Using Alphabets

The help system in each of Melco's embroidery software products contains code sheets for all of the available alphabets. To access these code sheets, select
Help->Help Topics in the Help pull down menu, or press F1 while in any Melco embroidery software product. Then click on the Alphabets button to access the code sheets. Each code sheet provides a 3D view of the characters. The code sheets also include a chart of all the European or extended characters available in each alphabet.

All of the alphabet code sheets also contain a recommended minimum and maximum sewing size. This recommended parameter should be used and followed, but this does not mean that exceeding these limits will produce bad results. Many of the alphabets can be used at larger or smaller sizes if parameters such as Column Width, Letter Width, Density, Short Stitches, Column Fill and Underlay are adjusted accordingly.

To fully understand Melco keyboard lettering, it must be understood that every character is digitized separately and is then compiled and put into one unique alphabet file that is understood by Melco EDS software. As each character is individually digitized, each alphabet will react differently to size and parameters used when setting up the desired lettering. Some alphabets are digitized to be used at smaller sizes than others. Parameters used for one may not sew the same for another.

Closest point alphabets are digitized so they will connect at the closest point of each letter next to each other. Using these alphabets will minimize unwanted trims between letters. A closest point alphabet will be listed in the lettering list with a "CP" on the end. An example will look like this: FULL BLOCK CP.

The most important practices to ensure good results are using proper settings for the garment type being sewn on and using the proper backings and/or topping. All alphabet code sheets produced before July of 2001 have a minimum and maximum setting. These settings were determined on a non-stretch type of material. The settings may need to be adjusted for use on knit or sweat materials. All new alphabets code sheets recommend settings for knits, sweats and non-stretch fabrics. These settings are a good starting place, but may need adjusting for the particular garment material being used. Knit materials for instance, can vary in material density, thickness and how much they stretch. Settings for one type of knit material may not work 100% for another.

Following the tips below may improve your sew quality when using keyboard lettering on knit and sweat materials:

• As a general rule, when sewing on knit or sweat materials, column width should be increased.
• Proper backings should be used, and in most cases a topping such as solvy should also be used.
• Many of the recommended minimum settings listed in Melco alphabets will not work on knits or sweat material and may need to be adjusted to different values. When increasing the column width to compensate for material type, the letters that have enclosed areas such as an "a" may close in the center when sewn. If you notice this, you should increase the size of the lettering to allow for the added column width.
• In most cases when sewing on knits or sweats an edge walk underlay is desired, and in some cases (larger sizes) an edge walk along with a center walk should be used. Very thin column lettering may only require a center walk at small sizes.
• Density on knits and sweats is usually set higher than on a stable material.
• Block styles of alphabets used at small sizes sew much cleaner and crisper than script alphabets at the same size. In most cases when sewing small lettering on knits or sweats, a block style of alphabet without serifs will give the best results.
• Using some scrap material for testing that is like the garment to be sewn on is highly recommended until you determine what works best for you and your machine(s).

Most alphabets currently being sold by Melco contain lock stitches at the end of each letter in the alphabet. These lock stitches are what "ties down" the stitching at the end of each letter. Melco embroidery software products allow you to add lock stitches to a lettering job from the Lock / Trim tab. However, because the lock stitches are already digitized into the alphabet, the result is multiple lock stitches that will create an undesirable knotting effect. To remove all existing lock stitches from all installed alphabets, select Tools->Convert Alphabets in the Tools pull-down menu. Select Tools->Restore Alphabets to restore the lock stitches digitized to the alphabet characters if so desired.

Unlike lock stitches, tie in stitches are usually not digitized into the current alphabets. Tie in stitches lock stitches that are sewn at the beginning of each letter. You may want to use this feature when trimming between each letter to avoid a possible "thread pullout" when the machine starts sewing the next letter after a trim.

Following are a few recommendations that you may want to try when sewing keyboard lettering.