Gradient fill

The Gradient fill feature varies stitch spacing between dense and open fill, producing gradient and shading effects which are difficult to achieve manually. It provides a simple way to produce variation in a filled pattern and the illusion of depth. It is best used with Tatami fill. When you use it, current settings – including Auto Spacing and Fractional Spacing – are ignored. However, other stitch effects still apply.


Use Object Properties > Effects > Gradient Fill to create perspective and shading effects.

Create gradient fills

Gradient fill can be applied to tatami or satin objects. Use any one of the preset profiles.

Apply Travel on Edge to force underlying travel runs to the edges of an object so that they can’t be seen through open stitching. Because of its open stitch, Gradient fill is also best used without Auto Underlay.

In addition to gradient fills, color blending allows you to create interesting color blends, perspective effects and shading effects. Two colors are merged smoothly using a mixture of dense and open fill. See also Color blending.


Use Select > Reshape to adjust object outlines, stitch angles, start and end points, curved lines, etc.

Gradient fill angle

Use the Reshape tool to adjust the angle of the gradient fill.

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Gradient fill spacing

Use the Gradient Fill panel to adjust spacing values between maximum and minimum spacings.

Travel on Edges and Gradient Fill can also be combined with Florentine effect to produce curved color blending. See also Curved fills.