Underlaying Text

Charlie

Hi everyone! Hoping someone can help me better understand how to make text.

I think the main part I'm struggling with is when it comes to filling in outlines. I know it brings up a message regarding adding an underlay to improve filling, but I'm not sure I'm doing it right. I've created a few sample attempts but they never seem quite right - they often feel too thin, like they're still missing the filled in part underneath it all. I have the same issue when trying to import SVGs as shapes too - I can never seem to fill them in correctly.

I've watched all the videos of course, and I'm well aware that this an issue with my own understanding, but if someone could explain it all maybe in simpler terms that'd be great!

Matthias

Charlie Thanks for bringing up this topic! I'm well aware that StitchBuddy is lacking an option to automatically add underlays - so far I don't have a good idea how to calculate stitch length and directions appropriately.

As you've probably seen in one of the videos I'd add a single line criss-crossing over the shape, ideally orthogonal to the filling stitches. Then use a single running stitch on this "underlay path" and move the generated stitches before the filling. For text a large zigzag plus a line in the middle is often sufficient, but I really don't know if there is a common approach to underlay letters.

It would be great to know about experiences from others!

@Charlie, I hope you don't mind me moving this topic into the Tips & Tricks category…

Edit: Underlay stitches are "only" intended to stabilize the design and avoid distortions (I found this article very helpful). If the fill itself isn't dense enough you might tweak the spacing between lines: Its standard value just worked out in my samples, and I'm grateful for suggestions if there's a better default…

Charlie

Hi Matthias,

I've rewatched that video again and while I do now understand it better, I don't think I fully realised that it would be the same case for the text tool.

So to recap - I can't just type the text I need and it be ready to go, I'd need to add an underlay to it as well, as if it were a normal shape? For example, if I had a long list of names I needed to embroider, I would have to go through each one and add underlays manually?

Would it perhaps be quicker for me to make an entire alphabet with underlays first, and then almost build the names using that?

Either way, thanks for your help again!

Matthias

Charlie So to recap - I can't just type the text I need and it be ready to go, I'd need to add an underlay to it as well, as if it were a normal shape?

Well summarized: Yes, after typing text the letters just become shapes and need respective underlay.

Preparing a complete alphabet might cause less effort defining the underlay, but then you need to align all letters manually. You could also prepare only the underlays (e.g. in separate embroidery files) and merge / align them when needed.