SewWhat-Pro Tutorial: Edit Designs, Add Lettering, and Optimize Stitch Order

Video reference: “SewWhat-Pro Tutorial: Editing Designs & Adding Lettering” by the channel author

If you’ve got a cute design you love but wish it were sized, colored, or personalized differently, this is your blueprint. We’ll open a pre-digitized PES, rotate and resize it for a 5x7 hoop, recolor for clarity, add lettering, streamline thread order, and thicken satin for a polished stitch-out.

What you’ll learn

• How to open, rotate, and resize a PES design cleanly

• A fast method to recolor outline, tackdown, and detail steps for on-screen clarity

• How to add name lettering with pre-digitized font files, align it, and correct orientation

• How to reorder and join threads to reduce stops on a single-needle machine

• When and how to adjust density (e.g., 1.26) for fuller satin stitches

Primer: What This Workflow Achieves (and When to Use It) This workflow takes a pre-digitized design and turns it into a personalized, efficient-to-stitch file. You’ll edit design size and orientation, customize colors for visibility, add a name with pre-digitized letters, and then rearrange and combine steps so your single-needle machine makes fewer color changes.

Use it when:

• You have a ready-made PES design and want to personalize it (e.g., a name) without digitizing from scratch.

• You want clearer on-screen color separation (e.g., outline vs. tackdown).

• You’re stitching on a single-needle machine and time savings matter.

Decision point

• If your design looks wider than tall in its default layout, rotate it for the 5x7 hoop so you maximize usable space. If it already fits your hoop orientation nicely, skip rotation.

From the comments (confidence boost)

• Several readers said this approach made SewWhat-Pro less intimidating and easier to navigate. One person noted they were considering buying software and found this method approachable.

Quick check

• After opening your design, confirm you can see the stitch list panel and that the grid is visible for later alignment.

Pro tip

• Keep your eyes on the stitch list while you work; it’s your map to reorder and join steps later. If you plan to personalize with a name, note which steps it occupies.

Prep: Files, Tools, and Quick Checks Before you begin, set up a simple, repeatable workspace.

You’ll need

• SewWhat-Pro installed and ready.

• A pre-digitized PES design. The walkthrough uses a “Vintage Truck Tree” design formatted for 5x7.

• Pre-digitized letter files (often called “thread fonts”) in PES, sized (e.g., 1 inch) to complement your base design.

• Mouse and keyboard access for precise alignment.

Environment checks - Launch SewWhat-Pro to a blank canvas and locate the main menus (File, Tools, Edit).

- Familiarize yourself with File > Open, File > Merge, Edit > Order Threads, Edit > Join Threads, and Tools > Adjust Density.

Common question (from the community)

• “Which software is best?” A reader shared that SewWhat-Pro felt easy to learn, though it’s the only one they’ve used; the best fit still depends on your needs.

Optional gear note

• Some readers use accessories that make hooping and placement faster. If you already work with an accessory ecosystem, you’ll still benefit from this software workflow. hooping station for embroidery

Prep checklist

• PES base design ready and accessible

• Thread font letters (PES) sized appropriately (e.g., 1 inch)

• SewWhat-Pro menus located; grid visible

• Stitch list panel open

Setup: Orientation, Size, and Why These Choices Matter Orientation and size are foundational: get these right first to avoid rework.

1) Open your design - File > Open, navigate to the design folder, and select your 5x7 PES.

- Confirm it’s the correct file via the preview window.

- Load it to the canvas; the stitch list appears with steps and colors.

2) Rotate for hoop fit - If it appears wider than tall, rotate to align with your 5x7 hoop orientation (landscape). This makes better use of the hoop field.

3) Resize for presence (115%) - Tools > Resize Pattern: set both width and height to 115%. This slightly enlarges the design so details read clearly without overwhelming the 5x7 field.

Why 115%?

• It increases visual presence and gives satin elements a fuller look without moving outside common 5x7 boundaries in the example workflow.

Watch out

• Avoid multiple resize cycles. Decide once, apply, then proceed to color and lettering. Repeated resizes can complicate alignment planning.

Setup checklist

• Design opens properly and looks crisp at 100%

• Rotation aligns with your hoop orientation

• Resize applied once to 115% (or your chosen size)

Operation: Edit, Personalize, and Optimize (Step-by-Step) Follow this sequence to avoid backtracking.

Step 1 — Customize thread colors for clarity

• Outline and tackdown separation: Assign outline to a distinct color (e.g., Prussian Blue) and tackdown to a clearly visible neutral (e.g., Warm Grey) so you can distinguish them on your machine’s screen.

• Tree and truck accents: Set the Christmas tree to Leaf Green and keep the truck body Red. Use Black for tires and bumpers, Yellow for headlights, and White for wheel centers.

Expected result: The preview shows a red truck with black tires/bumper, a leaf-green tree, a yellow headlight, and clear outline/tackdown color contrast.

Pro tip

• If your machine struggles to display very light colors on-screen, pick a visible on-screen color (like Warm Grey) during setup; you can still stitch with your preferred real-world thread choice.

Optional sidebar thought

• While color setup is software work, some readers also evaluate hoop options for stability with 5x7 designs. If you work with compatible accessories, you might explore embroidery magnetic hoops for convenience.

Step 2 — Add and align lettering - Merge letters: File > Merge and add each character (e.g., A, L, E, X) one at a time using your 1-inch thread font files. Place each letter along a visible grid line for baselining alignment.

- Flip and center: Highlight the full name and flip it to match the design’s orientation. Use arrow keys to move the grouped letters where you want them.

Expected result: The name reads left-to-right in the same orientation as the truck, centered in your chosen position above (or near) the design.

Quick check

• Confirm spelling. Then check that all letter baselines share the same grid line before you nudge for spacing.

Watch out

• If something goes caddywampus while rotating/tilting letters, use Edit > Undo. You can also delete the misaligned steps and re-merge those letters quickly.

Related note

• Some readers prefer a strong holding frame for placement passes. If your machine offers it, a compatible brother 5x7 magnetic hoop may make repeated test placements more efficient.

Step 3 — Optimize thread order (single-needle efficiency)

• Find same-color steps that aren’t consecutive (e.g., Black for tires and bumpers). Go to Edit > Order Threads and renumber so matching colors sit together.

- Example: Change the later Black step to the earlier Black step’s order value so both Black sections stitch in one run.

Expected result: The stitch list shows those Black steps consolidated so the machine doesn’t ask you to rethread for the same color twice.

Pro tip

• Grouping same-color steps is less critical on multi-needle machines, but on a single-needle setup it’s a valuable time saver.

Step 4 — Join adjacent lettering steps

• If all letters share the same color, highlight the lettering steps and choose Edit > Join Threads.

- Select “Join all adjacent threads of the same color,” starting at the first letter step.

Expected result: All letters stitch as a single continuous step in that color.

Watch out

• If you’ve intentionally assigned different colors to each letter (e.g., rainbow), joining defeats the color effect. Skip joining in that case.

Step 5 — Adjust density for fuller satin - Tools > Adjust Density and set a density factor of 1.26. Confirm visually that satin areas appear thicker.

Expected result: Slightly longer, fuller satin stitches that hide minor cutting imperfections around appliqué or close trims.

Operation checklist

• Colors clearly distinguish outline, tackdown, and details

• Lettering merged, flipped to design orientation, and centered

• Same-color steps adjacent via thread ordering

• Lettering joined into one step (if same color)

• Density increased modestly (e.g., 1.26) where desired

Side note

• Some readers use specialty frames to keep fabric stable during long letter runs. If your setup supports it, you may be familiar with accessories like dime snap hoop.

Quality Checks: What “Good” Looks Like at Each Milestone After orientation/size - The design fits comfortably within your 5x7 planning grid; no elements are crowding the edges.

After color customization - Your on-screen palette instantly tells you which steps are outline, tackdown, and fills. The design preview shows crisp contrast.

After lettering placement - All letters sit on a common baseline; spacing is consistent; the name is visually centered relative to the main design.

After thread ordering and joining

• Stitch list shows grouped colors (e.g., Black back-to-back) and a single consolidated lettering step.

After density adjustments

• Satin edges look slightly thicker and more forgiving without oversaturation.

Quick check

• Scan the stitch list from top to bottom. Ask: “Am I changing colors more than necessary?” If yes, revisit Order Threads and Join Threads.

Results & Handoff: Save and Stitch with Confidence What you should have now

• A resized PES with clear color mapping, personalized lettering, consolidated same-color steps, and fuller satin where it matters.

Saving

• Save in your preferred folder structure. Keep a working version for edits and a production version for the machine.

Stitching handoff

• On a single-needle machine, this file should minimize rethreading stops, especially for the consolidated Black steps and joined lettering.

Practical note

• If you rely on a particular hoop frame for stability, confirm it matches your hoop size and machine make before loading. Readers sometimes reference accessories such as magnetic hoops for embroidery—use only what’s compatible with your specific machine.

Troubleshooting & Recovery Symptom: Letters misaligned or tilted unexpectedly

• Likely cause: Unintended rotation/transform during placement.

• Fix: Edit > Undo to step back; if needed, delete the affected letters and re-merge along the grid line.

Symptom: Excessive thread changes on a single-needle

• Likely cause: Same-color steps are separated.

• Fix: Edit > Order Threads; renumber to make same colors consecutive.

Symptom: Lettering stitches out as multiple stops

• Likely cause: Letters weren’t joined.

• Fix: Edit > Join Threads; choose “Join adjacent” starting at the first letter.

Symptom: Satin looks thin and doesn’t cover edges nicely

• Likely cause: Density too low for the look you want.

• Fix: Tools > Adjust Density; increase modestly (e.g., 1.26) and recheck.

Symptom: On-screen white elements are hard to see

• Likely cause: Very light colors on your machine’s preview are low-contrast.

• Fix: Use a mid-tone preview color like Warm Grey for setup; match thread in production.

Quick isolation tests

• Toggle visibility: Step through the stitch list to confirm the block you expect to run together truly sits consecutively.

• Baseline alignment: Zoom and check letter baselines against the grid; small misalignments are easiest to fix before joining.

Pro tip

• Keep a versioned save before and after major milestones (post-resize, post-lettering, post-join/order, post-density) so you can revert without redoing everything.

From the comments: Community Q&A and Tips Compatibility question

• A reader asked if this software works with a Singer Futura SES-1000. A reply suggested it should, but advised checking with a dealer to confirm your exact model’s workflow.

Choosing software

• One commenter shared they love SewWhat-Pro and found it easy to learn, while noting it’s the only program they’ve used. Your ideal choice can depend on your machine and goals.

Material supplies

• A reader asked if Heat n Bond Lite is an “interfacing.” A reply noted stores categorize it that way and sometimes limit yardage purchases; some crafters would prefer buying by the bolt.

Giveaway eligibility note

• A participant asked if location limits entry. A reply clarified that location wouldn’t affect winning.

Appreciation and momentum

• Many readers thanked the tutorial for making the software feel approachable and actionable—especially the clear thread-order and join-threads workflow.

Appendix: Fast reference mini-steps - Open and rotate: File > Open; rotate if the layout is wider than tall for 5x7.

- Resize: Tools > Resize Pattern; set both dimensions to 115%.

- Recolor: Assign distinct colors to outline/tackdown and selective details for visibility.

- Add lettering: File > Merge letters; align on grid; flip and center.

- Order threads: Edit > Order Threads; make same colors consecutive.

- Join letters: Edit > Join Threads; adjacent, starting at first letter step.

- Density bump: Tools > Adjust Density; set factor to 1.26; visually confirm.

Side mention

• Some readers who work with compatible accessories mention exploring magnetic hoops for embroidery to stabilize fabric for long letter runs or dense fill areas; always verify your machine’s support.

Gentle reminder

• Keep changes incremental and save versions. That way, if a flip or resize goes off the rails, you’re two clicks from a known-good state.

Optional accessories awareness

• If your machine specifically supports it, users sometimes discuss model-specific frames such as a magnetic hoop for brother se1900 or broader ecosystems like mighty hoop magnetic embroidery hoops. The editing workflow above remains the same regardless.

Last look

• Your stitch list is the truth. If it tells you the Black steps are consecutive and the lettering is a single run, you’re set up for a smoother stitch-out on a single-needle.

Community-inspired note

• New to 5x7 placement? Some readers evaluate accessory frames or systems; always confirm machine compatibility first. If your brand offers them, you may see terms like embroidery magnetic hoops and magnetic hoops for embroidery in forums and groups. Choose what fits your machine and project.

Efficiency wrap-up

• The big wins here are clarity (color separation), personalization (lettering), and efficiency (order + join). Density is the finishing move that makes the stitches look confidently bold without overdoing it.

One more thought

• If you standardized on a 5x7 flow and your machine supports accessory frames, plan your placements consistently. People sometimes mention brand-specific options; the same editing process applies whether you hoop traditionally or with compatible accessories.

Related exploration

• Some readers who upgrade their setup later mention broader accessory categories, including model-specific frames and systems. If you’re researching, you may encounter terms like magnetic embroidery hoops for brother; your editing workflow in SewWhat-Pro remains unchanged.