How To Convert SVG To Embroidery File – Complete Tutorial

What Are SVG Files?

SVG stands for Scalable Vector Graphics. It is a file format used for describing two-dimensional vector graphics.

SVG files are written in XML (eXtensible Markup Language) and can be displayed and manipulated by web browsers.

The main advantage of SVG files is their scalability. Since SVG images are based on mathematical descriptions of shapes rather than fixed pixels, they can be scaled up or down without losing quality.

Check out the best resizing tips for machine embroidery designs if you want to change the design’s scalability without compromising quality.

This makes SVG files ideal for use in various applications, such as web design, where images need to be displayed in different sizes across different devices and resolutions.

Can SVG Files Be Converted Into Embroidery Files?

Yes, it is possible to convert an SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) file into an embroidery file format. SVG files are commonly used for vector-based graphics and can be converted into various embroidery file formats:

• DST (Tajima Embroidery Format)
• PES (Brother Embroidery Format)
• EXP (Melco Embroidery Format) among others.

Check our blog for more details on how to convert SVG to PES embroidery file format.

SVG To Embroidery File Is A Indirect Conversion Process

Embroidery files and SVG files possess distinct characteristics, with the former requiring more extensive data.

Consequently, achieving a true conversion between the two formats is not feasible. To make an SVG file compatible with an embroidery machine, the computer must generate additional information.

Hence, when you are going to convert an embroidery file, it is more accurate to say that SVG files can serve as a valuable starting point for constructing an embroidery design.

Moreover, if you intend to convert SVG to an embroidery file, you will require a software program that supports SVG file import and embroidery file export.

These software programs allow you to import the SVG design, adjust settings such as stitch types, colors, and densities, and then export the design in a format compatible with embroidery machines.

Check out the top commercial embroidery machine reviews on our blog to make the right decision.

How Are SVG Files Similar To The Embroidery Files?

The resemblance between SVG files and embroidery designs lies in their shared characteristics as machine-readable file formats.

When it comes to SVG files, they can be processed by cutting software and cutting machines, allowing the machine to precisely cut out the corresponding shape.

Likewise, embroidery designs can be interpreted by embroidery machines, which then proceed to stitch out the design according to the instructions encoded in the file.

In embroidery designs, you might have observed that certain areas are filled with stitches, while others are created using strokes. Numerous embroidery designs are a fusion of these two elements.

How Are SVG Files Different From Embroidery Files?

The dissimilarities between SVG files and embroidery designs become apparent when examining their characteristics.

SVG files are comparatively simpler than embroidery designs. They solely consist of instructions about points, lines, directions, and colors, without any additional complexities.

On the other hand, embroidery designs possess a greater level of intricacy and they need to convey various instructions to the machine such as: 

• Stitch type selection
• Stitch direction
• Stitch density
• And when the machine should cease its operation, among other details.

Software Used To Convert Svg To Embroidery File

The process used to convert SVG to an embroidery file is highly influenced by the software you utilize. Remember that machine embroidery files are more intricate than SVG files.

It becomes clear that the process to convert an embroidery file from one format to another is not as straightforward as a simple conversion.

We will look at three distinct methods used to convert SVG to embroidery files in the following article.

We will employ free software (Inkscape with Ink/Stitch), a trial version of affordable software (SewArt), and finally, a moderately priced digitizing program (StitchArtist).

By the end of this article, you will realize that your conversion possibilities become more advanced as you opt for pricier software.

1- Convert SVG To Embroidery File Using Inkstitch And Inkscape

One of the easiest methods used to convert SVG to embroidery files is to utilize Inkscape software along with the Ink/Stitch plugin.

Inkscape is a free drawing program that operates on both MAC and PC platforms. It is an excellent tool for creating and editing SVG files offering capabilities comparable to Adobe Illustrator.

If Adobe Illustrator is not feasible due to budget constraints, I highly recommend exploring Inkscape as an alternative. Once Inkscape is installed, you can add the Ink/Stitch extension.

This extension allows you to generate an embroidery file based on the vector shapes you create within Inkscape.

Importing the SVG file into Inkscape is a simple process. You can either import the existing SVG file or design an original vector-based graphic directly in Inkscape.

To Convert SVG To embroidery File Using Inkscape And Ink/Stitch, Follow These Steps:

Step 01– Save the SVG file in an embroidery file format by selecting “File -> Save” and choosing the desired embroidery format.

Step 02– If your preferred embroidery file format is not available in the menu, you may easily convert the embroidery file from one format to another.

Step 03– Once the embroidery design is complete, transfer it to your embroidery machine for stitching.

Step 04- To get a preview of how the stitched design will look, you can open the design in Embrilliance after creating it in Inkscape / Ink/Stitch.

Note: The preview provides a good idea of the final result.

In the example above, I used the default settings for stitch angle and type, resulting in uniformity across all objects to convert SVG to an embroidery file.

However, Ink/Stitch now offers more control over stitch quality. You can adjust start and end points for each thread color, add borders, and choose different stitch types.

Ink/Stitch is a remarkable software, especially for basic designs. However, other software options provide greater control over stitch density, type, angle, and other parameters.

2- Convert SVG To Embroidery File Using SewArt

To convert SVG to embroidery file using SewArt, an affordable option, follow these steps:

• SewArt, a digitizing program developed by S&S Computing, offers an inexpensive solution.
• It allows you to import SVG files, as well as pixel-based images like JPEGs, and construct embroidery designs based on the shapes present in the graphics.
• While Inkscape permits you to create your artwork, SewArt is not primarily designed as a vector-based drawing tool.
• Instead, its focus lies on generating embroidery designs.

Want to learn more about the features and capabilities provided by SewArt, check out the SewArt software’s reviews from our blog.

To Import An SVG File Into SewArt, Follow These Instructions:

SewArt particularly excels at processing SVG files due to their composition of distinct shapes and lines and enables SewArt to effectively comprehend the separate areas within the design.

When importing SVG files, SewArt immediately recognizes these distinct areas, allowing you to effortlessly apply various fills and strokes to them.

Step 01- Assigning Stitch Types To Different Areas In SewArt

Assigning various stitch types to different areas in SewArt involves clicking on the sewing machine button.

This action grants access to the program area where you can assign stitch types to individual areas.

Additionally, apart from assigning stitch types, you have the option to adjust the stitch angle, density, and other parameters.

Visit our blog to look at the list of the top embroidery digitizing software for editing so you can modify your design.

Step 02- Customize The Order Of Stitches

After assigning thread colors and types to each area, you can easily modify the stitch order of the objects.

For instance, if multiple areas are designated with a red thread color, you may want to arrange those items together to ensure all the red stitching is done consecutively.

Step 03- Save Your Embroidery File In The Desired Format

• SewArt offers a wide range of embroidery file formats in which you can save your file.
• This provides you with numerous options to choose from based on your preferences.

Check out the complete details of the machine embroidery file formats provided in this blog and check which one is compatible with your machine.

Step 04- Saving Embroidery Files Using SewArt

Compared to Inkscape and Ink/Stitch, SewArt provides a more extensive set of features important to convert SVG to embroidery files, and its user interface is highly intuitive.

Additionally, by using the companion program SewWhat-Pro, you can combine and modify the embroidery designs created in SewArt in various ways.

Use Of Embrilliance StitchArtist  To Convert SVG To Embroidery Files

Embrilliance StitchArtist, a highly advanced digitizing software, provides enhanced capabilities to convert SVG to embroidery files.

Step 01- Incorporating SVG Files Into Stitch Artist

With StitchArtist Level 3, you can effortlessly import SVG files, which will be automatically transformed into objects.

Once they are recognized as objects within the program, you gain the ability to apply various types of embroidery stitches to them.

Here, we’ve outlined the several embroidery stitch types you can use to achieve top-notch results.

Step 02- Importing SVG Files Into Embrilliance

While this feature shares similarities with SewArt, Embrilliance offers a plethora of additional editing options.

For example with StitchArtist, users can make additional changes to the forms of SVG files either before or after stitching them.

Step 03- Boolean Operations In StitchArtist

One of the impressive functionalities offered by StitchArtist Level Three about SVG files is the incorporation of Boolean operations.

• Boolean operations involve the interaction between two vector-based objects.
• A commonly used Boolean operation is the union, which combines two distinct shapes into one.
• StitchArtist Level Three provides an array of tools for Boolean operations.
• These tools allow you to merge two objects, subtract one from the other, and retain the intersection between two objects.
• Given my extensive experience in working with graphics programs and creating SVG files, I frequently leverage this feature when digitizing embroidery designs in StitchArtist.
• From my perspective, it is one of the most compelling reasons to consider purchasing the highest level of StitchArtist or upgrading to level three.

Convert SVG To Embroidery File Using Other Digitizing Programs

Other digitizing programs also support SVG conversion for embroidery designs, not just StitchArtist.

As embroidery software has become more advanced, importing SVG files and applying stitches to shapes has become a common feature in these programs.

Embrilliance StitchArtist stands out with its impressive range of SVG manipulation tools. Choose the program used to convert SVG to an embroidery file that best meets your requirements.

Conclusion

Converting SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) files to embroidery files is a useful process that allows digital designs to be translated into formats compatible with embroidery machines.

The process used to convert SVG to an embroidery file enables the creation of intricate and detailed embroidery patterns using computerized stitching technology.

By converting SVG  to embroidery files, designers and hobbyists can bring their digital designs to life on fabric, expanding the possibilities of embroidery and adding a modern touch to this traditional craft.