Week 14: On Painting with Stitches (Wildcard Week)

Introduction

This wildcard week explores digital embroidery as a fabrication process: translating vector geometry into stitched toolpaths. The focus is on documenting a fully reproducible workflow, from image design to machine execution.

Design Iteration: From Image Generation to Tracing

I initially experimented with AI-generated imagery (a sailor and a surfer). While visually rich, these images were too complex for embroidery: gradients, textures, and overlapping shapes do not translate cleanly into stitches.

Here are the conversations we had to generate some images: Sailor and Surfer .

I therefore used the generated images only as references and manually traced simplified line art suitable for embroidery.

Vector Preparation in Inkscape

I prepared the embroidery design using Inkscape, ensuring that all geometry was compatible with stitch-based fabrication.

1. Import image into Inkscape
2. Convert to bitmap (Path → Trace Bitmap)
3. Manually clean and simplify paths
4. Simulate stitches using embroidery extensions

Embroidery Machine Setup

Before running the embroidery job, I prepared the fabric and machine carefully to avoid thread breaks, misalignment, or puckering.

1. Iron the backing and fabric flat
2. Hoop the fabric tightly
3. Thread the needle
4. Load the design and verify orientation

Running the Job

When running the embroidery:

• Start at a slow speed
• Watch the first stitches carefully
• Stop early if threads snag or tension is off
• Trim excess thread as the job progresses

Starting slowly allowed me to verify stitch order and density before committing to the full run.

Reflection

• Embroidery is fundamentally a toolpath problem, similar to CNC or PCB routing.
• Image simplification is essential—complex visuals do not equal good fabrication.
• Simulation saved time and material.
• Manual tracing gave far more control than automatic conversion.