KB TIPS & TECHNIQUES www.images-magazine.com 72 images APRIL 2022 Custom splits are an ideal way to add dimensional effects to your embroidery, reveals Maria Palma of Wilcom Split the difference The aim of outstanding digitisers is to create an exciting design with texture and detail while optimising the design for efficient machine run time, according to Maria Palma, marketing coordinator at embroidery software company Wilcom. “Wilcom’s EmbroideryStudio offers multiple Elements that can automate many complex digitising processes,” she notes. “One of my favourites is the Custom Splits Element.” The Custom Splits Element includes various methods to add definition, and users can opt for the pre-set template designs or create their own, explains Maria. “Digitisers can decide on the precise needle penetrations required to form and complete the embroidered object, adding ‘splits’ in the exact places to build an impressive visual effect.” Run away run stitch An outline run stitch is commonly used to define detail in an embroidered shape. “However, registration is an important consideration. An alternative is to use a custom split method and avoid the registration issues altogether. “Custom splits can be applied to satin stitch or tatami stitch types,” Maria explains. “Depending on the base stitch, the effects vary in intensity but always produce a visually interesting result.” Luxurious satin stitch “Satin stitch has a more luxurious feel than flat tatami,” notes Maria. “The downside of the satin stitch is its length restraints. Custom Splits Element allows you to use these limitations to your advantage by intentionally splitting the satin to help define the shape. The upside is that you can digitise with satin stitch for that luxurious feel while minimising the stitch count.” Fewer and faster A further benefit, adds Mai Huynh, Wilcom’s in-house digitiser, is creating fewer objects. “What could have been an extra object is now a stitch split inside one larger object shape. There is no need to worry about overlapping objects or if the objects will pull apart when embroidered. The result significantly speeds up the digitising and the production process and results in an exciting design. “User Defined Split is one of the methods in the Custom Splits Element. The digitisers address the graphic design as a whole and create the entire embroidery object, including the split lines, in one step. Most importantly, the splits remain scalable and editable, just like all other design objects.” Dull to exceptional Compare the two palm trees digitised by Mai. One uses flat tatami with a run stitch to define the trunk. The other uses a rich, luxurious split satin stitch for the palm leaves and split detail in the tatami trunk. “The luxurious ‘split’ palm tree has depth and dimension,” Maria points out. “The leaves appear realistic, and the trunk will stitch effortlessly without the risk of registration issues.” “Create detailed textural designs that are efficient to run in production,” she concludes. “Add User Defined Splits, carving, and other dimensional split effects to your embroidery repertoire!” www.wilcom.com Flat tatami Split satin Split tatami Run stitch outline The trees on the right have more depth and dimension thanks to the use of the Wilcom Custom Splits Element
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