Many CreativeStudio terms are summarized here in alphabetic order. For more details, use the search to find in-depth articles about each keywords.
Bobbin Stitch is the first stitch taken after the stitcher moves to the start of the pattern about to be quilted. If this setting is checked in controller definitions, CS will take the stitch and pause, waiting for the bobbin thread to be pulled up and the 'Continue' button to be pressed. If this is unchecked, there is no pause.
Check Belts is a warning that will issue if the system senses belt movement has stopped while stitching. Many features depend on clicking points. When two consecutive click points are identical, CS will issue a warning, asking if the belts have become detached.
Controller Mod is the model letter/number of the controller that controls the stitching proces.
Controller Version is the version of software currently running the controller.
Design Group is a special type of Quilt Group, created when an image is imported into the project. Once the image is imported, patterns can be placed on top of the image to preview the placement.
E2E Registration determines how the machine will proceed for a Roll Quilt in E2E mode. There are three options to choose from (Use Start Point and End Point, Place Two Pins, End of Set).
Encrypted Patterns are pattern files that have been coded with a machine controller serial number or a dongle serial number, so they will run only on that machine. Encryption protects pattern designers by ensuring that people who have purchased one pattern can not make copies and distribute it to others. Encrypted patterns are protected in CS by using special project file types and using special exported pattern file types.
File Extension (or file type) CS saves projects with a file extension of .gproj or .gprojx. The extension is determined by the type of patterns used. Once an encrypted pattern is added to the project's pattern list, and the project is saved, the project becomes encrypted (.gprojx) and remains encrypted, even if the encrypted pattern is removed.
Jump Stitch is a break in the pattern(s).
Margin is the amount of space allowed between a pattern and the boundary. In a perfect world this would be exact, but in reality it is a target; not all patterns can fit into a boundary and maintain a margin in all directions.
Point of Origin is a reference point used for the placement of all patterns in a project. This origin is set (using the sewing head) every time the CS software is started.
Point to Point (P2P) is an old term for the Draw Pattern process. This process allows quilting patterns to be placed precisely. A series of points are identified, and CS will stitch one repeat between each consecutive pair of points. P2P patterns are continuous and have a few restrictions:
- They must have the start point on the left and the end point on the right
- The start and end must be on the same horizontal line when it is designed (not when it is used). If any of these restrictions are not met, CS will display an error
Properties are variables that define how a pattern will be stitched. They are determined by an inherited hierarchy.
Quilt Projects are technically computer files but figuratively they are more like a binder with tabbed sections that contain all the patterns, imported images, quilt groups, preview areas and notes needed to complete a whole quilt.
Quilt Groups are the tabbed sections of the CAD screen that relate to different sections of the quilt. They contain all the information (boundaries, reference points, sizing, positioning) needed to stitch a particular area of the quilt. They are easy to create and CS sometimes creates them automatically.
Reg Type refers to the stitch regulation method. The three choices (Original, Smooth and Plus) each handle just a little differently.
Reg Smoothing also pertains to stitch regulation, particularly how curves are stitched. This setting changes the smoothing algorithm slightly, when the machine moves fast.
Reference Point is used when placing Repeat Patterns. The default is set in Controller Definitions, but can be changed at the time the Repeat Pattern Feature is used. Reference Point options are Upper Left, Upper Right, Lower Right, Lower Left, Start, End, and Center.
Sew Overlap (inches) is a setting in Controller Definitions. Sometimes block patterns (where the start point and the end point are the same) look better if the stitches overlap, and this setting will allow that.
Stand Alone Mode is also known as SAM. CreativeStudio in SAM or a SAM computer is one where a controller is not attached, connected or engaged. A few functions of CreativeStudio are not available in SAM but in general, SAM allows for practice, project preparation and pattern design on a computer that is not running a stitcher.
SAM Controller # is the controller number for the stitcher.
Stitch Points is a setting that takes an extra stitch in every point. The result is sharp, well defined points, but it does slow down the stitching somewhat.
Speed is set to a number on the scale of 1 to 20. The default is set to 13, because that seems to be an optimum balance between pace and stitch quality.
SPI or Stitches Per Inch is the stitch length. Normal size is 12 SPI.
Tieoffs are tiny stitches intended to lock the thread ends and prevent the line of stitching from coming loose. If this setting is checked in Controller Definitions, CS will do tieoff stitches at the begining and ending of stitching.
- Standard tieoffs are made by taking one stitch forward and one back, in place, making a little knot.
- Competitive tieoffs are made by taking tiny stitches, all in the forward direction, along the pattern path, minimizing the visual impact.
Total Stitch Count is a running count of the number of stitches taken since the software was installed.
Trim Skip Length is a setting that applies to the Draw Trim process. When a pattern is trimmed to fit around an object, small pieces (smaller than this setting size) are skipped. It is assumed that these pattern segments would not detract from the design if they were missing, especially since a portion of the segment would be tieoffs.