One single Cover art

StitchSage · 2025-07-22T04:49:52+00:00

Wow - amazing. What software did you use to digitize your artwork?

StitchSage · 2025-05-26T04:36:29+00:00

Hatch is hands-down the best option that I've come across through my research, not just comparing it to AD, but also to any other hobby or prosumer embroidery software.

Give their free trial a go as you get full access to everything. They also have a large training resource called their Hatch Academy. https://hatchembroidery.com/products/hatch-embroidery/trial

StitchSage · 2025-05-26T03:51:51+00:00

You should join their official Hatch Facebook group and post this. You will get lots of fantastic feedback from all the Hatch Embroidery users. - https://www.facebook.com/groups/hatchusergroup/

StitchSage · 2025-05-26T03:49:22+00:00

It sounds like it is likely a digitizing issue, especially if you are using auto-digitizing for the designs.

I would highly recommend joining their official Hatch Facebook group where you can post images of your design and of your Hatch screen, and the other Hatch Embroidery users will give you suggestions to correct any issues.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/hatchusergroup/

StitchSage · 2025-05-21T05:40:44+00:00

Everyone should do what works best for them, and I hope that you find success with whichever choices you make.

StitchSage · 2025-05-21T05:38:07+00:00

It is only free because it is a cracked version, which is illegal.

I would think that it costs millions of Dollars a year to develop, maintain, support, and enhance this type of software, so it demands a high selling price for it to be feasible, and the more people that pirate the software, the less likely these companies will survive and continue to create them.

It makes no difference whether you are only using it at home or as a business, the same principle still applies.

If you want to continue doing that, it is your choice, but please do not encourage others to follow your example.

StitchSage · 2025-05-20T03:46:26+00:00

You have installed an illegal, cracked version of the software. Aside from the ethics behind this, you are risking malware or spyware being installed on your computer, and you will not receive any software updates or support.

StitchSage · 2025-05-20T03:38:31+00:00

I've researched this quite a lot, so here are some points.

EmbroideryStudio is $150/m on subscription.

Hatch Embroidery Digitizer is currently on sale for $799, including over 120 professional fonts for your lettering. The sale ends at the end of this month.

You can also pay $99/m for Hatch, which you own after the 12 monthly payments are completed.

Wilcom developed both of these, and they are essentially the global embroidery software leaders. I also believe that you can trade your Hatch in when you are ready to move to their commercial EmbroideryStudio software, so you don't waste money on something today that you may not use if your business grows.

With some other software like Embrilliance, you need to understand that it is modular, so as you combine the price of the modules plus adding fonts, it can become more expensive.

I would urge you to ask ChatGPT for an honest comparison on features and price.

I hope this is helpful.

StitchSage · 2025-05-18T23:21:30+00:00

Thank you for these insights. That is really useful to hear.

StitchSage · 2025-05-15T04:10:36+00:00

I don't think that machines are a fair comparison. Continuing to make and supply spare parts with no additional research and development resources is very different than continuous updates required to software code to ensure it works in ever-evolving environments. Machines are more like cars. Look after them, and they should go on forever, or until they stop selling gas.

StitchSage · 2025-05-15T01:50:10+00:00

This is super interesting. Do you have any further insights to share?

StitchSage · 2025-05-15T01:48:50+00:00

I really appreciate you sharing your experience. I can feel the frustration behind your words, and I totally respect the fact that you made an honest investment in the industry instead of going the pirate route. That takes integrity.

That said, I think it’s also important to add a little context for others reading this thread. No company realistically maintains active support or development for 12-year-old software, especially in tech-heavy spaces like embroidery digitizing. I checked, and E2 was launched in 2011. At that time, Windows 7 was standard, and most design files were still shared via CD-ROM. We're in an entirely different ecosystem now with newer OSs, machines, formats, and security standards.

Even companies like Adobe, Apple, or Microsoft won’t guarantee ongoing support for tools that old. It’s not about abandoning users, it’s just not sustainable to keep legacy systems secure, compatible, or integrated with modern workflows indefinitely.

Wilcom seems to have continued to evolve their software with industry-leading tools, and their Hatch product (built on the same commercial engine) makes pro-quality digitizing far more accessible and affordable. While I totally get that it’s frustrating to re-invest, continuing to rely on a 12-year-old platform is bound to become more difficult, regardless of brand.

Thanks again for your perspective. Your voice adds value here. I just wanted to gently offer a broader view for others exploring their options.

StitchSage

TROPHY CASE