Plotting had long been a mystery to me. To learn more about it, I interviewed Michaela from himmelblau + erbsengrün. She tells us everything you need to know about plotting.
Interview with Michaela from himmelblau + erbsengrün All the photos on this page are also by Michaela.
SewSimple: Michaela, you not only sew a lot, you also like to decorate your self-sewn fashion with plotter designs. Can you show us a few examples?
What is plotting? | Definition & meaning
The term originally comes from shipping and means "graphic representation". In the creative field, it refers to applying outlines from vector graphics onto various films or paper. These outlines are then cut out.
This can be used to create wonderful iron-on designs, cards, labels, and much more.
Reading tip: Buy a plotter
Why is plotting so much fun?
Almost every image, whether a child's drawing or a photo, can be converted into a plotter-ready file. Thus, there are no limits to creativity.
Thanks to the variety of films, these images can also be applied to a wide range of materials.
What do you need for plotting?
There are probably many more accessories than I currently use.
In my workshop, I have:
- Laptop
- Plotter
- many different films*
- Dental tools* (for weeding!)
- a dough scraper for transferring/smoothing vinyl film (there are also much more expensive versions, but they serve the same purpose)
- a lightboard*
- a heat press*
And of course, countless ideas that I still want to implement! :)
In the photo, Michaela is wearing the Sedona Shirt, which she decorated with a great ethnic print.
So cool!
Which plotter is recommended?
My first and so far only plotter is the Silhouette Portrait 2.
This little plotter is very nice to me and doesn't act up.
Although I am already considering getting the next generation in terms of size.
My dream plotter should possibly output even larger designs.
I am still torn between the Silhouette Cameo 3* and the plotter from Brother ScanCut CM 900*.
Reading tip: Plotting and Plotter Basic Equipment
What programs can be used for plotting?
There is corresponding software for the plotters. For the Portrait 2, this is, for example, Silhouette Studio in the Basic, Design, and Business Editions.
The Basic Edition is pre-installed, but can only open and use certain file formats.
An upgrade to Design and Business is possible.
What should I pay attention to when plotting?
Textiles should be pre-washed. This is important so that the waterproofing (sometimes also called "sizing") is washed out. Otherwise, the adhesive cannot bond with the textile.
The film and the substrate must be compatible with each other, i.e.: choose the right film for the desired fabric.
Removing the applied flex film is very frustrating. That means: definitely think carefully about the position, size, and color of the plot before applying it! ;)
SewSimple: Dear Michaela, thank you very much for the informative interview! I have learned a lot about plotting and can hardly wait to get started myself!
Happy simple sewing, yours Sabine
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