Parameters - Column

These parameters apply only to selected objects that are Column objects.

Column object has a start base, two edges, end base and optional inner segments

(A) is column starting point. It lays on the first edge(1). (B) is end point, it lays on the second edge (2). (C) is start base, (D) is end base. (S) is optional inner segment. Column may contain any number of inner segments. Arrow (E) indicates direction of currently selected element.

Column objects can be filled with stitches in the following ways:

1. Zig-Zag Sample fill using the various zig-zag samples
2. Strips fill using the lines stitched along contours of the column
3. Multilayer zig-zag fill with multiple forward and backward layers for raised columns

1. Zig-Zag Sample Fill

Column object filled with zig-zag samples

Main Settings Tab

Sample is the zig-zag stitch pattern that fills the Column object. Stitch samples differ in number of stitches and their layout.

Spacing parameter defines the maximum distance between stitch samples. If the Column object forms a bend, the distance on the inner curve is lower.

Auto Shortening is function that shortens some stitches on inner side of bend object to prevent too high density (see below picture).

Circles in above illustration indicate automatically shortened stitches in sharp curve

Underlay Tab

Auto Select Underlay check box allows user to switch off the automatic program decision on what type of underlay will be used for the object.

Center, Edge and Zig-Zag check boxes allow user to choose which underlays will be used for the object. More detail about offset of Edge and Zig-Zag underlay is available in the Parameters - Whole Design chapter.

(A) is object shape, (B) is edge underlay, (C) is zig-zag underlay, (D) is center underlay.

Spacing parameter indicates the spacing of the zig-zag underlay.

Underlay-Advanced Tab

Controls in this tab allow to override global (overall) underlay settings which are normally applied to each object when generating stitches. See Object's Individual Underlay Parameters chapter for more information.

Cover Layer Tab

Make Cover Stitches allows user to switch off cover stitches. Turn off the cover stitches if you need to add only the underlay to design digitized in other software.

Auto Corners . Studio automatically splits or folds too sharp corners on Column objects. Use this check box to turn off this function.

Normal corner and automatically adjusted corners.

Perpendicular Stitches function automatically divides long columns with line (not curve) edges to two or three parts to make middle part of column perpendicular to its virtual axis.

Top : normal stitch flow from start base to end base. Bottom : middle stitches forced to perpendicular orientation

Note : Column can be followed by a Carving object which gives additional stitch texture to the column.

Sides Tab

Pull Compensation is extension of each stitch on edge of object in order to compensate for thread pull (on elastic fabric) or sinkage (on fleece). The thread pull causes the ends of stitches are pulled inwards and object is smaller (narrower) than intended.

Max. Random Broadening defines maximum random prolongation of column stitches to side. #1 parameter applies to first edge of column and #2 to second. Random Broadening adds 'ragged edges' effect to objects.

Envelope shortens some column stitches to create special effects. When using Envelope, turn off all underlays.

Column side-to-side stitches trimmed with envelope

Gradient Tab

Gradient affects the distance between stitches within object. Distance will gradate from spacing value to spacing plus gradient value. Gradient Type combo box allows to choose from various gradation schemes.

Increasing sample spacing creates density gradient

2. Strips Fill

Strips Tab

Strips fill the column object from one side to the other, with stitches running along the column edges.

Number parameter defines number of strips.

Min. Length and Max. Length define minimum and maximum length of stitches. Length of stitches is adjusted automatically to ensure smooth approximation of curved parts of the strips.

3. Multilayer Fill

Multilayer columns have a subset of zig-zag column parameters. They are intended for creation of thick raised columns. Therefore, some parameters like gradient, envelope, etc. are not applicable.

Multilayer columns have just few extra parameters like Layers - the layer count and Offset - the margin between lower stitch layers.

Rising effect is achieved by using multiple layers of dense zig-zag underlay. Each zig-zag layer is offset to the previous layer to wrap around it.