Ellen Wasbø © 2013
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How to create filled shapes



The Path Effect Hatches is very useful for creating filled shapes. If you want to keep the original outline in addition to the fill you need to start by copying the path. Select the path, open the Path Effect Editor (Shift + Ctrl + 7) and add the Hatches effect. A long list of (fun) paramters pops up, but we will for now set most of them to zero. To adjust the direction and spacing of the filling you have to select the node tool and play around with the little yellow circles and diamonds. A better description of this effect can be found in this tutorial from the Eggbot project. This project is about a robot that can draw paths on round objects like eggs for example and use Inkscape to digitize the pen-paths. This project offer many ideas for digitizing embroideries using Inkscape too as it's a bit of the same story. For creating filled regions I specifically recommend this tutorial.

But NOTE!: You always have to convert the fill-effekt to a real path before trying to convert it to stitches. (Path -> Object to Path)


This website has been out of order for some months. I'm sorry about that. The code is now updated to PHP 7.2.

About svg2embroidery Convert vector graphics to embroidery files and vise versa. The tutorials will give you some ideas on how to use Inkscape to design or edit your embroidery files.

I offer the code of this application under the GNU license. Run this website using the xampp apache server.

Tutorials - How to design your own embroideries using Inkscape and svg2embroidery


Size
Get the size and dimensions right.
Converting fram raster image to vector graphics
How to trace a raster image to create vector grafics using Inkscape.
Path order and direction
Get the path order and direction right to minimize jump stitches. This tutorial demonstrates available tools in Inkscape to help you control this.
Regular zigzag
How to convert a path to a regular zigzag path using Inkscape.
Fill
How to create fill stitch using Inkscape.
Satin stitch
How to create satin stitch using Inkscape.

My results


Hot pad
Here is my first svg2embroidery test. This is going to be a hot pad or something like that.
Free Standing Lace
Create FSL (Free Standing Lace) by drawing the paths in Inkscape. The tutorial on automatically creating zigzags might be useful.
Baby hat
A cute little and simple embroidery suitable for baby clothes. More images here
Baby jacket
A little elephant for a little baby boy. Read more about creation of satin stitches here.

Some inspiration?


Scrapbooking stamps or brushes
Scrapbooking stamps or brushes can be sewn on fabric or on paper. This image is a freebie kit from Ziggle designs found at DigiScrapDepot.com
Ornament
Convert hand embroidery patterns to machine embroidery. Could be nice on a blouse for example. This image is a free pattern from Needle'nThread