As with any industry, there can be a wide range of skill levels and common mistakes that can be found. The world of embroidery digitizing is no different. Here are 18 mistakes that you’ll want to avoid to become a world-class embroidery digitizer.

Following the wrong stitch direction

This is one of the biggest mistakes an embroidery digitizer can make as it has such a big impact on the overall quality. Going in the wrong direction is likely to negatively affect the stitch angle and the overall look of the final product. Careful consideration is needed to avoid such a mistake.

Not using the right style

Many parts of embroidery digitizing get easier the more experience you have. Choosing the right style every time is an example. Knowing what type of underlay should be used for your stitch type is an aspect that should be deeply considered.

Not using underlay

Using the right underlay is vital to embroidery digitizing and using none at all could cause a potential disaster. This can distort the design, especially when using multiple fabric types. Take time to consider the right underlay for you otherwise you could make your life very difficult.

Exceeding the stitch limit

As an embroidery digitizer, it’s important to work within the limits to ensure the high quality of the work. Trying to get your machine to do more than it’s capable of will lead to poor results. It’s important to remember your stitch limits and stick with it. Your client might have budgeted on a certain stitchcount so if you present them with a design that is double of what they expected means their costing will be way out and hence eat into their profits.

No forward planning

Planning is vital to all areas of design and embroidery digitizing is no different. Without it, you could end up making mistakes and end up with a poor design. A detailed planning session is required before you get started. A great embroidery digitizer will be meticulous about their work.

Not considering the digitizing aspects

A failure to consider digitizing aspects can be seen all around us. This often happens when push and pull compensation takes place. This will be caused by a flat frame being different from the curved substrate. Not acknowledging the difference can be a big mistake.

Lack of pathing

Setting the correct path is vital for embroidery digitizing. It’s important to position yourself correctly to match your design to what you see on the screen. This will prevent the machine from jumping and causing too many trims in the final product.