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[Butterflyluvr]

Hello, I'm new and would appreciate any info of what program to use to make a design smaller. Is there any free or inexpensive software available?

I had read a while back someone stating they bought the wrong size and your reply was you could change the size with a program and now I can't find it to know what it was.

Another question is the density of the design...what does it mean and will it affect the design changing size?

Will be looking forward to hearing from you with this info.

Thanks,
Butterflyluvr

[ScreenBags]

A couple of great questions - and yes, they are related.

You may be able to reduce or enlarge a design a little bit w/o any software; it depends upon your machine. Some machines allow you to reduce designs about 10%-20%, and they also allow you to enlarge about 10%-20%. Ask your dealer or check your manual. Or, if you want, post on the Forum with the specifics about your machine, and if someone else owns the sample model, then she (or he) may reply with the answer.

If you want to change the size of a design a lot -- like 50%, then you will probably need some software. Everyone has their favorite; depends upon your budget, dealer support, your own personal learning curve, etc.

Some software will change the size only. Some software will change the size + density, at the same time. I use a program (not free) called Designers' Gallery SizeWorks (which 'plugs' into a foundation program called Designers Gallery Studio -- meaning SizeWorks can not function by itself. It requires a foundation program.)

Other members of the Forum will be able to help you with other programs. Their experience, pros, and cons of the software, etc.

Basically, density refers to how close the stitches are together. An example of a very dense design is a patch. You may see some postings refer to a stitch-out of a design as 'bulletproof' because the stitches are packed so tightly together. If the size of a design is reduced AND the density is not adjusted, then sometimes, the design may feel 'bulletproof'. If the size of a design is enlarged AND the density is not adjusted, then sometimes, the design may have 'bald' areas. 'Bald' areas refer to portion of the stitch-out where the fabric (shirt, towel, etc.) shows through because the stitch coverage is no longer adequate.

Examples of designs with low density are redwork designs or outline-stitch design. On the SiCK website, take a look at the redwork designs (sometimes labelled "RW"), or some of the outline designs like Christmas Colorlines:
http://www.designsbysick.com/present/christmascolorlines

Hope this helps,
Susan

[Butterflyluvr]

Yes, Susan, this does help me have a better understanding...Thank You!
I have a Brother SE 270D and I do know that it can adjust the design size and I also have Ped basic which will do the 10 & 20% adjustments.
Another software I picked up at a bargin is Effortless Embroidery for digitizing.

However, I have some larger designs I'd like to make smaller and want to use a good program that would work well. I haven't even thought about splitting a design yet, but I know eventually I'll get there.

Thanks so much, for your response with this info!
Butterflyluvr