Puckering and gaps between outline and fill

Puckering (wrinkles around the embroidery) and gaps (the outline does not cover the edge of the fill) have the same root cause: the fabric moves or is pulled in while it is stitched.

At the machine

1. Stabilizer: use the right backing for the fabric (see Choosing the right stabilizer). Stretch fabrics need a cut-away backing.
2. Hooping: the fabric must be taut and flat but not stretched. Re-tighten the hoop screw after placing the fabric, not before.
3. Large designs: sew from the centre outwards. In the Design panel, Sewing order → Sew from the centre outwards reduces fabric drift.
4. Speed: on delicate fabrics, slow the machine down.

In the design

• Density too high pulls the fabric together. Tarz uses the density recommended for the fabric you chose; if you increased it, return to the default value.
• Underlay stabilises the fabric before the top stitches. Keep the automatic underlay enabled, especially on velvet and jersey.
• Pull compensation widens satin columns slightly so they keep their size after the fabric pulls in. If outlines do not reach the fill, increase it in Properties → Advanced (0.2–0.4 mm is usual).
• Overlap: make the fill extend 0.5–1 mm under its outline.

Choose the fabric in Tarz before you digitize: densities, underlay and compensation are then set for it automatically.