If you don’t have basic design editing software or can’t print out a template, you will love Embroidery Tool Shed!
I recently tried out the free Embroidery Tool Shed (ETS) software and am quite impressed. There are so many uses for the program, you will want to try it, too!
Created by the talented team at Designs in Machine Embroidery, DIME (no affiliation), ETS is ground central for other DIME Inspiration software. You can try many of them for free before buying them or just use the free ETS.
The program is super easy to install and includes instructions. Here are a few of the things that you can do with ETS:
- Read and write popular formats
- Resize designs
- Cut, Copy, Paste
- Rotate and Mirror
- Re-colorize designs
- Print templates with image, color sequence and cross hair
- Convert colors between brands
- Design Analyzer
- Stitch Sequence Simulator
- Zoom, Pan, Realistic viewing options
- View Stitch Ends, Commands
- Adjustable Viewing Grid
- View and Create Hoops
- Junk Stitch Filter
When opening designs, the directory is user friendly. I used Bonnie’s Bunny Buddies, design 1, as a sample.
Stitch view shows the design with color stops along the bottom.
The realistic view is exceptional.
You can also add your hoop. The thread palette shows at the bottom of the screen and you can change thread manufacturers or change colors.
Perhaps the biggest benefit of this free program is that you can print out design templates, which help with design placement. Print on plain paper or on Print N Stick templates. Templates include a cross in addition to the crosshair and if you added notes to the design, they print out below the template.
You can opt to print out the color stops for each design if you like. Color stops print nice and large and outline the area being stitched. (Note from Bonnie: Make sure to compare it against the designer's color chart if you want to follow the designer's colors. Colors don't always transfer the same between what the designer used for their software and the software you are using.)
If you don’t have any way to print a template or color chart, give this free program a try! It's a great way to start.
Debbie Henry
Sew Inspired by Bonnie
Gwen B - February 22, 2024
I have a Janone 550e embroidery machine. I’ve bought a few designs that I’m unable to open. The message that comes up is the design is larger than the hoop size. I have the 4 hoops that came with the machine plus I purchased a RE28b. Just wondering if this program would work as it was suggested by the seller of the designs I bought and can’t open. I have windows 11 on my computer and wonder if this program would run with windows 11.
Bonnie J Welsh - November 20, 2023
Kokkie—JEF format is supported by Embroidery Toolshed software.
Kokkie van Staden - November 20, 2023
I have windows 10 and use Elna format Jef, will I beable to use the program please?? If possible if I can get a help printout before I download the program?? Thank you very much.
Connie Davis - October 11, 2023
I purchased Tool Shed some time ago, and I would like to print the users manual I am getting it to print, Please advise
Carolyn G Wight - May 17, 2023
I’m going to try this program
Debbie Henry - March 10, 2023
We’re so pleased that you found this useful!
Jacqueline - March 09, 2023
Thank’s a lot I will try it since I am new to embroidery.
Susan Griffin - March 07, 2023
Thank you so much. You are awesome !
Jacqie - March 07, 2023
Thanks. Will try it
Bonnie Addison - March 07, 2023
I will have to try the software, Thanks Bonnie. Bonnie
Dena Splittstoesser - March 07, 2023
Thanks