Custom Embroidery HATCH Software Guide

Hello! This guide walks you through three different auto-digitizing methods in the Hatch embroidery software, tailored to the time you have available and the level of detail you want in your finished embroidery.

What is digitizing?

In embroidery software, digitizing is the process of converting a digital image/photo into a set of machine-readable stitch instructions, telling an embroidery machine exactly where, how, and with what stitch type (fill, satin, etc.) to embroider the design onto fabric, controlling density, direction, and underlay for a clean, professional finish. It’s essentially translating a photo into the "language" of the embroidery machine.

METHOD 1: AUTO-DIGITIZE INSTANT EMBROIDERY

This is the quickest method, though it compromises detail and choice.

STEP 1: Find your image/design

To start, find an image that you would like to embroider. Save it to your computer as a png or jpeg.

‼️IMPORTANT: Your image MUST have a transparent background

💡 Pro Tip: Selecting a high quality image will give you the best results.

STEP 2: Open/launch the Hatch emboridery software

Double click the Hatch application icon on the DCI Lab computer located between the two embroidery machines. The icon is cyan and has an “H.”

STEP 3: Insert your image into the Hatch embroidery software

3a. To insert your image click on the "Artwork" drop down and select "Insert Artwork."

3b. Locate your downloaded image on your computer and select "Open" to open it in Hatch.

💡 3c. Pro tip: If your image inserts and is too large and now your view is too zoomed in, you can zoom out and adjust your view with the drop down in the top right corner.

STEP 4: Size your design

Resize your image to fit your desired dimensions in order for it to be sized correctly embroidery on your fabric/t-shirt/sweater/patch, etc! Click on your image and modify the "Width" and "Height" inputs.

STEP 5: Auto digitize your design

5a. Click on the "Auto-Digitize" drop down and select the "Auto-digitize Instant Embroidery" option

This is what the instant auto digitized design looks for the image used for this tutorial. Not too shabby!

STEP 6: Edit your stitch types and stitch angles (optional)

Select the part of the design you want to change, then choose the desired stitch type from the right hand menu.

Below are examples of the various stitches available in Hatch for reference.

Here is a before image (left) and an after image (right) once both the stitch type and stitch angles on the hair of the two characters have been changed.

STEP 7: Delete your original image

When auto digitizing in Hatch, your original image will stay in place underneath the auto digitized design.

So, if you haven't already, select the original image that you imported which is located on the lowest layer. Right click on the image and select "Delete."

STEP 8: Simulate and verify stitch count

Now you are all done! Simulate your embroidery design to see the whole process from start to finish by selecting the "Player" icon!

You can also view the total amount of stitches within the "Player" (this sample design has 30,410 stitches).

Remember that the DCI lab offers you one free embroidery job under 20,000 stitches every week.

STEP 9: Export and name your design

Select "File" on the top left of the screen.

Then select "Export Design..."

Name your file and save it in PES format. If the file is not saved as a .PES file, it will not be compatible with our embroidery machines.

METHOD 2: AUTO-DIGITIZE EMBROIDERY

This method requires more time, but allows for more flexibility and control over details.

STEP 1: Find your image/design

To start, find an image that you would like to embroider. Save it to your computer as a png or jpeg.

‼️IMPORTANT: Your image MUST have a transparent background

💡 Pro Tip: Selecting a high quality image will give you the best results.

STEP 2: Open/launch the Hatch emboridery software

Double click the Hatch application icon on the DCI Lab computer located between the two embroidery machines. The icon is cyan and has an “H.”

STEP 3: Insert your image into the Hatch embroidery software

3a. To insert your image click on the "Artwork" drop down and select "Insert Artwork."

3b. Locate your downloaded image on your computer and select "Open" to open it in Hatch.

STEP 4: Size your design

STEP 5: Auto digitize your design

5a. Click on the "Auto-Digitize" drop down and select the "Auto-digitize Embroidery" option

5b. After selecting "Auto-digitize Embroidery" you will see the pop up screen shown below.

Here you will be able to change the number of colors and level of detail that you wish for your design to have. There is no standard amount of colors or level of detail, as it will vary depending on your design. Play around with these two settings and select "Ok" when you are happy with the results!

💡 Pro Tip: Keep in mind that the number of colors translates to how many times you will need to rethread the machine. Choosing too many colors can lead to excessive rethreading, you definitely don’t want to be swapping out 100 spools!

5c. In the next screen you will be able to move around the sequence in which the colors are embroidered and whether you want the color to be applied as a fill, detail, or omitted.

Move a color in the sequence by selecting the "Move up" or "Move down" button as circled above.

5d. Select "Ok" once happy with the sequence and color fill type.

STEP 5: Auto digitize your design

This is what the auto digitized design looks for the image used for this tutorial. Not too shabby!

STEPS 6–9: Once you’re satisfied with the auto-filled design, proceed by following steps 6–9 from Method 1 of this tutorial to complete your embroidery file.

METHOD 3: Tool Path Digitizing

This method is very detail intensive and time consuming.

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