⚠ This page is outdated. For more recent information have a look at the englisch original.
Satin Column
What it is
Satin stitch is mostly used for borders, letters or small fill areas.
How to create
- Add a contour to a path object (with no filling).
- Set contour width to the size you want your satin stitch to be.
- Run
Extensions > Ink/Stitch > Satin Tools > Convert Line to Satin
- Optionally run
Extensions > Ink/stitch > Satin Tools > Auto-route Satin...
- Use as-is or customize rungs or rails
Manual Satin Column
You define a satin column using a shape made of two mostly-parallel lines. Ink/Stitch will draw zig-zags back and forth between the two lines. You can vary the thickness of the column as you like.
- Combine two strokes with
Path > Combine
or hitCtrl+K
. - Check path directions. For the satin column to work, they have to be equal.
If they are not, with the Node Editor Tool (N
) select one point of one sub-path and runPath > Reverse
. This will reverse only the selected sub-path. - Use node or rung method as described below.
- Then select your satin column and run params through
Extensions > Ink/Stitch > Params
or a custom shortcut key.
Node Method
Depending on the complexity of your design, this method might be time consuming, because the two paths must have the same number of points. This means that each path will be made up of an equal number of Bezier curves. Each pair of points acts as a “checkpoint”: Ink/Stitch will ensure that a “zag” ends up going from one point to the other.
Rung Method
The rung method will give you more control over the way the satin column is rendered. Good positioning of points on each of the two lines helps getting the stitch directions right. However, there are situations where you need to add direction lines (“rungs”) for satin columns:
- Some tricky corner areas
- Complicated drawings where moving points is both difficult and time consuming
- Special situations where you want the stitch directions to be weird
Manual adding of rungs
- Make sure the existing satin column path (with the two subpaths) is selected with the Node Editor tool.
- Press
P
or select the Pencil Tool. - Hold
Shift
. - Click once at the start of the rung.
-
Click a second time at the end of the rung.
Original design by Liv Iko edited by EDUTECH Wiki
Info: We strongly recommend to use at least three rungs. If you use exactly two rungs (and two rails) it is hard for Ink/stitch to decide which is which.
Params
Running Extensions > Ink/Stitch > Params
will give you the possibility to fine-tune your satin column and to use underlay.
For detailed information read through the Satin Params section.
Read also this excellent article on satin column design.
Satin Tools
Make sure to have a look at the Satin Tools. They will make your life with Satin Columns a lot easier.
Sample Files Including Satin Column
Applique example file
Free Standing Lace - Butterfly
Free Standing Lace - Butterfly
Fringe example file
Ink/Stitch Logo & Branding Guide
Ink/Stitch logo as SVG file, digitized version and branding guide.
Monogram Frame Example
Puff example file
Sample file for satin stitch edges