Stitches University
The source for your decoration education
By Ed Levy
Embroidery 301 Junior
Learn the Ins and Outs of Density
An advanced-level look at how to make density adjustments
Density is the amount of stitches within a given area of a design. Regardless of what embroidery software system you use, a default density value will be applied to every name, monogram or design that you create.
Density is often taken for granted and is simply applied at the default system values. Density adjustments should be considered on both a default value as a starting point for an overall design and then a shape value where the density is based on an individual shape in a design. While we’ll focus on density in this lesson, other factors, such as underlay, work in conjunction with density adjustments.
There are three main methods of applying density adjustments.
1. Master density. The master density is applied to an entire design. Adjusting this value is achieved by adding or subtracting from the default value, which is usually specified in a properties box within your software or on the main title bar. Adjusting the default density value will adjust the density throughout the entire design, resulting in every shape within the design taking on the new density value. Unless every area of a design will require more stitching, it’s advisable to make individual density adjustments rather than adjusting the master value.
2. Individual adjustments. An individual adjustment is based off of the master density value. To adjust density for a specific shape, an addition or subtraction will be made to the shape in correlation to the master density. If you’re working in a metric environment, reducing the space between stitches will increase the amount of stitches in the shape. The default density is set to 0.4 mm (0.4 mm space between each row of stitches). Applying a density adjustment of -0.1 mm will result in a new density value of 0.3 mm for that shape only (0.4 mm - 0.1 mm = 0.3 mm). The new density value of 0.3 mm has 0.3 mm space between each row of stitching. Since there is less space between each row, the result is more stitching for the shape.
3. Absolute values. An absolute value doesn’t base itself off of a master density. It’s the ending value that you want for the shape. To achieve an individual value of 0.3 mm for a shape, simply enter 0.3 mm in the density adjustment field, and the embroidery software system will make all the necessary adjustments.
In addition to different density adjustments, there are also different density effects available that are dependent upon both your brand and level of software. Following are some density adjustment presets that achieve nice effects.
• Linear increasing. The density starts at a reduced value and then increases as the shape progresses.
• Linear decreasing. The density starts at a normal value and then decreases as the shape progresses.
• Concave. The density is normal in the middle and decreases toward the outside of the shape.
• Convex. The density is decreased in the middle and increases toward the outside of the shape (see Figure 1).
Looking beyond the default values and making individual adjustments as needed will improve the overall quality of your designs and, in many cases, result in a better stitching design.
Sales 201 Sophomore
Create the Perfect Purchase Order
An intermediate-level look at how to communicate with suppliers
Imagine a perfect consultation that sets your client’s expectations high for the imprinted product they’ve chosen. You’ve had a brainstorming lunch together, taken notes, promised excellence and returned to the office faced with the reality of filling out all the paperwork by yourself. In the end, if you forget one detail or fail to properly fill in the order form, you could lose your client’s confidence when the product is late or incorrect. For example, place important terms and conditions right above the spot where a client signs your purchase order, so that she can’t miss seeing the fine print to which she’s agreeing. Clarify that by signing, she acknowledges the terms and conditions.
Here are some tips to keep you on track for meeting high expectations, one purchase order at a time.
ORDER FORM OPTIONS
Generic forms are available at office supply stores and are downloadable online. Be aware that these often lack the detail you’ll need for complicated imprinted product orders.
Customized forms can be created by using software tools that guide you through the development process, allowing you to add the level of detail you need to cover imprinting direction, and terms/conditions unique to your company, etc.
Industry-specific forms are offered by experts such as Advertising Specialty Business Forms (ASBF) or, if your office is electronic, you can choose electronic forms such as those available via computerized systems like ASI Transact.
Vendor-generated forms come from suppliers. These are specific to their lines and order-processing system. Ask suppliers that you frequently order from if they have a preferred form that you should use.
CLARIFY IMPRINT
The thing about promotional products is that they’re all customized to one extent or another by the virtue of the imprint itself. For that reason, there really isn’t any such thing as a standardized purchase order.
Treat every purchase order you complete as a special case, looking for the nuances a client’s imprint presents. For example, does your client’s special blue logo require a specific Pantone color? If it does, then highlight that information. Can the logo be enlarged or reduced or must it remain the same size as the artwork you’ve submitted?
Positioning is also a point to be particularly describing. Rather than just writing that a logo should be “on the chest,” designate a certain number of inches below the collar that the top of the logo should rest. Or if the logo should be above the chest pocket, how many inches above?
If the imprint is to appear on a flat surface, such as a notepad, portfolio or napkin, be exact about how many inches from the top and side of the item the logo should be placed.
Finally, give every possible aid in helping the supplier to visualize the artwork. Send a product diagram with logo placement. Include both a printed version and digital version of the artwork. (This is very important because digital files can be altered by the transmission process. For example, the font can be converted from one software platform to another. A print version of the artwork ensures that what the supplier sees in the digital file is actually what was intended.) – Tonia Cook Kimbrough
ED LEVY is director of software products at Hirsch International and owner of Digitize4u, an embroidery and digitizing operation in Montoursville, PA. Contact: ed@digitize4u.com.