If you create a design which is larger than your sewing field within Compositions project based embroidery design software, it is not a problem.
All you need to do is to pick a multiposition hoop and click on the Split Wizard on the top righthand side of the toolbar. The wizard then walks you thorough the steps necessary to split the design into smaller stitch files that will fit within your sewing field.

I created this simple design for a girl's t-shirt by combining one of the fairies from my "Flash and Fantasy" collection with the lettering "Princess." Of course there are many other words or phrases that you could substitute for this, as well of two other fairies, a mermaid and unicorn in the collection to mix and match. To see this entire collection which includes a variety of fantasy images go to www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

Creating a neckline border by combining designs both equidistant from each other and the neckline itself can be an ordeal. The other challenge is to minimize the amount of color changes when you are combining multi-color designs together. Compositions project based embroidery design software has an automatic neckline feature, which greatly facilitates this process. This function automatically duplicates the design of your choice and arranges them evenly along the neckline of your choice. At the same time it reduces the amount of color changes to the minimum possible by reordering the final design by color. To see how this works review the online demo at www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

You can use color to create harmony and subtlety in your designs. This can easily be achieved by choosing a color palette from only one side of the color wheel. In the example above I took my color cues from the base color of the garment. I then chose a lighter green and a green blue to make up most of my design. To create a little bit of interest I chose to embroider the flowers in maroon with yellow centers. This creates a a very harmonious and pleasing design with just a hint of excitement. Try using your color wheel the next time you plan out a design and see how much easier the whole prococess becomes. To see all of the designs in my "Dress Up Your Designs" collection go to www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

By changing the color palette of your design you can totally alter the personality of your design. In the example above I changed the colors of the butterflies to shdes of blue and purple. By then placing the the design on a yellow background I created a visual tension between the embroidery and the fabric color thereby making the embroidery much more prominent. You can also achieve this effect by changing the color of the garment upon which you are placing the embroidery. Start by evaluationing the major color families in your design, then consult your color wheel and choose a base fabic on the opposite side of the wheel. You will find the result to be much more vibrant and lively. To see how easily you can adjust the individual colors in your design using Compositions project based embroidery design software go to www.kenparsonsdesign.com to view the online demo.

To create this Winter themed sweatshirt design, I first took the cross country ski design from my "It's A Sporting Life" collection and removed the border and the existing lettering which was "Groomed Trails". I then added the lettering "Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let t Snow" in Bellagio script, all of thse steps were performed within Compostitions project based embroidery design software. Of course you can choose any phrase you wish to take this stock design from attractive to uniquely yours. To see all of the sports related designs in this collection go to www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

Anyone who has tried to embroider lettering under .25 inches knows what a challenge it can be to get the right density and to make sure each letter is clear and readable. To ease this process we have included both a script and block font in Compositions project based embroidery design software which were created to be sewn only at 4mm tall. If you look at the example above you will see that the fonts vary from satin stitches to running stitches where it is necessary to keep the lettering crisp and clear. To see these fonts along with all of the other functions of this software you can either view the demo or download a copy of the software to try out for 30 days at www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

In the example above I combined the Diagonal crest, Lion and Crown from my "Create A Crest" collection with a monogram and the lettering "King of the Barbeque" and placed it on an apron to create the perfect gift for every backyard cook on you list. You could also replace the lion with a design deipicting your grillers other interests or hobbies. To see all of these designs go to www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

An apron makes a very inexpensive but very thoughtful gift once it is personalized. Whether the gift is for the backyard barbequer or the gourmet baker on your list the right embellished apron can make the perfect gift. In the example above I simply combined various vegetables from my "Perfect Produce" collection with the lettering "Soup Greens", of course you could choose any verbiage combined with any design or designs from your own collection to create the perfect gift for just about anyone. Give it a try the challenge of coming up with just the perfect combination makes this project all the more fun. To see all of the designs in the collection go to www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

For the design on the jacket above, I decided to embroider the side bodice panels and leave the rest of the garment undecorated. The result is a jacket design that serves to slim both the waist and hips, by creating the illusion of a drastically reduced width in the front and back below the bustline. Try this technique with other designs start by evaluatng the overall design of the garment and then decide which aspects you want to bring out and which you want to diminish. To see the entire "Fabulous florals" collection from which I chose the Hydrangea go to www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

I created this golf design by combining the antique golf clubs, Wreath and scroll from my "Create a Crest" collection together. I then finished it off with the lettering which comes standard with Compositions project based embroidery design software. After I added the lettering I chose a concave envelope and pulled and dragged it until I got it to fit perfectly on the scroll. Using the envelope tool you can create lettering to fit in any shape or size. To see how this works you can view the demo video at www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

Winter is here and so is gift giving season. Coming up with the perfect gift can be a time consuming challenge. Why not make the perfect gift for everyone on your gift giving list. In the project above I created a custom monogram on a set of napkins. It was easily acheived by using one of my border designs from my "Dress Up Your Designs" collection then copying it and rotating it, this created a unique border for my monogram. I then placed a diamond shaped monogram in the center and rotated it by 45 degrees. You can create the perfect monogram for everyone by pairing the right monogram with the right design or designs. Happy Holidays. To see all of the designs in my collections go to www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

To create this scroll border along the asymmetrical neckline of the dress above, I simply combined two designs from my "Dress Up Your Designs" collection and placed them alternately along the top of the one-shoulder bodice. I then reversed the end scroll and changed all of the colors to different shades of metallic gold. The result is both elegant and understated. Try taking any design and change the colors to metallic and you will see what a total transformation it can make. When you change to a metallic thread it is usually advisable to reduce the density by at least 10%, good luck.

Designing embroidery doesn't have to be difficult. Sometimes it just starts with an idea or something you have seen in a shop, or even on TV or in a movie. You can then take that idea and use your imagination to make it your own. In the design above I just used the words that I saw in a store on a plaque and combined them with one of my border designs from my "Dress Up Your Designs" collection. I then copied and flipped the same border design and combined them together. The last step was to change the colors to better suit my base fabric color. Combining lettering and designs is a great way to create interesting and meaningful designs quckly and easily. To see all of the designs in this collection go to www.kenparsonsdesigns.com