Embroidery Design – Hatch by Wilcom Software

Characteristics

The goal of the course is to prepare the participant for independent design of embroidery patterns from scratch in the Hatch by Wilcom program – in a technologically correct, aesthetic manner optimized for production.

The course is an intensive workshop introducing conscious embroidery design (digitizing). The participant learns not only how to operate the software but, above all, the logic of creating an embroidery project: from graphic analysis, through the selection of stitches and technical parameters, to file optimization for real production. The program is designed so that after completing the service, the participant understands the relationships between the material, pattern construction, stitch type, and the final effect on the embroidery machine.

The essence of the course is moving away from thinking about embroidery as an automatic conversion of graphics. The participant learns to make design decisions based on manufacturing technology, material properties, and production quality requirements. As a result, they can prepare patterns that are more readable, stable, and economical to implement.

Course Objectives

• understanding the principles of embroidery design and the differences between graphics and computer embroidery
• acquiring skills in graphic preparation and project analysis before digitization
• mastering the conscious selection of stitches, directions, underlays, and technical parameters
• ability to adapt the project to the type of material and technological limitations
• preparing the participant for independent creation and optimization of patterns for production

Target Audience

• individuals starting their adventure with computer embroidery
• embroidery machine owners wanting to design their own patterns
• people wanting to enter the embroidery industry
• employees of small studios and plants who want to understand design technology from a practical side

Prerequisites

• basic computer skills in a Windows environment
• motivation for workshop work and performing practical exercises
• basic knowledge of computer embroidery or machine operation is welcome, but not mandatory

Methodology

• mini-lecture with trainer commentary
• demonstration using examples and discussion of real projects
• practical exercises in the software
• error analysis and discussion on the technological correctness of projects
• final task verifying the understanding of the design process

Trainer Experience

The trainer has over 20 years of professional experience in the field of computer embroidery technology and embroidery pattern design. Their professional career began in 2001 as an embroiderer in a large production facility, where they gained practical experience in production processes and embroidery technology. In 2002, they began self-studying embroidery pattern design in Wilcom software. Thanks to intensive practice and the implementation of numerous projects, they quickly established cooperation in pattern design, which continued for many years.

Since 2004, they have been conducting training in computer embroidery technology and embroidery pattern design, specializing in Wilcom software. To date, they have completed over 300 courses and presentations for individual clients and companies. They are also the founder of Poland's first portal dedicated to computer embroidery, which serves as a platform for sharing industry knowledge and experience. In 2015, they obtained the prestigious Authorized Training Partner certificate from Wilcom, confirming high training competencies and compliance with international standards.

Learning Outcome

• Analyzes input graphics for the feasibility of computer embroidery.
• Selects the correct stitch types, directions, and embroidery sequence for the shape of the element and the expected effect.
• Sets basic technological parameters of the project taking into account the type of material.
• Creates a simple embroidery pattern from scratch in the Hatch by Wilcom program.
• Optimizes the embroidery file for production and limits typical execution errors.

Verification Criteria

• Identifies elements requiring simplification; can divide the project into embroidery objects; evaluates which details are technologically feasible.
• Correctly indicates the application of satin stitch, tatami, and special stitches; justifies the choice of stitch direction and embroidery sequence.
• Selects density, stitch length, compensation, and underlay for sample materials; identifies typical embroidery deformation phenomena.
• Independently prepares a project based on graphics; builds embroidery layers and elements according to technological logic.
• Limits unnecessary jumps and cuts; organizes the sequence of elements; prepares a project that is more time and quality-efficient.

Validation Methods

• Observation of work during the exercise, discussion of design decisions, verification questions.
• Practical task in the software, project evaluation by the trainer according to a checklist.
• Workshop exercise, case study, summarizing conversation.
• Final task performed independently during the course.
• Review of the final project, checklist, and trainer feedback.

MODULE 1: Basics of Computer Embroidery Design

• what is embroidery pattern design (digitizing)
• the difference between graphics and embroidery
• why embroidery is not an automatic conversion
• stages of project creation: placing stitches on graphics, assigning technical parameters, project optimization

MODULE 2: Preparing Graphics for Embroidery

• which graphics are suitable for embroidery
• simplification and project analysis
• division into embroidery elements
• selecting details for technological possibilities
• preparing the file for digitization

MODULE 3: Embroidery Physics and Material Behavior

• how material affects embroidery
• phenomena: pulling, pushing, stitch sinking
• the role of stabilizers
• influence of thread tension and needle
• how to predict the final effect already at the design stage

MODULE 4: Principles of Embroidery Pattern Design

• working with layers
• embroidery sequence of elements
• stitch directions and their meaning
• building pattern readability
• avoiding beginner mistakes

MODULE 5: Types of Embroidery Stitches

• satin stitch
• filling stitch (tatami)
• decorative and special stitches
• application of stitches depending on the project element
• selecting stitches for size and shape

MODULE 6: Stitch Placement Methods

• embroidery directions
• dividing objects into smaller sections
• working with outlines and fills
• building embroidery aesthetics
• conscious design instead of automation

MODULE 7: Stitch Parameters and Matching to Materials

• stitch density
• stitch length
• material compensation
• underlays
• settings for various materials (e.g., knitwear, fleece, cotton)

MODULE 8: Embroidery Project Optimization

• shortening embroidery time
• reducing jumps and thread cuts
• proper sequence of elements
• minimizing errors during embroidery
• preparing the project for mass production