Tracing a Design in the Hoop

In this video, we cover the final step in setting up a design: verifying the design's fit within the selected hoop. This helps prevent errors caused by using the wrong hoop or design. After calling in the design and centering the hoop, we press the Subwork button and choose either "Design Trace" or "Optimize Trace" from the menu. Our machines are among the few that offer the Optimize Trace feature. We demonstrate starting a Design Trace by navigating to option number two ("Design Trace") and pressing the "set" button. The display prompts us to use needle number one and press "start," allowing us to observe how close the needle comes to the hoop.

Next, we explore the difference between a regular design trace and an optimized trace. A standard trace draws a simple square around the design, while the optimized trace follows the actual shape and perimeter of the design for a much more accurate fit. We demonstrate how to activate the optimized trace by selecting option number three and pressing "set." The system calculates the X and Y perimeter coordinates, and then prompts to start tracing with needle number one. The optimized trace offers a much safer and more accurate fit, keeping the needle away from the hoop and reducing guesswork. This feature is especially useful for aligning designs with specific garment features, such as placing embroidery above a pocket.

We also show how to better view the relationship between the design and the hoop when working with a machine that uses a presser foot. To improve visibility, we temporarily lock the presser foot down using the thread guide—though it's important never to have the presser foot down during the initial trace. After verifying the fit, we re-optimize the trace for a faster run and confirm that the design fits properly within the hoop. To raise the presser foot after tracing, we simply select a different needle number after exiting the trace function.

Finally, we walk through fixing the thread back into the holding spring and checking that the machine's operational speed is properly set. We recommend running the design at about 800 stitches per minute, and after this final check, we're ready to press "start" and begin embroidery.