Beginner Course · Lesson 3 of 3

Prep Shapes With the Toolbar

The final lesson — and the most hands-on. Learn the five toolbar tools, use Split to slice wide or irregular shapes into clean satin columns, and lock in the simple rule for which stitch goes where.

~4 minutes Hands-on Free to try

In this final lesson we go over the toolbar tools and prep the design for applying stitch types. The star of the show is the Split tool — it slices wide shapes into narrower sections so the satin columns come out clean.

What this lesson covers

  1. 1 The five toolbar tools
  2. 2 When (and why) to use Split
  3. 3 Split → satin columns, step by step
  4. 4 The rule: which stitch goes where
1

The five toolbar tools

Cut · Fill · Draw · Erase · Split

When you select a layer, the toolbar gives you five tools for editing its shapes. Here's what each one does:

Cut

Removes shapes you don't need from a layer.

Fill

Floods empty areas with color so they can be stitched.

Draw

Extends or patches shapes — add to an area that didn't trace fully.

Erase

Removes the parts of a shape you don't want.

Split Most used

Slices a shape into two separate pieces so each section becomes a narrow, clean satin column.

2

When (and why) to use Split

Wide or irregular shapes need slicing

Use Split whenever a shape is too wide or too irregular for a single satin column. A petal, for example, has a complex outline that would tangle if you applied satin all at once.

Split slices it into smaller, simpler regions — and each one gets its own clean satin fill.

Real example
For the daisy, each petal was split first, then filled section by section — that's how you get smooth satin on an organic shape that's wider than satin likes.
3

Split → satin columns

The workflow, step by step
  • Select the layer, then pick the Split tool
  • Draw a cut across the shape to slice it into narrower pieces
  • Switch to Satin and use Split into Satin Columns on each piece
  • Check the green guide rungs follow the curve; add more if needed
New to satin columns?
The three ways to set satin rails are covered in Lesson 2 → Satin stitch & rails.
4

The rule: which stitch goes where

Simple enough to memorize

Use Satin for

Narrow shapes and outlines — anywhere you want that smooth, raised, glossy look. Borders and thin details.

Use Fill for

Wide solid areas — it covers large regions efficiently with evenly spaced rows.

Most designs use both: satin on the border, fill on everything inside.

Width guideline
If a shape is wider than about 6mm, use fill — or split it first, then apply satin to each narrower section.

You've got the whole workflow

Upload, edit stitches, prep your shapes, and export a machine-ready file — all free to try.

Make Your First File — Free

No software to install

Frequently asked questions

What does the Split tool do?
Split slices a shape into two separate pieces so each section becomes a narrow, clean satin column. Use it whenever a shape is too wide or too irregular for a single satin column — like a petal with a complex outline.
Which stitch should I use on each layer?
Use satin on narrow shapes and outlines for a smooth glossy look. Use fill on wide solid areas. Most designs use both — satin on the border, fill inside. If a shape is wider than about 6mm, use fill, or split it first and apply satin to each narrower section.
What are the five toolbar tools?
Cut removes shapes you don't need. Fill floods empty areas with color. Draw extends or patches shapes. Erase removes parts you don't want. Split slices a shape into two pieces for clean satin columns.
What's next after this lesson?
You now know the full workflow — uploading, the stitch editor, and prepping shapes. Head to EmbroideryTrace, upload your own image, and export your first DST or PES file. For machine-specific tips, see the Help Center.
Previous: Lesson 2 Back to course overview →

That's all three lessons

You know how to upload a design, understand the stitch types, and prep shapes for clean satin columns. Now make your first file.

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