How to Customize Embroidery Software

Working with software to create embroidery projects usually involves premade images included in the program. Personalizing embroidery generally involves customizing the installed software program. This allows the user to change the screen and hoop dimension as well as embroidery specifications customizing the view for subsequent projects. Reading the software specifications to assure it is compatible to the operating system as well as the embroidery machine ensures patterns are readable. Patterns cannot be stitched out if the machine cannot read the stitch file format from the software program.

Instructions

1. Install the embroidery software program onto your personal computer, such as Brother PE Design, Floriani Digitizing or Singer Auto Cross Stitch, by clicking on customization prompts such as language. If you want the program features, instructions and search tools to read in another language, open the drop-down menu and click the preferred language. Generally if you do not install this feature prior to installing the whole program, you will most likely need to uninstall the program and reinstall it again.

2. Open the embroidery software program by double clicking on the program icon. A blank screen appears with a ribbon bar across the top of the screen and feature tools at the right or left of the screen.

3. Customize the screen size by opening the dimensions window generally located in the "System Settings." Bear in mind, each program has a different name for plug-in windows. This area allows you to choose a draw area size by selecting from installed dimensions. This automatically changes the "default" screen size.

4. Customize the draw area size width and length by plugging in your desired number. This is especially important if you are scanning original artwork requiring drawing or cleanup. For example, certain programs work with pixels, which are the smallest color elements processed and displayed on the computer screen. The plug in numbers alters the screen set up to landscape or portrait. Click "OK" and "Save" when you are satisfied with the screen view. Certain programs save the customized screen view by default. Skip this step if you are working with existing designs from your "My Designs" folder.

5. Open the embroidery grid size screen and plug in your preferred width and length dimensions in the side window. Click "Apply" > "OK" to customize the grid view size.

6. Open the hoop size feature by clicking on the button. Embroidery machines including the "Endless Hoop" feature allow the user to adjust the hoop by increasing and decreasing the dimensions in the plug-in window. Certain programs require you to click "Edit Tab" > "Preferences" > "Hoop Size." Another option is to select from the small, medium or large hoop size and plug in inch or millimeter specifications. The computerized embroidery machine is connected with a cable to the personal computer. The software sends the information to the machine changing the dimensions.

7. Open the machine embroidery thread conversion chart and select the thread colors you most frequently use. This saves time with future projects as well as duplicating embroideries for items such as pillow case sets.

8. Continue to open each program feature or tool that allows you to select or plug in dimensions other than the default settings to customize the embroidery software. Make sure you click the necessary buttons, such as "Apply" > "OK" to ensure the program saves the customization.

Tips & Warnings

• Embroidery machines not including features like the endless hoop size preferences cannot customize the hoop. Noncomputerized or older embroidery machine versions generally cannot perform hoop size customization step 6.

References

• "Digitizing Made Easy: Create Custom Embroidery Designs like a Pro"; John Deer; 2008
• "More Embroidery Machine Essentials: How to Customize, Edit and Create Decorative Designs"; Jeanine Twigg; 2003
• "Embroidery Machine Essentials: How to Stabilize, Hoop and Stitch Decorative Designs"; Jeanine Twigg; 2001