Embroidery Software
Embroidery Software or digitising packages are how we create new designs for our embroidery machines. There a number of packages available from manufacurers like Brother and Janome, but also some from third party suppliers like Embird and Wilcom.
Different machines require different formats, here is a list of the common formats and which machines you can use them on.
.pes - Babylock and Brother
.hus - Husqvarna
.Jef - Janome
.sew -Janome
.pcm - Pfaff
.dst - Tajima
.10o - Toyota
As a general rule, you can create and convert more designs with the third party software than you can with the manufacturer supported packages but the manufacturers packages will make use of more of the features of the machines it was designed for.
Digitising software is not cheap, and it's not as easy as importing a picture and clicking a button to produce a design out of the other end. Some of the logos and designs you see on this site and other will often be the result of three or four hours work and then you must test sew the item to make sure it works properly.
As you get more experienced, you will be able to create your designs to make more efficient use of the threads and machine time, reduce trimmings and hide jump stitches. Confused? There are lots of people out there willing to share their experience and tips. You only have to ask!