3D puff embroidery step by step

3D puff embroidery sews satin columns over a sheet of embroidery foam. The needle perforates the foam along the outline; after sewing, the excess tears away and the letters stand up. Tarz Studio prepares every step automatically.

Design rules

• Use satin columns between about 3 and 10 mm wide. Narrower columns do not hold the foam; wider ones flatten it.
• Avoid fills and small details on puff objects. Simple, bold letters work best.
• Sew flat objects (outlines, small text) before the puff objects.

Step by step

1. Select the satin objects to raise.
2. In Properties → Stitch, turn on 3D puff.
3. Set Foam thickness: 2, 3 (default) or 6 mm, the sheet you will use.
4. Check the automatic options:
   • Puff density (default 0.22 mm): much denser than flat satin so the foam is fully covered.
   • Cap ends: closes the open ends of the columns so the foam does not poke out.
   • Perforate: adds a running stitch around the outline that cuts the foam.
   • Stop for foam: inserts a machine stop before the first puff object.
5. Open the 3D preview: the puff objects appear raised.
6. Export. The production worksheet shows when to lay the foam.

At the machine

1. Sew the flat parts. The machine stops at the stop inserted by Tarz Studio.
2. Lay the foam (same colour as the thread if possible) over the area and hold it with tape at the corners.
3. Restart: the satin covers the foam and the perforation cuts it.
4. Tear away the excess foam; remove small pieces with tweezers. A short blast of hot air (heat gun or hair dryer) shrinks remaining fibres.

Tips

• Underlay is reduced automatically under puff objects so the foam is not flattened.
• On caps, use the cap hoop profile and a firm tear-away stabilizer.
• If the foam shows between stitches, lower the puff density value (denser) or use thinner foam.