Custom Embroidery Software Guide

Step 1: If you already have a .SVG you can skip to Step 3. Create your design in Illustrator (text or vectors) or import an image.

Step 1A: If you import an image, then image trace (Hit “v” --> Select your image --> go to the right panel and click “Image Trace”) to turn the image into vectors. You can customize the number of colors and then proceed to “Advanced” to adjust the noise, thresholds, etc. to figure out the best combination for your image. 

Step 1B: You can click “Expand” and look at the different paths – deleting whatever is unnecessary. 

Step 2: Export it as an .SVG file (File --> Save As --> Format: SVG). Under "Advanced Options" set "CSS Properties" to "Style Attributes"

Step 3: Load your .SVG file onto a USB drive and bring it to the computer with the embroidery software PE-DESIGN 11. 

Step 4: Open the software. 

Step 5: Under the “Home” tab select “Import Patterns” ---> “from vector image” 

Step 6: Open your .SVG file. 

Step 7: (OPTIONAL) Click “Select Patterns” --> Select the sections you don’t want and delete them. 

Step 8: (OPTIONAL) Add text by using the top “Text Tools”. You can customize your text color in the “Color” tab on the right. “Text Attributes” allows you to change the text and gives options for settings like kerning, direction, transforms, etc. You can change the font in the top bar. 

Step 9: (OPTIONAL) You can change the color of any of the sections in your svg by using your select tool and selecting the pieces on the left side then changing them in the “Color” tab on the right. 

Step 10: (OPTIONAL) You can select the different sections and decide what type of stitch you would like. We recommend using fill stitch or satin stitch. 

Step 11: Change your sizing by percentages or by inputting exact values in inches. Using a ruler, measure on your material what size you would like your embroidery to be.

Step 12: Select “Optimize Sewing Order” which is the 3 overlaying color squares. 

Step 13: You can size your selection either by increasing/decreasing the percentage or by inputting an exact width or height in inches. Be sure to check your stitch count at the bottom! Anything above 20,000 stitches means you will have to pay for your embroidery (You will be checking this on the machine as well).

Step 14: Hit save at the top left or press Ctrl + S on the keyboard. Name your file and save the .PES file to a USB stick.