Lock Stitches VS. Tie-in/tie-off

[Image Embroidery]

To avoid excess knots on the back of designs, is it possibly to use lock stitches between elements of the same color and then tie-off at the trim?
I have this very small design, two color, that ends up with 10 knots on the back. The elements are not close enough to leave the trims out.
Would lock stitches at the end of one elemnet and then a jump stitch to the next element eliminate the need for the tie-off?
Thank you in advance for your time.
LuAnn

[Juli in Kona]

Are you saying that there are lock stitches which are completely different from tie-off stitches and that they can be controlled separately? Never heard of lock stitches. Can anyone give me more info on this?

Juli in Kona using an XT bought in Nov 2006

[SilverStar]

Lock stitch is the general term which includes two types, tie in and tie off.

[Image Embroidery]

That is what I am asking. I would prefer not to have as many knots on the back of this small design. So, I thought if I could just lock the stitches it would hold without a knot. I hope I am explaining this right...I know it sounds confusing.
Thanks...

[Debbie Rinehart]

LuAnn,
I am confused...if you don't use the tie in-tie out, then just how will you lock the stitches? Is there another setting for this besides tie in and tie out??? Debbie

[susan]

LuAnn,
A knot, lock stitch, and tie in/tie off are the same thing. No, you can not skip a lock (tie off) and then do a jump stitch. Once you trim the jump stitch there would be nothing to keep that previous element from unraveling. ]

Your tie offs should not be making big knots. What "brand" of design are you using. I would try changing the tie offs to a different style and see if the big knots go away or at least get better.

Susan
Embroidery Station

[Image Embroidery]

Susan,
My tie-offs are number 3. That is what the XT likes. I was told that either the the #3 or the #5 should be used. I always used a #1 prior to being told to change to prevent missed trims and springboarding after trims.
If you have other information I would love to know about it.
The designs are my own digitizing or Dakota.
Thanks for the input.

[Image Embroidery]

Debbie,

I was one that was confused. I did not realize that lock and tie-in/tie-off mean the same thing.

Just one of many many reasons I love this group!
Someone is always willing to jump in and help out with questions....even if they aren't smart ones.LOL

[susan]

Hi Luann,
Your Dakota designs should already have the tie offs in them. Are you also adding another tie off on top of that? That would cause bigger knots.

Susan
Embroidery Station

[Debbie Rinehart]

LuAnn,
There is no stupid question and that is what I too love about this group. You can ask anything and no one will look down their nose at you. I've been doing embroidery for just 4 years, so I'm still learning!! With all the info provided on this site by the techs, I imagine I will continue to learn each day. Good luck with those knots!! Debbie