Design Embroidery Software

Digitize embroidery motifs with design embroidery software and a computerized sewing machine.

Simply Quilts : Episode QLT-1122 -- More Projects »
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Instructions provided courtesy of quilt artist Charlotte Warr Andersen.

Materials:

computer
Bernina Designer Plus embroidery software
Bernina Artista 200 sewing machine with embroidery module
Personal Design Card - optional
card reader - optional
hoops
fabrics
Sulky Sticky stabilizer
Sulky KK 2000 or 505 temporary spray adhesive
Sulky 40 wt. rayon threads
lightweight bobbin threads
decorative threads

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Picture mode
Note: Picture Mode, Design Mode and Artistic Mode are three components of the Designer Plus embroidery software.

  • Artwork is imported in picture mode and only artwork can be viewed here. Prepare artwork in a graphics program or use the software's artwork preparation tools to reduce it to blocks of solid colors.
  • Digitizing is performed in the design mode. Digitizing interprets a motif into stitches or tells the stitches where to go. Artwork can also be viewed here, as well as, individual stitches and components of a design.
  • Artistic mode displays the finished embroidery design.
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Figure A
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Figure B
Steps:

1. Scan original artwork or copyright-free artwork into your computer (figure A). Or create a design in a graphics program as an embroidery guide and/or create shapes and lettering in the software program without preliminary artwork. Import the artwork into picture mode.

2. Once the artwork has been imported, the next step is to digitize the motif in the design mode (figure B). Note: Charlotte Andersen recommends taking a class on the software or read the manual that comes with the software to become familiar with the design tools. Almost any design can be created with the supporting tools.

3. View what you have digitized in artistic mode, if you are not satisfied; revisit the design mode to modify colors, shapes, density, pattern, etc. The software program is very flexible.

Downloading Requirements

  • The easiest way to download the embroidery design to your sewing machine is with the cable provided that links the software program in your computer directly to the sewing machine. The machine icon in the tool bar gives the command to download.
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Figure C
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Figure D
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Figure E
  • If the computer and sewing machine are in separate rooms, obtain a card reader (which becomes removable--drive:/e on guest's computer) and a personal design card (figure C). The card reader connects to a USB port and the design can be saved on a personal design card. After saving the design on the card, insert the card in the appropriate slot on the sewing machine (figure D) and the design appears on the sewing machine screen (figure E). The design can be manipulated and rescaled on the sewing machine.
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