Digitizing is the process by which embroidery design (whether images of lettering) are set into a pattern that allows the design to be transferred to fabric in a workable and durable manner. Careful and thoughtful digitizing will allow a pattern or design to be embroidered without jump stitches or broken stitches – both these factors make for a professional appearance, which will not become damaged or frayed.
The best way to ensure the most effective digitizing, and therefor the highest quality finished product, is to begin with a sharp, tidy image. Beginning with a large image leads to greater success, since this allows the digitizer to zoom in without creating unhelpful pixilation. Occasionally, designs will need to be changed around and adapted to work best in the digitizing process. This is something that the digitizing experts and graphic artists at Eagle understand better than anyone else. They know that starting the digitizing process in the best possible way will lead to the smooth production of the finished product. This equals an excellent piece of embroidery, with a quick turnover time.
In basic terms, digitizing is a process by which images are transferred into a computerised image, which in turn relays information to a computerized stitching machine. This machine then embroiders the pattern according to the order and style dictated by the digitization. Fairly obviously, this process is more consistent, speedy, and less prone to error than many other forms of hand embroidery.
The first few steps of digitizing consist of creating a lock stich, a centre stich and a reverse centre stitch. This part of the process ensures that the final product will be secure and unravelling is very unlikely. Secondly, a satin stitch fill is added across the length of the centre stich, filling out the bulk of the pattern. This stitch creates the smooth, professional and durable look and feel of digitized embroidery. Then, depending on the complexity of the lettering or logo, a new centre stitch or running stitch will be created and followed again by the satin stich fill. This process will continue until the bulk of the pattern is filled in the appropriate colours. Finally, another lock stitch is added at the end of the final satin fill stitch, to secure the final thread and ensure the embroidered patter won’t come loose or fray.
As leaders in the digitizing industry, the experts at Eagle digitizing understand thoroughly every stage of this process and the technology involved in each stage of digitizing, from the creation and adaption of suitable patterns to the software used to carefully digitize them and the embroidery machines themselves. By understanding every part of the process, and working together as a team to create a great final product, Eagle can guarantee against problems during the process and will very rarely encounter unexpected problems. Eagle pride themselves on delivering great final embroidered products, to a highly competitive turn-over rate and price. Their knowledge of digitizing has developed over almost 20 years and it shows.