Embroidery Basics Articles

Embroidery / Digitizing Glossary - 123Digitizing
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exception to this rule tends to be in satin stitch columns, whether in a letter, outline or otherwise. Satin columns
can pull in on the ends (thus reducing column width) and push out on the sides (thus increasing column length).
To counteract these distortions, digitizers use a technique call Compensation.
Registration Correct registration is achieved when all stitches and design elements line up correctly.
Running Stitch Sometimes called 'walking' stitch, used for fine detail, outlining, and quickly covering space
between separate design elements; used primarily for underlay.
Satin Stitch Closely spaced stitches, similar to zigzag, except that they alternate between straight stitches
and angled stitches (rather than all angled) of varying length, angle and density. A satin stitch is normally
anywhere from 2mm to 10mm
SPI Stitches per inch; system for measuring density or the amount of satin stitches in an inch of embroidery.
SPM Stitches per minute; system for measuring the running speed of an embroidery machine. Ranging from
as slow as 60 SPM to as high as 1500 SPM.
Scaling Ability within one design program to enlarge or reduce a design. In expanded format, most scaling is
limited 10 to 20 percent because the stitch count remains constant despite final design size. Condensed or
outline formats, on the other hand, scale changes may be more dramatic because stitch count and density may
be varied.
Scanning Scanners convert designs into a computer format, allowing the digitizer to use even the most
primitive of artwork without recreating the design. Many embroidery digitizing systems allow the digitizer to
transfer the design directly into the embroidery digitizing program without using intermediary software.
Short Stitching An embroidery digitizing technique that places shorter stitches in curves and corners to
avoid an unnecessary bulky build-up of stitches.
Special Fill A function available in some embroidery digitizing software that automatically incorporates
special patterns, motifs or textures into fill areas.
Stability The property of a bonded fabric that prevents sagging, slipping or stretching. This is conducive to
ease of handling in manufacturing, and helps the fabric to keep its shape in wear, dry cleaning and washing.
Stitch Count The total number of stitches in a particular design.
Stitch Editing Embroidery digitizing feature that allows one or more stitches in a pattern to be deleted or