How to select patterns, select boundaries and select trims
Selecting Patterns
Select means to choose. If using the mouse, this is a single left click. If using a touch screen, it is tapping the screen. The terms select, click, and highlight are used interchangeably because selecting an object highlights it. When a pattern is selected it will change from a black outline to a yellow outline.
VIDEO | Pattern Manipulation
Selecting Multiple Patterns
1. Using the Select All icon in the menu bar will select everything on the CAD for the current quilt group. You can also select all by holding down the Control (Ctrl) key while clicking the letter A. The keyboard shortcut Ctrl+A is noted here (Ctrl +A).
2. Selecting multiple patterns individually is done by holding the Control (Ctrl) key down while clicking on as many patterns as needed. The sequence of choosing the patterns can be important. If the group of patterns are combined, rubber stamped, copied or saved, the order in which you select the patterns is the order they will be stitched. If the patterns need to be stitched in a specific order, select them in that order.
3. Marque select (click and drag) chooses a group of patterns by dragging a selection box around them.
Click and drag left to right to select patterns that are completely inside the selection box.
Click and drag right to left to select patterns that are completely or partially inside of the selection box.
4. Selecting Stacked Patterns: There will be times when patterns overlap each other. CS only recognizes the first two patterns in the stack. To select a buried pattern, use the < and > keys (greater than and less than). Click once on the stack to select the first pattern and click > to move to the next pattern. Continue pressing > to move through the stack in order. To backup, press <.
VIDEO | Selecting Multiple Patterns
Deselecting Patterns
To deselect just one of many patterns, press and hold the Ctrl key, and click on the pattern.
Deselecting all patterns can be done in several ways.
- Press the Escape (Esc) key on the keyboard.
- Click on a different pattern.
- Single or double click on any open space in the preview area.
Selecting a Boundary
What is a Boundary
A boundary is often used to create a visual reference, particularly to indicate areas where seamlines may not be perfectly straight, or where a border pattern stopped, and another needs to continue. Boundaries can be converted to patterns or trims, just as trims and patterns can be converted to boundaries. This flexibility ensures the accurate placement of patterns, especially when patterns need to connect after rolling the quilt. Boundaries may have as few as three points (triangle) or may have hundreds (a virtually unlimited number) of points, outlining almost any shape. Information about creating boundaries is located in the section on Draw Boundary.
VIDEO | Selecting a Boundary
Selecting a Boundary
To select a boundary, just click it and the outline turns light, translucent blue. Like patterns, CS keeps track of the sequence that was used to create each boundary. Choosing just one boundary is tricky when boundaries overlap each other, so click on one of them, and press the K or L key to cycle through the boundaries in the order they were created on the CAD. Pressing ‘K’ will cycle backward. Pressing ‘L’ will cycle forward.
Selecting a Trim
What is a Trim
Trim is a special outline that can stop the machine from stitching the patterns in a particular area. It has 2 iterations; Trim Inside prevents the machine from stitching any pattern inside the Trim outline, and Trim Outside prevents stitching outside the Trim outline. More information about trims can be found in the section about Draw Trim.
VIDEO | Selecting a Trim
Selecting a Trim
Selecting a trim outline is similar to a boundary. When trims overlap each other, click on one of them, and press the I or O key to cycle through the trims. Pressing ‘I’ will cycle backward. Pressing ‘O’ will cycle forward.