Digitizing Software ????

SunEmbroidery · June 12th, 2008, 10:13 PM

Software can be purchased separately but I wouldn't recommend spending too much time with it before you have a machine to sew-out what you've digitized. You'll discover that what you see on the screen doesn't always embroider how you think it would until you gain the experience of knowing what you have to do in the software to make something look right when embroidered. Your time would be better spent reading about the embroidery business (Helen Hart has written 2 books) and subscribing for trade magazines which are free. Spend time on embroidery forums to learn about some of the issues embroiderers have and how they deal with problems. Also, spend considerable time developing a business plan.

Claudette79 · June 13th, 2008, 01:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SunEmbroidery

Software can be purchased separately but I wouldn't recommend spending too much time with it before you have a machine to sew-out what you've digitized. You'll discover that what you see on the screen doesn't always embroider how you think it would until you gain the experience of knowing what you have to do in the software to make something look right when embroidered. Your time would be better spent reading about the embroidery business (Helen Hart has written 2 books) and subscribing for trade magazines which are free. Spend time on embroidery forums to learn about some of the issues embroiderers have and how they deal with problems. Also, spend considerable time developing a business plan.

Thank you! I'm already a subscriber to Stitches, and have never heard of Helen Hart but I'll get on Amazon and look her up.

Regards,
Tracie

Robert Young · June 13th, 2008, 08:58 AM

and Tom Moore's book... digitizing 101..... look up Walter Floriani, Claus Schnabel, Steve Wilson, John Deer, Bonnie Landsburger, etc.... Look into the NNEP and ETA as organizations that have helpful info.

Claudette79 · June 23rd, 2008, 03:59 AM

What is the process for hiring an outside digitizer? Sorry, I'm new to this, and want to explore all the options since more than likely I will not be good at digitizing for sometime. So how does it work? I'm assuming a customer gives me a design and I send it to someone else to tweak it and they send it back and I put it in the machine? Sounds simple, but do I have it right? Thanks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eagle1

The issue is not if the Digitizing Software will work with the machine. The software should be able to convert files and save files (.PES is one example). Your machine will use files with specific extensions, our Brother PRO600 uses .PES. You first need to know what your machine uses and start with that. We use Generations Digitizing Software (Its OK) it has its drawacks (Use of a dongle (USB Access Key). For the most part since our partner has past, I just do not have the time to run the business and perform digitizing services so I use a company for that (They do great work).

If you have bought the machine already your best resource to learn more is the dealer you got it from. If not, stop by a local shop and ask questions. Some units have LCD Displays and some do not. You need to know if you want a home base system or strictly commercial, there are significant price differances (Brother PRO 600 signle head/ 6 needles is roughly 7000.00 usd) compared to a 12 head/ 12 needle at about 25,000 usd.

You will need to look at your space available, a signle head wil usually fit on a table compared to a multihead that could take up your entire wall.

If you are new to this, I started out with a Brother PRO600 for about 7000.00 and turned it into a small business. This machine is very user friendly (My 11 yo daughter can use it and often does some work for me (at a family pay rate of course).

Recap- Follow these rules

Check needs of machine in owners manual for required extension (.PESis one possiblity)

Check out software packages (Ask them to provide demo packs, the good companies often will)

DO NOT attempt differcult designs, start small to gain your KSAs (Knowledge, Skill and Abilities)

MOST OF ALL HAVE FUN!

dangig · June 23rd, 2008, 10:50 AM

no thats actually a pretty smart idea buying the software before you get the machine. the only flaw in that plan. look, new people in the business want to be a digitizer and an embroiderer all at once. learning the machine is difficult enough never mind digitizing. 6 months pending on how fast you pick up might be a descent amount of time for you to learn some things in digitizing. if your serious about being both id buy the software now and learn it. one less battle to tackle now than later.