Issue link: https://docs.hic.us/i/403552
he must also understand and visualize what effect the stitches are having on the fabric for which they are being sewn on. Sound difficult? Yes, there is a certain degree of difficulty associated with digitizing. But with proper experience, the processes are learned and become ingrained in the Digitizer's thinking process. Taking into account the different levels and complexities of embroidery design creation, most new Embroiderers start out with either lettering or editing software and contract out the digitizing. Later, as they become more experienced, they may add digitizing capabilities in-house. Part of this decision process evolves from the fact that digitizing takes time and focus. For a one-person operation, it's tough to have the time to digitize and run the business. Yet it's not feasible to hire a full-time Digitizer due to cost. Thus it makes sense to contract out the digitizing jobs to a professional. However, the type of work that you create may dictate that in-house digitizing is a requirement. For example, if you are working with fashion designers to create unique "looks" then digitizing is essential. If your primary focus is tourism, then you will have a need to create original designs and you will probably need an artist as well. In-house or contract digitizing is a decision you will have to make based on your needs, staffing and budget. But if you decide to use a contract Digitizer, then there are a few things you should know. Using A Contract Digitizer First of all, a digitized design is only as good as the artwork. You must make every effort to obtain and deliver the best quality artwork that you can. A fax of a fax is not suitable. Graphic files from the Internet tend to be very grainy and pixelated, and are usually considered as poor quality for digitizing. Vector files are ideal, but many customers don't have their logos available in vector format. High quality bitmaps are usually ok. Second, you must identify what type of fabric the design will be sewn on. This is very important information. A design will require different stitch characteristics depending upon the type of fabric, as the type, texture and thickness of a fabric will affect the embroidery. Typically a design created for denim, will not sew as well on knit. Third, the intended sewing size of the design must be clearly defined. You can't just say that the design will be sewn on a cap. A golf cap has a larger sewing field than a baseball cap. Be specific. Also be aware that small, intricate details do not work well on small embroidered designs. Just because it can be printed small, doesn't mean that it can be sewn small. This is caused by the action of the needle. It takes two penetrations of the fabric for a needle to lay down a visible stitch. If www.hsi.us care@hsi.us 196