Manual Digitizing Basics in Hatch: Open vs. Closed Shapes, Object Properties, and a Clean Workflow

Introduction to the Hatch Digitizing Toolbox

Manual digitizing in Hatch Embroidery is less about “drawing pretty shapes” and more about making architectural decisions before you click the mouse. As someone who has spent two decades on the shop floor, I can tell you: digitizing is where production problems are either created or solved.

If you treat digitizing like vector drawing (Illustrator or CorelDraw), you will struggle. In embroidery, every object has physical consequences—push, pull, and density. The software offers specific stitch options based on object type to manage these forces, so your final stitch-out behaves the way you expect.

In this lesson, we will bridge the gap between software theory and production reality:

• The Geography: Where the main digitizing tools live and their specific functions.
• The Core Logic: Why Hatch treats objects strictly as Closed Shapes (true shapes) or Open Shapes (true lines).
• Context Awareness: How the Context Bar and Object Properties shift dynamically based on your selection.
• Diagnostics: How to use the Reshape Tool (H) to reveal the "skeleton" of your design and verify object integrity.
• Workflow: A foolproof sequence for choosing the right tool (Fill vs. Outline first, then Open vs. Closed).

A quick mindset shift that saves hours: Digitizing is a “design-for-production” skill. Even if you are learning the software today, the goal is a clean, predictable stitch file tomorrow—whether you are making a single patch for a family member or running a 50-piece order on a multi-needle machine.

The Difference Between Open and Closed Shapes

Hatch uses two fundamental object types. Understanding the difference is critical because it dictates how the machine moves and how the fabric reacts.

Closed shapes = “rubber bands”

Closed shapes are what most people mean when they say “shape”: circle, square, triangle, heart. They have a continuous outline with no true beginning or end. In the video, the instructor zooms in on heart examples.

The Physics of Closed Shapes: Think of a closed shape as a container. It has an inside and an outside.

• The inside can be filled (tatami, satin, embossed fills).
• The outside is the border (run stitch, satin border).

This distinction is why a closed object can be converted into:

• A filled object (e.g., a solid heart).
• A closed outline with satin stitch (a thick border).
• A closed outline with run stitch (a thin border).

Open shapes = “string”

Open shapes are what we think of as lines or paths. They always have two distinct ends: a start point and an end point (entry and exit). Even if you manipulate the nodes so the ends overlap and visually look like a loop, the software sees it as a piece of string with two ends.

Why this matters: Open shapes are outline-only objects. You cannot pour water into a bucket with no bottom; similarly, you cannot apply a "Fill" pattern to an Open Shape. If you select an open object and wonder why the Fill icon is greyed out, Hatch is protecting you from creating a file that cannot be stitched.

Why this matters on the machine (Expert Reality Check)

The open/closed decision is the single biggest predictor of stitch quality and production speed.

1. Closed Shapes (Fills): These introduce significant "pull." As the needle travels back and forth to fill an area, it pulls the fabric inward. If you use a standard satin fill on a stretchy polo shirt without proper backing (stabilizer), you will get gaps.
   • Rule of Thumb: High-stitch-count fills require stable hooping. If you struggle with puckering here, technique is the first fix, but upgrading to magnetic embroidery hoops can often resolve the distortion caused by dragging fabric in a standard hoop.
2. Open Shapes (Outlines): These are faster but fragile. A single run stitch can sink into the pile of a towel and disappear.
   
   Pro tip

   For open shapes on textured fabric, you must access Object Properties to add a second pass (Double Run) or thicken it to a Satin Line.

Navigating the Context Bar and Object Properties

Hatch is context-aware. This means the interface changes to show you only what is possible for the specific object you have selected.

The Context Bar changes with the tool/object

When a simple closed shape is selected, the Context Bar updates to show tools relevant to closed geometry—specifically including Reshape and the Fill/Outline toggles.

If you switch to an open shape tool, the Context Bar changes again. This prevents cognitive overload by hiding irrelevant buttons.

Object Properties is where stitch decisions live

The Object Properties docker (usually on the right side) is the "engine room" of your design. While the screen shows you a pink heart, the Object Properties dictate the engineering:

• Stitch Type: Satin, Tatami, Run, Triple Run, etc.
• Engineering Data: Underlay (the foundation stitches), Pull Compensation (offsetting fabric shrinkage), and Stitch Density.
• Special Effects: The example shown in the lesson is Elastic Embossed Fill.

Common Beginner Confusion: Color is not an object property in the engineering sense. Color is a visual tag chosen from the palette. Stitch behavior is controlled entirely in Object Properties.

Pro tip from the shop floor: “Properties first” prevents rework

In a high-volume shop, time is money. Rework usually comes from two workflow errors:

1. Wrong Anatomy: Digitizing an open shape when you needed a fill (wrong tool).
2. Wrong Engineering: Digitizing the right shape but failing to set the underlay or density before replicating the object.

The video’s workflow—choose Fill vs. Outline before digitizing—is exactly how professionals reduce revisions. It ensures you aren't fighting the software defaults later.

How to Use the Reshape Tool (Shortcut H)

The Reshape Tool (H) is your specific diagnostic device. It is the X-Ray machine for your design.

What you should see

When you select an object and press H, Hatch reveals its skeleton:

• Nodes: The yellow squares/circles defining the shape.
• Start Point: Shown as a green square/diamond.
• End Point: Shown as a red cross.

If you see a green start point and a red end point touching each other, you might think the shape is closed, but structurally it is still an open line.

When Reshape should be your first move

Use Reshape immediately when:

• Button Lockout: You want to apply a fill, but the button is greyed out. (Diagnosis: It’s an open shape).
• Weird Travel Stitches: The machine jumps across the design unexpectedly. (Diagnosis: Start/End points are in the wrong place).
• Editing Archives: You are fixing a file from 5 years ago and need to see how it was built.

Comment-based watch out: The learning curve

One viewer noted they are “just starting to learn Hatch.” This is the right expectation. The first milestone isn't artistic flair; it's structural literacy. You need to be able to look at a patch and see "Closed Satin Border" vs. "Open Run Stitch."

Workflow: Choosing the Right Tool for the Job

The video outlines a binary decision workflow. Before you touch a tool, ask these two questions.

The Two Questions (The "Pre-Click" Logic)

1. Do I want this area to be Solid (Fill) or a Line (Outline)?
2. Does structure need to be Open (Start/End) or Closed (Loop)?

The Rules:

• If you want a Fill, it MUST be a Closed Shape.
• If you want an Outline, it can be either Open or Closed.

Step-by-step: The expert sequence

The instructor demonstrates a clean “Setup -> Draw” sequence that mirrors professional practices:

1. Click Digitize Closed Shape (Tool selection).
2. In Object Properties, select the Fill tab (Intent selection).
3. Choose Elastic Embossed Fill (texture selection).
4. Select Pink from the color palette (Visual selection).
5. Draw the shape on the grid (Execution).

Checkpoints (What to verify before moving on)

• Context Bar: Are the Fill/Outline toggles visible? (If not, you have the wrong tool).
• Properties Docker: Are you seeing the stitch type you intended?
• Behavior: Does the object fill with color immediately upon hitting "Enter"?

Converting fill to outline

The video shows selecting a filled heart and clicking Outline to convert it to a border stitch, then using Undo (Ctrl+Z). This is a powerful feature for creating borders. You can duplicate a filled heart, convert the copy to an Outline, and boom—you have a perfectly matched border.

Prep

Digitizing is only 50% of the battle. The other 50% is physical. You can have a perfect file, but if your machine environment is sloppy, the result will look like a digitizing error.

Software Prep

• Start a new design (Ctrl+N).
• Keep the Object Properties docker pinned open. Never hide it; you need to see the data.

Hidden Consumables & Physical Prep

When testing your new manual digitizing skills, you need a controlled environment. If your test variables change, you won't know if the error is in the file or the machine.

• Needles: Start with a fresh 75/11 needle. A burred needle causes thread shredding that beginners often blame on "bad digitizing density."
• Stabilizer (The Foundation):
  • Stretchy fabric (Knits/Polos): Use Cutaway. No exceptions for beginners.
  • Stable fabric (Woven/Denim): Tearaway is acceptable.
• Hooping: This is the #1 failure point. If your fabric is "drum tight" but distorted, your perfect circle will stitch as an oval. This is often where beginners get frustrated with standard plastic hoops.
• Trigger point: If you find yourself fighting to hoop thick fabric or leaving "hoop burn" (shiny rings) on sensitive garments, this is a hardware limitation, not a skill issue. Many professionals search for how to use magnetic embroidery hoops to solve this exact problem, as magnetic frames hold fabric firmly without the friction burn of traditional hoops.

Prep Checklist

• Software: New design (Ctrl+N) open, metric/imperial units confirmed.
• Interface: Object Properties docker is visible.
• Consumables: Stabilizer matches fabric type (Cutaway for knits!).
• Hardware: Bobbin area cleaned of lint; fresh needle installed.
• Hooping: Fabric is taut (like a drum skin) but not stretched out of shape.

Warning: When testing digitizing files, treat your machine with respect. Always keep hands clear of the needle bar path. If you are using upgraded tools like magnetic hoops, be aware they carry a Pinch Hazard. The magnets are industrial strength—keep fingers clear of the snapping zone and keep them away from pacemakers.

Setup

Setup acts as your "Decision Tree" to prevent frustration during the creative process.

Interface Synchronization

• Select your tool in the Digitizing Toolbox.
• Glance at the Context Bar to confirm the mode.
• Glance at Object Properties to set parameters.

Decision Tree: Object Type Selection

Use this mental flowchart for every single element you create:

1. Do you want a solid color area (Fill)?
   • YES: You must use a Closed Shape tool.
     • Action: Select specific Fill Type (Tatami/Satin) in Properties.
   • NO: Go to step 2.
2. Do you want a line or border (Outline)?
   • YES:
     • Is it a border around a shape? -> Use Closed Shape (set to Outline in properties).
     • Is it a standalone line/detail? -> Use Open Shape.
3. Audit:
   • Unsure of a shape? -> Press H (Reshape). Look for Green/Red points.

Setup Checklist

• Tool: Correct tool selected (Open vs. Closed).
• Context: Context Bar displays relevant toggles.
• Properties: Stitch type selected before clicking points.
• Color: Distinct color selected (helps visibility).
• Audit: Reshape tool confirms anatomy (Open ends vs. Closed loop).

Operation

This section defines the repeatable habits that lead to professional consistency.

Step-by-Step Operation Sequence

1. Initialize: Open blank canvas.
2. Select Tool: Based on the Decision Tree above.
3. Verify Context: Ensure options align with your intent.
4. Set Physics: Choose stitch type (e.g., Elastic Embossed Fill) in Object Properties.
   • Sensory Check: Do you need Underlay? (For fills larger than 5mm, usually Yes).
5. Set Color: Visual selection.
6. Digitize: Click your points on the grid. Left click for sharp corners, Right click for curves.

Quality Checkpoints

• The "Greyed Out" Check: If the Fill icon is greyed out, STOP. Do not try to force it. You have likely selected an Open Shape tool.
• The Loop Check: Use the Objects List (Sequence view). A closed loop icon means closed; a squiggly line icon means open.

Production Note: If you are digitizing for a repeating order (e.g., 20 uniform logos), consistency in the physical setup is just as vital as the file. Experienced shops use a hooping station for machine embroidery to ensure every shirt is hooped in the exact same spot with the exact same tension. This eliminates the variable of "human error" during placement.

Operation Checklist

• Logic: Answered "Fill vs. Outline" and "Open vs. Closed" correctly.
• Sequence: Set properties -> Drew object.
• Verification: Confirmed object anatomy via Icon or Reshape (H).
• Conversion Test: Validated closed shapes by toggling Fill/Outline (Ctrl+Z to undo).

Warning: Never change stitch types (e.g., converting a Run Stitch to a heavy Satin Fill) on a live file without checking the Stitch Density. If the density is too high for the new size, you risk a "bird's nest" (thread jam) or breaking a needle, which can send metal fragments flying.

Quality Checks

Before you export to machine format (DST/PES), run this Pre-Flight Audit.

1) Object Anatomy Audit

Select complex objects one by one. Press H. Are the Start/End points logical? Are your "closed" shapes actually closed, or just overlapping lines?

2) Properties Audit

Click through the design sequence. Watch the Object Properties panel. Does a delicate satin stitch suddenly turn into a massive Tatami fill? Catching this now saves you a ruined garment later.

3) Workflow Consistency

If you find yourself constantly using "Reshape" to fix boundaries after drawing, try to slow down and place your nodes more deliberately. Good digitizing is rhythm—Left click, Right click, Right click, Left click.

Beginner Hardware Question: System Specs

Commenter asks: "Does anyone use Hatch with 8GB RAM?" Hatch is calculation-heavy. While 8GB is often the minimum, complex designs with Embossed Fills will lag. If zooming feels "sticky," close browser tabs.

Troubleshooting

Symptom: Cannot Select Fill Tool

• Likely Cause: You selected an Open Shape.
• Immediate Fix: Delete and redraw using a Closed Shape tool.
• Prevention: Use the Decision Tree before selecting tools.

Symptom: Line looks closed but behaves open

• Likely Cause: Start/End points are overlapping but not joined.
• Immediate Fix: Use the "Close Shape" command in the software, or rely on the visual confirmed by Pressing H.

Symptom: Options disappear from Context Bar

• Likely Cause: You clicked onto a different object type or background.
• Immediate Fix: Re-select the specific object you intend to edit.

Symptom: Outline design sinks into fabric (looks invisible)

• Likely Cause: Physical issue. The "Open Shape" run stitch is too thin for the fabric pile (e.g., towel/fleece).
• Immediate Fix: Change Object Property from "Single Run" to "Triple Run" or "Backstitch."
• Root Cause Prevention: If fabric is shifting and swallowing stitches, ensure your hooping is secure. Standard hoops can slip. Using machine embroidery hoops with magnetic clamping creates a stronger hold on bulky fabrics, keeping the pile compressed and the stitches visible.

Results

By mastering the core distinction between Open and Closed shapes, you have cleared the biggest hurdle in manual digitizing.

• You know the rules: Fills require Closed Shapes.
• You know the tools: Context Bar guides you; Object Properties lets you engineer the data.
• You have the diagnostics: Reshape (H) is your truth-teller.

As you move from software theory to production, remember that consistency is king. Consistent files (Hatch) combined with consistent hardware leads to profit. If you are struggling with hoop burn, wrist fatigue, or hooping inconsistency, consider that your toolset might be the bottleneck. Tools like a hooping station for embroidery or a magnetic embroidery hoop are not just accessories—they are the standard for efficient, low-stress production scaling.

Next Step: Create a "Lab File." Intentionally draw one open shape, one closed fill, and one closed outline. Test stitch them on scraps. Feel the difference in the machine's rhythm. That sensory feedback will teach you more than any video ever could.