Digitize line art and redwork

Decide whether you want a centerline or an outline

A thick drawn line can be interpreted as two outside edges or one path through its center. Those interpretations produce different stitch results. Decide which one matches the intended redwork style before tracing.

Inspect junctions and closed loops. Unnecessary double outlines can add travel and make a simple line drawing more complicated than expected.

Choose the thread treatment

A running stitch follows the path once. A bean treatment repeats movements to make the line more pronounced. A satin column spans a width, so it is a different construction rather than simply a stronger running stitch.

Use the stitch preview to compare the actual paths and repeated passes. The source image's apparent line weight is only a reference.

Plan connections

A good sequence considers how one line reaches the next. Watch for long travel, unintended retracing and isolated details. A path that looks connected in the drawing may still require a jump in the stitch sequence.

Simplifying irrelevant branches in the artwork can make the sewing plan easier to understand. Keep important shape cues instead of tracing every texture mark.

Review at the intended size

Check small loops and tight corners at the size you plan to sew. Test the combination of thread weight, fabric and stitch treatment; a screen cannot show how a thin line will sink into a textured material.

Common questions