TurtleStitch FAQ
General
What is TurtleStitch?
Design process
What do I need to start designing?
What to keep in mind when designing?
What is a jump stitch?
What embroidery machine do I need?
I want to embroider my pattern(s) but don't have access to a machine.
Community and Support
How can I get help or provide feedback?
Workshops
Do you offer workshops?
Open source: Code and Designs
Are the designs open source?
Where can I get the TurtleStitch source code?
Credits
Who is turtlestitch?
What is TurtleStitch?
TurtleStitch is a platform to generate patterns for embroidery machines. Technically, it's based on Snap!, a browser-based educational programming language. It is easy to use, requires no prior knowledge in programming, and is a powerful tool to create personalized patterns for embroidery. It is useful for designers for experimenting with generative aesthetics and precision embroidery, as well as a tool for innovative workshops combining an introduction to programming with tangible outputs.
Design process
What do I need to start designing?
- Technically: All you need is Internet access and a modern browser. We like Firefox because it's Free Software, but Chrome and Safari work as well.
- Design Concept: TurtleStitch leverages the concept of Turtle Geometry (and the constructionist approach developed by Seymor Papert and Cynthia Solomon at MIT), where you program a turtle to navigate the screen by giving it movement commands. This turtle acts like the needle of an embroidery machine. As you guide it to move and draw lines, you're effectively mapping out the stitches. The intuitive, jigsaw-style programming blocks make it easy to craft intricate patterns by simply describing the turtle's journey step by step.
- Code References: We are using the “pen function” of Snap! to define the movement of the line. For an introduction to Snap! see the Snap! User Manual (pdf, 26,8MB). You can find all our coding references under Tutorials.
What to keep in mind when designing?
For detailed information about dimensions, size, and embroidery stitches, we recommend checking our Manual Cards first. Here's a quick overview of key considerations:
1. Stitch Size
- Recommended range is 8-12 steps per stitch (10 steps ≈ 2mm)
- Fewer steps create denser patterns
- More steps result in looser stitches
- Feel free to experiment within these guidelines
2. Line Crossings and Thread Density
- Be mindful of where lines cross or overlap in your design
- Multiple thread layers in one area can stress the fabric and affect stitch quality
- Use TurtleStitch's helpful features:
--- Density Warning alerts you to potential problems
--- X-Ray View helps you spot overlapping areas
Think about how threads will layer as you design.
3. Pattern Size
- Check your embroidery machine's frame size
- Use the TurtleStitch grid (50 pixels = 1 cm)
- Design at your intended final size (displayed below the stage area)
- Remember that scaling finished patterns can affect stitch density (most machines allow only +/- 10%)
What is a jump stitch?
A jump stitch is a loose thread created when the turtle moves from the end of one line to the beginning of another without stitching. It allows for non-continuous patterns. You can remove these threads or keep them as a design feature.
What embroidery machine do I need?
You need a machine that can read .exp or .dst file formats. These are standard formats, but not all machines support them. If your machine uses different formats, you may need conversion software. Open Source software like Inkstitch, an Inkscape extension should be able to do this.
For real-world experiences and detailed information about specific machines, check our community-maintained list of embroidery machines.
When choosing a machine, keep in mind that models vary primarily in two aspects: the size of the embroidery frame (which determines how large your designs can be) and additional features. While more expensive models offer various 'post-production' features (e.g., scaling, adjusting stitch size, etc.), these are helpful but not essential for working with TurtleStitch designs.
New Market Developments
A new generation of embroidery machines has emerged in 2024, offering a different approach to design transfer. These newer models typically:
- Come at a lower price point
- Operate without an integrated display
- Connect wirelessly through mobile apps instead of using USB drives
As this is an emerging technology, we welcome user feedback about experiences with these machines. If you're using one of these new models with TurtleStitch, please share your experience to help us update our documentation.
I want to embroider my pattern(s) but don't have access to a machine.
- If you're near Vienna, contact us for potential embroidery opportunities.
- Check with local Fab Labs or Maker Spaces, as many now have embroidery machines.
- Consider using a local embroidery service to produce your designs..
Community and Support
How can I get help or provide feedback?
- Find us on Fosstodon, Twitter, and Instagram (links in the website footer).
- For technical issues, submit a request via GitHub.
- Participate in on-site communication by commenting on projects, defining tags, and offering to write documentation for your creations.
Workshops
Do you offer workshops?
Yes, we conduct workshops both in-person and online. Our workshops focus on learning programming concepts while creating embroidery patterns. Contact us if you're interested in arranging a workshop.
Open source: Code and Designs
Are the designs open source?
Yes, by default, all finished designs are uploaded to the gallery and made available as "source code" for others to use and develop. See our Terms of Service for more details.
Where can I get the TurtleStitch source code?
All code is published under the “GNU Affero General Public License.”
https://github.com/backface/turtlestitch (Coding Environment)
https://github.com/backface/turtlenest (Cloud)
Credits
Who is TurtleStitch?
Andrea Mayr-Stalder (Artist, Educator, Project Lead)
Michael Aschauer (Artist, Lead Developer)