Embroidery Business Guide

EmbroideryBusiness Guide

• Contacting Melco and ARC• Embroidery basics• Advertising• Trade publications• Glossary of embroidery terms

A Saurer Group CompanyPart Number 110293-01 Revision A

1575 West 124th AvenueDenver, Colorado 80234United States of AmericaE-mail: [email protected]

© Copyright 1996 by Melco Embroidery Systems

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system,or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, orotherwise) without prior written approval of Melco Embroidery Systems. Melco reserves the rightto revise this publication and to make changes in it at any time without obligation of Melco tonotify any person or organization of such revisions or changes.

All precautions have been taken to avoid errors or misrepresentations of facts, equipment, orproducts. However, Melco does not assume any liability to any party for loss or damage caused byerrors or omissions.

Printed in the United States of America

Revision A, April 1996

Table of Contents

1. Introduction to Embroidery, Melco, and Accessory Resource Corporation

The world of embroidery 1-1Melco’s history 1-1

2. Contacting Melco and ARC

Technical services 2-1Return goods 2-1Telephone directory 2-2

3. Embroidery Basics

Alphabets 3-1Density 3-1Backing materials 3-2Needles 3-3Hooping 3-5Recipes for success 3-6Thread 3-8

4. Advertising

5. Trade Publications

6. Glossary of Embroidery Terms

Table of Contents

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Table of Contents

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Melco Embroidery Systems 1-1

1. Introduction to Embroidery, Melco,and Accessory Resource Corporation

The world of embroideryEmbroidery has been a part of history for thousands of years, from embroidery on EgyptianPharoh’s robes to the Bayeux Tapestry—a record of the Norman Conquest of 1066 a.d. From gar-ment decoration in cultures around the world to today’s multifaceted use, embroidery has beenthere. Now, with the advent of computer technology, embroidery has become a profitable decora-tive solution for any fabric product.

Entering the embroidery industry is a good business choice, indeed! Over the last 20 years, theindustry has grown steadily, and the growth continues. Machine embroidered goods are showingup practically everywhere, and their solid market appeal and durability guarantee their popularityfor a long time to come.

Embroidery has world-wide appeal, yet it has proven to be successful in even the smallest nichemarkets. On a global scale, multi-national corporations use embroidery to adorn garments theymanufacture, or to convey their company image on promotional items. In the fashion world,embroidery adds beauty and value to men’s and women’s garments. On a local level, a bridalretailer may create one-of-a-kind keepsakes for a bride-to-be. Melco is proud to provide embroi-dery systems to businesses like these—whatever special niche they occupy.

Melco’s historyMelco was founded in 1972 as an engineering collaboration directed towards developingadvanced electronic and computer graphic applications. Over the last 20+ years, Melco has estab-lished itself as a pioneer of technology in the embroidery industry. From our innovative Digitrac®

system,the world’s first computerized digitizing system, to EDS III software designed for Microsoft®

Windows, to our EMC 10/12 embroidery peripheral—Melco has remained a leader in the indus-try.

In 1990, a majority share of Melco was purchased by Saurer Group-Holding Inc. of Arbon,Switzerland, a worldwide producer of textile machinery and other products. The merger of tech-nologies has helped propel Melco into a multi-national market and further develop our provenquality.

In 1989, Melco created Accessory Resource Corporation (ARC), a full-service company providingthread, equipment accessories, designs, and clothing for the embroidery industry.

We know that good service goes beyond offering an extensive line of quality products. Becauseyour success is the best indicator of our success, we back our systems with an unmatched trainingand service network. Melco wishes you every success in the world of embroidery!

110293-01 Rev. A 1. Introduction to Melco

1-2 1. Introduction to Melco

Embroidery Business Guide Melco Embroidery Systems



2. Contacting Melco and ARC

Technical ServicesFor technical assistance or to arrange a service call, call the Melco Distributor for your territory. IfMelco is your distributor, call 303-457-2025.

You will need the following information when you call:

• Software serial number

• Model and serial number of the machine

• Description of the problem and circumstances when problem occurred

• What (if anything) appears on the machine’s display

Return GoodsCall ARC for accessory returns and Melco for equipment or warranty returns. A ReturnAuthorization (RA) is required for all returned goods. To obtain an RA, call the appropriate depart-ment and request authorization for your return. A brightly colored label with your authorizationnumber will be mailed to you; place the label on the OUTSIDE of the package, next to the ship-ping label.

Note: Any item returned without a Return Authorization label will be refused. Call foryour RA BEFORE returning any item.

Restocking charges

A 20% restocking fee will be charged for all non-defective items and returns where Melco or ARCis deemed not at fault. There is a $75.00 upgrade charge for any alphabet returned for a newerversion.

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2-2 2. Melco and ARC Policies


Telephone DirectoryAccessories/stock designs .......................................................................................1-800-877-4272

Service/support ..........................................................................................................303-457-2025

Part orders .................................................................................................................303-457-1234

To schedule trainingin Los Angeles, CA...............................................................................................310-914-7644in Denver, CO ......................................................................................................303-451-0420in Roswell, GA .....................................................................................................770-518-7727in Ridgefield, NJ ...................................................................................................201-941-2700in Charlotte, NC ..................................................................................................704-394-9488in Plano, TX .........................................................................................................214-612-0066

Billing questions (Melco) ............................................................................................303-457-1234

Billing questions (ARC)...............................................................................................303-451-0420

Fax (Melco) ................................................................................................................303-252-0508

Fax (ARC)...................................................................................................................303-451-5605

Fax request line (ARC) ....................................................................303-727-6945 or 800-799-8314

Voice request line (ARC).............................................................................................800-799-8313


3. Embroidery Basics

Alphabets (Fonts)Melco and ARC offer numerous styles of block, script, and fancy lettering, as well as specialdesign series including sport symbols, mascots, children’s designs, and flowers. Most alphabetsinclude capital and lower-case letters, numbers, and punctuation, although some are available incapital letters only. Our selection of alphabets is expanding continuously.

DensityDensity is determined by the size (diameter) of the thread used, the size of the letter or design,and the type of fabric being embroidered. 4.2 points is the default and appropriate for manyapplications. Remember the following when choosing a density value:

• The thicker the thread, the lower the density needs to be

• Small letters need less density, large letters need more density

• Be careful when embroidering on leather and vinyl because too much density makes toomany needle penetrations and may cut the letter or design out of the material

Generally, higher density is preferred to lower density, but more density means more embroiderytime.

110293-01 Rev. A 3. Embroidery Basics

3-2 3. Embroidery Basics


Backing MaterialsMost fabrics need backing material to stabilize, support, and enhance durability of the embroidery.The backing and fabric should be hooped together to ensure stability. Additionally, a temporaryspray adhesive may be used to enhance stability on loose fabrics such as knit. For items that willnot fit into a hoop, attach the item to a piece of backing material using a temporary spray adhe-sive, then hoop the backing material. There are two basic types of backing: cut-away and tear-away.

On fabrics that do not stretch, it usually suffices to slide a piece of tear-away backing under thehoop before embroidering. Wax paper is effective when used under the hoop on satin jackets. Ithelps lubricate the needle during embroidery and helps prevent thread loops. Experience will helpyou find techniques that work for you.

Cut-away backing

Ranging in thickness from stiff to soft, cut-away backing adds the most support to loose fabricssuch as knit, light-weight, and fine-woven materials. Cut-away backing appears dense and cannotbe torn.

Tear-away backing

Tear-away backing is used when the rigidity of cut-away is not needed, but some additional sup-port is necessary. Tear-away backing can also help cut down on production time. This backing isavailable in various weights and tearing capacities.

Topping

When embroidering on fabric with a deep pile or nap, it can be helpful to hoop Solufab on top ofthe fabric to lay the pile down. Solufab is a water soluble plastic that helps produce cleanerembroidery. Cellophane may also be used, but since it is not water soluble, the cellophane mustbe picked out of the embroidery carefully.


NeedlesThe front of a needle has a long groove to guide the thread intothe eye. The back of the needle has a “scarf” to allow the hookto pass closer to the needle’s centerline during the loop formationpart of a stitch. The groove is 40% of the overall width of theneedle (Figure 1), which is why needle size must correspond withthread size.


Scarf

Longgroove

Eye

Figure 2 Figure 3

Figure 1

40% 100%

Needle cross-section



Loop formation

Loop formation occurs after the needle penetrates the fabric. The needle causes the thread toform a loop, which is caught by the hook as the hook revolves, creating a stitch. Quality stitchingdepends upon proper loop formation. Improper needle/thread combinations create problems. If athread that is too thick is used, a braking effect between the needle and fabric occurs, resulting ina very small loop or no loop. Thread that is too thin results in irregular or fallen loops.

Figure 4

FabricNeedle

Needle plate

Thread

Scarfarea

Eye

Loop

3/32" up from lowest point

Lowest point


Needle sizes

The following chart gives commonly used needle sizes:

The needle size is determined by the fabric type. In principle, the needle should be small enough itwill not damage the fabric, but thick enough it does not cause skipped stitches. For most applica-tions, sizes 70/10 to 80/12 are recommended.

Points

For most fabrics, a sharp point is adequate. For knits and delicate fabrics, however, a ball pointneedle should be used. Ball points allow the needle to find its way through the weave of the fab-ric and not damage the fibers.

HoopingProper hooping is essential for quality embroidery. The garment or fabric must be taut and flat,and the weave or knit must be aligned. Follow these basic hooping guidelines to ensure properhooping:

• Always hoop on a flat surface

• Use the smallest hoop possible that will accommodate the design

• Smooth the garment as much as possible before hooping, including any lining or backing

• Always check the back of the garment after hooping to make sure there are no wrinklesor parts which will be inadvertently sewn.

• Do not over-tighten or over-stretch the material in the hoop

• Practice

Placement

Placing embroidery on garments requires thought, measurement, and practice. The goals are tosatisfy the customer’s preference, to make the embroidery attractive, and to align the design pro-portionately to the garment.


EnglishMetric

965

1070

1175

1280

1490

Smaller larger



Recipes for SuccessThe combinations of techniques that determine embroidery quality can be thought of as a recipe.Through experience you will create your own, adopt concepts of others, and hopefully continue toexperiment. The following table from The Business of Computerized Embroidery outlines a fewbasic recipes:





ThreadsComputerized embroidery machines require threads specifically designed for high-speed electronicmachines. Never use other types of industrial thread or household thread.

Sizes

Thread denier, or weight, is identified by different numbering systems, depending on the manu-facturer. Refer to this size chart:

#40 is the most commonly used and is suitable for most fabrics and designs. #50 may be used onsmaller designs and lettering where a more precise thread is needed. #30 is not used often in pro-duction embroidery but may be used when extra coverage is needed.

Types

The most commonly used types of thread are rayon, polyester, neon, and metallic, with rayonbeing the most popular. When you change from one type, weight, or brand of thread to another,the tension may also change. For example, polyester and neon usually require more tension thanrayon. Metallic thread usually requires less.

Fine or thin threadMedium thread

Heavy or coarse thread

000000000

#50 weight#40 weight#30 weight


4. Advertising

In order to make your business a success and make it successful for years to come, you mustadvertise. You do not need to be a communications expert to be effective in promoting your busi-ness; however, you do need to understand some basic guidelines to develop an effective advertis-ing plan. The following information will serve as a guide for your advertising decision-making andhelp provide some of the information and tools needed to get your advertising off and running.This chapter only outlines some advertising basics. Volumes have been written about advertisingand Melco encourages you to visit your local library for more information.

Why advertise?There are a number of reasons why advertising can prove effective to your bottom line, but its pri-mary goal is to let customers know you exist. With the number of retail businesses in the worldtoday, people often need to be reminded that your business has something to offer. You mustencourage customers to buy embroidery; specifically, to buy your embroidery.

Promoting your business is an ongoing effort to keep your business profitable and to keep yourcustomers coming back. Advertising should be viewed as an investment for business growth, notmerely a business expense. If you look to advertising as something that gets done when it fits inthe budget, you may find your new business is no longer in business.

Here are just a few reasons why you should advertise on a continual basis:

• To create an image

• To attract new customers

• To introduce a new product

• To increase the quantity purchased

• To rise above the competition

• To entice your customers to come back!!

110293-01 Rev. A 4. Advertising

4-2 4. Advertising


Develop your planIn order to advertise effectively, you must develop a plan or strategy. A well developed plan, car-ried out on a consistent basis, will prove to be considerably more successful than a shot-gunapproach. Advertising gains effectiveness through constant repetition and reinforcement. You donot need to repeat the same message endlessly, but continually remind the public you exist andyou have something to offer. You can't expect to develop an identity with your consumer in onead or promotion. It takes time and commitment.

Ask yourself these three questions to get started:

1. What is my objective?

2. How will I attain that objective?

3. What specific actions are required?

Once you can clearly answer these key questions, you are on your way to planning a successfuladvertising campaign. Now ask yourself how you want to convey that message to the public.

• WHAT can you offer that the competition can't duplicate?

• WHO do you want to reach?

• WHAT media provides the best route to reach your target market?

• WHEN do you want to reach that market? What time of year? Daily? Monthly?

• HOW often will you reach them?

The Newspaper Advertising Bureau outlines four steps to setting up an effective advertising plan:

1. SET A SALES GOAL. If you are new in business and cannot base this year's goals on lastyear’s results, try to obtain information from trade associations to help you arrive at a realisticbut challenging goal. Make sure to base your decision on the current year and market trend.

2. DECIDE HOW MUCH ADVERTISING YOU NEED. Consider your planned sales goal in deter-mining how much advertising will be needed. Study your competitor's advertising. If you arenew to the industry, or if there is a strong amount of competition in your area, you will needto advertise much more aggressively in the beginning.

3. DECIDE WHAT TO PROMOTE. Base your advertising on what you believe will bring in thehighest number of customers. Is it a certain product? Your service? Price? Quality?

4. FILL IN AN ADVERTISING PLANNING CALENDAR. Add up your total advertising budget forthe month and then allocate that dollar amount to the different media you plan to use. Bydoing this, you can determine if your ads or promotions are scheduled for maximum impact;furthermore, you can determine if you are spending too much on one medium and notenough on another. Be sure to consider timing. You may need to make adjustments accordingto the seasonal pattern of the embroidery industry.


While carrying out your plan, be aware of your competitor's actions at all times. Also, remembernot to assume the plan you develop is unchangeable. You will need to make adjustments basedon success/failure rate, market trends, etc.

Advertising and promotion ideasWhen promoting your business, it is important to develop your company image. You have a lot ofcompetition for peoples’ attention. A nice logo is an important consideration. To project a profes-sional image you must have a professional-looking logo. If you are not a graphic designer, hire adesigner; it is worth the expense. Use your logo everywhere—business cards, stationary, invoices,gift certificates, etc.

Remember to keep your message short and simple (KISS). You may hear this often in the ad busi-ness. A common mistake is to try to do everything in one ad. One of the worst things you can dois confuse your audience. Use your ads to address the benefit you offer. Try to answer this ques-tion: “What’s in it for me?” Appeal to your customer’s self interest and stress your competitiveadvantage.

Start a mailing list right away. Mailing lists can be invaluable in keeping your existing customers.Return customers make up the bulk of any business, and it is easier to keep existing customersthan to find new ones. Ask customers if they would like to be on your list. You can also gatheraddresses from invoices, checks, etc.

There are countless ways to promote your business. This guide covers only a few. Use your imagi-nation to discover new techniques that work for your business.

Flyers

Flyers can be an inexpensive way to spread your message. They can be distributed by hand in theneighborhood, the local “business park,” or through retailers—without spending a cent onpostage. Include your logo and a coupon if possible to help track the flyer’s success. State yourshop’s benefit on your flyers; if you offer low prices or unique services, say so.

Press Releases (PRs)

Send press releases to your local media anytime you have something unique going on. The mediadoes not always print PRs, but they often will.

Samples

Create samples and giveaways using your logo. Embroider a “business card” or holiday cards.Make samples for your portfolio; an embroidered sample will often sell itself.

Target and go

Research markets you would like to sell to, including companies or individuals within the market.Make sales calls or do a mailing.

110293-01 Rev. A 4. Advertising

4-4 4. Advertising


Direct mail

Direct mail is one of the most effective forms of advertising. Develop an attractive mailer (use yourdesigner if needed), provide an incentive (e.g., a coupon or special offer), and use your mailinglist. If you need to purchase a mailing list, contact a “list broker.” List brokers can provide demo-graphically selective lists.

Advertisements

Newspapers are the most common low-cost ad medium, but be sure to know who reads thepaper so you can target your message. Magazine ads last longer and cost more. Run your admore than once; frequency builds recognition.

Yellow pages

A common but essential way to get your business name out there. Consider carefully how you arelisted; your heading is extremely important.

Business groups

Joining a local business group is a great way to network and gain business.

Contests

Contests are a good way to keep your customers involved and aware. They are also a good wayto collect names for your mailing list. Offer a quality prize—one that makes it worth their while.

Finally...The guidelines covered here may give you a framework of ideas to consider when developing youradvertising strategy and techniques. It will take time to evaluate the effectiveness of your advertis-ing. Keep accurate records. You will need to experiment to find the most successful combinationof techniques for your business. When you find a promotional idea that works, use it!


5. Trade Publications

In 1991, the Embroidery Trade Association (ETA) was created to:

• Bring together embroidery businesses to share common interests and concerns

• Provide information on industry trends, equipment options, available support, and usergroups

• Sponsor seminars, trade shows, and educational workshops

For more information about ETA, call or write the following:

Embroidery Trade Association745 N. Gilbert Rd.Suite 124-201Gilbert, AZ 85234602-545-4241 (phone)602-545-0690 (fax)http://www.e-web.com

PublicationsFollowing is a list of embroidery publications that provide information about suppliers, new appli-cations, styles, garments, and more. Additionally, these publications publicize most upcomingtrade shows and provide tips on how to make your business more profitable.

Bobbin MagazineBobbin Blenheim Media Corp.PO Box 19861110 Shop Rd.Columbia, SC 29202800-845-8820803-771-7500803-799-1461 (fax)

EMB13760 Noel RoadSuite 500Dallas, TX 75240800-527-0207214-239-3060214-419-7825 (fax)

110293-01 Rev. A 5. Trade Publications

5-2 5. Trade Publications


Embroidery Business News4141 N. Scottsdale RoadSuite 316Scottsdale, AZ 85251602-990-1101602-990-0819 (fax)http://www.vpico.com/ebn

Melco Star NewsletterMelco Embroidery Systems1575 W. 124th Ave.Denver, CO 80234303-457-1234303-451-5606 (fax)

Stitches MagazineIntertec Publishing9800 Metcalf Ave.Overland Park, KS 66212913-341-1300913-967-1898 (fax)

The Press MagazineIntertec Publishing9800 Metcalf Ave.Overland Park, KS 66212913-341-1300913-967-1898 (fax)

EurostitchPO Box 1305 AB AlmereHolland, The Netherlands+31 (0)36 5314505+31 (0)36 5349003 (fax)

Apparel Internacional6255 Barfield RoadSuite 200Atlanta, GA 30328404-252-8831404-252-4436 (fax)


6. Glossary of Embroidery Terms

A

ACTIVE WINDOWThe window on your computer screen that you are currently using. Also called the current win-dow.

ALPHABETSLettering styles that are ready to use for embroidery. Alphabets can also be designs that arebrought to the screen using letters of the alphabet. An example of this would be Sports Symbols.

APPLICATION WINDOWThe first window on your computer screen to appear when EDS III is opened. The ApplicationWindow has three menu bar items; File, Peripheral, and Help.

APPLIQUEThe art of using fabrics to enhance a design or to reduce the stitch count.

ARTWORKA design or cartoon used to digitize.

AUTO DELETEAn option that automatically deletes designs from the peripheral after the design has beenembroidered once.

AUTO RUNAn option that automatically sends a design to the beginning of the job queue, allowing you tosew without making any selections from the peripheral menus.

AUTO TRIMAn option that automatically inserts a trim command between each alphabet letter used in adesign.

ARC ANGLEThe center of lettering sewn on a circle. This position is given in degrees, 0° at the top of the cir-cle,180° at the bottom.

ARC FROM CENTERWhen the position of the needle prior to sewing is at the center of the circle. The distance fromthe center of the circle to the bottom of the lettering is the radius.

ARC NORMALWhen the position of the needle prior to sewing is on the circumference of the circle.

ASDThe file extension given by EDS III to a design that is sent to the peripheral.

110293-01 Rev. A 6. Glossary of Embroidery Terms

6-2 6. Glossary of Embroidery Terms


B

BACKINGFabric used to stabilize the garment to be embroidered; added to the back of the fabric.

BEAN STITCHA form of running stitch where the stitch is made forward, then back to the original needle pene-tration point, then forward again. Also known as a triple run.

BIRD NESTA tangled mass of thread that gets jammed in the needle plate. Sometimes it is caused by improp-er tensions.

BIT PADAnother name for a Digitizing Tablet.

BLOCKA designated group of stitches that can be scaled, rotated, repositioned, deleted, cut, copied andpasted.

BLOCK EDITThe term used for changing a defined group of stitches.

BOBBINThe reel or spool that holds the under thread, or the under thread itself.

C

CENTER DESIGNPositing the design in the center of the sewing field.

CHAIN STITCHA stitch used to outline and detail a chenille design or lettering.

CHENILLEA form of embroidery with a deep pile that uses heavy yarns and has no bobbin thread.Commonly used for high school letter jackets.

CLICKPressing and releasing a mouse button in one quick motion.

CLIPBOARDA temporary storage area in the computer's memory. Data in the storage area can be copied toanother place.

CNDThe three letter extension given to a Condensed file. See Condensed Format for more informa-tion.


COLUMN FILLAn option to turn wide column or satin stitches into a series of shorter stitches.

COLUMN STITCHA stitch formed with one needle penetration on either side of a column. Also referred to as a satinstitch or a steil stitch.

COLUMN WIDTHThe width of the actual side-to-side needle penetrations in a column or satin stitch. In EDS III, thewidth can be increased or decreased in increments of 10% from +90% to -90%.

COMPLEX FILLA method for digitizing fills where the computer automatically determines the various indepen-dent segments that are required in making the complete fill of an irregular shape.

CONDENSED FORMATA Melco coding format that includes only the data for the Mark (Mk) entries and function com-mands created during digitizing. This format allows you to scale the design up or down as well aschange the density and stitch length of the design.

COPYA command that keeps the design in the current window and also stores it in a temporary memo-ry called the clipboard.

CURSORAn icon used to indicate your position on the computer screen.

CUTAn editing function used to take selected stitching out of a design and store it in the clipboard.From there it may be pasted to a different place.

D

DATASETA basic set of instructions to produce an embroidery design.

DEFAULTSComputer values that are automatically used unless you override them with different values.

DENSITYThe distance between two lines of stitching, measured in embroidery points.

DESIGN FILEAny design stored on your hard disk or floppy disk. A file name can have up to eight letters, aperiod, and a three letter extension.

DIALOG BOXA box displayed on your computer screen that prompts you to give information, such as a selec-tion from a list of options, or a file name.




DIGITIZINGUsing a special device to convert artwork into a series of commands that can be read by anembroidery machine to create designs or lettering.

DIGITIZING TABLETA board used to communicate with a computer or an embroidery machine while digitizing adesign.

DIGITRACThe original Melco computerized digitizing system which uses an exceptionally large surface andits own vertical stand.

DIRECTORYA named group of computer files stored on one of your computer drives. The hard drive of yourcomputer is usually the C directory. Floppy diskettes are inserted into the A or B drive.

DISKA computer data storage device which is accessed in the hard drive or one of the floppy drives.

DISKETTE FORMATThe manner in which a disk has been prepared to accept information.

DITHERED COLORSA combination of a solid color and a pattern.

DOUBLE CLICKPressing the mouse button quickly two times.

DRAGHolding down the mouse button while moving the mouse. This is usually done to move an objecton the screen or to highlight text.

DROP-DOWN MENUA list of available commands that displays when you click on a menu option. Commands displayedin black are accessible, commands that are displayed in gray or half tone are not.

E

EDITChanging a design file by adding, deleting or moving Mk points, or by inserting and deletingfunctions.

EMBROIDERY POINTA unit of measure equal to one tenth of a millimeter or 1/254th of an inch.

EXPThe three letter extension given to an Expanded file.


EXPANDED FORMATA coding format that includes the data for every stitch in the design.

EXPORTCopying a design from the computer to a non-DOS format diskette or paper tape.

EXTENSIONThe last part of a file name after the period. It can be up to three characters long and is used toidentify the type of file.

F

FILEA related collection of information, named and often stored on a disk.

FILE NAMEThe unique identifier given to a design that is stored on a computer. The file name can have up toeight characters, a period, and an up to three letters extension.

FILL STITCHA series of running stitches used to cover large areas.

FORMATPreparing a disk to receive information. All new disks must be formatted, but reformatting a diskdestroys any information stored on it.

FUNCTIONAn action caused by a command in a design such as Trim, Color Change, Needle Up, etc.

G

GRAPHICAL ROTATIONAngling a design or object in the Layout window using the mouse to click and drag the rotationbox around the object.

GRAPHICAL SCALINGMaking a design larger or smaller in the Layout window using the mouse in a click and dragmotion.

GROUP OBJECTSObjects that have been locked together on the screen.

H

HARD DISKA sealed area in your computer with a read/write head and auxiliary memory.

HOOPA device made of wood, metal, or plastic used to hold a garment or fabric taut during theembroidery process.




HORIZONTAL SPACINGAdditional spacing that may be added between Alphabet letters.

I

ICONA small graphic representation of something larger.

IMPORTBringing a design file into the EDS III program from a non-DOS formatted diskette or paper tape.

INSERTAdding additional information to an existing design.

J

JUMP STITCHA frame movement without a needle penetration. Its function allows you to make a stitch longerthan the maximum stitch length of your machine. Usually longer than 0.5".

L

LAYER BY COLORUsed to show specific colors of a design on the computer screen.

LAYOUT WINDOWThe screen on your computer monitor where you can digitize designs, open files on the hard disk,import designs from floppy disks, export designs, modify designs, and create lettering.

LETTER WIDTHThe overall width of each letter. In EDS III, changes to letter width can be made in increments of10% from +30% to -30%.

LINE CENTER BOTTOMWhen lettering is centered horizontally and above the position of the needle prior to sewing.

LINE CENTER MIDDLEWhen lettering is centered horizontally and vertically from the position of the needle prior tosewing.

LINE NORMALWhen the bottom left of the lettering is the needle position prior to sewing. The sewing will stopat the bottom right and will not return to the original position.

LINE SPACINGAdding space between lines of lettering. Line space is determined by adding the letter height tothe amount of blank space you want between the lines.


LIST BOXA box, usually with a scroll bar, that appears within a dialog box and displays available options.

LOAD FILLAccessing a fill pattern for inspection or changes.

LOCK GROUPOne or more objects that have been joined together.

LOCK STITCHThree or more stitches placed closely together to prevent the embroidered stitches from pullingout. Also know as a tie-off stitch.

M

MAXIMIZEThe small button to the right of the Title Bar with the up arrow. Used to enlarge a window to itsfullest extent.

MAXIMUM STITCH LENGTHThe longest stitch your embroidery machine is capable of sewing before performing a jump stitch.The maximum stitch length for Melco is 127 pts.

MINIMIZEThe small button on the right of the Title Bar with the down arrow. Used to reduce a window toan icon.

MODIFY MK BUTTONAn option that changes the position of a Mk point or changes the Mk to a different type of Mk.

MOSS STITCHThe "loopy" part of a chenille design. The height of the loop is controlled by the height of theneedle.

MULTIHEADAn embroidery machine with more than one sewing head.

N

NEEDLE UPA command used to move from one part of a design to another without stitching.

NON-DOS FORMATSAny disk format other than DOS that is supported by EDS III, such as: Melco, Stellar/Premier,Tajima, Barudan, ZSK.

NORMAL STITCHA command that resets the stitching to a regular running stitch. It also brings the needle down tothe sewing position after a needle-up function is performed.




O

OBJECTAny design from a disk, paper tape, or lettering brought into the Layout window. Several objectscan be in one window at one time.

OBJECT EDIT WINDOWThe window in EDS III that is used to edit designs.

OBJECT FILEA code format where each object has its own separate set of parameters. Condensed, expandedand lettering designs can all be saved together as an Object File.

OBJECT ORDERA list showing the sewing order of a group of objects.

OBJECT PARAMETERSA dialog box which allows you to change the scale, rotation, orientation, or lock status of anobject.

OFMThe three letter extension that identifies an Object file.

ORIENTATIONThe direction that a design will sew. Melco uses an "F" to designate a normal sewing position.

ORIGINThe point at which a design will start. Most designs will have x and y coordinates of 0,0; meaningthat the design will start in the center and end in the center.

P

PAPER TAPEAn older form of computer information storage in which the information is stored as a series ofholes on a reel-to-reel paper tape.

PARTITION LINE SEQUENCEDetermines where the needle will penetrate on each line of stitching in a fill stitch.

PERIPHERALAny device that is attached to or run by the computer: Embroidery Machines, Paper Tape Punches,Digitizing Tablets, Printers, or Plotters.

PERIPHERAL SETUPA dialog box in EDS III that allows you to select Embroidery Peripherals in your network.

PERIPHERAL STATUSA dialog box in EDS III that displays information about a particular peripheral.


R

RADIUSThe distance from the center to the circumference of a circle. The value of the radius controls theamount of curve in an arc.

REGENERATEA command to redraw a design, used to see modifications in the current design.

RESET STITCHSee Normal Stitch.

RETURN TO ORIGINA command used to move the pantograph back to the origin of the design.

RUBBER BANDINGA command to view an edited portion of a design without regenerating the entire design.

RUNNING STITCHA line of equally spaced stitches that are used to outline, underlay, or add detail to a design.

S

SATIN STITCHA stitch formed with one needle penetration on either side of a column. Also called a columnstitch or steil stitch.

SAVEA command to overwrite a previously saved file without prompting you for a new filename.

SAVE ASA command to store a design for the first time, or to store a modified design with a new name toprevent destruction of the original design.

SAVE FILLA command to allow you to define fill information while digitizing.

SCALINGThe process of changing the size, density, or stitch lengths in a design.

SCROLL BARA bar that appears at the far right or bottom edge of a window or list box whose contents arenot fully visible. Clicking on the arrows of the bar moves the viewing portion of the screen.

SEND DESIGNA command that loads a design in the active window into one or more peripheral. The design canbe a condensed, expanded, or object file.




SHORT STITCHESComputer generated stitches that do not go all the way across a column at a curve or angle, usedto prevent an excess of stitches at one side, while providing ample stitches to cover the other.

SLANT ANGLEA command that slants lettering in one degree increments up to fifteen degrees, positive or nega-tive.

SPECIAL STITCHA user defined stitch that is digitized and stored temporarily in the computer memory. A SpecialStitch is limited to 30 Mks or commands.

STATUS BARThe area at the bottom of the computer screen that displays information about the active windowor selected command.

STITCHOne needle penetration made by the embroidery machine.

STITCH COUNTThe number of stitches in a design.

STITCH LENGTHThe length of the running stitches in a design. Measured in points.

STITCH LIST (condensed) Information showing the Mk points and functions that make up a design.

STITCH LIST (expanded)Information showing the actual stitches and functions that make up a design.

STITCH PROCESSORAn EDS III option that changes the size, densities, or stitch lengths of an expanded design.

STORED SYMBOLA portion of a design that is digitized as a separate piece to be used multiple times within thesame design. An example of this is leaves on a tree. You would digitize one leaf as a stored sym-bol then use that same leaf and place it on the tree at various different sizes and angles. This elim-inates redigitizing the same design.

T

TIE OFFSee Lock Stitch.

TILEAllows you to put up to nine windows in the Application Window.


TOOL SETThe commands and options in an EDS III window represented by icons.

TRANSFER DESIGNA command that sends Expanded or ASD files to the Peripheral.

U

UNDERLAYStitches used to stabilize fabric and/or prepare the area for top stitching.

UTCUTC is the Under Thread Control. It is a sensor mounted to the needle plate bracket that recog-nizes the absence of the bobbin thread. When the machine sews a certain number of stitcheswithout bobbin thread, the UTC causes the machine to stop, back up that number of stitches,and display the message, CHECK BOBBIN.

V

VERTICAL SPACINGA command that stair-steps your lettering up (positive value), or down (negative value).

W

WINDOWA rectangular area on your screen in which you view and work on designs.

Z

ZOOMA command that enlarges or reduces a portion of a design in the current window, allowing you toedit with more precision. This command does not affect the sewing size of the design.





Documents

Embroidery Business Guide