Output stumpwork

Stumpwork designs, like any other design in your embroidery software, are saved to native EMB file format. The EMB format contains a complete set of design information in a single ‘all-in-one’ file – object outlines and properties, actual stitches and machine functions, thread colors, a picture icon and comments. It also includes all stumpwork elements in addition to the base design. When it comes time to output the design, however, it is necessary to create separate stitch files for the machine.


Use View > Show Design to show or hide design elements. Click to open droplist of view settings.

View stumpwork

Open the stumpwork design file you want to output.

Use the Show Design options to selectively view the sumpwork elements together with the base design.


Use Output Design > Export Design to convert current design to a format other than your selected machine.

Export base design

It doesn't really matter which order you export the design elements, but it's logical to start with the base design.

  • Go to the Output Design toolbox and choose the Export Design option.
  • The Export Design dialog will open by default onto your 'My Machine Files' folder.
  • Choose the machine file you want and save it out. The warning message you receive will tell you everything you need to know about exporting stumpwork.
  • If you then open the exported machine file, you will only see the base design without the accompanying stumpwork pieces.

Use Cutwork / Stumpwork > Open Stumpwork Sub-design to view and edit selected sub-design.

Use Output Design > Export Design to convert current design to a format other than your selected machine.

Export the stumpwork pieces

If a design such as the one shown here, includes repeating stumpwork elements, there is no need to output each one to stitch file.

  • Choose a single instance of the stumpwork element and open it as a sub-design.
  • Again use the Export Design function to output the stumpwork piece as a machine file.
  • Repeat the same action for each unique stumpwork piece making up the design.
  • Each piece can be output as many times to machine as necessary to assemble the final design.

For maximum efficiency, you may want to copy all stumpwork sub-designs into a single design and stitch them out together in one hooping.


Use Output Design / Standard > Print Design to print the current design.

Use Output Design / Standard > Print Preview to preview design worksheet. Print from preview window.

Print a worksheet

Finally, it's a good idea to output a design worksheet to accompany your stitch files. You will refer to this when assembling the final stumpwork design.