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Open an SVG, an embroidery file (JEF, PES, DST and more) or a saved StitchLab project to see its stitches in the hoop.

Settings

Threads

Colors show their thread number in this brand. A .jef file can only hold Janome colors, so the Janome number your machine will display is shown as well. Saved with the project.

    Thread charts use the GIMP palette format (from Inkscape, GIMP or Ink/Stitch). The bundled brand charts come from the Ink/Stitch project (GPL-3).

    StitchLab folder

    One folder for all your StitchLab work: projects open and save there, machine files are written into its Machine files folder, and the fonts in its Fonts and StitchLab fonts folders join the font list.

    Fonts on this computer

    Fonts from your own computer show in the font list with the others. They stay on your computer: StitchLab reads them in this browser and never sends them anywhere.

    Appearance

    Only changes how StitchLab looks in this browser; the sewn design stays the same. Pick a fabric close to the one you'll sew on to judge how the thread colors will look.

    Projects

    Keeps your current project in this browser as you work and brings it back when you reopen StitchLab. It isn't shared with other computers; use Save project for a file.

    Machine

    Hoops sewing field, width × height in mm

      The file Download writes, set from your machine; you can change it for this project. Designs can also be opened from any of these formats: .

      Add your own machine

      For a model that isn't listed: pick its brand (that sets the file format), name it, then add its hoops above. Saved on this computer.

      StitchLab USB

      Send to machine writes the design onto StitchLab USB's card while your machine waits; the machine sees it as a USB stick. Only addresses on your home network are used.

      Prepare a USB stick or SD card tested on the Janome MC9850

      Erases a USB stick or an SD card (in a card reader on this computer) and sets it up the way the Janome MC9850 formats one: FAT32, a partition table, 32 KB clusters, the machine's EMB and ORD folders. For a stick the machine is picky about, or StitchLab USB's card. Tested on the MC9850 so far: tell us how it works on yours. Hard drives are never listed. It takes a few seconds: don't remove the drive until it says Done.

      Stitching

      Moves between the parts of a letter or fill run under stitching that comes later, instead of cutting the thread. Each shape can override this (Travel, in its Layers row), and set its own start and end points.

      Fewer cuts: lines that meet are sewn in one go, and moves between shapes of one color run under stitching of that color sewn after them (never under another color). Only used where it saves a cut. Projects saved before this setting open with it off, so they sew as they did.

      Lock stitches keep cut thread ends from pulling out or dragging when the hoop moves. Hidden is the default: many machines only cut and don't tie off in embroidery. Hidden ties satin, fill and lettering as strong does, but inside their first and last stitch, so no tie shows at the edges (lines keep strong ties). Choose Use Machine Settings only if your machine ties off at each cut by itself.

      New project default settings

      The stitch settings a project starts with. Every shape uses them unless it has its own (in its layer's Stitch settings). Changing them here changes this project; save them to start every new project with them. Saving keeps the Stitching section's settings above too (lock stitches, trims, joined routing ...).

      Fill

      Pattern

      Underlay

      Underlay type
      Underlay passes

      Satin

      Long and short stitches

      For satin columns, satin letters and filled shapes sewn as satin. Satin lines keep their stitches whole.

      Underlay

      Underlay type
      Underlay passes

      Faux merrow border

      A faux merrow: the raised, rolled edge of a patch. Set a shape's stitch type to Faux merrow border (in its layer); it is sewn last, over the edge.

      Fans spread over the edge from a chain stitch along the inside, like a real merrow. Made for 12 wt thread: the machine stops before it so you can change thread and needle (100/16) and loosen the top tension.

      Overlay

      A lighter stitch sewn over the finished border, in its own thread if you like.

      Overlay thread

      Calibration

      Test files to sew on your machine. The tag says the smallest common hoop each fits as it is. Preview shows it here; Open loads it as a project in your own hoop, where you can move the pieces to fit and download it in your machine's file type; Download gives the file as it is, in your machine's file type.

      Machine checks

      Stitch test 5×7
      30 colors 4×4
      Color stop limit 5×7
      Tension H's 5×7
      Pull compensation 5×7

      Samples

      Designs made in StitchLab to sew as a sample: open one to look at how it's built or change it.

      Patches 5×7

      Save sew-out video

      The video opens on the finished piece (its preview picture), then the design stitches itself on fabric in the Realistic look. Keep this tab in front while it records: it takes as long as the video.

      Your video carries a small Made with StitchLab line and ends with the StitchLab band sliding in, with a whoosh and a chime.

      Patch preview

      Already on StitchLab USB

      Save gradient

      Keep this gradient to use on any shape: in My gradients (the Preset menu), and as a file if you like.

      Save project

      Your browser saves the project as a download. Name it here so StitchLab knows its name.

      Before you add fonts

      Something went wrong

      What to try:

      Download

      Thread to get ready, and what it costs

      Thread prices

      Kept in this browser for every project. A kit: its price, how many spools, the meters on one.

      Worksheet

      All formats

      One .zip with the design in every format ticked, each file named after the project: for sharing or selling a design that will be sewn on other machines. The formats ticked are kept in this browser.

      Share to StitchLab Designs

      This design may not work on your machine

      StitchLab USB settings

      StitchLab USB joins your Wi-Fi so StitchLab can send it designs. It works only with 2.4 GHz networks: it can't see 5 GHz ones, so they're never on its list.

      Screen: your machine's USB port is on the
      Advanced: fixed address, second network

      Leave Fixed address empty and your router gives StitchLab USB an address, shown on its screen. A fixed address stays the same: choose one your router doesn't hand out to other devices.