How to Digitize a Satin Stitch in Embroidery Software

In this video, we demonstrate how to digitize a satin stitch in embroidery software. A satin stitch consists of stitches stacked together to form a column, and its width is set by placing a series of four points to define that column. Using the satin stitch icon with the straight line tool, we place the first and second points to establish the width, then place the third and fourth points to complete the shape, and right-click to finish. When we turn on View Stitches, the satin stitch appears.

We also show how to create satin stitches along curved paths. With the arc tool, a satin stitch requires six points: the first two points set the width, the third and fourth form the arc, and the fifth and sixth complete the shape before we right-click to finish. For a satin stitch with a bezier line, we again use six points. After placing the points and finishing the object, we can turn on Wireframe to view the anchor handles. Using the point selector, we can click and move the handles or reposition the points themselves for more controlled line placement, then turn on View Stitches to see the final result.

Under the Settings menu, we can open the satin stitch properties window and make adjustments before digitizing. In this window, we can change the fill type from satin to zigzag fill or pattern fill, with multiple pattern options available and a thumbnail preview as each pattern is selected. We can also set the density and stitch length, choose underlay options such as center walk, edge walk, narrow zigzag, or combinations of those, and enable random edges to create a jagged zigzag effect on one side of the satin stitch instead of a straight edge.

Additional settings include short stitches for reducing bulk in corner areas, pull compensation to account for the material being embroidered so the stitches do not pull in, and auto border to automatically add either a satin stitch or a running stitch around the satin object. Once all changes are made, we simply click OK to apply the settings.