Satin fills

	Use Object Properties > Fill > Satin to create stitch fills for narrow shapes and thick borders.
	Use Object Properties > Fill > Raised Satin to create raised surfaces – can be applied to lettering or used with trapunto for quilting effects

Satin fill is well-suited to narrow borders and shapes where the length of each stitch runs the width of the shape. Satin stitches are almost parallel, with every second stitch slightly slanted. Because there are generally no needle penetrations breaking up the fill, satin creates a glossy, high-quality effect.

As shown above, satin stitching can also be used for larger shapes where a glossy effect is desired. However, embroidery machines have a maximum possible stitch length which is determined by the physical frame movement. If a stitch exceeds this, it is generally broken into smaller stitches of equal length. The line formed by needle penetrations can affect embroidery appearance. The example below shows a hard line of needle penetrations where long satin stitches have exceeded the maximum stitch length. Usually 12.1 or 12.7 mm, this maximum value varies with the selected machine type.

There are two techniques for handling unwanted split lines - automatic splits and automatic jumps...

Automatic splits

Auto Split breaks long satin stitches into shorter ones. But it also distributes needle penetrations in a random pattern so that they do not form a line down the middle of the shape.

While Auto Split is used primarily to prevent long stitches in wide shapes, it can also be used as an alternative to tatami fill. Auto Split looks more satin-like and works well with turning stitches, creating soft lines and a little more depth. By contrast, tatami fill is flat and can show unwanted patterns with tight curves.

Automatic jumps

Alternatively, you can apply Auto Jump to satin objects that exceed the maximum stitch length. In essence, Auto Jump is a means of preserving long stitches. It affects other stitching but is primarily used with satin. Long stitches are automatically divided into increments of maximum stitch length but without needle penetrations. To see the effect, you need to turn off Auto Split. In stitch view, the line down the middle represents jumps or ‘needle up’ movements at the maximum stitch point. Unless there are trims present, there will be a long uncut thread. TrueView shows long stitches as they will appear in stitchout.

Auto Jump generally makes stitching looser and subject to being caught and pulled and potentially broken. Thus Auto Jump can be used, for example, with manually digitized underlays which will be held down by cover stitching. It can also be used to create quilted effects, for example, by applying it to satin areas that are over-stitched with Run stitch or Motif Fill.

Tip: Typically, Raised Satin is used to create extra body in satin objects for visual effect and to provide a raised or ‘sculpted’ surface. Voir également Raised embroidery.