Alphabets – also called fonts on many embroidery sites, these are embroidery designs in the form of letters. Unlike keyboard fonts, they cannot be entered into the computer or embroidery software by typing. Unfortunately, many sites use fonts, alphabets and alphas interchangeably, so it is important to look for the ability to enter the characters on the keyboard to determine if designs are actually fonts or merely embroidery designs. Keyboard lettering is always associated with an embroidery software program, while alphabets are sold by designers and offered in machine formats, without any mention of a specific program needed to use them.
Applique – embroidery designs created with layers of fabric rather than fill stitches. After stitching the fabric layer down, the remaining fabric is cut away. Generally satin stitching holds the fabric in place and covers the raw edges, but other stitches are used as well.
Autodigitizing – using a special function available in some embroidery software to create embroidery designs from graphic files, instead of using the software’s tools to draw them by hand. The embroidery software creates a stitch file by tracing the outlines it can recognize in the graphic file. Autodigitizing functions can only be used with a limited set of image formats. The quality of the embroidery file created is determined by the quality of both the embroidery software and the image used, and generally needs manual editing to create a design that stitches out well.
Color stop – instructions within the stitch file that tell the embroidery machine to stop and allow the user to change thread or perform other steps necessary to complete stitching an embroidery design.
Connection stitches – a line of running stitches added between objects of a design to allow the thread and machine needle move from one part of the design to another. Without well-placed connection stitches, the machine has to pull the thread across the design as it moves from one section of stitching to another, creating very long stitches called jumps. Jumps can get caught in other parts of the design as it is stitched out, which can be unattractive. Jumps also pull the design and can get caught on things, so they are usually trimmed. However, if they aren’t tied off securely, they can unravel when cut. In a well-digitized design, connection stitches are used instead of jump stitches where possible. Connection stitches can often be directed to run underneath other stitching in the design, eliminating many of the problems created by jump stitches.
Converting – changing a design from one embroidery format to a different one. Requires embroidery conversion software that can read the original format and produce a file in the desired format. Some machine manufacturers are very protective of their formats and their format information is not available to independent software designers. In most cases, the machine will also use an additional format (usually .dst), so that non-brand software can be used to convert designs to be used with these machines.
CPU (Central Processing Unit) – the “brains” of a computer. The CPU is hardware that controls all of the computer’s functions.
Density – the thickness of thread coverage in a design. Density plays an important part in the success of a machine-embroidered design. It is defined as rows of stitching per inch or millimeter, so designs with high densities have more stitches than designs with low densities. High density designs may be stiff and difficult to stitch out, while those with low densities may not cover the fabric in an acceptable manner.
Digitizing – using embroidery software to create design files that an embroidery machine can recognize and stitch out.
Dongle – device used to confirm the right to use a software program. The dongle must be correctly attached to the computer in order to operate the software associated with it. If the dongle is missing, corrupted, or damaged, the program will not run. However, it may be possible to contact the software manufacturer for a repair or replacement.