Learning embroidery digitizing

donguyen · January 28th, 2006, 10:10 AM

Good morning to all. I'm a graphic designer in screen printing seeking new challenges and thought I'd explore embroidery digitizing to add to my arsenal. For those who know digitizing, how hard is it to learn? Thanks a bunch!

edit: What digitizing software is used by the pros and where can I download demos?

Marc · January 28th, 2006, 10:30 AM

Welcome to the forums, Mary. Do you have an embroidery machine or have access to one?

January 28th, 2006, 11:33 AM

No I don't have an embroidery machine. Is that a requirement?

Marc · January 28th, 2006, 12:55 PM

Honestly, I don't know how anyone can be a good digitizer without access to an embroidery machine. Kind of like learning to drive a car without access to one.

A digitizer is essentially someone who gives instructions to embroidery machines via a file. Not knowing the fundamental limits and nuances of embroidery, well, I assure you the results will not be pleasant.

So the first thing on your list should be learning the ins and outs of embroidery before learning digitizing. Maybe you can talk to an embroiderer who wants to learn screen printing and you guys can learn from each other?

As for your digitizing software question, see this thread

February 16th, 2006, 01:52 PM

Just an update. You were right Marc. Digitizing is harder than I thought. I've decided to put if off for the moment as I think it would take too much of my time. Thanks for the tip!

gogreekfau · April 27th, 2011, 12:06 PM

hahah dont give up that easily!

chardister · June 13th, 2012, 04:45 PM

Does anyone know about the Generations Digitizing software program? How does it compare to Wilcom or others out there as far as professionalism goes?

Robert Young · June 13th, 2012, 06:29 PM

It DOESN"T compare.. at all... sorry...like driving a skateboard or a car? totally not in the same category. If you are serious about digitizing then Wilcom is the way to go.. if you are Not serious then just sub it out because the learning curve is a long one and only worth it if you are going to digitize for a living. this is from someone who has made a living from digitizing since 1989 and is NOT looking to do your designs. I am sure you can find a local digitizer that will work with you and help you.

Zeppelinrider · June 15th, 2012, 10:28 PM

Hi there, I'm in need of some advice. I'm a member of a community workshop that shares tools. Our membership is very into CNC devices like laser cutters and 3D printers, as well as more traditional CNC machine tools. Several of them have gotten interested in the idea of computerized embroidery machines.

The plan is to purchase a sturdy home model type embroidery machine so folks can experiment. Of course given our membership, people want to create their own designs. I realize that the consumer-grade "auto punch" software isn't going to produce designs that are worth writing home about. And learning to digitize takes a lot of practice.

But we've got a lot of members who are patient and interested in learning processes and techniques. Can any of you out there give me some advice on the least expensive functional software for hand-digitizing so folks can get their feet wet?

Robert Young · June 18th, 2012, 02:53 PM

Hi, Zeppelinrider.

If you buy your machine at a local sewing center... not from a big box retailer like Sears or JCP, then chances are they will not only have a digitizing system that fits your needs they will also offer classes on the machine and software. This also has the added benefit of letting the people in your group see what others have done with their systems.