ImagesMagUK_July_2021

This back-stitch motif line is entered as a standard single-line curve and easily edited with Bezier curve tools Even so, choosing these relatively new graphical style inputs over traditional inputs doesn’t have a marked effect on the finished product, provided that the same choices are made about stitch type and parameters for a given object. Thrown a curve The one tool difference with the most potential to change workflow has to do with how lines are drawn for any of these shapes. There are two methods for input or editing available in most software: spline and Bezier. For graphic artists, the Bezier’s handles, curved, cusp, and line points are comfortable tools to define and edit shapes. Anyone with vector drawing experience is familiar with placing nodes at the proper spots and dragging handles to shape a curve. Spline input, however, is more common for those who started decorating as digitisers; with spline inputs, rounded or corner nodes are placed along a line and curves are automatically calculated to fit the nodes. For more precision on the curve, add more nodes until it meets the shape. Need a corner? Add a cusp or a hard line point and the next line no longer drags the curve of the segment behind it. Spline entry is a quick, if less precise, way in which to define an object. By default, many digitising software packages draw with splines, but most allow at least the editing phase to be carried out using Bezier tools. Rather than debate the best method, you have to measure their relative usefulness by deciding which you find the easiest and most comfortable to use. Spline input may be my fastest method and the easiest for a complete beginner to vector drawing, but designers-turned-digitisers may find a Bezier-based workflow easier due to muscle memory, let alone the argument that they gain speed from the fewer nodes needed to create a shape when curves are properly defined. Even those that choose spline input may prefer the precision of manipulating their art in Bezier mode once they learn how to work those iconic handles. Putting it all together Either of these methods can help you to produce acceptable embroidery. Remember, however, that while tools are capable of both helping or hindering your speed, as well as aiding in the selection of stitch types, the output is always dependent on your understanding of embroidery. If you learn how thread, needle, fabric and stabiliser interact within your design, and know when to compensate for distortion and how much to overlap objects, then any drawing style will result in exceptional embroidery. Simply choose the tool that for you reduces the most friction between visualising stitches in your art and getting them on the screen; no one way is right, but one way may be right for you. Remember, the output is always dependent on your understanding of embroidery KB TIPS & TECHNIQUES www.images-magazine.com 64 images JULY 2021 Erich Campbell is an award-winning digitiser, embroidery columnist and educator, with more than 20 years’ experience both in production and the management of ecommerce properties. He is the programme manager for the commercial division of BriTon Leap. www.erichcampbell.com