PEmbroider vs TurtleStitch

PEmbroider is a Java library for generating computational embroidery designs in Processing. Its drawing functions handle lines, shapes, and typography, while shape tools support overlap, cropping, merging, and a range of embroidery fills. Designs can start from SVG files or black-and-white PNG and GIF images. The library generates DST, EXP, JEF, PEC, PES, VP3, and XXX files for consumer CNC embroidery machines. It also exports PDF, SVG, TSV, and GCODE for other 2D output devices, including CNC routers and AxiDraw pen plotters. A modified Traveling Salesperson Problem solver creates shorter paths intended to reduce embroidery time and material use. PEmbroider can visualize files it generates, but cannot load or preview existing embroidery files. It integrates with Processing and can be installed through its Contribution Manager or from a ZIP library. The instructions require Processing 4.0a6 or later, with a separate download for Processing 3 users. It is free under GPLv3 and ACSL 1.4 and was developed during Endless March 2020 at Carnegie Mellon University's Frank-Ratchye STUDIO for Creative Inquiry.

TurtleStitch lets people create embroidery patterns by writing programs with visual blocks, then share or remix those designs. It is built on Snap! and runs in a browser, connecting block-based programming with textile craft. Density Warning flags possible stitch-density problems, and X-Ray View helps locate overlaps. Designs can be exported for embroidery machines that use DST or EXP files; Ink/Stitch is identified as a possible way to convert designs for other machine formats.

Online work requires internet access and a modern browser such as Firefox, Chrome, or Safari. For offline work, users can download a release and open index.html in a browser; projects are saved as XML files on the computer and can be reopened, but cloud access is unavailable. Cloud saving requires an account and email, and saved projects are public by default, with an Unshare option. Programming does not require personally identifiable information. TurtleStitch is free, and its described settings include schools, workshops, maker spaces, art projects, and community use.