Type of Embroidery Repeats

The distance between the needles are called repeat. One repeat is 27.08 mm. The repeat determines the size of the design. If the repeat is too small for a design, stitches will overlap. If the repeat is too large, the distance between two designs will be big.

The distance between the needles is called repeat. One repeat is 27.08 mm

For colour change designs (ATC) the standard repeats are used differently. For example a 12/4 repeat allows max. three different colours.

When embroidering the first colour, the first needle is activated; the second and the third needle are off. This repeat is called 12/4 first needle.

When embroidering the second colour, the second needle is working; the first and the third needle are off. This repeat is called 12/4 second needle.

When embroidering the third colour, the first and the second needle are off. This repeat is called 12/4 third needle.

Irregular repeats (every single needle can be activated or deactivated) are used besides the standard repeats. For machines without thread cut the punching of designs with a special repeat might be rather difficult whereas the punching of irregular repeat designs are easy for machines equipped with thread cut. Borers have to be used in the same repeats as the needles.

Patterns can be varied by setting the needles with different spacing, i.e. basic repeat is 12/4, two flowers are made in 4/4 with a 4/4 distance or whatever might suit your design ideas.