Pattern arrangements

Pattern arrangements are used by digitizers to save digitizing time. Lacework especially is made up of a few patterns which are repeated many times. Pattern arrangements mean that only the design elements to be repeated are digitized. EmbroideryStudio provides tools to define pattern arrangements and output to specific formats which support the feature.

Designs can be saved to certain formats with design elements stored only once, together with repeat instructions – e.g. Hiraoka VEP, Wilcom EMB or ESS. Some Schiffli embroidery machines or controllers can read these formats directly. Designs can also be saved with the arrangements ‘expanded’ as pure stitch data – e.g. DAT file format. As the term suggests, these files are much larger than ‘non-expanded’ (original) design formats. See also Save pattern arrangements.

Tip: When using pattern arrangements, it’s a good idea to turn the cumulative stitch count on. This gives the cumulative stitch count for the whole design, not each part separately. To turn it on, select View > Design Options > General > Cumulative Stitch Count On.