Accelerator Editor - Allows DesignShop users to assign DesignShop functions to the hot key (or key combination) of their choice. Useful for those who tend to use the keyboard more than the mouse.
Active Window - The current window viewable on the computer screen.
Alignment Tools - Tools used in DesignShop to align elements or designs in relation to each other. Multiple designs or elements must be selected in order to use this feature.
Alphabet - Also known as "Font." Lettering style created in a software program (like DesignShop) that is ready to use for embroidery.
AMAYA - Stands for "As Many As You Add." Embroidery machine created by Melco Embroidery Systems. Features the patented Acti-Feed thread system (see Acti-Feed).
AMAYA OS - AMAYA Operating System. The program used to run the AMAYA embroidery machine. This software is loaded on a computer rather than a peripheral. AMAYA OS runs the AMAYA embroidery machine and must be present for the AMAYA to function.
Appliqué - The process of applying a piece of fabric on top of another piece of fabric and attaching the two with stitches (most often with a satin stitch). This process reduces the number of stitches needed in the design and adds depth and texture. See also Tackle Twill.
Arc Lettering - Lettering that is placed on an arc. Various properties can be changed in arc lettering, including its angle and radius.
Artwork - Often used to describe an image/graphic used as a template for digitizing.
Auto-Density - Available property of a column (satin) stitch. When selected, this property will automatically determine the correct density for a given column. Specifically useful for columns that vary in width (i.e., script alphabets).
Auto-Digitizing - A DesignShop Pro+ feature that automatically converts artwork into an embroidery design.
Auto-Font - DesignShop feature that allows true type fonts to be used as embroidery alphabets. AutoFont automatically creates embroidery alphabets from true type fonts already installed on your computer.
Auto Save - An option available in DesignShop that will automatically save the currently open file after a specified amount of time.
Automatic Smooth Cornering - Column feature (specific to singleline and column 1 type columns – DesignShop column input digitizing tools) that when selected creates smoother stitching around corners.
Background Color - The color of the background of the workspace in DesignShop.
Backing - Fabric (woven or non-woven) that is placed on the back of a garment to stabilize the garment and prepare it for embroidery. Also known as “Stabilizer.” Comes in two basic types: cut-away and tear-away.
Ball (Needle) - A standard type of embroidery machine needle. The tip of the needle is slightly rounded (in comparison to a sharp needle [see Sharp). Typically used on knit fabrics.
Bean Stitch - A type of running stitch that is typically used for outlining and detailing an embroidery design. Each stitch is made of three needle penetrations: forward, backward, forward (looks a bit like a bean). Also known as a ”Triple Run.”
Bitmap - Also known as “Raster.” One of the two major graphic types (the other being vector). A term used to describe an image made of pixels. A bitmap cannot be resized without losing clarity. The most common file types known as bitmap are JPEG, GIF, TIFF, PNG, PICT, and BMP. Although many file types are bitmap based, bitmap is also used to describe a specific file format: BMP.
Bobbin - Reel or spool on which the bobbin thread is wound. Bobbin thread is used to create a secure stitch on the underside of the fabric. The bobbin is placed inside a bobbin case (see Bobbin Case) before being placed in the embroidery machine.
Bobbin Case - Used to house the bobbin and change the tension of the bobbin thread. Together the bobbin and bobbin case are placed into the hook assembly.
Boring – Holes incorporated into embroidery designs. A sharp blunt device punctures the fabric and then the stitches are sewn around the opening to enclose the edges.
Buckram - Stiffened woven material used most commonly on the front inside crown of caps. This material makes the front of the cap stand up.
Business Assistant - Tool available in DesignShop which helps the user calculate a price to charge for the current design open.
Cap Designs - Designs created specifically to sew on caps. Properties will typically include sewing from the bottom up, center out, and finishing design elements as they are sewn.
Cap Frame - Device used to hoop a cap and prepare it for mounting on the driver of an embroidery machine.
Canvas - Heavy woven fabric typically made of hemp, cotton, or flax. Commonly used to make tote bags.
CCF/WAD - Abbreviation for “Conventional Cap Frame/Wide Angle Driver.” This type of cap frame is used to embroider the front of the cap only and can be used on the AMAYA's wide angle driver. This hoop choice must be chosen in AMAYA OS if a conventional cap frame is to be used.
Center Design - Tool available in both DesignShop and AMAYA OS that allows the user to center the design in the sewing field.
Chain Stitch - A stitch used to outline and detail a chenille design.
Chenille - A form of embroidery with a deep pile that uses heavy yarns and has no bobbin thread. Commonly used for high school letter jackets. Created on a chenille machine. The AMAYA cannot create chenille but can create chenille-like stitches.
Click - Pressing and releasing a mouse button in one quick motion.
Clipboard - A temporary storage area in the computer's memory. Data in the storage area can be copied to another place.
CMYK - Stands for “Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black.” These are the colors that make up print media. Graphics that will never be sent to print need not be saved as CMYK. They can be saved as RGB (see RGB), which makes a much smaller file.
CND - The three-letter extension given to a condensed file. See Condensed Format.
Color Change - A command in a design that tells the embroidery machine to change needles and start sewing with a different color of thread.
Color Chart - Chart available in DesignShop and the Design view of AMAYA OS. This chart allows the user to choose from a variety of colors to apply to different embroidery elements on-screen.
Color Palette - Palette available in DesignShop and the Design view of AMAYA OS. This palette enables the user to see the colors chosen for the open design. The palette also displays the number and order of colors in the design.
Column Fill - An option used to turn wide column or satin stitches into a series of shorter stitches. Commonly used when lettering gets too large to use a column stitch.
Column Stitch - A stitch formed with one needle penetration on either side of a column. Also referred to as a “Satin Stitch”.
Column Width - Also known as “Pull Compensation.” The width of the actual side-to-side needle penetrations in a column or satin stitch. The column width can be increased to compensate for the inward pull on the column.
Compact Disk – Also known as CD-ROM.
Complex Fill - A type of stitch formed by needle’s penetrating multiple times between edges of a shape. The computer automatically determines the various independent segments that are required in making the complete fill of an irregular shape. This type of a stitch is commonly used in large areas where columns would not be appropriate.
Condensed Format (CND) - An embroidery design format commonly used in the embroidery industry. In terms of editing ability in DesignShop, it has less information than a Melco .ofm file and thus is harder to edit. It does have more information than an expanded design, however, and is easier to edit than an expanded design. The condensed format allows you to scale the design up or down as well as change the density and stitch length of the design.
Conventional Cap Driver - Component used on Melco's EMT and EMC machines to allow cap sewing. Not typically used on the AMAYA (needs modification). Used with the conventional cap frame for the conventional cap driver.
Conventional Cap Frame (CCF) - This type of cap frame is used to embroider the front of the cap only. There are two types of conventional cap frames. One is the conventional cap frame for the conventional cap driver. This cap frame can only be used on the AMAYA if a conversion has been made to put the conventional cap driver on the AMAYA. The other type, conventional cap frame for the wide angle driver (CCF/WAD), can easily be used on the AMAYA's standard wide angle driver and needs no conversion.
Copy - A command that keeps selected stitching in the current window and also stores a copy of the stitching in a temporary memory called the ”Clipboard.” From there the copy may be pasted to a different place.
Copyright - The express legal right to duplicate, publish, and sell something. Embroidery designs may be copyrighted.
Cropping - The act of getting rid of unwanted information in a graphic. This can be done in most graphic programs and helps to reduce file size and distracting visual information.
Cross Stitch – Two stitches that cross at the center to form an X.
Cursor - An icon used to indicate your position on the computer screen.
Custom Designs - Embroidery designs created by editing existing designs or creating new designs from scratch.
Cut - An editing function used to take selected stitching out of a design and store it in the clipboard. From there it may be pasted to a different place.
Cut-away Backing - Backing used for stabilizing knit or stretchy fabrics. After embroidery the excess backing is cut away leaving a patch of backing sewn to the fabric for future stability.
Decorative Stitch - A type of stitch that uses repeated patterns along a walk input line.
Defaults - Values that are automatically used unless you override them with different values.
Denier - The international method of measuring the thickness (weight) of thread. The higher the number, the thicker the thread.
Density - The vertical distance between two lines of stitching, measured in points.
Design Analyzer - A DesignShop and AMAYA OS tool that detects areas of stitch points that are on top of each other The design analyzer helps to move these points away from each other and avoid possible thread breaks. The tool is made of two processes: Stitch Proximity Plot, and Proximity Filter.
Design File - Any design stored on your computer or external storage device.
Design Filter - Function that allows the filtering and removal of long and short stitches in a design. It also gives the option of accumulating jump stitches.
Design Origin - The position of the needle when the embroidery machine makes its first stitch (when the start button is pressed). The starting point of a design.
Design View - One of the two main windows of AMAYA OS. The Design view takes the user to a program called "Sizer" where some basic design manipulation tools are available.
DesignShop - Melco's design editing and digitizing software. DesignShop is available in different versions with various levels of depth.
Dialog Box - A box displayed on your computer screen that prompts you to give information, such as a selection from a list of options or a file name.
Digitizing - Converting artwork into a series of commands that can be read by an embroidery machine with the use of special computer software.
Digitizing Tablet - A board used to communicate with a computer or an embroidery machine while creating a design. Not commonly used today with the invention of on-screen digitizing.
Digitrac - The original Melco computerized digitizing system, which used an exceptionally large surface and its own vertical stand. Not commonly used today.
Directory - A named group of computer files stored on one of your computer drives. The hard drive of your computer is usually the C directory.
Dongle - Security device that must be attached to the computer in order for certain software to run.
Double-Click - Pressing the mouse button quickly two times.
DPI - Stands for “Dots Per Inch.” This is a measurement of the printer resolution when an image is printed. The more dots per inch, the higher the quality of the printout. DPI is often confused with PPI (Pixels Per Inch), which is the number of pixels per inch the graphic itself has (see PPI).
Drag - Holding down the left mouse button while moving the mouse. This is usually done to move an object on the screen or to highlight text.
Drop-Down Menu - A list of available commands that displays when you click on a menu option. Commands displayed in black are accessible; commands that are displayed in gray or half tone are not.
Duplicate - Function that copies a selected item and then automatically pastes that copy onto the screen. Often described as "copy and paste in one."
Edit - Changing a design file by adding, deleting, or moving points or by inserting and deleting commands.
Element - A DesignShop term that is used to describe the smallest component of a design that consists of multiple points.
Emblem - Also known as a “Patch” or “Crest.” Commonly an insignia. Characterized by a finished edge and often applied by appliqué.
Embroidery - Decorative stitching on fabric.
Embroidery Network System (ENS) - A Windows program designed by Melco that allows the remote control and monitoring of Melco EMB, EMC, and EMT embroidery machines.
Embroidery Point - A unit of measure equal to 1/10 of a millimeter or 1/254 of an inch.
Ethernet Cable - Cable that connects devices in a network. Most commonly used in conjunction with an Ethernet hub.
Ethernet Card - Card that must be present in a computer to create a network. The AMAYA must have its own network, and thus the computer running the AMAYA must have an Ethernet card dedicated to the AMAYA.
Ethernet Hub - Electronic device that allows multiple devices (AMAYA machines) to be connected through a network.
Ethernet Jack - Jack on the back of a computer that connects to the Ethernet card. Ethernet cables or crossover cables are inserted into the Ethernet jack.
EXP - The three-letter extension given to an expanded file.
Expanded Format - A design format that includes the data for every stitch in the design. Uses the file extension: exp. sometimes called a "Machine File."
Expanded Points - Individual points (needle downs) in an expanded design.
Expanded Stitch Processor - Processor (only available in expanded designs) that is invoked when scaling an expanded design. The stitch processor will automatically increase or decrease the design stitch count when the design is scaled up or down.
Extension - The last part of a file name after the period. It can be up to three characters long and is used to identify the type of file.
Eye - The opening in a needle through which thread is passed.
Facing - See Topping.
Factory Defaults - The settings in a computer program that existed in the program when it was first loaded.
Felt - Non-woven fabric made of wool or fur and often mixed with other fibers. Created through the use of heat, moisture, chemicals, and pressure. Commonly used in embroidery for patches and to display embroidery examples.
File - A related collection of information named and often stored on a computer or external storage device.
File Format - The type of file (example: expanded, condensed, jpeg, tiff). The file format is easily denoted by referencing the file extension (see Extension).
File Name - The unique identifier given to a design (or other file) that is stored on a computer. The file name has characters, a period, and an up-to-three-letter extension.
Fill Stitch - A series of running stitches used to cover large areas. See Complex Fill.
Finishing - The steps taken after an embroidery design has been sewn and before packaging. Includes trimming loose thread, removing excess backing, removing hoop burns, etc.
Floppy Disk - Media used for temporary storage of files. Sometimes used as a method of transferring files in older embroidery machines.
Font - Also known as "Alphabet." A specific lettering style.
Function - An action caused by a command in a design such as Trim, Color Change, Needle Up, etc.
Gauge - See Hooping Gauge.
GIF - Stands for “Graphics Interchange Format.” Common graphic format used on the web. Currently this file format cannot be opened in DesignShop.
Global Scale Factors - DesignShop feature that allows the user to globally (throughout an entire design) scale some properties of wireframe elements. This is useful in taking excessive stitches out of very dense designs.
Graphic Background - The ability in DesignShop to place a picture of a graphic of fabric in the background of the workspace.
Graphical Rotation - Rotating a design in the DesignShop View window using the mouse to click and drag the rotation on-screen.
Graphical Scaling - Making a design larger or smaller in the View window using the mouse in a click and drag motion.
Graphical Zoom In - Zoom tool that allows the user to click and drag a box around the area that needs to be zoomed in on. This operation is more specific than a typical zoom in.
Grid - A framework of evenly spaced vertical and horizontal lines that can be placed behind a design in both DesignShop and AMAYA OS. The grid is useful for spacing and aligning objects.
Groove - A long channel that runs down the front of a needle. The thread rests in this groove while the needle penetrates the fabric.
Group - More than one element in DesignShop that have been grouped together. This new unit can now be treated as one.
Group Names - This DesignShop feature allows the user to input multiple names for a design and then sew them out one by one. Group Names is often used with team apparel where each garment must have a different name.
Hard Disk (Hard Drive) - A sealed area in your computer that holds large amounts of programs and computer data.
Hardware - The physical components of a system (computer equipment, embroidery machine, etc.) Hardware is not the programs used on the system.
High Profile - A cap style with a more vertical slope to the front panel(s). This style is less fitted to the head than low profile caps (see Low Profile).
Hoop - A device made of wood, metal, or plastic that is used to hold a garment or fabric taut during the embroidery process. Also called "Frame."
Hoop Manager - DesignShop and AMAYA OS feature that allows the user to view information on predefined hoops commonly used with the AMAYA machine and also allows the user to create custom hoops.
Hooping Device - Also known as “Hooping Aid.” A device used to aid in the process of hooping goods to be embroidered. Allows for uniform and efficient hooping.
Hooping Gauge - Device used to hold a cap frame while hooping a cap. The gauge is typically a round metal cylinder mounted to a table or wall.
Horizontal Spacing - Additional spacing that may be added between alphabet letters.
HTML - “Hyper Text Markup Language.” The basic language of most web pages.
Icon - A small graphic representation of something larger.
Input Toolbar - DesignShop toolbar that mostly houses the tools that create new stitches (digitizing tools).
Insert - Adding additional information to an existing design.
Jacquard Knit - A fabric that has a pattern directly knit into the fabric during manufacturing. Usually this fabric is made of more than two colors.
Jersey Knit - A knit fabric that has a definite variation in texture from the outside to the inside (the outside is smooth, and the inside is textured).
JPEG - Stands for “Joint Photographic Experts Group.” This graphic format is commonly found on the Internet, and is now widely used. It has the file extension .jpg. JPEGs can be opened as artwork in DesignShop.
Jump Stitch - A movement of the embroidery machine panograph without a needle penetration.
Justification - Lettering property that allows text to be aligned to the left, center, or right.
Keyboard Lettering – The ability to use pre-programmed alphabets to type lettering for embroidery.
Letter Height - The overall height of lettering. This is determined by the height of its capital letters. This is the standard property that is modified to change the size of lettering.
Letter Width - The overall width of each letter, NOT the column width.
Lettering - Often called "Keyboard Lettering." Embroidery that creates letters or words; created through a computer software program (DesignShop).
Line Spacing - The space between lines of lettering. Line space is determined by adding the letter height to the amount of blank space you want between the lines.
List Box - A box, usually with a scroll bar, that appears within a dialog box and displays available options.
Lock Stitch - Three or more stitches placed closely together to prevent the embroidered stitches from pulling out. Also know as a “Tie In” stitch or a “Tie Off” stitch (see Tie In and Tie Off).
Locking - The function in DesignShop that allows the user to temporarily lock down an element so that editing cannot be performed on the element.
Logo – The symbol, name or trademark of a company or organization.
Low Profile - A cap style where the front panel(s) slope more closely to the head. A low profile cap can be structured or unstructured. A low profile cap has a more limited sewing area than a high profile cap (see High Profile).
Low-Res Graphic - A graphic that has a low resolution (see Resolution), and is hard to distinguish. Very low-res graphics may be hard to use as a pattern for digitizing.
Machine File – An embroidery stitch file that only an embroidery machine can read and sew.
Manual Stitch - In this type of stitch only the digitized points are where the needle goes down. There are no automated stitches in between digitized points (like a walk normal stitch has). A manual stitch is used to force long stitch lengths and create special effects like grass or hair.
Marking - The process of creating temporary marks on a garment for hooping placement.
Material Thickness - Also known as "Thread Feed." By changing this number (controlled in AMAYA OS) the user changes the amount of thread being fed into a stitch during sewing. This number represents the thickness of the material being sewn on. The thicker the material, the higher this number should be.
Maximize - One of the small buttons to the right of the Title Bar. Used to enlarge a window to its fullest extent.
Maximum Stitch Length - The longest stitch your embroidery machine is capable of sewing before performing a jump stitch.
Merrow - The stitch used to edge patches and other goods. This prevents unraveling of the fabric and creates a more finished look.
Microfiber - A naturally water repellent fabric made of tightly woven polyester fiber. It is brushed to have a soft suede feel.
Microfleece - A high density fleece made of micro fibers. It has the warmth of regular fleece without the weight.
Mid Profile - A cap with a front panel height in between a high profile and low profile cap.
Minimize - One of the small buttons on the right of the Title Bar. Used to reduce a window to an icon for later use.
Mirroring - These tools allow a design to be flipped (mirrored) horizontally or vertically.
Mitered Corners - Method for stitching around corners that allows the stitch direction to change drastically while maintaining the quality of the corner.
Monogram - An embroidered design, usually consisting of three or less letters, which stands for a person or organization's initials.
Multi-Head - With the AMAYA embroidery machine this is more than one AMAYA machine linked together through a computer. With older embroidery machines (and machines from other manufacturers) this is where more than one sewing head exists on the same unit.
Multi-Ring Hoop - See Spider Hoop.
Nap - The downy or fuzzy surface of some fabrics. Fabrics with a nap tend to be more challenging to embroider and sometimes need a topping like Solufab to keep the stitches from sinking into the nap.
Navigator Tab - Tool in DesignShop that allows the user to see a thumbnail image of the entire project onscreen. The Navigator is used to quickly view different parts of a project.
Needle - A small, slender piece of metal that is attached to an embroidery machine. Thread is passed through the needle, and the needle penetrates the fabric to make a stitch. Needles come in different shapes and sizes. The eye, groove, and scarf are a needle's three main parts.
Network - A connected group of units. These units could be computers, terminals, communication devices, and/or embroidery machines. A network facilitates communication between the units.
Nippers - A type of small handheld scissor-like cutting tool. Used for trimming thread.
Object Toolbar - DesignShop toolbar that houses various tools including: Group, Ungroup, Color Change, and Trim (to name a few).
OFM - The three-letter extension that identifies a Melco project file. This is the native format of DesignShop.
On-Screen Digitizing - Digitizing that takes place on a computer screen rather than using an older method like a digitizing tablet.
Orientation - The direction that a design will sew. Melco uses an "F" to designate a normal sewing position.
Origin - The point at which a design will start. Most designs will have x and y coordinates of 0,0. This means the design will start in the center and end in the center.
Outline Stitch - Stitching that is used to determine future placement of fabric (appliqué) or edges to be cut.
Overlap - When a column is sewn in sections, the overlap parameter determines how much (number of lines) these sections will overlap. This is commonly used to fix gaps in keyboard lettering.
Partition Line Sequence - Determines where the needle will penetrate on each line of stitching in a fill stitch.
Paste - Paste inserts the contents of the clipboard into the area selected (and replaces any item or design that may also be selected). You can only paste after you have cut or copied an element(s) or design to the clipboard.
Patch – Pre-cut finished pieces of fabric used to embroider emblems and logos.
Pattern - The sequence of stitches that make up an embroidered design.
Pattern Fill - A custom stitch type used in complex fills. It is used for large areas to obtain artistic effects in designs.
Peripheral - Any device that is attached to or run by the computer: Embroidery machines, digitizing tablets, printers, and scanners. It is also commonly used to describe the unit attached to conventional embroidery machines (not the AMAYA) that is the user’s control for all machine functions.
Pique - A type of fabric that is created to have a closely woven ribbed surface texture. Commonly used in making golf shirts.
Pixel - The basic unit of measurement for computers and the smallest element of an image. Resolution is expressed in pixels. By zooming in on a raster graphic one can see the tiny little squares that make up the image. Each of those squares is called a pixel.
Points – Unit of metric measurement. (10 points is equal to 1mm).
Position Tab - DesignShop control that has the ability to move or rotate a selected element numerically.
PPI - “Pixels Per Inch.” PPI is the number of pixels found in a square inch of a graphic. The more pixels per inch, the higher the quality of the graphic. Graphics with low PPI cannot be scaled without loosing clarity.
Project Tab - One of the tabs in the DesignShop Project view. This tab displays a tree view of everything you have done within a project. Sometimes just referred to as the "Tree View."
Proximity Filter - One of the processes of the design analyzer (see Design Analyzer). The proximity filter actually moves overlapping digitized points away from each other to help avoid possible thread breaks.
Puckering - The gathering of fabric by stitches. Commonly caused by improper hooping, insufficient backing, incorrect material thickness value, or a dull needle.
Puff Embroidery - Embroidery created by stitching over top of a dense foam (see Puffy Foam). This results in a more three-dimensional look.
Puffy Foam - The term used to describe the type of dense foam used in creating puff embroidery. Stitches are placed over the foam to create a three-dimensional effect. Also called "3-D Foam."
Pull Compensation - The deliberate distortion of stitches in an embroidery design that allows for the pull of the stitches and fabric when actually being sewn. This is a value that can be changed in a column stitch and a fill stitch. Without pull compensation a digitized circle can look like an oval when sewn.
Punching - An older term now used to describe the process of computerized digitizing or creating a design to be sewn on an embroidery machine. Punching refers to the older process of actually "punching" paper tapes with holes to form a code for the design. An embroidery machine could then read this.
Radial In - Fill effect available in higher levels of DesignShop that creates the appearance of a three-dimensional inward globe within a complex fill.
Radial Out - Fill effect available in higher levels of DesignShop that creates the appearance of a three-dimensional globe within a complex fill.
Radius - The distance from the center to the circumference of a circle. The value of the radius controls the amount of curve in an arc.
Random Edge - Column and fill special effect that creates a randomly zigzagged edge. Useful for shading, hair, grass, and many other special embroidery effects.
Raster - see Bitmap.
Redo - This DesignShop function is used to redo certain actions on which you used the Undo (see Undo) tool.
Redraw Speed - The speed at which a design is redrawn on the computer screen. This setting can be changed in DesignShop to make a design redraw at a slower speed (allowing a better view of stitch creation).
Registration - The correct alignment of borders, outlines, and all elements in a design.
Reset Design - The AMAYA OS command that resets the current design back to the beginning, allowing the user to start from the first stitch.
Resizing - To change the size of a design or graphic.
Resolution - Determines the quality of a graphic. The higher the resolution, the higher the quality and clarity of an image. Typically measured in DPI (dots per inch).
Retrace - A digitizing function that will automatically retrace back on top of the created stitch and end where the stitch began.
Return to Origin - A command used to move the pantograph back to the origin of the design.
RGB - Stands for ”Red, Green, Blue.” These are the primary colors that make up light. A computer screen displays images in RGB. Images can be saved in RGB mode if they are not intended to be used for high quality printing. Images intended for print can be saved as CMYK (see CMYK).
Rotate - The ability to turn a design or graphic to any degree in a 360-degree circle.
Rotate/Transform - DesignShop function that allows the user to rotate and transform a design on-screen by using the mouse.
Running Stitch - A line of equally spaced stitches that is used to outline, underlay or add detail to a design. A walk normal stitch and a bean stitch are types of running stitches.
Satin Stitch - A stitch formed with one needle penetration on either side of a column. Also called a ”Column Stitch” or “Steil Stitch.”
Save - A command to overwrite a previously saved file without prompting you for a new file name.
Save As - A command to store a file for the first time or to store a modified design with a new name to prevent destruction of the original design.
Scaling - The process of changing the size of a design or graphic.
Scanner - Device used to convert physical data into digital data. Artwork is scanned in using a scanner. The digital image can then be used as a pattern for digitizing.
Scarf - The notch cut out of the back of a needle.
Schiffli - A type of machine typically used to create large quantities of embroidered yard goods, laces, appliqués, and much more. Schiffli machines are usually very large, weigh over 10 tons, and sometimes house many hundreds of needles.
Scroll Bar - A bar that appears at the far right or bottom edge of a window or list box whose contents are not fully visible. Clicking on the arrows of the bar moves the viewing portion of the screen.
Sharp (Needle) - A standard type of embroidery machine needle. The tip of the needle is sharp (in comparison to a ball needle (see Ball)). Typically used on caps and heavier weight fabrics like canvas, denim, vinyl.
Short Stitches - Computer generated stitches that do not go all the way across a column at a curve or angle to prevent an excess of stitches at one point. This property of DesignShop lettering and columns can be turned on or off.
Singleline - A method of producing columns in the DesignShop software that maintain an equal width throughout the column. There are three different types of singleline input: singleline center, singleline left, and singleline right (these input types refer to the placement of the input points).
Slant Angle - A property of lettering that slants the letters in one-degree increments. This makes the lettering look like it is leaning forward (italicized) or backward.
Snap to Grid - DesignShop feature which aligns elements or designs in comparison with the grid.
Spider Hoop - Also known as “Multi-Ring Hoop.” Used for quick hooping of multiple small garments. A frame that attaches to the x-carriage and several hoops that can be inserted into the frame.
SPM - Stands for “Stitches per Minute.” Used to determine the speed of stitching on an embroidery machine.
Stabilizer - See Backing.
Standard Toolbar - Toolbar that consists of shortcut buttons to create a new file, open a file, load a design, and open Help.
Start Key - Key on the AMAYA keypad that makes the machine start sewing.
Stitch - One needle penetration made by the embroidery machine.
Stitch Count - The number of stitches in a design.
Stitch Formation - The creation of a stitch on an embroidery machine. Proper stitch formation will result in a clean looking stitch.
Stitch Length - The length of the running stitches in a design. Measured in points. The shorter the stitch length, the more stitches in a line of running stitches. The longer the stitch length, the fewer the stitches in a line of running stitches.
Stitch Processing – Operations performed on expanded stitch designs. This allows for scaling designs for density adjustments and compensations.
Stitch Proximity Plot - One of the processes of the Design Analyzer (see Design Analyzer). This function will display a plotted map with light and dark areas. The dark areas represent small areas that contain a large number of stitches. These areas can then be filtered with the other process of the Design Analyzer, the Proximity Filter (see Proximity Filter).
Stock Design - A generic embroidery design that can be bought from a company. These designs are already created and are commonly found in large catalogs. Typically stock designs can be purchased at a lower cost than custom digitized designs.
Structured - A cap with buckram in the front panel(s). The buckram controls the shape of the cap allowing the cap to stand up on its own.
System RGB Color - A color chart choice in DesignShop. This color chart has the basic 256 colors supported by the computer platform. The system RGB color chart can be useful in changing the background color back to white or choosing a color not present in other color charts.
Tackle Twill - A type of appliqué where the edges are finished with a zigzag stitch. Typically tackle twill is done with letters or numbers and used for school teams or organizations.
Tail Length - Parameter that refers to the length of thread tail left after a trim.
Take-Up Levers - Mechanical arms that the thread passes through. They move up and down with the movement of the needles going up and down. They are timed in such a way that their movement up and down is what pulls the stitch tight during the stitching process.
Tear-away Backing - A backing made of non-woven materials that is torn away after embroidery. It is placed under the fabric being embroidered and used for temporary stabilization. Tear-away is typically used on more stable fabrics like denim, canvas, and vinyl.
Terry Cloth - Fabric that is typically used to make towels and bathrobes. Characterized by a loopy nap.
Thread - Two or more filaments twisted together used for creating embroidery. Thread comes in many types; the most common are rayon, polyester, cotton, and metallic.
Thumbnail - A smaller version of a larger graphic. When used on the web the user typically clicks on the thumbnail, and a larger version of the image appears.
Tie In - A lock stitch (see Lock Stitch), which comes at the beginning of an element.
Tie Off - A lock stitch (see Lock Stitch), which comes at the end of an element.
Tile - A Windows feature which allows you to put up to nine windows in the application window.
Topping - Also called Facing. Placed on top of a fabric to hold down the nap for better looking embroidery. Water Soluble or "Solvy®" is a typical topping.
Tracing - A command that allows the AMAYA machine to trace around the outside limits of a design with the laser light. This feature shows the user where the design will sew inside the hoop and allows the user to check for proper placement.
Trapunto - Feature available in some levels of DesignShop that will allow you to move the travel stitches of a complex fill to the side of an element instead of through the middle. This will prevent travel stitches from being conspicuous on larger space values or higher density fills.
Travel Stitch - Running stitch that travels underneath the top stitches of a design to get inconspicuously from one section of a design to another without trimming.
Trim Immediate - Command that tells the AMAYA machine to trim the thread immediately.
Trim Type - The AMAYA can be set to trim differently for metallic thread than other threads. This parameter can be changed in AMAYA OS from "normal" to "metallic" when sewing with metallic thread.
Trimming - The act of removing unwanted thread after embroidery.
True Type Fonts - True type fonts can be described as a file format for fonts used by windows and windows applications.
Tubular Goods - Goods that are circular in form. So that they are not sewn together, they need to sit around the sewing arm of an embroidery machine like a tube. Sweatshirts, T-shirts, and tote bags are examples of tubular goods.
Tubular Hoops - Hoops that are made to sew tubular goods on an embroidery machine with a tubular setup.
Underlay - Stitches used to stabilize fabric and/or prepare the area for top stitching.
Undo - This DesignShop function is used to undo or get rid of certain actions.
Ungroup - This will remove all of the currently selected elements from their group(s).
Unlocking - The function in DesignShop that allows the user to unlock an element that has been locked so that editing can now be performed on the element.
Unstructured - A cap that has a natural slope to the front panel(s) and has not been hardened with buckram.
Upper Threading - Threading the AMAYA machine starting from the cone, going through the thread path, and down through the needle.
User-Defined Hoops - Hoops not listed in the AMAYA's hoop list for which the user creates the parameters.
Vantage Fill - Fill effect (available in some levels of DesignShop) that allows you to apply visual perspective to complex fills (e.g., you might want to make the top of a fill appear farther away than the bottom of the fill).
Vector - A graphic that is made of mathematical calculations rather than pixels (a raster image is made of pixels). A vector graphic can be infinitely scaled and will not lose quality. Graphics programs such as Adobe Illustrator and Corel Draw can create vector graphics.
Vertical Spacing - A property of DesignShop lettering that stairsteps your lettering up (positive value) or down (negative value).
View Toolbar - Toolbar in AMAYA OS and DesignShop. This toolbar is different in each program but houses zoom tools in both.
Walk Bean Stitch - See Bean Stitch.
Walk Jump Stitch - See Jump Stitch.
Walk Normal Stitch - The most basic of stitches to digitize. A walk stitch consists of a line of stitches used for underlay, outlining, and detailing.
Wave Fills - Fill effect (available in some levels in DesignShop) that allows you to create a curved stitch direction line, producing a wave effect in the complex fill.
Wide Angle Cap Frame (WACF) - Standard cap frame for the wide angle driver. The WACF holds the cap during sewing and allows the cap to be embroidered on the front as well as the sides.
Wide Angle Driver (WAD) - Device that attaches to the beam on the AMAYA machine and moves the cap frame during sewing.
Window - A rectangular area on your screen in which you view and work on designs.
Wireframe - The skeleton of a design created in DesignShop. Made of curved points and straight points, the wireframe is what tells the stitches where to go.
Wireframe Points - Control points on a wireframe design. There are two types of wireframe points: curved and straight. These can be manipulated and moved to edit the design.
Z-Axis - The up and down movement of any mechanics of the needle on an embroidery machine.
Zigzag - A stitch that goes back and forth to create a zigzag effect. This type of stitch is commonly used on appliqué and tackle twill.
Zoom - A command that enlarges or reduces a portion of a design in the current layout window, allowing you to edit with more precision. This command does not affect the sewing size of the design.
Zoom Actual - Displays on the screen a representation of the actual sewing size of a design.
Zoom In - Enlarges the design size on the screen (does not affect actual sewing size).
Zoom Out - Decreases the design size on the screen (does not affect actual sewing size).
Zoom Previous - Will return the design size on the screen back to the previous zoom level (does not affect actual sewing size).
Zoom to Fit - Will increase or decrease the design size to fit the entire design on the screen (does not affect actual sewing size).