A Stitchist guide
Embroidery digitizing on a Mac, in your browser
Stitchist runs in a web browser on macOS, so you can draw embroidery shapes, add lettering, preview and export without installing a Windows application. Free Studio exports include PES and DST; the separate converter offers eight machine formats free with an account.
Start digitizing freeFree drawing tools and PES / DST export. One free Auto Digitize creation.
From idea to embroidery
Draw · Digitize · Sew
A little preparation makes a better stitch file.Separate computer support from machine support
The Mac runs the editor; your embroidery machine reads the exported file. You do not need a Mac-specific embroidery extension. Choose PES, DST, JEF or another supported output based on the machine model, not the computer.
Stitchist does not replace the machine's USB transfer procedure or proprietary connection software. Follow the machine documentation for moving the downloaded file onto the device.
Choose your starting tool
Use Studio for drawing, lettering and image digitizing. Use the file converter when you already have stitches in another format. Use the Beta resizer when an existing stitch file needs a different physical size.
A mouse or trackpad with enough workspace is helpful for detailed node editing. Check the design at the final size instead of judging tiny details only at high zoom.
Understand the online workflow
The interface is browser-based and processing uses Stitchist's servers. You need an internet connection; this is not an offline desktop application. Keep downloaded files and source-project copies according to your workflow.
Conversion and preview do not require sign-in in the converter. A free account is needed to download its result. Studio's plan limits are separate from those converter rules.
Before the first sew-out
Verify the receiving format and version, compare dimensions with the hoop, and inspect the written file. A file appearing correctly on your Mac does not guarantee the machine accepts its size or version.
Make a sample on the intended material before repeating a design or distributing it as a tested file.
Common questions
Do I need Windows or a virtual machine?
Can I work offline?
Can I convert PES to JEF on a Mac?
Put it into practice
Free drawing tools and PES / DST export. One free Auto Digitize creation.
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