[Rico Menor]

I was wondering if embroidery files are like design files, for example vector files? Able to resize and color with no major work done to the file.

I had flexfit make me some hats and when they were done they sent me the file for the embroidery. I don't recall the type of file but I can't open it because I dont have the embroidery program to do so. I ask because I am going to have some sweaters made and would like to give them the file flex fit sent me.
Can the people doing the sweaters just use that file and do the embroidery without having to digitize it and whatever else they do? Or do they have to regenerate a new image to get stitch count since the logo will be way bigger then what was printed on the hats?

Thanks for the help.

 

[tfalk]

In most cases, you can resize the design around 10% without having to redigitize it. Beyond that, it's all determined on how it was digitized.

 

[Rico Menor]

In most cases, you can resize the design around 10% without having to redigitize it. Beyond that, it's all determined on how it was digitized.

so if the original size was for a 4" tall it probably wont be able to enlarge it to a 9"?


Anyone care to take a quick look at the image to see if it can be enlarged?

 

[tfalk]

Looking at it on the screen won't help very much. The only real way to tell would be to do a stitch-out. What format is the file?

 

[Rico Menor]

Looking at it on the screen won't help very much. The only real way to tell would be to do a stitch-out. What format is the file?

it is a DST file

 

[Lollie Conn]

Hi Rico!
The DST file is great for you to have, hold on to it! Because it was originally digitized for hats, it is most likely that some modifications will have to be made to it (in a digitizing program) such as the underlay, compensation, density, and yes, the size. But.... it will help your digitizer, so hang onto it (plus, you paid for it!!)! Knits are a whole different animal than sewing on hats, not just the size, but almost everything about the digitizing and sewing out process. And a lot of designs that work well hat size don't work well for sweaters etc. But this is not always the case. Size-wise you may not be able to have it sew-out nicely on a sweater as large as you might like it to be. You also will need to have different stabilizer for knits. Sorry, this is not probably news that you wanted to hear. ALWAYS make sure that you give your digitizer all the information that you have about what type of fabric you will be sewing the design out on, that is very important. The digitizer will be able to tell you how large it will work well with the fabric you specify, they want your work to be sucessful. Make SURE you send it to an EXCELLENT digitizer, that's the most important part. The really great digitizers always do several test sew-outs BEFORE they send you the design, make sure that you ask yours if they do. And they provide you with hints on stablizers, needles etc. for proper sew-out.
HTH Lollie

 

[Rico Menor]

Thanks Lollie. I want to get some quotes so i can set a budget for the sweaters, so if a new design digitizing and sew out needs to be done then I'll have to add it as part of the budget. I just didnt want to give the people information that not be useful to them. Thanks for your help once again.

 

[Lollie Conn]

Rico,
You're very welcome. I digitize, but I'm not that great at it yet ! But if you want the name of my digitizer I'll be glad to e-mail it to you. Good luck in all that you do! Lollie

 

[imeccentric]

Rico,
Contact your former digitizer and see if he has the outline file. This is the file that he created BEFORE the stitches were added. If you can get that file, it is just a matter of resizing, adjusting it for the fabric, and converting to DST again. All pretty simple stuff. Redigitizing isn't necessary and resizing with the outline (vector) files are done every day. When we digitize , we create vector outlines of each piece of the file. We adjust underlay, overlap, push/pull, etc. That file is all done BEFORE any stitches are added (converted to an actual stitch file such as a dst).

 

[Rico Menor]

Rico,
Contact your former digitizer and see if he has the outline file. This is the file that he created BEFORE the stitches were added. If you can get that file, it is just a matter of resizing, adjusting it for the fabric, and converting to DST again. All pretty simple stuff. Redigitizing isn't necessary and resizing with the outline (vector) files are done every day. When we digitize , we create vector outlines of each piece of the file. We adjust underlay, overlap, push/pull, etc. That file is all done BEFORE any stitches are added (converted to an actual stitch file such as a dst).

Ill ask but since it was flexfot that did the work they may have just trashed it after the job, but i guess it doesnt hurt to ask.

I have a larger vector file of the art would that work or does it have to be in a certain format?

And is there a digitizing program I can buy or does it come with the embroidery machine? I wouldnt mind shelling out some money if it will save me soem in the long run. Or am i just talking out my butt and should just have the pros do it?

 

[imeccentric]

Each digitizing program creates it's own type outline file. If it isn't a complicated design, auto digitizing MIGHT work, but I've never liked those programs. Digitizing programs range from around $500-19000 but price doesn't mean one is better than the other. We all have different needs for what we do. But ALL digitizing programs have a huge learning curve.

 

[Rico Menor]

Thanks for the help Jim. I'll just send them the art and have them digitize it and see what they come up with.

 

[imeccentric]

Rico,
Send either the vector file you have or the dst so I can look at it for you.