How to convert images to embroidery with Wilcom?

Converting images to embroidery with Wilcom Embroidery Studio involves a process known as auto-digitizing and manual digitizing. This allows you to create stitch-based designs from raster images (e.g., JPEG, PNG) or vector images (e.g., SVG, EPS). Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to convert images to embroidery using Wilcom:

How to convert images to embroidery with Wilcom?

Step 1: Prepare the Image

1. Choose a High-Quality Image: Select a clear, high-resolution image. Simple designs with solid colors and less detail work best for auto-digitizing.
2. Edit the Image: If needed, use image editing software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, GIMP) to clean up the image. Remove unnecessary details, enhance contrast, and simplify colors to make the digitizing process smoother.

Step 2: Import the Image into Wilcom

1. Open Wilcom Embroidery Studio: Start the software and create a new design.
2. Import the Image:

• Go to Image > Insert Image, then select the image file you want to convert.
• The image will be placed in the embroidery workspace.

1. Resize and Position the Image: Use the handles to resize and position the image within the hoop area.

Step 3: Auto-Digitizing the Image

Wilcom offers auto-digitizing tools that can automatically convert your image into embroidery stitches.

1. Auto-Digitize Bitmap:

• With the image selected, go to Auto-Digitize > Auto-Digitize Bitmap.
• The software will automatically detect shapes and colors in the image and convert them into different stitch types (e.g., fill, satin).

1. Select Stitch Type: In the Auto-Digitize options, you can select stitch types for different parts of the image. The software typically uses a combination of fill stitches for large areas and satin stitches for borders.
2. Adjust Colors: Wilcom will attempt to match the image colors to the thread colors in the color palette. You can manually adjust these colors to match your embroidery thread.

Step 4: Manual Adjustments (Optional)

Auto-digitizing is fast but often requires manual adjustments for the best results.

1. Edit Object Properties:

• Select any section of the auto-digitized design.
• Right-click and choose Object Properties to adjust settings like stitch type, density, underlay, and pull compensation.

1. Add or Remove Stitch Points:

• Use the Edit tools to add, delete, or move stitch points to refine the design.
• Adjust the stitch angles to ensure smooth and even stitching.

1. Modify Stitch Direction:

• Select different parts of the design and change the stitch direction lines to control the way stitches lay on the fabric.

Step 5: Manual Digitizing (For Complex Designs)

For complex or highly detailed images, manual digitizing provides more control.

1. Trace the Image Manually:

• Use tools like Complex Fill, Satin, Run, or Column to manually trace over the image.
• Start with large filled areas using Complex Fill.
• Use Satin stitches for outlines, borders, or text.

1. Set Stitch Properties:

• As you create each section, set stitch properties (e.g., density, underlay) to ensure the best embroidery quality.

1. Add Details:

• Add details like small shapes, outlines, and text using appropriate stitch types for a polished look.

Step 6: Preview and Simulate the Design

1. Preview the Design: Use TrueView (T key) to see a realistic preview of how the embroidery will look.
2. Simulate Stitching:

• Go to View > Slow Redraw to watch a simulation of the stitching process.
• This helps identify any areas where stitching might overlap or need adjustment.

Step 7: Save and Export the Design

1. Save the Embroidery Design:

• Save the design in Wilcom’s native format (.EMB) to keep all editing capabilities.
• Go to File > Save As and choose .EMB.

1. Export to Machine Format:

• Export the design to a format compatible with your embroidery machine (e.g., .DST, .PES).
• Go to File > Export > Export Machine File.

Step 8: Test the Design

1. Stitch a Test Sample:

• Always test the design on a fabric similar to the final product to check for issues like puckering, thread breaks, or alignment problems.

1. Make Final Adjustments:

• If the test run shows any issues, go back to Wilcom to adjust stitch types, densities, and underlays as needed.

Tips for Best Results

• Simplify the Image: Auto-digitizing works best with simple, clean images with clear boundaries.
• Use High Contrast: Images with high contrast between elements help the software distinguish between different parts of the design.
• Control Stitch Density: Ensure that the stitch density is appropriate for the fabric type to prevent puckering or stiffness.
• Use Underlay Stitches: Proper underlay stitches help stabilize the fabric and improve the appearance of the top stitches.

Conclusion

Converting images to embroidery with Wilcom involves a mix of auto-digitizing and manual refinement to achieve the best results. While auto-digitizing provides a quick starting point, manual adjustments are often necessary to fine-tune the design and ensure a high-quality embroidery output. By following these steps, you can effectively transform images into beautiful embroidery designs suitable for stitching on various fabrics.

Learn Wilcom Import Settings