designing embroidery

2009-11-24T06:57:00.001-08:00

There are two factors that you want to keep in mind when you are trying to create a naturalistic blending of two or more colors.
In the example above the main color was digitized using a .40 mm or 4 embroidery points space between stitches, on the overlapping colors we increased the space to
.90 mm which decreased the density by more than half. This creates a smoother transition and keeps the combination of densities from getting too dense.
You also want to make sure that you keep all of your stitches as parallel as possible so that the colors will blend together and not appear to be separate shapes or objects.
Blending colors together to increase the three dimensionality of your designs is easy if you just stick to these two factors; density and direction.

2009-11-18T07:50:00.000-08:00

In addition to creating your own fill patterns and motifs KPD compositions also allows you to create your own custom fonts. you can use an existing true Type font or create your own font from scratch. All you need to do is to save all of your letters (named to correspond to their Character Map name as 1=0031)in a folder called whatever you wish the font to be called. Save them as .lbf format files, then place the folder on your c drive in programs/KPD/fonts/characters.
You can then press shift+ctrl=F and generate the font. Now you are able to use it just as you would any other font in your program.
This is a great way to increase you available font selection at your leisure and all it costs is a little of your time.

2009-11-11T09:08:00.000-08:00

As with the other two stitch types, runs and satins, fill stitches may be manipulated very easily to create exciting new textures and effects.
Standard Fill
When you choose fill stitch you will automatically be in standard fill mode, this is the most popular fill style used. It consists of a pattern of parallel running stitches that are alternated in a predetermined pattern based upon the offset of each row of stitches to the preceding row. It is calculated in a similar fashion to laying rows of bricks. This stitch type allows you to change the density and stitch length to vary the look of the fill
Emboss Fill
The emboss fill derives it's pattern from a shape that is essentially embossed into the fill. Wherever the running stitches in the fill intersect with the image transposed onto it the needle will come down and make a stitch, so this fill pattern consists of many different stitch lengths based upon where the image and running stitches meet.
Motif Fill
The motif fill replaces the running stitches in the fill with a digitized design, which can consist of running or satin stitches. This is a great way to add a lacy effect to your designs and at the same time reduce your stitch count.
Please be aware that you can create your own patterns for both the emboss and motif fills so that you can customize them with the texture or even logo you are digitizing.
Fill stitches, of course, are used predominantly to fill large area of stitching in your designs, so why not take advantage of this large portion of your designs, by experimenting with all of the textures and effects that can be achieved by manipulating your fill properties.

2009-11-04T09:51:00.000-08:00

Satin stitches are, in my mind, the most versatile of stitch types at an embroidery designer's disposal. They can be one throw across, patterned, or be converted to a contour stitch. The nicest feature of this stitch type is that you can control and manipulate the stitch directions throughout the shape to add more life and movement.
The most impact is achieved with a true single throw satin stitch, as this will reflect the most amount of light and truly stand out against the rest of the stitch types in a designs. Sometimes however the area you need to cover is wider than a single throw will practically reach, so you really have to divide up the stitches, and you have many choices as to how you do that.
Standard pattern
The simplest way to divide up the stitches in your satin column is to apply a pattern, this can include something as simple as a random fill to the more defines corn row pattern. You can also make the stitching in each one of the patterns longer to impart more sheen or shorter to make the pattern more pronounced.
Embossed pattern
If you choose an embossed pattern you can give it a more defined texture, you can even choose your own motif to carve out of the pattern.
Contour
Opting for a contour fill can totally change the entire personality of the stitch. You can transform a silky satin stitch to a very patterned and snaky combination of undulating running stitches.
Whatever you choose be aware that you can apply just about any personality to a simple satin stitch, with the switch of a few property options.

2009-11-01T08:58:00.000-08:00

When you use any automatic function you are relying on the quality of the artwork. There are two types of artwork, you can choose from, they are vector or raster.
The vector types you can choose from are .ai, .emf, .eps, .wmf, .dxf, and .plt.
The raster types just about any bitmap file including .pdfs.
The quality of the images is going to control the quality of your finished embroidery. This is especially true of the raster files. You want to make sure that they are 300 dpi if possible and that they are at least the size of the finished embroidery.
You can use the auto-digiting wizard to completely automate the digitizing process, use the magic want to auto-trace the elements of you designs and then introduce the stitch type and direction, or you can manually digitize the entire design. Whichever method you choose it is always beneficial to make sure that your artwork is as clean as possible before you start.

2009-10-21T06:31:00.001-07:00

Although we only have three basic stitch types to choose when creating and embroidered design, if we take advantage of all of the different property choices available, we can transform those stitch types into an almost unlimited amount of embroidery effects.
I would like to start with running stitches.
A running stitch can easily be transformed into a double or triple (bean), but can also be converted into a row of symbols or motifs, and the size of each is controlled by the stitch length of your original running stitches. If you lengthen the stitch length you increase the size of each of the symbols or motifs. The difference between motifs and symbols is that symbols can be any combination of stitch types and can be custom digitized by you to recreate any shape or object you wish to add to your design. Motifs are comprised of running stitches and are also can be custom digitized by you to recreate any shape or object you wish to add to your design.
The next two entries will expand these ideas to include Satin Stitches and Fill Stitches.

2009-10-14T07:17:00.000-07:00

We all know that you can choose to digitize a design either automatically, semi-automatically or choose to tackle the design manually, but did you know that there are a lot more decisions, some obvious and some a little more subtle. I figured that I would jot some down, and share them with you.
Here they are in no particular order.

Minimizing the details
You can only put so much detail in a design before it becomes indistinguishable.
Also including too many details will also cause thread breaks and bird nesting, because there is a limit as to how many stitches can be placed in any given area.
To pare down details try tracing the details on tracing paper with a pencil. The width of an unsharpened pencil will roughly equal the width of a bean stitch.
In the very least turn 3-D view on and view it at 1:1 ratio before you sew it out, if the detail looks good you are fairly safe that the design will also. Another thing to look for is short stitches, they are also a source of thread breaks.

Overcoming fabric types,textures and patterns
Use underlay to stabilize the design, always start with an overall running stitch underlay on stretch or slippery fabrics.

To use underlay to flatten the texture of knits such as pique, place a zig zag underlay under satins and a lattice underlay under fills.
Also use lattice underlay under fills when sewing on velvet, corduroy, and fleece.
Use edge walk running stitches under columns when sewing on twill
When sewing on caps, start in the middle and work our way out alternately from side to side. Place your underlay as you digitize each piece.
Overlapping
Always overlap the first color and then place the second color on the dividing line. If you rely on pull compensation to make your stitches overlap you lose control of the exact point where they meet.
Blending
You can either choose to blend colors by using a gradient density or by overlapping fills or satin stitches.
When using either of these methods you want to keep the stitches as close to parallel as possible, so they will blend and not separate.
Lettering for foam
By placing satin stitch at the end of each column, you can be assured that the ends of the column stitches will be perforated and the edges will be hidden.
The few random thoughts were meant to get you to think about why some embroidery problems occur and to help cut them off at the pass.

2009-10-07T11:42:00.001-07:00

You can use autodigitizing either alone or in conjunction with your editing fuctions to create great embroidered designs with no additional effort, if you start with the appropriate artwork.
If you are using bitmap artwork it should ideally be 300 dpi and should be either the smae size or larger than your embroidered design. If you are using vector artwork, the results are even better.
Another advantage you gain when using KPD Compositions is that you can edit your artwork within the autodigitizing wizard, which saves you time and allows you to try out many different variations before finalizing you choice and outputting your design.
Autodigitizing is often dismissed as unprofessional and for beginners only, but there are many situations where autodigitizing is definately the ovoius choice for speed, accuracy and quality.

2009-09-17T07:17:00.001-07:00

We all know that we use underlay to attach the base fabric to the backing so that the garment will not move within the hoop during the embroidery process, but did you know that there are a lot more reasons, some obvious and some a little more subtle.
They are:
To overcome fabric textures and patterns
To flatten the fabrics surface
To compensate for a loose top density
To create a 3-D effect

Standard underlay
Used to attach base fabric to backing
.1 to .25 in. column stitches use center run stitch
.25 and up add parallel satin
For fill stitches use lattice underlay

To compensate for patterned fabric surfaces
Edge walk adds structure to satins on fabrics with a surface texture such as twill, pique and birds eye knits, this will serve as a base for the top stitching and keep the stitches from following the grain of the fabric and causing a stepped look.

To flatten the nap of a fabric
Terry, corduroy, velvet and any other fabric with a nap require a cross satin underlay to flatten out fibers before you embroider your design to avoid fibers showing through the stitching
A water or heat soluble topping also helps avoid this problem.

To compensate for a loose density
Leather, sheer fabrics, lame and other delicate fabric can not support a normal density without tearing.

To create a 3-D look
To get coverage without raising your density place an inset satin underlay.
Multiple layers of satin stitch underlays can be used to give your embroidery a more 3-dimensional look
Start with a narrow satin and make each subsequent layer a little wider, usually three layers is sufficient.

You are only going to reap the full benefit of underlay if you first understand why we use underlay and which type is appropriate for your particular situation.

2009-09-14T06:51:00.001-07:00

We all have our favorite settings for creating lettering for different situations. For small lettering I like to decrease the density to 45 SPI and to add a single perpendicular running stitch as the underlay. For large lettering on a towel I like to use density of 65 SPI and a crosshatch underlay. You get the idea, and I am sure that you all have your own list of perfect combinations of settings that work just right for you. When you are creating your lettering using KPD Compositions you can save an unlimited amount of lettering styles, so that you can quickly and automatically call up the most perfect and personalized settings for the particular type of lettering you need.
Digitizing Lettering
When you run into a situation where the perfect font is not available it is necessary to digitize the lettering yourself. In this case the artwork you are working from is extremely important. If you are using the auto digitizing or semi-automatic function of your software to perform this function make sure that your artwork is 300 dpi or higher and the artwork is at least the same size of your finished embroidery or larger. The best method to use however is manual digitizing. The reason for this is when digitizing lettering the way in which your column stitches are divided up or branched is crucial for the best translation of the artwork into embroidery. When you are looking at an embroidery of something organic, such as a flower or a leaf variations from the original artwork are usually hard to discern, variations in lettering are almost always easy to spot. Everyone knows what lettering is supposed to look like and any variation from the norm is very obvious.
Size
The size of the lettering that you choose will also determine how you digitize the individual letters. You probably have noticed that just about every software manufacturer offer at least one small script and block font. The reason for this is that when you are sewing out lettering at .25 inches or smaller the rules that apply for embroidering larger lettering don't necessarily apply. Digitizing the corners of the lettering by inputting the individual stitches is the preferred method.
Fabric
When you decide to embroider the same lettering design on different fabrics you need to make sure that you create it for the most challenging fabric. for example if you are digitizing for denim and pique, digitize your lettering for the pique. You will end up with a higher stitch count but you will be assured that it will embroider well on both.
Pull compensation
If you are if you are digitizing lettering to sew out on fleece and twill, I would suggest that you digitize the design for twill and to automatically increase the pull compensation for the fleece application.
Underlay
As in the case of pull compensation I would digitize the lettering with a single center run stitch underlay and then as I increased it in size add first an edge run and then at over .75 inches also add a zig-zag underlay.
Visually correct adjustments
Distorting keyboard lettering
If you look at the example of a standard computer font "EGGSALAD" you will notice that the rounded letters "G" and "S" are slightly larger than the others so that they will appear o b the same size when the word is viewed as a whole. The example of the same word in small embroidered lettering takes the rule a little further, not only is the "G" and "S" larger but so are the letters that have horizontal column stitches such as the "D" and the "E"
Many logos utilize a standard font with only minor changes to either the first letter or letters within the wording. Before you decide to digitize the lettering portion of the design see if you can use the lettering portion of your software to create the lettering and then select the individual letters that need to be altered and adjust them one at a time.
Lettering is just like every other portion of your design, you need to follow all of the same rules as you would when digitizing any design. If you start with good artwork, whether you decide to use keyboard lettering or digitize the lettering from scratch while taking fabric, and sizing limitations in mind your results will be successful.

2009-09-09T09:07:00.001-07:00

We often talk about embroidery software and which icons do what, but in the end, it’s not all about the software, it’s your abilities that make the real difference!
If you have a real understanding of the basics of embroidery you can really make any software program do what you need. It's what you feel most comfortable using that should determine your final choice.
Let's take a look at what those basics are.

Density
It is very easy to take density for granted. When you power up your software, it will automatically choose a density for you. It could be the default density or a density based upon the fabric that you chose at start up of your new design. This is a reat point of departure but there are so many more things you can accomplish with various different densities.
If you are trying to blend two or more colors together you have to take density into consideration, because when you layer colors over colors the density will quickly build up and the reult will be a thick embroidery which will crinkle on the edges and be very uncomfortable to wear.
If you know what color fabric you are going to embroider upon you can reduce the densities of those areas of your design that are the same color as the base fabric.
If th column widths within your design vary dramatically you would need to increase the densities for the wide columns and reduce the densities of the narrow ones.
Overlapping and Pull Compensation
Using the automatic pull compensation settings of your software can solve many of your overlapping problems, however there are situations in which you will find that you need to make some changes manually. Two of the examples are illustrated above, in both the beachball and the star designs. In the example of the star the last small stitches that would have created the points of the star have been removed and replace with a single running stitch place in a perpendicular position to the satin stitches. If the satin stitches were brought to the end they would have been so small that they either would have caused thread breaks or created a hole in the fabric.
In the case of the beachball, if all of the stripes had met at the top of the ball it would have caused a hole or at the least thread breaks in the last couple of stripes. I exaggerated th overlap to keep the blue stripes from placing needl penetrations in the same place and I kept the yellow stripes from meeting at the top so that they would not cause a hole.

2009-08-28T08:19:00.000-07:00

One aspect of digitizing that is often ignored, especially by beginning digitizers is pathing. Pathing is the mapping out of the stitching order of the various different objects that make up your final digitized design. There are many different reasons for planning out the sewing order in advance, which include the amount of jumps and trims, the overall sewing time, and potential machine risks which can result from a poorly planned design.
Minimising color changes
Every color change that you place in your designs adds time to the overall sewing time of the design. To change from one color to another the machine must first stop and trim and then the head has to slide to the next desired color and then when the machine begins sewing again it first starts slowly to avoid the thread from pulling out of the needle and then it resumes sewing at full speed. So for every extra color change you place in your design you are adding approximately 7 seconds to the overall sewing time, or if you place 10 extra color changes you are adding 70 seconds, and if you run that design 10 times on a six head machine you are adding 60 X 70 seconds or 70 minutes. So you may not think an extra color change here or the matters too much but at the end of a day of production it can have a huge effect.
Trims and jumps
Both trims and jumps also cause the machine to stop and slow down, often times especially if you are relying on auto digitizing to create your designs the frequency these two commands id overlooked, but if you take the time to look at the sewing sequence of your design either before on your computer or while it is sewing out you can easily devise a plan for either reducing their occurrence or eliminating them all together.
Sewing time
Keeping an eye on all of these factors can greatly increase the efficiency of all of your designs.
Production Issues
The last issue that I would like to address is that of wear and tear on your embroidery machine. Trimmers, color change mechanics and jump stitch solenoids are all mechanical parts which with repeated and frequent use can become overheated and as a result fail well before their expected lifespan. If you trim twice with less than 40 stitches between the trims you are not giving the machine a chance to cool down between operations, if you do this constantly you will most definitely damage the machine. so it is important to plan out your design before you begin to digitize. A good example of this is a Field of polka dots with a fill background. If you digitize the fill first and jump and trim from polka dot to polka dote you stand the risk of damaging you trimmers, but if you digitize the polka dots first and place a fill with voids on top of it you can omit the trims entirely.
If you plan out you designs before you digitize them you can save both running time and excess wear and tear on your equipment. Your run time will be quicker and your machine will last longer.

2009-08-20T08:58:00.001-07:00

A major concern for all business owners is getting and keeping new customers, in our current economic climate it has become pretty much essential.
Website
Just about every business has a website, if you don't you should, but creating and hosting a website are just the first step. You then need to drive traffic to it. Make sure that your website is mentioned in everything that you do. Invoices, business cards, stationary, advertising, press releases and listings all need to include your web address.
Blog
Hosting a blog gives your current and prospective customers a place to go to see what your company is doing and any specials you are offering. Make sure that you include helpful and informative information that is going to be beneficial to your customers, so that they have a reason for returning on a regular basis. if you don't add new material on a daily basis then make sure it is added at the same time every week or month so they get into the habit of checking it at those intervals.
Newsletter
A great way to remind you customers to visit both your website and blog is a weekly newsletter, this will assure that your customers get weekly reminders to either visit your shop, website or to even call you to follow up on specials or new products.
Cold Calling
The most time intensive forms of customer connection is cold calling, but it offers the biggest return for the time invested and it opens up a two way dialog with your customers, which is a great way to make sure you have a good feel for your customers needs.
Specials, new Products and Incentives
While we have all cut our costs and our prices to the bare bones, making sales and discounts close to impossible in many cases, there is always some inventory that we need to move regardless of the price, even if we just break even. Use that product to get customers to contact you, and while you have their attention bring up your new products and embellishment techniques.
Networking
Don't forget to bring your business cards wherever you go, remember everyone needs embroidery or some kind of embellishment at one time or another, use your card to remind them to contact you when they do.
Getting Involved
Get involved with your community schools, businesses, fund raisers, library, fairs and any other social events, these are the places, events, and organizations that use and need personalization.

2009-08-14T07:05:00.000-07:00

KPD Compositions allows to to output your designs in over 32 different file formats, which include both home embroidery and commercial embroidery file types. With all of these formats to choose from there is virtually no customer for which you are unable to produce designs. When shopping for software make sure that you start by listing all of your needs and as you view the many choices out there check off all of the feature on your list one by one.

2009-08-12T07:02:00.000-07:00

If you have eliminated all of the design related causes for thread breaks (small stitches, excessive overlapping, etc.) and, of course, the condition of the thread itself and/or the way it is wound on the cone, then it is time to take a look at your machine to make sure that its condition is not causing them.
Burrs on the needle
It is a good practice to replace all of your needles on a regular basis, based upon how often you use your machine. A maintenance check list attached to your machine can help to remind you what to do and when. if however the needle damage is as a result of the needle bending or breaking and hitting the presser foot or needle plate replace it even if it appears to be fine.
Presser foot
Check for a bent presser foot epecially if you have hit the hoop at any time.
Needle Placed backward
Some times we get distracted and the simplest of chores suffer the most. Check the needles and make sure that the needle groove is in the front of all of them.
Incorrect needle
Embroidery machine use DBXK5 needles, while the points and sizes vary the needle type is always the same.
Bobbin Thread
As the bobbin thread nears the end of the spool it sometimes varies in tension, if this is the problem replace it even if it is not completely empty.
A groove or burr around the hole in the needle plate
If you feel around the hole in the needle plate and find a nick or abrasion either replace the needle plate or even out the area with an emery cloth.
Lubrication
You must always make sure that the hook assembly area of you machine is well lubricated and free from lint. both of these factors will cause undue friction and the area to heat up and damage the thread.
Needle Depth
follow your machine maual to check the needle depth to make sure that the thread is looping properly and not causing a false thread break.
Incorrect Thread Path
Check the thread path to make sure the machine is threaded correctly missing one step can cause uneven tension and thread breaks.
Thread or bobbin Tension
Take a look at the backside of you embroidery and check to make sure that you see 1/3 bobbin thread on your column stitches, if you see more loosen top thread, if you see less tighten top thread.
These are some more causes of thread breaks during the embroidery process. As you become more experienced you will find that there is a more prevelent cause of thread breaks for your particular application and will learn to start with that cause first when determining the cause of your problems.

2009-08-10T06:32:00.000-07:00

To understand the impact embroidery is going to have on the products upon which you are placing it, you first need to understand how the various different fabrics affect the designs you are embroidering on them.
Woven Versus Knit
Knits stretch and because of that they require a stable backing and enough underlay to connect the fabric to that backing so that the knit can't move during the embroidery process and in doing so, cause the design to become distorted. Woven fabrics are a lot more forgiving, they only stretch on the bias, so if they are firmly hooped and have a minimum of underlay and a sufficent backing, you should not have to worry about design distortion.
Needles
The size of your needle should relate to the weight of your fabric, a heavy weight fabric such as canvas or denim requires a larger needle. for fine fabrics you want to use a small needle for example, a 65/9 or a 70/10 as a smaller needle will make a smaller hole and do less damage to the fabric.
The point of the needle is chosen by the fabric, ballpoint for knits and sharp for woven fabrics. Ballpoint needles will push the fibers of the knit aside so that they aren't broken in the embroidery process which would cause the knit to run. Sharp needles are best for woven fabrics because they cause the least amount of friction as they pierce the fabric and make the cleanest perferation, helping to keep your lines crisp.
If you are embroidering on a fabric with a texture, whether it is knit or woven underlay is essential for flattening out the fabric so that the embroidery is not lost in the indentations or overemphasized in the raised areas. Fabric with a definite pattern such as twill or pique require a running stich underlay along the edge of the columns to keep them from following the grain of the fabric.
Each fabric has different needs once you understand how to inherent differences of
the array of goods you embroidery you will understand how to overcome them.

2009-07-31T12:12:00.000-07:00

The introduction of appliques to your digitizing projects can reap both creative and practical rewards. The use of appliques can allow you to reduce the stitch count of your designs by as much as 80%. This will, of course, reduce the sewing time by almost as much, once you factor in the extra time necessary to place and tack down the applique or appliques.
Another benefit of using appliques, especially in large designs, is that it can be used to replace large areas of fill stitches, which can tend to make the design area stiff and uncomfortable to wear.
Digitizing
If your software has an automatic applique function (as in KPD Compositions Pro), the following steps will be added for you. First a placement line (running stitch)is digitized and followed by a stop code or color change. This will stop the design so that you can lay down the applique. Next a tack down stitch (either a zig zag or running stitch) is digitized so that the applique will be secured to the base fabric and then the applique is finished off with either a zig zag or satin stitch.
Techniques
There are a few different ways to cut out the appliques, and the choice of technique is based upon the amount of designs in the job order and the frequency that you use appliques in your designs.
Hand-cut
Hand cutting your designs is the most labor intensive and is a practical alternative only for very small jobs or samples or in an emergency when there is no time to send out the fabric to be cut. There are two methods commonly used, template and cutting on the machine. To create a template for your applique, hoop a light cardboard on you machine and sew out the applique placement line on the cardboard. You can then cut along the perforations and use this template to trace out and cut your appliques. You may also choose to cut the appliques in the hoop. To do this, digitize your tack down stitch inside the middle of the finishing satin stitch. Place a square of appliques fabric large enough to cover the entire appliqued area, and stitch it down. The remove the hoop from the machine and use a pair of applique scissors, cut along the outside edge of the applique, then place the hoop back on the machine and resume sewing.
CAD Cut
If you do a lot of applique work you might want to invest in a CAD cutter to use to cut them in-house. You can export a cut file from your software to run the machine and to assure that the applique is going to fit in your design perfectly.
Laser or water-jet cut
If you use appliques infrequently it would probably be best to send your digitized file to an applique cutting facility, the turn around time for this service can be as quick as 24-48 hours.
If your applique are large enough you might want to invest in a laser cutter or a beam laser. The advantage of a beam laser is that it allows you to cut either single or multiple appliques on the embroidery machine, which expedites the entire process.

2009-07-23T11:28:00.001-07:00

Every type of fabric has its own unique charactoristics, and its own challenges. Knits are no exception, needle type, backing, hooping, thread tension and proper digitizing all need to work together to produce the perfect end result.
Needle
To avoid cutting the fibers of the knit use a ball-point needle, a 75/11 should work well for any weight knit.
Backing
Tear-away backing is always the prefered choice as it is the least labor intensive to remove. however some knits are too delicate and can tear during the embroidery process so you need to turn to a no-show or organza backing which will afford more support without adding more bulk to the garment.
ToppingIf you are embroidering on a knit with a patterned texture such as pique, herringbone, birds-eye or cableknit you probably want to use a topping to flatten out the surface before you embroidery upon it.
Hooping
you do not want to stretch to knit in the hoop (with the exception of Spandex, which should be slightly stretched) you want to maake sure that your backing is tight in the hoop and the knit lies flat on top of it.
Tension
Because knits are less stable than woven fabrics they will cause satin stitches to pull in more and become thinner, especially if your thread tension is too tight. It is important to set your top tension looser than you would for a woven fabric and make sure that you bobbin tension is also loosened to make sure they are working together.
Digitizing
When digitizing for knits underlay and increased pull compensation are very important concerns. Use a lattice underlay under fills to minimise distortion and perpendicular underlay under satins to create a good base for the top stitching.
Embroidering on knits is no more difficult than anything else. If you understand why problems may occur they are much more easily remedied.

2009-07-16T07:08:00.000-07:00

I separated the design above by color to illustrate how you can easily you can create not only the illusion of volume but also the subtle variation from one color to another.
Keep Stitch Directions Consistant
If you are trying to blend different colors together make sure that the stitch directions are parallel this will create a smooth transition from one color to another.
Decrease The Density of Overlapping Colors
Take into consideration the overall density, if you have a density of 60 stitches per inch in each of two overlapping fills or columns, the final density is the total of both or 120 Sttiches per inch, which will create a very dense and hard feeling finished embroidery. however if you reduce the individual densities to 35 stitches per inch you will end up with only 70 stitches per inch and a much more pleasing outcome.
Use a Jagged Edge to overlap Different Colors
Colors blend better if the eges that overlap are irregular. two straight edges will create a more obvious line where they meet than two jagged ones.
Vary Stitch Direction To Define Different Planes
When I tried to differenciate between the outside of the plums and the cut edge of the center, I changed the direction of the stitches and created the two separate planes of the object. The more that you want to differenciate these shapes the more of an angle you want to place the two diffent directions of stitching.
Blending different colors smoothly is easy and can add a lot of depth to your finished embroidery if you just keep these simple steps in mind.

2009-07-06T07:36:00.000-07:00

Before you start sewing out you first garment it is usally a good idea to check the size and placement as it relates to the garment you are embroidering on.
KPD Compositions allows you to choose from 20 different garment and home decor items all in a wide range of sizes so that you can "virtually" check your placement before you start hooping them.

2009-06-29T07:06:00.001-07:00

Automatic digitizing often gets a bad rep, partly because most people that have been digitizing for years know that it can't be all things to all people, and this is true. It can however allow the novice to start digitizing perfectly acceptable designs, while they are learning the more advanced nuances of manually digitizing.
The key to digitizing automatically is to start out with good artwork. If you need to make changes to that artwork you can do this within the auto-digitizing process, before you translate the design into embroidery, or after the design has been converted to embroidery using the shape editor. You can also make adjustments to the automatic density, pull compensation and underlay settings.
Automatic digitizing is a very powerfull tool and one that I encourage you to use, but I also suggest that you preview the resulting design and makev sure there are no adjustments to be made before you sew out your final embroidery.

2009-06-18T06:55:00.000-07:00

Before you start digitizing a design, whether it is automatically, semi-automatically or manually, you can go to the general options menu item in, KPD Compositions, which is located under the tools heading and choose the fabric type that you will be digitizing for. This will set up the proper density, pull comensation and underlay type or types that are most appropriate for this particular design. While this is a time saving device for experienced digitizers, it is a godsend for novices as it pretty much elliminattes the need to understand the relationship between the digitized design and the quality of the finished embroidery. The more you digitize the more you will learn about what settings work for a particular fabric and which don't and you can become more and more involved with the digitizing settings and eventually defining your own unique digitizing style.

2009-06-15T12:34:00.000-07:00

We all have our favorite settings for creating lettering for differnet situations. For small lettering I like to decrease the density to 45 SPI and to add a single perpendicular running stitch as the underlay. For large lettering on a towel I like to use density of 65 SPI and a crosshatch underlay. You get the idea, and I am sure that you all have your own list of perfect combinations of settings that work just right for you. When you are creating your lettering using KPD Compositions you can save an unlimited amount of lettering styles, so that you can quickly and automatically call up the most perfect and personalized settings for the particular type of lettering you need.

2009-05-21T08:09:00.001-07:00

"I have been digitizing for over 25 years and when I tried Compositions Pro I was blown away, after watching the training video I was able to start digitizing in about five minutes. It is truely remarkable," Lisa Muller
"I have always wanted to learn to digitize and getting the Compositions Pro was just the right ticket for me! My biggest concern, after money, was that it would take me weeks to learn and months before I could do something that I was proud of. It is modestly priced and easy to follow and I did my first simple project within an hour. I am progressing quickly and having fun with it now." Pat, The Avid Embroiderer
"So far from what I have seen, it looks pretty easy to use. ... If you have an understanding of other software like Illustrator, Corel Draw or even Flexisign, it should be relatively easy to pick up. I do have to say that it seems to logically be laid out with tools that make sense. I can't wait to use it more! Thanks for answering my questions."

Edgar Flor
Amazon Design Graphics, Inc.

2009-05-20T08:10:00.000-07:00

Ken Parsons Designs is now offering an upgrade to sequins and chenille for it top of the line digitizing program KPD Compositions Pro. For just $300. more you can add the capability to digitize for either sequins or chenille. These features give the digitizer the ability to tackle any embroidery job that is out there.
Fully functioned, easy to use, and totally user customizable, that is what KPD Compostions is all about. This is the software program every digitizer has been waiting for.

2009-05-11T08:30:00.001-07:00

Small Lettering

When it comes to embroidering small lettering many new embroiderers panic, because they don’t understand the intricacies of making lettering legible as it gets smaller. The simplest route to take is to use a pre-digitized font created to only be sewn at between .16 and .25 inches. If don’t have a small font then you need to choose a simple font without serifs.
Underlay
When making an underlay choice, choose a single running stitch in the center of the columns.
Density
Lower you density to about 45 stitches per inch.
Topping
If you are embroidering on a pique knit, fleece, polar fleece, velvet, or Terrycloth use a water or heat soluble topping.

2009-04-29T06:51:00.000-07:00

10 Reasons to upgrade to Compositions Advanced and Pro

1. User friendly interface
Digitizing has never been faster or easier!
2. Short learning curve
Start digitizing on the first day!
3. Excellent stitch quality
Both novices and experts will be amazed by the stitch quality!
4. Advanced lettering capabilities
The advanced envelope feature allows you to fit lettering into any shape!
5. Connect directly to your Tajima, Barudan, SWF, KSM, Ricoma, or Toyota machine
Send your finished designs directly to the machine and eliminate an entire step!
6. Import both raster and vector artwork files
Virtually any type of artwork can instantly be transformed into embroidery!
7. Auto Digitizer Wizard
Take the hassle out of digitizing, let the program do it for you!
8. Magic Wand Semi-auto-digitizing tool
Keep control of the digitizing process while eliminating the grunt work!
9. Templates
Place designs on a circle, neckline or in a pattern automatically!
10. Advanced outline and stitch editing
Make changes to your design at any step in the process always maintaining quality control!

Embroidery just got a whole lot easier, and you can test drive it today just go to www.vectorsoft.gr/download/kp/KPDCompositionsSetup207.exe to download a read only copy.

2009-04-28T06:32:00.000-07:00

With KPD Compositions you have three different option for digitizing. You can use the Auto-digitizer Wizard, use the Magic Wand or choose to manually digitize your designs.

2009-04-21T10:49:00.000-07:00

To view a quick demo go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fisoYgZkypY
Ken Parsons Designs Announces KPD Compositions Advanced and Pro Two new products have been added the the KPD line; KPD Compositions Advanced and KPD Compositions Pro, both are fully functioned digitizing, editing and lettering software programs. Among their shared features are: A totally customizable user interface, which will automaticall choose the proper density, pull compensation, and underlay based upon the users fabric choice. The Autodigitizing Wizard, which totally automates the digitizing process while still allowing the user to edit the artwork and finished embroidery design. Templates, both systems come with both a neckline and circle template, which allow the user to place any design on a neckline, collar, cuff or equidistantly placed on a circle. Lettering which allows the user to create lettering on a line, arc, or morph into any shape using the Envelope feature. Create designs directly on the garment, The garment icon allows the user to bring in an actual garment pattern and choose the location or multiple locations for the finished embroidery and actually create the embroidery within that environment. STO, the built-in stitch processor works in the background so that all changes the user makes to a stitch file will not affect its sewing quality. Simple, clean and self-explanatory user interface, which keeps training and the learning curve to a minimum. KPD Compositions Pro adds: A Repeat Template for sewing patches and name tags. 100 Standard Fonts. True type lettering The ability to convert Vector art to embroidery. Advanced stitch editing and more outline editing tools. Automatic applique, Automatic fills with voids, Steil stitch, and Cross stitch fill. Motifs Artwork Tools And much much more. Right Product, Right Price Both KPD Compositions Advanced and Pro are designed to allow both the novice and professional experienced digitizer to create even the most intricate designs with ease and speed. The programs are completely customizable so that you can choose to digitize using Bezier, simple draw and freehand drawing tools. You can also choose if you wish the program to decide where each segment starts and ends and the direction of the stitching, or you can make those choices manually. For beginners KPD Compositions can be used to totally automate the digitizing process, essentially eliminating the learning curve. For the advanced the built in styles, customization of tools and hotkeys, and a built-in Stitch Processor speed up the process and provide a very comfortable and familiar user interface. About Ken Parsons Designs Ken Parsons Designs was established in 2006, and has always been a software and embroidery stock design provider. Our dealers include; Ann the Gran, Embroidery Central, Embroiderydesigns.com, and Metro embroidery threads. Pricing KPD Compositions Advanced List Price: $499. KPD Compositions Pro List Price: $1,199.

2009-03-11T08:25:00.000-07:00

I found this post on the internet and thought you might find it interesting:
I was doing some surfing the other day looking for embroidery thread kits for my new embroidery friend. I couldn’t remember where I purchased a previous kit, so I just did a google on machine embroidery thread kits.

Up popped this site. I’ve never heard of Metro before, but I figured why not check out their wares. I was shocked when I saw that they currently have a sale going on.

See a few weeks ago I was making free standing lace heart shaped boxes. A small cone, I can only do 3 hearts. I figured if I plan on making a bunch of free standing lace items, I will need big cones. Wednesday I placed an order for a total of 8 big cones. Like I said, what the heck.

My purchase came today. I opened the box and was really surprised. I ordered all pale colors for some free standing lace purses, hankies, hearts and 3D items. Even though the threads are pale, they are really, really brilliant. Had to run upstairs and load some designs in my PR 600. I stitched out a purse in pale yellow. Beautiful… Next one, pale green. Wonderful… Stopped after that cause it was time to prepare dinner.

Lets just say this, these poly big cones are great. And the price of 2.25 each is a steal. Unfortunately they don’t have any in white, which I needed. The sheen of this thread is really, really nice.

Planning on placing another order. I forgot with the hearts I am making, I was suppose to buy 2 cones, so now that I like the product, I will buy more of the pink as well as some of the other colors they have. Take a stop at their site. If you end up buying some cones, let me know your opinion. Here is their site and they only take orders over the internet.

Mini Cones .75 cents each, 20 color kit $55.00, bobbins, two types - cardboard and magnetic (which I really like).

Like their site says: “Try it and see the difference”. I did and I like it! http://www.metroem.net/index.html

2009-03-06T06:59:00.000-08:00

2009-02-26T08:44:00.000-08:00

The Avid Embroiderer Presents, KP Compositions, February 19, 2009

When I first looked at Ken Parson’s Compositions, I was confused by it, not because it was difficult in itself, but because I had never seen anything like it before. Once I had a grasp of the features, I must say, I am so impressed. I hope you will be as well! This software can do so much for your projects and I will try to explain most of them for you. (Not in any order)

Even if you cannot digitize, you can rework your design to be really individual.
The software automatically adds ‘pull compensation’ and ‘underlay’ to ensure the quality of the finished product.
Resizing in ANY amount-not just the 20% standard resize recommended, rotation and mirroring of designs are a snap.
Gives excellent recommendations for needles, stabilizers and thread.
Repeating of designs, especially in a ‘pattern’ is automated; and, those colors are set to significantly reduce thread changes.
Import and export of newly created designs, in most available formats, are simple.
Splitting of designs is automated.
Add an autobaste for your project if you desire.
Use slow draw to see just how the design will sew out.
Instant lettering and/or monogramming is available and easy to use. (Available in English, French or Italian)
Two manually digitized lettering sets at 4mm. (24mm is approximately 1")
The more I play with the software, the more things I find I am able to do.
Well, I could go on, but instead, you can walk with me through a simple project.

I am making a kitchen towel as a gift for Valentine’s Day. After opening KP Composition, it asks me for a new or existing project. I select ‘new’ and it asks me some questions. In photo #2 I tell the software my fabric is a (velour) towel in the PES format, it is a towel, and the size is even listed. I can indicate the color but the really interesting section is the ‘Recipe Suggestions.’ It recommends the needle, thread, topping, backing and lets me know that it will be making some adjustments for the ‘pull’ of the design.

I don’t have to use the recommendations, but I find them to be very good. However, I will use a stronger backing, because that has been best in my experience.

Next, it gives me information regarding the ‘location’ area. It lets me know that I need to be in that location area to do tasks. Without this information, I would have not been able to get to the first stitch. I am pleased that the programmer helps me to understand the rules. The next photo shows the overall layout of my project.

From the ‘toolbar’ (circled) I can select a template of the ‘location’ style or design my own. I choose a circle from the template. Notice that the ‘handles’ around the location show that I have selected the location. In the second photo, I am moving the ‘location’ down toward the bottom of the towel. In this case, it is not a big issue; however, if I were doing a man’s shirt, it would be important. The circle in the 2nd photo is the handle with which you can rotate your design which is handy.

Now that the location is in position, I double click on it so that the area is ‘full size.’ I could have used the “View Menu” as well. TIP: You may see that if you don't make this full size, you cannot merge/import designs. In photo #2, I select “Merge Stitch File” from the File Menu. Or, I could have used one of the designs from the left side of the screen. From my designs, I have selected a ‘Saying’ that I got from ca few months ago. I like it because the font is different and it says “Eat Chocolate,” my favorite motto. . . .

My design is in the location and in the 2nd photo, I have selected the hoop from the toolbar. That will let me know that I am within the area of my desired hoop. TIP: If you don't use the correct hoop size, and stay inside it, you may have error messages later when trying to do a sewout. I may have to adjust some of the pieces of the designs. In the right side of the screen, there is a Sequence View indicating that ‘Eat Chocolate’ will be the first item to sew out. If I prefer, I can have it sew out in a different order by selecting the specific item, and move it in the Sequence View. Doing likewise, with a piece of a design (single or multiple colors) I can remove, duplicate and rotate the piece. So, if I had a single leafy branch, I could make dozens of that part only and change each of them a little bit thereby making them a bouquet of leafy branches!

I rotated ‘Eat Chocolate’ and I have brought in the 2nd and 3rd design in the same manner as the first. The Sequence View shows the new items and how they will sew out. You can also see the ‘properties’ of the 2nd design because it is selected (handles are in view). Any adjustments in size or rotation can be made in either of the property (lower right) or selected areas (using the box handles). For instance, if I make the (abstract) chocolate bar smaller, the software will automatically decrease stitches and vice versa.

Next, I am going to make the chocolate bar a lot smaller. The 'rule of thumb' is never reduce or expand a design more than 20%. In this case, I am making it about 35% smaller because the software automatically reduces stitches AND, if I think it is still too dense, I can further reduce stitching in the Properties/Advanced selection. That can be significant when you are doing baby designs for infant clothing!

I am using the ‘Circle Template’ to add more bars to the design. They will be exactly spaced and placed. I will do the same for the small flower I am using in the design.

Everything is still inside the hoop and I just want to be able align everything to the center of the hoop. I use the toolbar and select the ‘align’ icon. I can still move/rotate the chocolate bar or flower, the software is so flexible.

I am ready to save and sew out my new design. To save the project, use the File Menu and select ‘save as.’ To save the design, in the File Menu, select ‘Export Stitch File’ and save it with your other designs or wherever you want it. Since you have previously selected your format, it will automatically save in that format.

These great towels are from AllaboutBlanks, the red is absolutely gorgeous and the white a true white!!!

Here are a couple of other designs I created. It was fun once I had a good handle on what to do to build my ideas.

Before and After - Sorry about the photos, they are drawings, the stitching is appropriate.

Here is my attempt at adding some freehand stitching - I NEVER SAID I COULD DRAW!! The pitcher is from Composition Software which I rotated and added water spilling out. I am just having fun with this software.

As with most software, there are multiple ways to complete a task; these are my methods and I hope you find them useful for you. You have nothing to lose, there is a 30 day free trial and keeping the above info in mind, you are going to have a lot of fun! This is a good value for your dollars, you can do so much with it. No more 'bullet proof' density or rotating problems!

Vist the Avid Embroiderer at http://www.annthegran.com/cs/blogs/avid-embroiderer/archive/2009/02/19/the-avid-embroiderer-presents-kp-compositions-february-13-2009.aspx

2009-02-26T08:18:00.000-08:00

I created this unique pillow design by first using the circle template in Compositions project based embroidery software to create a circular border for my monogram for the grape leaf design from my Create a Centerpeice collection. I then added the monogram in the center using the monogram function also in Compositions. I then finished it off with the same deign in each corener. I reversed copied and rotated them to create a corner design comprised of two of the designs in each corner. Download you free copy of Compsitions to use for thirty days today at www.annthegran.com

2009-01-19T06:53:00.000-08:00

For those of you that are using Compositions project based embroidery design software, and would like basic online instrutions of how to use it or, to have any of you questions personally answered by me, I am giving online webinars every Thursday at 4PM EST on www.embroidery.com. Please go to their website to register. I will not be teaching the class this coming Thursday (January 22) as I will be attending the ISS show in Long Beach but will resume on them on January 29. I look forward to meeting you there.

2008-08-05T12:07:00.000-07:00

I created this heirloom inspired blouse by combining 3 different designs from my "Traditional Florals" collection. I then re-sized, rotated and reversed them until I got a pleasing composition, then I changed all of the colors to white to give the design more adhesion. The result I feel is very traditional and timeless. To see all of the designs in this collection go to www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

2008-07-24T07:22:00.001-07:00

I created this nautical design by combining the wreath, anchor, and banner, all from my "Create A Crest" collection with the ship name "Windward". I used the envelope feature in Compositions project based embroidery design software to conform the shape of the lettering to the banner. To download a free 30 day trial copy of Compositions go to www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

2008-07-16T13:08:00.000-07:00

I created this shirt by using the neckline template in Compositions project based embroidery design softwareto allign the stars from my "Dress Up Your designs collection" around the neckline. I then created a location on the edge of the sleeve and lined the stars up vertically. The result is a nautically inspired t-shirt, perfect for the Summer season. To see how the neckline template works go to the demo at www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

2008-06-25T11:10:00.000-07:00

I created this simple yet powerful design by adding the lettering "Princess" in Bellagio script over the stock design diamond from my "Flash and Fantasy" collection, the result is a modern and clean design that will appeal to any teenage girl anywhere. To see all of the designs in this colection go to www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

2008-06-17T09:51:00.001-07:00

I created the design above by combining 4 different flowers from my "Fabulous Florals" collection with the lettering "WILD" at the top using Fairbanks block and "Flowers" on the bottom using Bellagio script, using Compositions project based embroidery design software. To see how easy this software is to use go to the demo at www.kenparsonsdesigns.com, while you are there you can also view all of the designs in my many collections.

2008-06-09T06:44:00.000-07:00

This simple oven mitt pattern can be printed out so that you can construct and embroider an oven mitt to match your kitchen fabrics. To create the design I simply combined one of the roosters from my "Best Of The Barnyard" collection with the boomerang shape from my "Abstract Backgrounds" collection. I then flipped the rooster upside down and reversed it and then placed it on the background. The result is the perfect oven mitt to complement any kitchen decor. To see all of the designs in these collections and also how easily and quickly they can be created by using Compositions project based embroidery design software go to www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

2008-06-04T08:27:00.001-07:00

Did you know that you can use Compositions project based embroidery software to edit by color? I took this apple design for my "Fresh From The Grove" collection and only selected the colors in the right apple by clicking on the segments in the color order on menu the right of the screen. Then all I had to do was to right click on the group on the screen and choose delete. To see a full demo of this powerful software program go to www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

2008-05-29T06:53:00.000-07:00

I created this very simple border design by combining two shoes from my "Fancy Footwork" collection, two handbags from my "It's In The Bag" collection and two hats from my "Millinary Madness" collection. Then I just re-sized them to be more in proportion to each other and lined them up about two inches from the hem. The result is a fun and whimsical ode to fashion. To see all of these designs go to www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

2008-05-28T06:08:00.000-07:00

Compositions project based embroidery design software, easily allows you to place any design perfectly on a neckline or in a circle. In the example above I placed the Hibiscus design from my "Fabulous Florals" collection on the neckline of this blouse. Not only does it space them out evenly but it also reorders the colors to minimise the color changes. Download your free trial copy today and see how easily you can create your own embroidered masterpieces. Just go to www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

2008-05-21T06:35:00.001-07:00

Everybody needs a lucky shirt when they go to Vegas. I created this simple design consisting of two locations. The pocket of the shirt was first removed and the "Viva Las Vegas" lettering was embroidered on it along with the dice design from my "It A Boy's Life" collection. I then embroidered the aces design (from the same collection)partially above where the pocket will be re-sewn and partially inside where the pocket wil be re-sewn. The resulting illusion is that the cards are peeking out of the pocket. To see all of the designs in this collection go to www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

2008-05-20T07:30:00.001-07:00

I created this skirt design using Compositions project based embroidery design software. First I digitized the seaweed, then I added the fish from my "Anchors Away" collection, After reversing and rotating them to get them in the right position I added a few more pieces of seaweed on top of the fish to make it look more three dimensional. I then finished it off with the pail and shovel at the bottom to create a little more interest. To find out how easily you can digitize and edit your own designs with Compositions or to see all of the designs in this collection go to www.kenparsonsdesigns.com.

2008-05-12T07:32:00.000-07:00

Today's project is very simple. I merely took the fly fishing design from my "A Sporting Life" collection and combined it with the lettering "Fly Away". The finished design is fun, looks great on the t-shirt, and expresses the joy of getting away and being at one with nature. To see how easily you can create your own designs with Compositions project based embroidery design software view the demo at www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

2008-05-09T06:27:00.000-07:00

When you are embroidering a monogram on a napkin, first measure 3" from the corner of the napkin (opposite the label if there is one) and center your monogram at a 45 degree angle in that location. A size of 2.5" to 3" inches is appropriate for this use. To see how easily you can create and place monograms using Compositions project based embroidery design software you can view the demo at www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

2008-05-08T07:31:00.000-07:00

I put together this beach towel design by combining six of the shells from my "Seaside Memories" collection with the lettering "Trasures of the Sea". I then used the web translator function in Compositions project based embroidery design software to translate it into French. The result is a tranquil soft design with a continental twist. To see all of the designs in this collection or to order Compositions today for only $169. go to www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

2008-05-06T07:13:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you really want to make a statement with your embroidered design. I think this design does just that. I took three different lily designs from my "Fabulous Florals" collection and using the edit by color feature in Compositions deleted their stems so that they would be easier to group together. I then copied, reversed and rotated them until I had a finished shape that had the richness I was looking for. The result is a design that refuses to be ignored. To see all of the designs in this collection or to order Compositions project based embroidery design software go to www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

2008-05-02T09:07:00.000-07:00

Sometimes the best ideas are the simplest. I took the three fairies from my "Flash and Fantasy" collection and combined them with the word "magic" and the end result, I think is a little magical. Go to www.kenparsonsdesigns.com and download your free trial version of Compositions today and see what you can create.

2008-05-01T09:21:00.000-07:00

Here is a quick and easy t-shirt design for the teen in your family. I simply took the LP and Guitar designs from my "It's A Boys Life" collection and combined them to create this hip and retro design. To see all of the designs in this collection go to www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

2008-04-28T10:05:00.000-07:00

I created this fun girl's soccer shirt by combining 6 soccer balls from my "Flash and Fantasy" collection with the individual letters "SOCCER" using Compositions project based embroidery design software. To see how quickly and easily you can create your own designs with Compositions go to the demo at www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

2008-04-25T06:25:00.001-07:00

When monogramming towels "His" and "Hers" are a nice choice, a more personalized monogram is even nicer, but a custom monogram is definitely the best. I created the monogram above by combinning the wreath from my "Create A Crest" collection with a circular monogram I created using Compositions project based embroidery design software. The result is an orginal and regal creation suitable for any king or queen of their castle. To see all of the possibilities in this collection go to www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

2008-04-24T07:30:00.001-07:00

I created this kitchen valance design by grouping a series of roosters from my "Best of the Barnyard" collection with the feather design from the same collection. The feather is used to both unify the different rooster designs and to create a rhythm across the valance. While this design is stitch intensive it is truely a one of a kind adition to a cozy country kitchen. To see all of the designs in this collection go to www.kenparsonsdesigns.com or www.annthegran.com or www.embroidery.com or www.embroiderydesigns.com

2008-04-23T06:08:00.001-07:00

What could better issue in Spring than a design composed of flowers and ribbons. I created the design above by combining two flowers from my "Fabulous Florals" with the larger ribbon from my "Dress Up Your Designs" collection. The resulting design creates a gentle flow diagonally across the garment and imparts a graceful elegance. To see all of the designs in these collections go to www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

2008-04-22T07:12:00.000-07:00

I created this floral apron design by combining two lilies and cherry blossoms from my "Fabulous Florals" collection. I copied, reversed and rotated the Lillies to make it a lttle less symetrical. I then added the lettering underneath using Compositions project based embroidery design software. To see how quickly and easily you can create custom design with Compositions go to the demo at www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

2008-04-21T05:57:00.001-07:00

I created this rose pillow design by taking the rose from my "Fabulous Florals" collection and using the circle template to create a circular border and then finished it off by adding two of the same design in the center. To see how the circle template works in Compositions project based embroidery design software go to the demo at www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

2008-04-18T06:55:00.000-07:00

Summer, at least here in the northeast, has bypassed Spring and is approaching with all its strength and beauty. In honor of this early arrival I created this tropically inspired T-shirt design by combining the Palm fronds and and purple Hibiscus across the front chest of the shirt. The resulting design screams warm weather, cool breezes and halcyon times. To see all of the designs in this collection go to www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

2008-04-17T06:55:00.001-07:00

I created this teen inspired T-shirt design by combining two different cyclists from my "It's A Boy's Life" collection and repeating and reversing them until I got a good flow of the shapes. I then changed all of them to blue and added the lettering design from the same collection. The resulting design is exciting and very trendy. To see all of the designs in this collection go to www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

2008-04-16T05:57:00.000-07:00

I created this simple hemline design by combining two coordinating flourish designs from my "Dress Up Your Designs" collection. I divided the design into two separate hoopings and had them meet at the center of the skirt. The design has a great flow and adds a more formal look to the simple aline skirt. To see all of the designs in this collection go to www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

2008-04-14T06:28:00.000-07:00

I created this design by combining the Hydrangea from my "Fabulous Florals" collection with the one of the vases from my "Create a Centerpiece" collection. I then copied and rotated the Hydrangea design twice and moved them until I found the arrangement pleasing. To see all of the designs in these collections go to www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

2008-04-09T07:45:00.000-07:00

I created this simple Summer gardening apron by combining two of the hibiscus designs from my "Fabulous florals" collection. I then copied and reversed them and moved them around until I got a pleasing mix of shades and shapes. I then finished it off by adding the lettering "Summer Flowers" which I used the web translator in
Compositions project based embroidery design software to convert to French. The resulting design is both rich and understated. To see how the web translator works pleae view the demo at www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

2008-04-08T05:29:00.001-07:00

I created this simple left chest design by combining one of the sailboats from my "Anchors Away" collection with the lettering "Trade Winds" in Bellagio script. The resulting design congers up thoughts of warm sunshine, cool breezes and lapping waves. To see all of the designs in this collection go to www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

2008-04-07T05:44:00.001-07:00

Celebrate the beginning of a spectacular new season with this fun design. I merely combined the sunglasses design from my "Flash and Fantasy" collection with the lettering "Spec-tacular Summer" in Bellagio script using Compositions project based embroidery design software. Go to www.kenparsonsdesigns.com to see how easily you can create your own spectacular designs.

2008-04-04T04:30:00.001-07:00

Today's project is a simple as they come. I simply centered the great outdoors design from my "A Sporting Life" collection. I could have easily deleted the border and or the lettering and added whatever phrase I wanted. To see all of these fun designs go to www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

2008-04-03T05:20:00.001-07:00

Repetition of images is a great way to create movement and excitement in your designs. In the example above I chose to repeat the cyclist from my "It's A Boys Life" collection in an ueven pattern to suggest a race. I then added the speed design also from that collection. The result is a fun, fresh and energetic youthful design. To see all of the designs in this collection go to www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

2008-04-02T05:37:00.000-07:00

To create this sweatshirt design, I simply took the rainbow from my "Flash and Fantasy' collection and repeated it, rotated it and then moved them to create this double infinity symbol. I then added the lettering "Rainbows Forever" using Compositions project based embroidery design software. To see all of the designs in this collection or to view a demo of Compositions go to www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

2008-04-01T05:54:00.000-07:00

While embroidering the border of a skirt can tend to give the body a shorter look, using triangular designs at the hemline can actually have an elongating effect. I chose to create the same design in two different sizes along the hem of this skirt, to acheive this effect. The individual design was created by combining three different designs from my "Fantastic Flora' collection. I then repeated, reversed, r-sized and moved them until I came up with a pleasing triangular shape. I then copied the entire design, placed it in the second location and re-sized and rotated the entire design to create my smaller triangular design. I then alternated them along the hem until the grament was finished. Please note that all of the designs in this collection are low in stitch count, so it is a perfect candidate for this large an embroidery. To see all of the designs in this collection go to www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

2008-03-31T05:24:00.001-07:00

This very simple pillow design was created by using the circle template tool to copy the ribbon design from my "Dress Up Your Designs" collection in a circle. I then increased the amount of designs so that they would overlap. I then finished it off with the bow design from the same collection in the middle. To see how easily you can use the circle template view the Compositions project based embroidery software at www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

2008-03-28T06:15:00.000-07:00

This triangular design placed on the left and right top of a blouse was created by combining two different flourish designs from my "Dress Up Your designs" collection. I simply copied, reversed and rotated them until I got an overall flow to the design and yet keep it within the triagular shape that I wanted. To see the whole collection or to downoad a 30 day trial version of Compositions project based embroidery design software go to www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

2008-03-27T05:33:00.000-07:00

You can use simple stock designs to create a logo for just about any business. I took the nail polish design from my "Flash and Fantasy" collection and combined it with the name of a nail salon and came up with a logo to embroider on their capes and uniforms. To see all of the designs in this collection go to www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

2008-03-26T06:24:00.000-07:00

I created the pillow design by first using the circle template to repeat the grape leaf design from my "Dress Up Your Designs" collection in a circular border. I then added the grapes from my "Fresh From The Grove" collection in the center and then re-sized it so that it would look proportionate. To see how easily and automatically you can create a circular or neckline design go to www.kenparsonsdesigns.com and download you free 30 day trial version of Compositions project based emboidery design software.

2008-03-25T06:24:00.001-07:00

It is incredibly important to design embroidery on the actual fabric color that it is being placed upon. This very delicate and subtly colored floral design would be lost on a pale base fabric but as you can see it practically jumps off the garment when placed on a black fabric. To see how you can use the base fabric color to add new excitement to your designs download a 30 day trial version of Compositions project based embroidery design software and see how easy it is to design appropriate and more effective designs when you are designing on the actual garments and colors upon which they are going to be embroidered.

2008-03-24T05:27:00.001-07:00

I created this simple linear design by combining 3 different vases from my "Create A Centerpiece" collection and then repeating and reversing the largest vase to create a little better balance. To see all of the designs in theis collection go to www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

2008-03-21T08:45:00.000-07:00

This simple but powerful racing inspired sweatshirt was created by placing the Pure Speed design from my "It's A Sporting Life" collection on the lest chest of the sweatsirt and then placing the lettering "PURE SPEED" in Fairbanks block along the length of the sleeve. Sometimes when designing embroidery less is more. To see all of the exciting designs in this collection go to www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

2008-03-20T05:36:00.001-07:00

I created this skirt border design in two separate hoopings. The design consists of flowers from my "Fabulous Florals" collection paired with abstract shapes from my "Abstract Accents" collection. The result is a fun and whimsical design that gives a nod to fifties modern glamour. To see all of the designs in these collections go to www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

2008-03-19T05:28:00.000-07:00

I created this Spring bouquet design for a gardening apron by combining the Rose and Lily from my "Fabulous Florals" collection with the Fern fronds and Bouquet base with ribbons from my "Create A Centerpiece" collection. By repeating, re-sizing, rotating and reversing the various designs (using Compositions project based embroidery design software) I came up with a bouquet so lush and fresh you can almost smell it. To see all of the designs in these collections or to download a 30 day trial version of Compositions software go to www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

2008-03-18T05:51:00.000-07:00

I created this sailing design by combining the Anchor, Life Preserver, and Sailboat from my "Create A Crest" collection with the lettering "Id rather be sailing" using Fairbanks block font. I used the envelope function to curve the bottom of the top lettering around the designs. To see how this feature works please visit the demo at www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

2008-03-17T05:18:00.000-07:00

Add a little magic and mystery by combining the three fairies in my "Flash and Fantasy" collection together to create a design which will stimulate any child's imagination. To see the entire collection go to www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

2008-03-13T07:20:00.001-07:00

I created this blouse border design by lining up various different shoes from my "Fancy Footwork" collection. To make the shoes fit together as a cohesive group it was necessary to reverse and rotate most of the designs until they created the right flow. To see all of the designs in this collection or how quickly and easily you can design embroidery directly on your garment with Compositions project based embroidery design software go to www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

2008-03-12T06:48:00.000-07:00

This t-shirt design, perfect for Friday night's poker game was created by combining the cards and chips from my "It's A Boy's Life" collection. I then simply added the lettering "Texas Hold'em" using the Fairbanks block which is a standard font included with Compositions project based embroidery design software. Go to www.kenparsondesigns.com to download your free trial version of Compositions today.

2008-03-11T12:20:00.000-07:00

The three designs that comprise to make up this paisley stripe areound the entire T-shirt when made from combining designs from my "Paisley Passion" collection. These surprisingly versatile designs can be combined to create and unending number of designs from tiny to all over designs. To see all of the designs in this collection go to www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

2008-03-06T08:51:00.000-08:00

The Chanel inspired jewelry design on the black t-shirt above was created from the chains, pearls, and heart charm from my "Beads, Baubles and Bling" collection. This fun collection allows you to create necklaces, bracelets, pins and rings from a large variety of gems, charms and chains. See the entire collection at www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

2008-03-05T06:50:00.001-08:00

This third in a series of valance designs has a very tropical feel. I combined the double palm fronds from my "Taste of the Tropics" collection with the hibiscus design from my "Fabulous Florals" collection to create two different location repeat designs. They are designed to be used alternately for any length valance. To see all of the designs in these collections go to www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

2008-03-04T07:17:00.000-08:00

The Valance design above is a subtile mixture of greens and blues on an agua grouhd. The design consists of two scroll designs from my "Dress Up Your Designs" collection which have been reversed and rotated and then repeated in an undulating pattern. I then copied the finished design and reversed it vertically and then wove it into the original design. The finished design is both complex and cohesive. To see all of the designs in this collection go to www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

2008-02-29T08:07:00.000-08:00

This simple single color valance design was created from three different designs from my "Fantastic Flora" collection which I combined together to create three identical repeat hoopings. The designs which were originally multi-color were simplified to one color, which gives the entire panel design a clean yet bold overall look. To see all of the designs is this very traditional collection go to www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

2008-02-28T07:31:00.000-08:00

I started this pillow design with the star design which is one of the complementary designs included when you purchase Compositions project based embroidery design software. I then used the circle template to copy the scroll design from my "Dress Up Your Designs" collection in a circular pattern. I then finished it up with the wreath from my "Create A Crest" collection, and copied a smaller version of the star design in each of the four corners. To see all of the designs from these collections or to see how the circle template works within Compositions embroidery software go to www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

2008-02-27T07:23:00.000-08:00

This "Ode To Spring" sweatshirt was created by combining the Lily and two different Hibiscus designs from my "Fabulous Florals" collection with two butterflies from my "All Aflutter" collection and then finishing it off by adding the lettering "Spring". While you can automatically space out the lettering in Compositions project based embroidery design software, I chose to manually move the letters individually to make sure that they focussed on the right portion of the flowers to create a smooth design rhythm. To see all of the designs in these collections go to www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

2008-02-26T07:28:00.001-08:00

The design above includes three designs from my "Backyard Birds" collection. I then added the lettering "Love Birds" underneath. Of course you could omit the lettering or replace it with lots of different choice like; A Breath of Spring, Spring Song, Love Calls or whatever comes to your mind. To see all of the designs in this collection go to www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

2008-02-25T07:33:00.000-08:00

This simple pillow design was created for a Florida beach house. It contains three shells from my "Seaside Memories" collection paired with the lettering "Fruit of the Sea" which I used the built in web translator in Compositions project based embroidery design software to translate into Italian. This was a quick, fun and easy project. To see all of the designs in this collection or to see how the web translator works go to www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

2008-02-22T07:35:00.000-08:00

This rose coursage design was created to be embroidered on a one shoulder asymmetrical dress. I started with the rose design (which is one of the complementary designs included with Compositions project based embroidery design software) I then copied and reduced one and placed it to the right of the original. I then copied the smaller rose and reversed it and placed it to the left of the original rose. I then finished it up by adding the bow from my "Dress Up Your Designs" collection. The resulting project is fun, original and incredibly easy to create yourself. To see how easily you can create your own designs using Compositions you can download your free copy to use for 30 days at www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

2008-02-21T08:55:00.000-08:00

It doesn't matter where you live every season is the season for some type of fishing. To keep you properly garbed for the fishing season ahead I put together this simple pocket design by combining the Fishing Kreel design from my "It's A Sporting Life" collection with the lettering "Gone Fishing" using the Fairbanks font which is included as standard in Compositions project based embroidery design software. To see all of the designs in this collection go to www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

2008-02-20T07:38:00.000-08:00

I created this v-neck design and then placed it on a scoop neck blouse. The design uses the ribbon design from my "Dress Up Your Designs" collection and pairs it with two different lily designs from my "Fabulous Florals" collection. The resulting design entwines the lily stems through the twists of the ribbon to create a rhythmic curve thoughout the entire design. To see all of the designs in this collection go to www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

2008-02-19T06:35:00.000-08:00

Most times the guys in the family are the last to reap the benefits of having an embroidery machine in the house. In an effort to upset this regularity, I decided to suggest a shirt design which is both current in style and upcoming season. This three location design was created by lining up the six sailboats from my "Anchors Away" collection across the chest and back of the shirt. I then finished it up by adding the lettering "sailing" vertically down the length of the sleeve. To see all of the designs in this collection or to see how easily lettering can be created using Compositions project based embroidery design software go to www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

2008-02-18T06:20:00.000-08:00

When I was designing embroidery for this gored skirt, I decided to place my design on both sides of the gore to increase the impact of the garment detail. The design combines traditional abstracted florals from my "Fantastic Flora" collection, which I chose for their bold impact and low stitch count. The resulting design significantly enhances the impact the gore panel adds to the garment. To see all of the designs in this collection go to www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

2008-02-15T05:16:00.000-08:00

The design above was composed almost totally automaticaly using the neckline template. I took the diamond pendant design from my "Beads, Baubles and Bling" collection and applied it to the neckline template. I then adjusted the size to match the specific t-shirt neckline. You might also notice that the neckline template also reorders the colors to minimize the color changes. To see how this template works go to the demo at www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

2008-02-14T06:25:00.000-08:00

At least at one time every embroiderer is approached to embroider something for members of their community, whether it is a charity event or or just a favor for a neighbor or friend. Here is a simple solution for providing a simple t-shirt design that is quick and easy. I combined the basketball design from my "It's A Sporting Life" collection and just added the lettering "Fort Mills" on the top in navy and separated the two words so that they would fall on both sides of the figure. I then finished it off with the lettering "BASKETBALL" on the bottom and then re-ordered the design so that the lettering would be behind the image. The resulting design is pleasing, clean and modern. To see all of the designs in this collection go to www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

2008-02-13T11:17:00.000-08:00

I created this gardening design for an apron by combining three flowers from my "Fabulous Florals" with the vase that comes standard with Compositions project based embroidery design software, I then finished it off by adding the lettering Spring Fever which I used the Web Translator to translate into French. I then finished it off by applying an envelope to the letters so that I could curve them around the vase. To see how all of these tools work in Compositions embroidery software, go to the demo at www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

2008-02-12T08:03:00.000-08:00

Created this table cloth design by using the circle template function in Compositions project based embroidery design software, I simply
chose the rose from my "Fantastic Flora" collection and placed it in a circles and adjusted the size and amount until the arrangement was visually pleasing. To see how this function works please visit the demo at www.kenparsonsdesigns.com

2008-02-07T14:11:00.000-08:00

I created this towel border by combining three tropical fish from my "Anchors Away" collection. I then finished off by adding the words "Deep Blue Sea" and using the envelope feature to contour the words around the fishes bodies. I think this added a little more interest. To see how this feature and all of the others in Composition embroidery software work go to the demo at www.kenparsoonsdesigns.com