About Dots in Machine Embroidery

Machine embroidery lets you create very precise designs quickly and easily.

A domestic sewing machine may have some pre-programmed embroidery stitches, but a combined sewing and embroidery machine, or an embroidery machine alone, may be computer-controlled, allowing you to design or download embroidery patterns, such as dots, that the machine can reproduce.

Fill Types

Machine embroidery dots are made up of multiple stitches. Sometimes these are vertical stitches placed very closely side by side. Other dot designs use a ring of very close stitches all meeting at a central point. Dots may have a satin fill, which has a smooth, shiny appearance, or a step fill, which is more matte.

Colored Dots

Some designs offer the option of dots in more than one color. If you are using an embroidery machine, you may have extra embroidery heads so that you can load several colors at one time. If you are using a domestic sewing or sewing-embroidery machine, you will probably need to change the thread in between dot colors.

Dot Designs

If your machine is not computer-controlled, you may have to build up dots by moving the fabric back and forth as the machine stitches. A microprocessor-controlled machine may be pre-loaded with dot designs. Some machines allow you to add designs to the memory via a computer. You can find downloadable dot designs online.

References

• "Encyclopedia of Machine Embroidery"; Val Holmes; 2008
• Designs by Juju: Free Machine Embroidery Designs--Dots and Doodles Three
• AK Design Boutique: No. 41 Individual Dots Machine Embroidery Designs