Achieve Quality with Punching Sense

"Punching sense" is that digitizing knowledge that can't be acquired by depending entirely on software.

Today’s digitizing software is somewhat bittersweet to some of us old dogs who once punched a design without the use of any type of software. I recall days of cursing and hair pulling caused by problems that no longer occur thanks to various tools of my high-tech digitizing system. That’s the sweet.

But when it comes to witnessing what’s now produced on that software and accepted as quality, or arguing various points to improve quality – like why a high quality design is impossible to create in minutes simply by scanning an image, or why automatic functions should never be used without being guided by an educated hand, or why all work can’t be considered final until the sew-out results in quality – well, that’s the bitter.

I’ll dare to guess that quality results achieved by punching manually teeters on the brink of extinction. Ironically, the very same software I once claimed to be a miraculous invention appears to be the reason. Many embroiderers are beginning to accept machine troubles caused by poor digitizing more so than they did in years past, simply because it’s the only type of digitizing they’re able to find. And it’s not unusual to find novice digitizers who struggle for quality results, believing failures are caused by their lack of computer skills, unaware they may only require a little manual education. It’s that knowledge – punching sense, if you will – that can’t be acquired by depending entirely on software. Certainly a change of methods must be accepted as the world moves forward with technology, and software has indeed become a necessity for digitizers, but keeping up with the times does not mean that high quality has to be compromised!

The Challenge Perhaps you’ve experienced frustration when long hours of diligent effort to create that perfect design fails. You know your intentions are possible, because you’ve seen others accomplish the same goal, so you begin the search for answers. Note: they will not be found in a software manual! Neither will answers be found by purchasing antique equipment used by veterans. Instead, simply set the act of learning in reverse. Veterans who created designs by either punching holes in strips of paper tape or beeping signals to a diskette, while simultaneously viewing the machine sew, had a dickens of a time when they turned on that first computer. On the other side, new digitizers might be proficient at manipulating software functions, but by the time a design is sewn, they’ve no idea what action created particular results. It was necessary for the veteran to learn how to use software, and now the new digitizer must learn how to punch.

When high-tech madness began, today’s veterans wanted tools to increase digitizing speed with the ability to correct errors or make modifications to what was already punched. For example - deleting one color change, moving one stitch, or accurately resizing without spending hours cutting and splicing tape or redigitizing one small design for yet another week. So, for the sake of gaining speed they met the challenge by facing their fear of destroying that expensive new computer if the wrong button was pushed. (Yes, newbies, that really did scare the heck out of us!) In the reverse manner, the new digitizer must accept the sacrifice of speed, spending time to study what will create results immediately upon action. Punching sense evolves only from repeated observation of immediate reaction to action, hands-on experimentation, and a respect for old rules that will never change no matter how high technology flies.

The Reality of Automation

Without punching sense, today’s digitizing software is just an expensive graphics program sufficient to produce onscreen images. Automatic tools found on most systems make digitizing seem easier, so the novice is discouraged when assumed results fail. Perhaps their high expectation is due to a blurry sales pitch they received when buying their software, or their own unrealistic presumptions that the software will “do it all.” Whatever the reason, when the reality sets in, their dream develops into a frustrating nightmare. They are able to generate the software functions and may even be well-acquainted with embroidery, but creating a quality design becomes a cobweb of confusion leading to dead-ends.

I won’t deny auto-functions do have a significant use. They’re big timesavers for those who have learned how to accomplish quality results using manual techniques, such as (but not limited to): How a machine reacts to a particular command What parameters to apply for various substrates What adjustments are required when using auto-functions What to manually do when a function refuses to cooperate When each auto-function should be employed, if at all. Granted, auto-functions are wonderful tools for the skilled digitizer who knows what high quality is and how it is achieved. However, without this knowledge, automatic digitizing tools are just that – tools. Tricks of the Old Dogs To create high quality, you must first be able to recognize it. Research and study finished embroidery – and not only what is commonly found on the discount rack. However, this is possibly the best place to start your research, because the easiest way to recognize the good is to know what’s considered poor. Investigate both sides of the embroidery, double checking the bobbin to eliminate any causes from the machine and make note of the visible materials used. If it appears the embroidery was completed with the appropriate materials, it’s quite possible fault resides somewhere in the digitizing. Investigate for errors such as: Columns that seem too narrow and tight Holes in the garment Gaps where borders should meet An underlay stitch outside of the topstitching Distortion of the design’s shapes, Puckering fabric Clarity of detail Or anything that appears to need improvement and can’t be improved &nbspby using different needles, stabilizers or threads. When you’ve become familiar with poor quality, investigate the works of well-skilled digitizers known to produce quality designs. Buy a few of their designs, examine them in your software, and sew them at the slowest speed on different types of fabric with keen attention. Jot notes of what you believe to be working well and question why something was done or why another thing was not. If you believe it could have been done differently without affecting quality or suspect you could improve the quality, try duplicating a similar situation using your ideas. Experimentation is a part of the game! You’ll likely find the answer as to why the digitizer chose to do what was done, or perhaps, you’ll indeed find a better way. No matter what the result, you’ll have made a discovery, and that’s the key to acquiring punching sense! The Learning Continues Keep in mind, a digitizer never, ever graduates! Education continues on a daily basis, while punching sense matures. Continue to question the unknown and find the time to study by observation. Whether it’s your own or another’s work, there is nothing more beneficial than watching a design sew with your nose to the hoop. Test designs using a variety of materials and when possible, use different types of machines set at various speeds. Study how the machine reacts as commands are implemented and how particular stitch types sew and appear in different situations. Decide where changes, additions, eliminations or compensation in digitizing is necessary to meet the needs of quality. If modifications cannot be done by adjusting automatic settings, use manual methods. Personally, I’ve found it is nearly impossible to achieve what I desire using automatic functions without the aid of a bit of manual manipulation. Don’t forget about training – and not just for your software! It’s important to learn how to use the freehand tools that all commercial software includes, and most beneficial to seek why and when to use them. Save time, avoid frustration and absorb precious tried-and-true tips offered by veteran digitizers via workshops, tutorials or texts. As you continue to gather information from those who have been down the path, and critique sewing results while considering how it was punched, it becomes natural to predict a probable outcome as a design is being digitized. Eventually, you’ll actually see sewing results in your mind’s eye with accuracy while each stitch is digitized. This is punching sense! By: Bonnie Landsberger Published: October 2006