Embroidery Software

1. I bought a Singer Futura embroidery machine and I am having problems getting the software to install. What do I do?

   1. Determine your operating system and version (i.e. Windows XP with Service Pack 1 or 2, Windows 98, etc.).
   2. Go to Futura-Support.com's Service Updates, and make sure you are up to date as per the instructions. If you do any updates or patches, restart your computer.
   3. Remove MS Update KB917422. (Click here for instructions.)

   If you are still having problems getting the software to install, you will need to call Singer Customer service at 1-800-474-6437 or 1-800-4Singer.

2. My Futura software was working last night, this morning it will not open. What happened?

   Your operating system is probably Windows XP, and you probably have auto-updates turned on. Microsoft did a security update and it broke the Futura software. Remove MS Update KB917422. (Click here for instructions.)

3. When resizing designs, it seems that recalculation of stitch density depends on where the design came from. Is this true?

   When importing a design from an outside source, the designs can be resized using the Change Size dialog box. To change the design proportionately, first click a "check" in the box above the Padlock icon. This will convert the dimensions from working in actual measurements, to working in percentages. Simply type in the amount of change in either the X or Y dimension box. Click OK, and the design will change size and will recalculate the density.

   When clicking and dragging around an imported design to change size, it is possible to change size proportionately by clicking and dragging either the upper-left or lower-right corner. However, even though the design has changed size, it does not (using this method of resizing) recalculate the density. When using designs from the Futura Library, it is possible to resize in either method above, and the design density will recalculate.

4. When using my Futura software, will the density of a design be adjusted when I resize my design?

   When sizing designs in the Futura software you can resize designs from the Library in the hoop on screen and keep the design integrity. All other formats should be changed in the DESIGN/CHANGE SIZE menu in order to change the stitch count.

5. What is the proper procedure to set up the Futura for embroidery?

   With machine off, remove the computer connection cover from the machine. Manually lower the feed dogs. Turn upper tension dial to the "E" position. Slide embroidery unit into position. Connect you PC to the Futura sewing machine using the USB cable. Turn the hand wheel toward you until the needle is at the highest position. Turn machine on. The carriage of the embroidery unit will move to the embroidery standby position.

   Note: It is advisable not to have a hoop on machine during this process.

6. How do I wind a bobbin when I'm using the Futura as an embroidery machine?

   Refer to page 20 of your Futura manual for the basic set-up. When the Futura is in embroidery mode, the bobbin winding function is not available until the first color block has been sent to the machine from the computer. Once the first color block has been sent, bobbin winding can be achieved during any stage of embroidery.

7. When I'm creating lettering, can I resize individual letters?

   You can resize individual letters after you have brought them into the hoop and exited the text window. Left click, drag a box around the desired letter, and size accordingly. Because the letters are built-in, the letter will keep the appropriate density.

8. I'm trying to bring two designs into the same hoop at one time and I don't seem to be able to.

   You cannot import more than one design into the hoop unless it is from the built-in Library designs. It is possible to add a Library design or Lettering to a pre-digitized design during layout.

9. How do I insert a stop between a design and lettering?

   To insert a stop, just left click on the color block on the Horizontal tool bar before adding the lettering.

10. Can part of a design be deleted?

    Yes. Left click and drag a box around the desired area. To select additional areas, hold down the CONTROL key and left click on next area. Once selected, touch the DELETE key on your keyboard.

11. Can I AutoPunch TrueType fonts?

    AutoPunch is not suitable for digitizing TrueType fonts. There are plans to release an optional HyperFont add-on for the Futura program.

12. Can AutoPunch be used to digitize any picture, clipart, or photo?

    While the software will read various formats, not all images are suitable for AutoPunch. AutoPunch digitizes by color change. Clear, simple images will give the best results. AutoPunch is not suitable for use with photos. (There will be a PhotoStitch option for release at a later date.)

13. What does Color Reduction (Step 4) actually do when AutoPunch-ing?

    Color Reduction cleans up and simplifies an image by reducing the number of colors in an image. You can either allow the program to decide the colors or manually select the colors.

14. What does the "Optimize for Speed" actually do to a design when selected?

    When a design is "Optimized," the program cleans up the extra stitches that occur naturally when an area is filled with stitches. This reduces the stitch count and crisps up the design, shortening the sewing time.

15. I have the Futura software open, but I have no toolbar.

    Uninstall the Futura software and then re-install.

16. How do I save a design that I have digitized?

    Go to File, then Save As, and then choose the area where you want to save the design (i.e. "My Documents"). Name the document and then click Save.

17. What is a good layman's explanation of Speed Optimizing? What does it actually do when selected? What can be the result if not selected?

    "Speed Optimizing" will increase the sewing speed of the design by cutting large stitches into smaller ones, thus allowing the machine to sew in a faster speed the longer the length of a stitch the more time is needed for the machine to sew.

18. When sizing a Library Design to a smaller size (with proportions locked), it will size down and recalculate density only down to a certain point. There seems to be a point where a design will size down, but not recalculate the stitch count any further.

    Density will change up to the point of a design half the size of what it was or double the size of it, this means that changes to density apply when resizing a design and making it smaller by up to 51% of it's original size, or making it bigger up to 199% of it's original size.

19. When sizing a Library Design to a larger size (with proportions locked), if the size selected is larger than what the hoop will allow, the software seems to select the largest acceptable size - but for only one dimension. The design seems to distort.

    When changing the dimensions and inputting a high value to one of the two axis, the software automatically restricts it to the highest possible value. However while doing so, it is also possible that the dimension on the other axis was also exceeding and was therefore lowered automatically, resulting in taking down both values to the limit, and resulting in distorting the design.

20. Why do vector images work better for auto-digitizing, than do the pixel-types of images. How can I look for the correct types of image files to use for auto-digitizing?

    

    AutoPunch is a powerful feature allowing automatic conversion of an image into an embroidery design. This function generates best results when used with clear graphic artwork, as this allows the software to clearly "distinguish" the different areas to be embroidered with different colors.

    Vector images have clear areas and allow for perfect conversion, such formats are .WMF, .EMF, .CDR. Bitmap images consist of pixels, which actually means small dots of a certain color the one placed next to the other. It can be that the different color areas here are not so clearly defined and separated as in vector images. This, as a result, lowers the quality of results AutoPunch will generate, especially if the pixel-type image originated from scanning.

    Pixel-type images are .BMP, .JPEG, .TIF, .PCX, .PCD, and others. Experimenting with different types of image types will allow you to get the feeling of how to get good results out of AutoPunch.

21. Under "Select Fabric," I have a choice for lettering, but the lettering will already have stitches when it leaves the text section of the program. How do I use this? This feature is only available when I AutoPunch an image. When I use the HyperFont option, I can't access the Select Fabric menu.

    This has been placed there in case letters are used and converted with AutoPunch.

22. Is there a way to mirror a design?

    1. On the Vertical toolbar, click on File > New.
    2. On the Vertical toolbar, click on Create > Design Library.
    3. In the Design Library dialogue box, click on for Small Hoop.
    4. Scroll down to find design bird s006. Double click on the image. The design will be placed in the hoop area of the screen in grey-cage mode.
    5. Right click to access the submenu and left click on Apply to create stitches. A message that the design is outside of the hoop area can be ignored. Correction will be made at the end of the procedure.
    6. On the Vertical toolbar, click on Design > Change size. Look at the X and Y values for the design. Write down the values for future reference. X = 733, Y = 817. Then left click on Cancel at the bottom of the dialogue box.
    7. Right click to access the submenu and left click on Select design to move. The grey-cage mode will appear.

    8. Place the cursor over one of the square nodes on in the center of either the right or the left side of the design. A double sided arrow will appear when the cursor is in the correct place. Left click and drag the node through the center of the design and over to the opposite side, left to right or right to left. Stop when the design is visibly facing the opposite direction.

       Note: It is also possible to flip the design top to bottom or bottom to top by engaging the square node at the top or bottom of the design.

    9. Place the cursor in the center of the design. A four way arrow will appear. Left click and drag the grey-cage to place the design where desired within the stitching area of the hoop.
    10. Right click to access the submenu and left click on Apply.
    11. On the Vertical toolbar, click on Design > Change size.
    12. In the Change size dialogue box, left click on the checkbox beside the lock to deselect the lock function.
    13. Change the X value to the same value that was recorded for X in Step 6 above (733). Change the Y value to the same value that was recorded for Y (817) in Step 6 above. Click OK at the bottom of the dialogue box. This will allow the proportion that was originally contributed to the design to be restored.
    14. If it is desirable to change the size of the design, go back to the vertical toolbar and re-select Design > Change size. Continue as desired.

23. Is there a way to increase the density of the keyboard lettering?

    The density is set to a standard value of 4/10th of mm, which is usually the standard density used for Lettering. The value is not editable.

24. Is there a way to copy and paste two imported designs into one layout screen?

    Futura does not support copy/paste functionality.

25. Why does a design sometimes split up into very small segments? One color block can end up divided into several blocks.

    The machine has a certain limit of stitches that it can accept. So what most probably happens is that these are big blocks that after exceeding the limit are cut, leaving a certain number of stitches (could possibly be only a few) as a separate block.

26. I downloaded a design from the Internet, why will the design not open?

    The file may not have been unzipped. If you do not have a unzipping program, you can download here it for free.

27. Is there a way to view all the designs that I have on my hard drive? I would like to have a preview of all design no matter what the format.

    Use the Design Browser located under File on the horizontal toolbar. Not only can you view the design, but also when you select it you can see the color blocks, size and stitch count.

28. I don't understand all the steps when I'm using my AutoPunch feature. Is there more information available that will explain the choices?

    Yes. There is a very informative 10-page manual located on the AutoPunch CD. To access the manual return the CD to the drive and go into Window Explore and find the AutoPunch CD. You will find a file named "Manual," just double left click on the icon and it will open the .PDF file.

29. How do I get to AutoPunch?

    Open Futura software. Go to create and click on AutoPunch on the drop down menu.

30. What formats will my Futura software recognize?

    When downloading designs from websites, off a floppy disk or CD, the Futura will recognize and automatically convert the following formats.

    • .FHE
    • .CHE
    • .XXX
    • .PSW
    • .PEC
    • .PES
    • .HUS
    • .SEW
    • .EXP
    • .DST
    • .PCS

31. Sometimes when I resize a design it is not dense enough. What am I doing wrong?

    

    The Futura software will recalculate the stitch of an imported design when sizing, but only when using the Design > Change Size option. It does have a limitation of re-sizing up to 149% and down sizing to 51% and while still being able to re-calculate the stitches correctly. If these parameters are exceeded, the stitch processor is not accurate.

    It is possible to use the stitch processor option, found in the Change Size Pop-Up screen to correct the density of an imported design. If the design isn't dense enough, deselect the stitch processor and size the design down 2-3%. The opposite would be true of a design that was too dense. Simply size it up 2-3% with the processor turned off.

32. How do I mirror image a design?

    1. Select your design, but do not apply the stitches.
    2. Activate the number lock on your keyboard.
    3. For laptop computers, touch the J key while holding down the function key; it should have a number 1 on it. This will flip the design.
    4. For desktop computers, touch the number 1 on the numeric keypad on the right side of your keyboard. This will flip the design.
    5. Right click and then click on apply stitches.
    6. De-activate the number lock on your computer.
    7. Go to your toolbar and select "Design".
    8. Click on "Change Size".
    9. Click on rotate sign on the left (counterclockwise rotation).
    10. Enter "180" in the white box and then click on OK.

    

33. When I click on Embroidery Anthology, nothing happens.

    The "Embroidery Anthology" selection on the drop down menu under "File", on your Futura toolbar, is currently unavailable. This selection has been included with the intention of making additional embroidery designs available in the future. As soon as information is available on this feature, a notice will appear on Futura-Support.com.

34. Why do some of the designs that I digitized with AutoPunch turn out better than others?

    Notice when you choose the image that there are many different formats. Autopunch gives the best result when using vector type images, such as .WMF. The software must be able to recognize a color (block) of information. A .BMP image can be made of millions of colors making it impractical for use.

    

    Clipart falls into two basic categories: vector and bitmap. The software is capable of vectorizing the .BMP image, but it may loose detail, depending on the image. It is essential to understand about the type of artwork or image used with AutoPunch.

    • Vector art is a clean "graphic" blocks of color - by simple definition. .WMF and .EMF are two common formats that the AutoPunch software can read.
    • Bitmap art is the type of "format" that is typically saved when scanning. The computer sees millions of colors to create the "realistic" type of image. Even a 3-color design that we see as simple has billions of pixels. Common formats recognized by the software: .BMP, .JPG, .TIF, .PCX, .PCD, .TGA, AND .PSD.

    

    Tips for AutoPunch:

    • Scan art with a "high resolution" (200-300 DPI).
    • Scan at 3-6 times larger than the intended output.
    • Lines that are too narrow to properly sew out are eliminated by the software when it cleans up the artwork.

Mechanical Issues

1. My needle thread broke. How do I back up to cover the broken stitch area.

   On the front of the machine, just above the Start button (red/green light) is the Return Arrow button. In embroidery mode, this will back up stitches while depressed. The Needle Down button (sewing mode) will forward a stitch at a time when depressed.

2. Is there a more extensive manual for the Futura?

   Yes. With the basic Futura CD in the D drive, open up Windows Explore, by right clicking on the START button on the bottom tool bar. Left click on the drive and the contents of the CD will appear on the right side of the screen. Among the folders listed will be the Manual. Double left click on the icon. The manual is 92 pages and explains in detail all of the programs functions.

3. The lights are flashing on my machine and it will not sew.

   Most probably this is a threading issue. Turn off machine and be sure top transparent threading path is threaded correctly. Turn machine back on.

4. When working with embroidery unit, computer screen says thread is broken and machine stops sewing. I check the thread but it is not broken.

   Thread path under transparent cover at top of machine is not threaded correctly or you need to cover your spool of thread with small net that was supplied with accessories.

5. What is the correct start-up procedure when using the embroidery feature of a Futura machine?

   The following steps must be followed for proper start-up protocol. If these steps are not followed precisely, you will get a "Transmission Pending" error message.

   1. Boot up your computer, but do not open the Futura software.
   2. Attach the embroidery unit to your sewing machine and connect the USB cable between your computer and sewing machine.
   3. Turn on your sewing machine by setting the Power/Light switch to ( l ). Make sure the needle has been moved to the highest position by turning the Handwheel towards you.
   4. Attach the hoop that you plan to work with to your embroidery unit.
   5. Double click on the Futura Icon on your desktop, to open up the Futura Software.
   6. You are now ready to select and transmit a design to your machine.

   Important: If you have embroidered using the small hoop, and you are now ready to use your large hoop. Turn off your machine, close the Futura software and then turn off your computer. Wait one minute, turn on your computer and then follow steps 3 through 6.

6. The hoop is so hard to get under the foot. Is there an easier way to do this?

   Raise the presser foot and the needle. Place the hoop behind the foot and bring it forward. This will tilt the foot up and allow the hoop to slide more easily into position. Hold the hoop securely in position and tighten hoop-mounting screws with a screwdriver.

7. I can't get my hoop to tighten up. The screw won't hold any more.

   On page 70 of the Futura manual it does show to tighten the screw with a screwdriver, but this not advisable. Usually just tightening the screw by hand is tight enough to hold the fabric in the frame. Repeated over tightening of the screw will eventually cause damage by either stripping the screw or cracking the hoop.

8. How do I wind a bobbin when my embroidery unit is attached?

   1. In order to wind a bobbin you must transmit a design to the machine, as well as send a block to your sewing machine.
   2. If no design has been transmitted and no block of color sent, the bobbin winder will not work.
   3. Replace the embroidery thread on your spool pin with bobbinfil thread, wind the thread around the thread guide located over the transparent threading path on the top of your machine and then slip the end of the thread through the opening in the bobbin from the inside to the outside.
   4. Place the bobbin on the bobbin winder shaft and push the shaft towards the right.
   5. Hold the thread end securely above the bobbin, and then press the green operation switch on the front panel of your machine to begin winding. (The foot control is inoperable with the embroidery unit attached).
   6. Allow the bobbin to turn several (10 to 12) times and then stop the machine by touching the red operation switch on the front panel of your machine. Cut the thread at the top of the bobbin as close to the bobbin as possible. Continue to wind the bobbin.
   7. The bobbin will stop turning when it is full. Push shaft to the left, clip the thread and remove the bobbin from the shaft.
   8. Remove the hoop from the machine (without removing your fabric from the hoop), replace the empty bobbin and then re-insert the hoop.
   9. If your design moved forward a stitch or two when you picked up the bobbin thread, you can use the backstitch operation switch on the front of your machine to move back to your original position.

9. What needles should I use with my Futura?

   You can use a variety of needles, but we recommend needle type CHROMIUM 2000 or 2001. These Chromium needles are designed to stand up to hours of embroidery. They also result in better quality embroidery. Style 2000 is for woven fabrics like cotton, linen and silk. Style 2001 is for knits, stretch and other man-made fabrics. Chromium needles are available in sizes 11 and 14. You may also use type 2020 for woven fabric or type 2045 for knits. Use size 11 or 14 for embroidery.

10. What bobbins can I use with my Futura?

    You must use bobbin part number 085128. This bobbin is specifically designed for the Futura CE-100 and CE-200. Do not use standard class 15 bobbins. Do not use metal bobbins. Pre-wound bobbins are not recommended, as they cause tension problems and will result in poor quality embroidery.

11. What do the "thread break", "flashing lights", "beeping sound", or "88" error messages mean?

    All of the above signify that the upper tension path is not threaded correctly. Check that the transparent thread path located at the top of the machine is threaded correctly.

    1. Hold thread in both hands and slip under transparent thread guide.
    2. While holding the thread securely, pull the thread towards you and then slip it back and forth like you were flossing.
    3. You should hear or feel two clicks as the thread slips past the thread guides.

12. What does "OPTIMIZE FOR SPEED" mean?

    Optimize For Speed takes the longer stitches and shortens them. The Futura will sew these stitches faster. This may take a satin fill and turn it into shorter stitches, thereby altering the look of the final embroidery. When this option is selected, software will turn a jump stitch into a running stitch. This could actually run across a previously sewn block.

13. How can I make a template to position my design? When I print the design, there is no hoop or other reference point.

    

    1. Pull up the design and center in the hoop on screen.
    2. Click on the lettering tool.
    3. In the text box, type a period.
    4. Insert a color change by clicking on the color box on the horizontal tool bar.
    5. Choose another color from the palette.
    6. Now move the text box off the design toward the top of the hoop.
    7. Click on "Stitch It."
    8. Now return to the main screen (deselect lettering by left clicking on it).
    9. Select the period to move and position the period just inside the sewing field aligning it with the "0" on the top ruler.
    10. Insert a color stop by left clicking on the color box on the top tool bar and selecting another color.
    11. Now go back into the lettering portion of the program and repeat the above steps, but this time place the period at the side of the hoop on the "0" on the ruler.
    12. When you have placed periods on all four sides, print the design. The periods will show on the printout.
    13. You can now use this to make a template for placement.
    14. Select the Show Grid option from the View menu on the horizontal tool bar for ease in placement of periods. (The Grid will not print.)