Stitches

Is there a way to scan artwork and have it made into patterns for embroidery sewing ?

I understand some machines have software programs this can be done but I am wondering which ones or if there is other ways.

Public Comments

1. Setting up artwork for machine embroidery is one of several processes called 'digitizing'. This is what I do all day for a living; it's also my passion. The software for embroidery setup is specific to the industry, so there's no photoshop filter or plugin to let you do this in photoshop or something like that. The art is scanned/resized/prepped and then you bring it into the embroidery software. Once there, you are basically tracing it in shapes that are 'stitch areas'; vectors similar to Illustrator. So... A few ways to do this: 1-take the art to your local embroidery/screenprinter (NOT an EmbroidMe franchise; they do poor work and suck for other reasons, too) they will set it up and sew it on items you order thru them or bring in. 2-find a site online and send them your artwork; they will send you a file (request .dst format- is most versatile) which you email to your local embroidery/screenprinter, they will sew it on items you order thru them or bring in. 3-Contact me thru my profile page; I freelance and will give you a quote if you send the art/link to it 4- don't even bother with trying to find software to do it yourself; it has taken me almost a decade to get where I am skill-wise; this is harder than it looks! Remember! *It's the opposite of screen-printing for pricing- screen-printing is priced based on color, but going larger is no problem embroidery is based on stitch count of finished design. So you can have many colors but the size will be limiting factor as stitch count increases w/size *don't skimp/cut corners; you will notice the difference in quality and NOT be happy! *wouldn't recommend any of the cheap digitizing sites; would only recommend fastembroiderytapes.com -I don't send anything out to sites as I am fully capable of handling any setup that comes across my desk, but if I had to, it would be to them. contact me for more details; below is link to samples of my setups... http://www.creativehub.com/users/eric-auger?specialty=8
2. A very thorough answer Erixworx, I agree completely. I'd rate it but i'm not level 2 yet.