The Stitch Angle tool lets you control the direction of stitches in different parts of a fill region. This is essential for professional embroidery where the angle of the threads creates shading, depth, and a natural flow that follows the shape (think of how stitches curve around a leaf or petal).
How to Use
- Create a fill region using the Fill tool or any shape tool
- Select the fill object using the Select tool (V)
- Switch to the Stitch Angle tool (G)
- Click two points across the fill to draw an angle guide. The line you draw becomes the stitch direction for that area.
- The fill regenerates with the new angle
- Draw additional guides in other parts of the shape to create a fan effect
How It Works
Each angle guide acts as a chord that slices the fill polygon into sections. Each section is filled with rows that follow the nearest guide's angle. When a section sits between two guides, the row angles smoothly fan from one guide to the other across that section.
For example, on a heart shape with two angle guides, you'll see three sections: the left lobe follows the left guide, the right lobe follows the right guide, and the middle section gradually transitions from one angle to the other.
Editing and Deleting Guides
- Guides are visible only when the fill object is selected
- Right-click on a guide to delete it. The fill regenerates immediately.
- To replace a guide, delete the old one and draw a new one
Tips
- Guides work best when they cross the entire fill from one edge to the other
- Use 2-3 guides for most shapes. More guides give finer control but can produce smaller sections.
- For a shape with curves (like a leaf), draw guides that follow the natural curve of the shape
- If you want a single uniform angle for the whole fill, use the Angle dial in the Properties panel instead