Is this really automatic, or will I still need to learn digitizing?
Really automatic. Open artwork, set the size and fabric, click Create Embroidery File, export. PiperStitch decides stitch types, underlay, density, compensation and sew order on its own. The editing tools exist for when you want to change something, not because you have to.
What kind of artwork works best?
Clean, flat-colour artwork — logos, lettering, line drawings, clip-art style illustrations — digitizes best, exactly as it does by hand. Photographs and soft gradients aren't good embroidery subjects in any software; PiperStitch will quantise them to a handful of colours and tell you honestly in the readiness report if the result is too fine to sew.
Which machines does it work with?
Any machine that reads DST, PES, JEF or EXP — which covers Tajima, Brother, Baby Lock, Janome, Elna, Melco, Bernina and most commercial multi-needles. See Formats for details and what isn't supported yet.
Does it run on Windows or iPad?
No. PiperStitch runs in your web browser — Chrome, Safari, Edge or Firefox on a Mac, Windows PC or Chromebook. There is nothing to install and nothing to update. You do need an internet connection while you work.
How does the 14-day trial work?
Go to the app, enter your email, and type the six-digit code we send you. The trial starts at that first sign-in and runs 14 days. No card. When it ends the editor is replaced by a sign-in screen; subscribe on this site, then sign in with the same email.
How do I sign in? Is there a license key?
No key. After subscribing, open PiperStitch, choose Sign In and type the email you subscribed with. A six-digit code arrives by email; enter it and the app unlocks. It quietly re-checks your subscription in the background whenever it has a connection.
Can I use it on more than one computer?
Yes — sign in from any computer with your email and your saved projects are there. There is no limit on browsers.
What happens when I cancel?
You stop being charged, and PiperStitch keeps working until the end of the month you've already paid for. After that it shows the sign-in screen. Every file you downloaded is an ordinary file on your computer and keeps sewing. Subscribe again later with the same email and you're straight back in.
What if my card is declined on renewal?
We email you, Stripe retries the card over the next few days, and PiperStitch keeps working for a short grace period so you can update the card from your account page without interruption.
Does PiperStitch upload my designs anywhere?
Your artwork is sent to our server to be digitized and comes straight back as stitches; we do not keep it. Projects you choose to save are stored in your account until you delete them. Nothing is used for anything except making your embroidery file.
Can I get a refund?
The free trial exists so you never have to pay to find out whether PiperStitch suits you. If something goes wrong with a charge, write to hello@piperstitch.com and a person will sort it out.
Try it on your own artwork.
Free for 14 days, right in your browser. No card, nothing to install. Then $19 a month, cancel any time.