In the Edit window - there is just Edit or Sew - you need to place your first letter. Let's say you are embroidering "Mom." Take note of these things:
- You notice the arrows which allow you to move the letters or designs in a specific position.
- These specific placement in inches or millimeters.
- If you are doing just a single line, you want to be sure that you do not move the letters up or down, just side to side.
- I like to place the center letter first. That is a personal preference only. You may place your letters as you will embroider them. The reason I use the center is that there is always some 'push/pull' to the embroidery. Centering the middle letter makes this less of a problem.
- I would leave the 'o' as it is, not moving one way or the other.
- Next, I would place the "M." This is more tricky because the "o" is perhaps 1/4" wide (6mm) whereas the M will be wider, perhaps about 5/8" wide (14mm). As you embroider, you may find that being more acquainted with millimeters rather than inches will be of great use to you. Keep in mind that an inch is about 25mm. Metrics is more accurate than inches, and when you learn it better, you will find it is easier to work with, especially in embroidery.
- Place the "M" to the left of the "o" and use the 'hoop' icon in the upper right corner to see your placement. Script fonts can be difficult to place because a letter like "M" or "W" can slant a long way. Visually, you need to see it through that icon for best placement.
- Lastly, place the "m" to the right of the "Mo" and again, use the icon to see your placement. You can magnify that picture using the icon on the bottom left in the view of your placement.
Others may have methods that differ. What works for me, may or may not work for you. As I noted above, this example is why Alpha Xpress is so popular. There are other software packages that will do the same. Frankly, for the price, my preference is Alpha Xpress.
Machine embroidery is fascinating and frustrating. It takes time to learn the art. The demo you probably got made it look like you just need to push a button. Keep in mind that they make sure it works that way in order to sell the machine - - just like the gadget guy at the county fair. It is satisfying when you start to get the hang of it. I personally cannot sew at all. But I can create a lovely embroidery. See some of my work in my blog.
Pat, The Avid Embroiderer
If you are interested in selling your projects, you can determine your costs and profits quickly with my Spreadsheet.
If you want a lot of great information on working easier, faster and more confidently on your computer, check out my Tips and Tricks.
If you want to see my pashminas (that I successfully sell retail) check them out here. I also wholesale them.