r/Inkstitch

Hi everyone,

I’m a beginner in machine embroidery and I’m working on an art project where I translate geographic/map data into embroidered textile maps. The shapes are based on small city-map fragments.

Block size: 8-10 mm high x 15- 20 mm wide
Mikrodetails >0.55 mm

My main problem is digitizing them cleanly in Ink/Stitch. When I use fills, the edges often become messy or slightly blurred, and small internal lines/details start to merge. I would like the result to stay sharp and readable as city map.

The pictures show my previous attempts based on different params, which I honestly do not really understand, what caused what (file organization has also been pretty messy so far..)

Where is the root of my issue:

• the original svg file itself: many details, nodes / too small in general?
• (as you can see in first picture I already simplified them a lot and would actually like to restore even more detail WHILE keeping same size)

or

• the inkstitch parameter: will autofill always be messy with small details?
• which further parameter are responsible for sharpness?
• do i need stroke additionally to fill?
• is there any way to stich irregular filled shapes as stroke or satin ?
• (tried for hours to trace centerlines, but no success )

or:

• the material level:
• is it a sin not to use stabilser and /or thin thread &needle?

Summary: Is there a good way to keep tiny filled shapes crisp without losing too much detail?

Any advice would be very helpful. I’m still learning the basic embroidery/digitizing logic, so beginner-friendly explanations are very welcome.

What is this technique? It seems to be spaced out stitches. That allow the fabric beneath to shine through. I know it’s not appliqué.