This video tutorial focuses on using Inkstitch 2.1 to digitize cross-stitch patterns. It guides users through the process of creating a basic cross-stitch and replicating it to form a larger pattern. The method emphasizes precise alignment using the software's features such as magnetism and keyboard shortcuts. The tutorial also covers converting lines to columns and adjusting parameters for embroidery. The final result demonstrates a continuous path of stitching with minimal thread jumps.
Step-by-Step Guide:
Initial Setup:
Start by creating a large square (e.g., 20x20) for better visibility.
Display the grid to aid in precise placement. Activate it by checking the appropriate box.
Enable magnetism to make the points snap to the grid intersections.
Ensure the grid box is checked to enable the magnetic effect, which helps points align to the corners of the grid.
Creating the First Diagonal Line:
Draw a line segment. To extend it in the same direction, use Control + Alt while dragging the endpoint.
Convert this line into a column using the Inkstitch extension.
Adjust the thickness of the column to 1 mm for better visibility.
Preparing the Cross Shape:
Add a node in the middle of your line segment. Select the end nodes of the segment, and join them.
Use Control + Alt while moving the endpoints to align them precisely to the corners of the grid.
If the column closes, open it by breaking the path at the node. This means selecting the node and selecting to break the path.
Repeat this process on the other side of the segment so both ends are neatly aligned within the grid.
Ensure your two segments have the same direction, which can only be done if the columns are open. Correct the directions if needed.
Verify that the segment is a column. Note that it might not be stitchable yet as it has no width.
Duplicating and Rotating:
Duplicate the column. Ensure you are in selection mode for the duplicate function to work.
Rotate the duplicated column to create a cross.
Group the two parts of the cross for easy manipulation. Name the group, for example, "cross".
Copying and Pasting:
Copy the cross using Control + C. Use Control + V to paste the copies.
With magnetism enabled, place the copies near the grid intersections. They will snap to the grid.
Place multiple crosses without worrying about their order as they can be rearranged later.
Automatic Arrangement:
Select all the crosses, and use the automatic column arrangement feature in Inkstitch.
Inkstitch will reorganize the crosses into a "satin automatic".
Convert this satin to a regular column for the stitch pattern.
Creating the Stitch Path:
Convert the satin column, which is now a column, into cross stitches.
The resulting stitches may have small imperfections, and may not stitch from corner to corner, but that will be fixed in a later step.
Note that your crosses may be too big at this stage. Adjust their size by dividing by a certain number if, for example, you want to go from 20 mm to 2 mm cross stitches.
Point Parameter Configuration:
Adjust point parameters to ensure each stitch is long enough to cover the corners of the crosses.
Set the point length to, for example, 10 mm to ensure it is long enough, and remove knots at the beginning and end of each stitch.
Simulation and Refinement:
Simulate the embroidery to check the stitch path.
Observe that the needle passes through the corners of the crosses, and that there might be a middle stitch to connect the crosses without thread jumps.
Be aware that some small imperfections might be visible when zooming in, but they will be very minor at actual size.
This process will result in a continuous cross-stitch pattern, ready for embroidery.