Satin stitches in one direction are affected . . . - Yep that's a clue.There's a technical explanation involving the physics of stitch formation by the machine, stitching speed and the need to manage the marriage between - top thread type and size, bobbin fill thread, stitch direction (angle), stitch width, stitch density, top thread tension, fabric properties, stabiliser type and hooping method.So pretty much everything - but don't worry.Where to start - Quick fix 1 - Reduce the tension of the top thread for sewing satin stitch.It is very, very common for users to have to reduce the tension of the top thread for machine embroidery.On my previous machine, with one brand of Rayon 40s top thread and the bobbin fill I was using, as a matter of course the top tension had to be reduced by 3 points from the default, but when using a polyester (40s) the top tension had to be increased by 1 point above the default setting because of the stretchiness factor in the thread.The default settings on any machine for machine embroidery (and decorative stitches) are only ever a starting point. The operator is expected to adjust the top tension to get the effect wanted because different thread types and thickness behave in different ways along with different fabrics.https://embroideryspectacular.com/2015/03/06/embroidery-recipe-box-thread-tension-adjustments/http://www.urbanthreads.com/tutorials.aspx?t=thread+nesting+and+tension Avoid adjusting the bobbin case tension unless using an extra or spare bobbin case that you specifically want to callibrate for a particular bobbin thread.
Do download the free design and use it as a tester design for setting the top tension for your machine + the fabric, stabiliser and thread combination you've chosen.
It's a useful little design to do that until you digitise your own tester designs for choosing which digitising settings you prefer to use.
Another tension test designs -
http://www.originalstitches.com/free/other/tension-test-p-339.html#.WYmg7fltmUkQuick Fix 2 - Reduce the stitching speed setting on the machineIt's physics and there's plenty of technical explanations of what happens and why out there in cyberspace if you want to know.Not so Quick Fix 3 - On your design file (not the stitch file) Reduce the stitch density (stitch spacing) of the satin stitch Your Satin Stitch settings are on a long stitch length and that's a factor along with the stitch direction and stitch density (aka stitch spacing). It's usual to reduce the stitch density of most stitch patterns when digitising shapes and especially so with columns (and shapes) of satin stitch. If it's a closed shape of satin fill or a 5mm wide run line of satin stitch try Object Settings of -Manual spacing 0.4, 0.5 or 0.6 (on the Fill Tab) andOn the Stitch Settings tab tryUnderlay 1 - Edge Run stitch length 2mm, Underlay 2 - Zig Zag stitch length 3mm spacing 2mm, pull compensation of 0.2 or even 0.3 and a stitch angle of 3 rather than 0You will still probably need to reduce the top tension on your machine for the stitch out.Long way round fix -
digitise a test design for satin stitch so you can explore which settings to use on your machine and in the digitising programme.
Vertical & Horizontal columns of different widths, circles, rectangles and also fills of circles and rectangles of different sizes.
Also try different stitch angles, different stitch densities, different underlay settings and different pull compensation settings to explore how the settings selected when you digitise are critical to the effect that you want with the design.
It's worth watching this video to start getting your head around some of the digitising settings
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ttg0cu0ZwZ8Any digitising software is only a tool to create and edit designs. Whichever package is used, learning and understanding digitising techniques and how they behave when stitched is the same.
Re Wilcom Hatch Digitizer - it's a great programme that is independent of a sewing machine manufacturer's brand.
It's the one I would choose over any on the domestic market at the moment, mainly because if there are any problems Wilcom have an interest in fixing any issues that arise.Using a programme created for a brand like Janome, Brother, Bernina etc. you have to hope and pray that the brand company will evewntually refer the issues to the company that develops their digitising software for improvements and problems to be fixed. Despite the expensive price of the packages, the brand companies don't really want to have to pay the bill for sorting out issues for fixes & updates and may prefer to delay things until a scheduled upgrade is due so they recover the cost from the user. Currently I use Janome Digitizer V5 (just because it was part of a deal when I got the machine). Digitizer V5 is a sophisticated digitising programme that offers a great deal of scope and has several attractive and easy to use features. Like all programmes, they're fantastic when they run well without glitches. However, if there is a problem that is in the programme and needs a function improvement or a software fix - frustration, frustration, frustration. Right now I am experiencing a recurring issue with V5.
At least with Hatch if there is an issue, you raise the problem directly with the company who created the programme.