Hatch Embroidery

Introduction

Hatch Embroidery 3 is embroidery software made by Wilcom, the leading embroidery software company. It is aimed at a non-professional and semi-professional audience. This article introduces some features. At the moment, it mainly shows how to perform automatic and semi-automatic scans from own graphics. Since there is no manual in French, we will use the interface in English.

The Hatch documentation was made for version 2. Version 3 adds functionality, but the operation is very similar.

See as well:

• Stitch Era - Semi-professional software that offers a drawing module plus a bit more control for a similar price.
• InkStitch - Freeware that provides all basic functionality.

Here are some examples of Emoji characters digitized with Hatch 2. Most are discussed in the various articles on digitizing, setting up and editing embroidery objects. All emoji scans are indexed in List of emojis to stitch (right column. In the folders they are found with "hatch" in the file name.

Examples of scans with Hatch 2

Prerequisites

It is strongly advised to browse the following articles before tackling this tutorial. In any case, you should read machine embroidery because we introduce the concept "embroidery object" which defines the elements to be embroidered in a design file.

• Machine embroidery (compulsory reading for novices)
• Principles of digitizing in machine embroidery (recommended reading)
• Embroidery Stitches (recommended reading)

In addition, it is advisable to install InkScape (drawing software) and learn some basics, for example read the tutorials. Alternatively, you could buy the CorelDRAW GEM for Hatch Embroidery add-on.

Hatch Embroidery 3 Software Variants

The software is sold in four tiers:

1. Organizer (~€150)
2. Personalize (~250 €), includes lettering
3. Compose (~500 €), includes the possibility of arranging objects
4. Digitizer (~€1000), includes automatic and semi-automatic (click-to-stitch) digitizing from raster images and classic digitizing

Only the "Digitizer" level is interesting for people wishing to create their own patterns. We do not recommend the purchase of others.

It can be purchased online, directly from [1]. Prices vary depending on the country (VAT) and times of the year (there are actions).

Extensions

There are extensions, called "[2]".

• For Hatch 3 we recommend the purchase of the Corel Draw extension which allows you to manipulate and digitize vector drawings. (~ €250).
• You can also add Cross Stitch GEM for Hatch Embroidery (~ €90).

Alternatively, additional fonts can also be purchased

Tutorials

At the moment, we offer the following tutorials (all in advanced draft as of April 2022). They explain (1) how to transform a clean design into embroidery objects (2) how to adapt these objects by modifying their embroidery parameters and (3) how to modify the shape of an object.

1. Hatch Embroidery 3 - auto digitizing
2. Hatch Embroidery 3 - embroidery object parametrizn
3. Hatch Embroidery 3 - editing embroidery objects
4. CorelDRAW GEM for Hatch Embroidery

The examples used in this article are available in clipart format *.SVG and *.PNG, as well as the design file *.EMB and an embroidery file *.PES. See List of embroidery emojis, the "digitized for hatch" column plus the links inserted in the articles.

Unless otherwise specified, examples have not been tested.

Features of Hatch Embroidery 2

Hatch, like all good embroidery software, offers several digitizing methods:

1. The automatic digitization of a raster image: We transform an entire image into embroidery objects (according to a few options and choices to be made). Read the tutorial Hatch Embroidery 2 - automatic digitizing
2. Semi-automatic digitization from a raster image: A color zone of a raster image is transformed into an embroidery object. Also read the tutorial Hatch Embroidery 2 - automatic digitizing.
3. The classic manual digitization: We draw directly draw embroidery objects
4. The photo-stitch allows you to digitize a photo.
5. The lettering allows to create texts from pre-digitized fonts
6. Monograms work on the same principle as lettering

The embroidery objects can then be re-parameterized and edited. Read the tutorial Hatch Embroidery 2 - parameterize embroidery objects

An embroidery object can be edited, you can change its shape (Reshape), smooth it, change the lines of direction, etc. Read the tutorial Hatch Embroidery 2 - editing embroidery objects

Summary of automatic and semi-automatic scanning workflow

To digitize an image automatically and semi-automatically we go through the following steps:

1. In InkScape (or other drawing software): import or create a vector drawing (SVG etc.), then export a clean, high-definition *.PNG raster file. Alternatively, the CorelDRAW GEM for Hatch Embroidery addon adds a bridge to Corel Draw that allows importing a vector drawing.
2. In Hatch, create a new blank file (alternatively one can also add a pattern to a design file that already exists)
3. Import the raster drawing (preferably *.PNG) or vector drawing elements if you have the add-on for Corel. Adjust the size if necessary.
4. Auto-digitize drawing. Preferably, use the semi-automatic ("click-to-stitch...") method to digitize one range of colors after the other. The result is a sequence of embroidery objects that together define an embroidery design.
5. Adjust the result by modifying the embroidery object parameters and possibly the shape of the embroidery objects.

Read the Hatch Embroidery 2 - automatic digitizing tutorial which will explain this workflow with an example and the CorelDRAW GEM for Hatch Embroidery tutorial which explains how to digitize vector designs with this extension.

Feature Discussion

Hatch software is relatively easy to learn and it seems to be powerful than PE design, software with similar operation. Hatch 2 contains a good selection of fills and good algorithms for auto-digitizing. The settings available for embroidery objects are probably sufficient for semi-professional use. The online manual is well done, but quite incomplete. However, Wilcom publishes a large number of thematic resources that allow you to go further.

Hatch 3 initially offers very poor support for drawing: limited import of formats, impossible to edit drawings because even the imported vector is transformed into a raster if I'm not mistaken. This is annoying for graphic designers and multimedia specialists. However, this functionality can be added by purchasing the extension GEM for Hatch Embroidery. Corel Draw is a good vector editor (some prefer it to Illustrator).

The integration with Hatch 2 didn't work very well it seems. C.f. version of CorelDRAW integrates with Hatch Embroidery 2? ). The same publisher, Wilcom, sells E4, a professional software, which automatically integrates Corel Draw, a good drawing software. But E4 is 4-5x more expensive than Hatch 🥲.

Compared to professional software like E4.x, or semi-professional like Stitch Era, the embroidery object properties are a bit limited. For example: we cannot add a built-in border to an object, we cannot repeat the sewing of straight stitches on a line (well we can duplicate it), we cannot transform a line into satin in certain cases, we cannot set the ends of the satin lines, the gradients are simplistic, there is no compensation in percentage, setting direction lines is sometimes difficult (to be checked), sometimes strange behavior of the node editor. That said, the software is flexible enough to create professional embroideries.

The lack of support for drawing is not a problem for people who prefer classic digitization, i.e. draw embroidery objects directly. Also, automatic digitizing of clean, high-resolution raster drawings works well. In other words, one can prepare a drawing in a drawing software and then import a clean raster file. Alternatively, CDR, WMF or EPS vector formats can be imported. In summary, we can live with this limitation, even if we strongly regret it.

Setup

Language

You can install Hatch in several languages. So during the first installation, you have to check all the languages ​​you want. Otherwise, the installation must be corrected. So in Windows:

• Look for Hatch in the uninstaller
• Select "Edit" and respond to the following screens.

That said, we did not manage to put the French version once installed the English version. Probably because Windows note is in another language, changing display language and locale didn't help either (digging problem....)

Your machine and your frames

You can define brand and model embroiderer and its frames.

• Software Settings menu -> Embroidery STranslation types

Text translation Source text ch Embroidery 2 - paramétrage d'objets de broderie

Un objet de broderie peut être édité, on peut changer sa forme (Reshape), faire du lissage, changer les lignes de direction, etc. Lisez le tutoriel Hatch Embroidery 2 - modification d'objets de broderie

Résumé du workflow en numérisation automatique et semi-automatique

Pour numériser une image automatiquement et semi-automatique on passe par les étapes suivantes:

Dans InkScape (ou un autre logiciel de dessin): importer ou créer un dessin vectoriel (SVG etc.), ensuite exporter un fichier matriciel *.PNG propre et à haute-définition. Alternativement, le addon CorelDRAW GEM for Hatch Embroidery ajoute un pont vers Corel Draw qui permet d'importer un dessin vectoriel. Dans Hatch, créer un nouveau fichier blanc (sinon on peut aussi ajouter un motif à un fichier de conception qui existe déjà) Importer le dessin matriciel (*.PNG de préférence) ou les éléments du dessin vectoriel si vous avez le add-on pour Corel. Ajuster la taille si nécessaire. Auto-numériser le dessin. De préférence, utiliser la méthode semi-automatique ("click-to-stitch...") pour numériser une plage de couleurs après l'autre. Le résultat est une séquence d'objets de broderie qui ensemble définissent un motif à broder. Ajuster le résultat en modifiant les paramètres d'objets de broderie et éventuellement la forme objets de broderie.

Lisez le tutoriel Hatch Embroidery 2 - numérisation automatique qui expliquera ce workflow avec un exemple et le tutoriel CorelDRAW GEM for Hatch Embroidery qui explique comment numériser des dessin vectoriels avec cette extension.

Discussion des fonctionnalités

Hatch est un logiciel relativement facile à apprendre et il semble être puissant que PE design, logiciel ayant un fonctionnement similaire. Hatch 2 contient un bon choix de remplissages et des bons algorithmes pour l'auto-numérisation. Les paramètres disponibles pour les objets de broderie sont probablement suffisants pour un usage semi-professionnel. La manuel en ligne est bien fait, mais assez lacunaire. Toutefois, Wilcom publie un grand nombre de ressources thématiques qui permettent d'aller plus loin.

Hatch 3 offre au départ un très mauvais support pour le dessin: importation de formats limitée, impossible d'éditer des dessin car même le vectoriel importé est transformé en matriciel si je ne me trompe pas. C'est gênant pour des graphistes et spécialistes multimédia. Toutefois, on peut ajouter cette fonctionnalité en achetant l'extension CorelDRAW GEM for Hatch Embroidery. Corel Draw est un bon éditeur vectoriel (certains le préfèrent à Illustrator).

L'intégration avec Hatch 2 ne fonctionnait pas très bien il semble. C.f. Which version of CorelDRAW integrates with Hatch Embroidery 2?). Le même éditeur, Wilcom, vend E4, un logiciel professionnel, qui s'intègre d'office Corel Draw, un bon logiciel de dessin. Mais E4 est 4-5 x plus cher que Hatch 🥲.

Par rapport à un logiciel professionnel comme E4.x, ou semi-professional comme Stitch Era, le paramétrage est un peu limité. Par exemple: on ne peut pas ajouter une bordure intégrée à un objet, on ne peut pas répéter la couture de points droits sur une ligne (enfin on peut la dupliquer), on ne peut pas transformer une ligne en satin dans certains cas, on ne peut paramétrer les bouts des lignes satin, les dégradés sont simplistes, il n'y a pas de compensation en pourcentage, un problème de lignes de direction (à vérifier), comportement parfois étrange de l'éditeur de noeuds, . Ceci dit, le logiciel est suffisamment souple pour créer des broderies professionnelles.

L'absence du support pour le dessin n'est pas gênant pour les personnes qui préfèrent la numérisation classique, c-a-d. dessiner directement des objets de broderie. Aussi, la numérisation automatique de dessins matriciels propres et à haute résolution marche bien. Autrement dit, on peut préparer un dessin dans un logiciel de dessin puis importer un fichier matriciel propre. Alternativement, on peut importer les formats vectoriels CDR, WMF ou EPS. En résumé, on peut vivre avec cette limitation, même si on la regrette fortement.

Configuration Langue

On peut installer Hatch en plusieurs langues. Donc lors de la première installation, il faut cocher toutes les langues que l'on veut. Sinon, il faut corriger l'installation. Donc, dans Windows:

Chercher Hatch dans le désinstalleur Sélectionner "Modifier" et répondez aux écrans suivants.

Cela dit, nous n'avons pas réussi à mettre la version française une fois installé la version Anglaise. Probablement parce que note Windows est dans une autre langue, changer la langue d'affichage et la locale n'a pas aidé non plus (problème à creuser ....)

Votre machine et vos cadres

On peut définir marque et modèle brodeuse et ses cadres.

Menu Software Settings -> Embroidery Settings -> Machine & Hoop La liste des machines n'est pas à jour et il manque surtout les cadres, mais il est simple d'ajouter une machine ou un cadre: Clic-droit sur "hoop" (cadre?) Ensu 2,066 / 5,000 Translation results ettings -> Machine & Hoop The list of machines is outdated and mostly frames are missing, but adding a machine or frame is simple:

• • Right-click on "hoop" (frame?)
  • Then either Create... for the machine or the frame.

You can calibrate the filling of holes (0mm by default) and the elimination of overlaps (1mm by default).

• Software Settings menu -> Embroidery Settings -> Overlap

The wires

Hatch has defined a wide range of yarns. By default, Hatch searches for a random wire that matches the RGB values ​​in your design.

We can limit to a single pallet (Gunold Poly 40 most of the time in our case). Matching is excellent.

Hatch 3

Hatch 3 was released on June 1, 2022. The digitizer level brings some nice improvements:

• A new type of PhotoStitch ("Reef")
• Improved "normal" PhotoStitch (soon to embroider a photo in a clean way?)
• Import embroidery designs with a touch (not super useful for me)
• "Laydown stitch", allows you to flatten irregular fabrics such as towels
• A command to center at 0.0 (about time)
• "Hand Stitch", a filling simulating manual embroidery (I can't wait to test this with cotton thread 30)
• Auto-digitizing: Improvements to reduce colors, segment shapes, sequencing and paths, editing vector artwork (I'd like to know if it works well, if so, Hatch has really improved as far as I'm concerned)
• Close shapes
• Improved sequences panel
• Improved lettering (min and max size poster for example)
• Improved multi-position hooping
• Improved frame and machine management
• 64bit support (so performance improvement)
• Better support for PES (don't know what)

Upgrade price: $200

Links

• Software @ Hatch
• Product documentation for Hatch 3