Whether you’re an old time embroider or a just new and starting one, getting the good embroidery software should be your priority. Choosing one is tricky, especially if you don’t have much knowledge about software and programs. Getting the right software is as crucial as finishing your one greatest embroidery masterpiece – that is where you cannot afford any mistake.
Embroidery Software is a specialized tool that combines graphics and sewing technology. These two worlds are very apart but with some high tech rendering, programmers and coders were able to put a bonding between these two.
You can easily tell whether a sewing machine is good or not. You can take a look at its specifications. You can check and test it. You can see how it pulls the thread and sew it on a piece of cloth. You can even hear its sound to tell if the internal mechanisms are working fine. You can touch it and feel it, like a horse rider trying to get the feeling of his horse. The sewing machine is your major tool and it is the easy to make a connection with it.
That goes for the sewing machine, alone. But what if we combine it with the embroidery software, or what if you are looking for the embroidery software alone. Of course, the criteria would change.
Embroidery software is just like any other software. When looking for one, you should know what it can and what I cannot do. And most importantly, you should be aware of how it does things.
First, the embroidery software should allow you to reduce, edit, view convert and alter your embroidery designs. These are the most basic things that you should check. If the software doesn’t allow you to do that, then you should rethink and reconsider if you are going to get that software.
Apart from those basic requirements, you should also see to it that the software allows you to manipulate non-traditional shapes. It should give you the flexibility to turn strokes on complicated shapes (complicated shapes are those that need four or more lines in order to be drawn). If the software does not allow you to do this, you will be very limited in creating your designs.
Filling the insides of the designs should also be automatic. Some software will force you to do the filling and coloring of the design manually. Look for those that will allow you to do that by simply turning strokes and holes and dragging you desired color. Remember that the reason you want an Embroidery Software is for your job to be easier and more efficient.
Search for other automated procedures and features to allow you to do image repetition, image overlapping and overlaying.
Find the software that will also allow you to blend colors easily. Embroidery after all is usually done with multiple colors of string. This feature will allow you to experiment and test the right color combinations suitable to your design.
Shadow effect and cross stitch effect are also very helpful. It avoids coming up with a boring and lifeless design. It can also add depth to embroidery designs.
It would also be the best if you can find a tool that will allow you to design and execute the classic and traditional embroidering techniques such as the stemstich. Doing so will give a very nice traditional look to your modern design. This can actually make your design more embroidery-like rather than a digital alienating artwork.
Having a good design database on your software will also be a great help. Imagine thousands of ready made templates available for stitching within few clicks. These templates also are usually customizable you will never run out of ideas. This is also a great way to allow your customers to really decide on the design that they want (if you’re running embroidery business).
Lastly, find the software that provides comprehensive support system. Find the one that offers updates as well as tips and tricks on how maximize the software usage.
Finding your way to automated embroidery is as simple as installing a software, that is if you know what to look for in a good embroidery software.
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