Density
The other day I was talking about the many different thread choices that are out there, and the fact that in many cases they are not considered as solutions to everyday design problems.
Another tool that we all have in our design tool box is density and this is another overlooked design component.
in the design to the left I have placed a very low density fill with an outside travelling stitch so that it is hidden underneath the satin stitch border.
This is of course an extreme example of manipulating density but I think you can all agree it creates a very effective and pleasing design.
Another way you can use reduced densities is to use two different density fills to create the look of two different colors. When you reduce densities you allow the base fabric color to show through the stitching. When you see the fabric color through the stitching it creates the look of a new color which is a combination of the thread color and the fabric color. When you use this technique next to a full density fill stitch you will create the illusion of two different color threads. This is a very handy technique if you only have a one color machine.
Another reason for manipulating the densities in your design is to retain the hand of the fabric. When you embroider you are increasing the thickness of the fabric in that area. The more dense that embroidery is the thicker it will make that area of the garment. The thicker a fabric is the stiffer it becomes. When you reduce the density in a design it will have a significantly reduce the stiffnes of the embroidery. Based upon the fabric that you are embroidering upon a good rule of thumb is to choose your density based upon the thickness of the fabric. The lighter the fabric the lighter you ned to make the density in you design.
If you try out any of these these three ideas you will create not only more creative designs but will also make the designs sew out better and look and feel better when you wear the garments.