing pictures to embroidery. Click on “Smart Design,” and it will highlight the color details in front of you.
You can select the number of colors you want in your image. After allocating colors, it will digitize your image. This feature only works for digitizing simple designs that involve one-letter words, especially monograms. It is not good to use for digitizing complex designs.
2- Manual Digitizing
In manual digitizing, you need to trace each part of the design.
Select the image, and you can adjust the settings for each part of the design. This method of digitizing offers better control of stitch types and placement. You can assign stitches, set density, and allocate thread colors as per your taste. It gives you precise digitizing results while keeping clarity in detail.
Step 4: Optimize the Design
In this step, you need to set the following parameters carefully.
Stitch density
In embroidery digitizing, density refers to the space between stitches within a given area. This factor determines how well the design will be stitched out on the desired stuff.
Simply go to the “object properties,” and under the fill tab, click on “spacing.” Here you can set spacing for accurate stitch density. For smooth stitching, keep its value at 40. If you decrease this value to 20, stitches will get more compact, resulting in needle or thread breaks.
Add Underlay Stitches
Underlay is termed as a base stitch that is used to hold and stabilize embroidery stitches on fabric.
You can choose zigzag, double zigzag , etc., as per design requirements.
Choose Thread Colors
In the last step of design optimization, choose thread colors wisely. Most software featured their thread color palette and charts. You can navigate and choose vibrant colors and hues according to the design easily.
Step 5: Save and Export the File
After digitizing the image into embroidery, it’s time to save it in the correct file format.
If you want to save the digitized design in software, go to the file menu. Scroll down and select “Save as” in the software format. EMB is generally a Wilcom all-in-one design format.
But to export a digitized file into a machine, go to the “Export machine file” option. You can also use shortcut keys “Shift+E” to export files into an embroidery machine for stitching.
Make sure to match the file format to your machine (e.g., PES for Brother, DST for Tajima).
Tip: You can create folders and subfolders to save and retrieve digitized designs of each category from the PC. You can easily edit and use these designs in your next projects as well.
Step 6: Testing Your Embroidery Design
In the last step, transfer your digitized file via USB into your embroidery machine. You can test these design settings (stitch density, underlay, tension) on scrap fabric before applying them to the original material. At this point, you can look for errors in design, such as puckering or thread breaks, and underlying causes. You can go back to your software and can fix these errors for a professional-looking design.
Tips for Beginners
If you are new to embroidery digitizing, here are some handy tips for you.
1- Start with simple designs
Being a newbie digitizer, it is always good to go with simple shapes and designs. First, choose designs with minimal thread colors. Eventually, you will get your hands on digitizing detailed and complex designs with practice.If you are a beginner of machine embroidery, then you can visit: Machine Embroidery for Beginners
2- Learn the Basics of Stitch Types
Before diving into digitizing, spend some time on learning the basics of digitizing. It includes stitch types and where to apply these stitches. Running stitches, satin stitches, and fill stitches are among the most used embroidery digitizing stitches.
Experiment with satin or run stitches on a sample to see how they work on fabric. After that, you will be able to optimize designs accordingly for the best outcomes.
Pro tip: For digitizing, use light-density stitches to avoid fabric damage.
3- Practice on Different Fabrics
Not every design setting works for all fabrics. So, choosing the best embroidery fabric is essential. It is because fabric texture, density, and stretchiness play vital roles in getting precise and durable embroidery.
4. Understand working of different embroidery materials
For professional-looking embroidery, choice and effective use of embroidery materials also matter. Like fabric selection, ensure the suitability of the stabilizer with the design and fabric needs. Also test your thread and needle combination before finalizing the design.
Tip: Design placement is also a contributing factor to good-looking embroidery. So, never place digitized designs near seams and edges.
Conclusion
The process of converting the image to embroidery design seems daunting at first. But understanding digitizing basics and the use of tools helps you to be a pro player. Make sure to start with a simple image with less detail and color for digitizing.
Get your hands on digitizing software (Wilcom) and practice editing and design optimization techniques. In the end, following the above-mentioned techniques will be enough for you to create your own design. If you need urgent designs, you can also seek help from a professional digitizing company.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I convert any image into an embroidery design?
Yes, you can convert an image to embroidery design with the help of embroidery digitizing software. Learn how the software works and follow the above tips for a better digitizing experience.
What is the best software for embroidery digitizing?
Wilcom is the world’s most popular embroidery digitizing software.
How long does it take to digitize an image manually?
It depends on the nature of the design (easy or complex) and your digitizing expertise. The minimum time for manual digitizing is 4 hours, and the maximum is 12 to 14 hours.
How can I ensure my design stitches correctly on different fabrics?
While digitizing the design, keep in mind the fabric type for which you are making the design. Be familiar with fabric properties and the use of the right stabilizer, needle, and thread type. Also ensure proper density, underlay, and tension settings. Test your design settings on a piece of fabric before applying them to the original material.
Is there a free way to convert images to embroidery designs?
Inkstitch is free embroidery digitizing software that allows you to convert images into embroidery. However, the free version of any professional digitizing software does not offer full features.