By Johnny Barfuss and Mary Beth Krapil
As some of you may have noticed, we released a new version of our Pro-Stitcher software recently. You can find the Pro-Stitcher software update here. It was released as Beta Premium version 00.00.2378.
We also made a video explaining the newest Pro-Stitcher features, and we will share those features here as well.
What Does Beta Mean?
A “beta version” of software means it is still in testing and development, usually for a limited number of people. At Handi Quilter, we have a team of engineers who develop the software, as well as a team of people who test it.
We released this latest update as a beta version because we wanted to get it onto the machines of the people who will be using it most—our customers—so that we could get your feedback. Remember, you can always roll back to a previous version if you find you are having difficulties.
New Pro-Stitcher Features
Opti-Stitch
This feature automatically calculates the speed and acceleration to match a chosen design and responds with optimal stitch performance. With Opti-Stitch, your Pro-Stitcher will smoothly slow down and speed up in and out of corners and curves. Designs will stitch out with improved accuracy, even with the most intricate patterns.
Manual Control of Speed and Acceleration
You’ll have more control so that you can modify performance if necessary. That means you can get the most accurate stitch from your machine and your chosen designs.
The default is set for an acceleration of 40 and a speed percent of 100. Control these settings by pressing the Customize button and setting each to whatever you desire.
Basting Stitch Button
When you select the Baste button, you can adjust the size you prefer for your basting stitches. Then, every time you want to baste, you can simply click the button on the screen and toggle back and forth between basting and regular stitching.
You can also assign this button as one of your favorites on the left side of the screen. It will always be at your fingertips!
Lock or Unlock Motors at the End of a Pattern
This is something many of our quilters have been requesting. It makes tie-offs and transitions faster and easier.
This setting can be changed under Settings > Advanced > General. Then look in the sidebar on the right.
Design Points View
When selected, Design Points View shows all of the design points of a pattern. It’s a new button on the ribbon under View.
This will be especially helpful when selecting a new start or end point. You will be able to see exactly where the design will start to stitch after using Start Auto or End Auto.
Pro-Stitcher Changes and Improvements
Improved Infinity Thread Cutter Integration
We have improved the integration of the Infinity thread cutter for use at the end of a row or the end of a pattern.
No Simulation License Required
A simulation license will no longer be required. This will make it easier to load Pro-Stitcher onto another tablet or computer.
Updated User Interface Icons
Some user-interface icons have been updated. We wanted to make a clear differentiation between the Information tab and the On-Screen Help button (blue question mark) in the upper-right corner. The icons chosen are more in line with other user-interface icons you’re accustomed to.
Modify Tab Layout Changes
We rearranged the sidebar on the right under Modify > Align. The “Center” tool is placed by itself in a more logical location.
We also changed the layout of the sidebar under Modify > Rotate to make it more logical.
Fit Tool Renamed to Fill
Under the Repeat tab, the “Fit” tool on the sidebar is now called “Fill.” It functions the same; it’s just a more descriptive name for that tool.
Share Your Pro-Stitcher Feedback
We are super excited for this release and look forward to hearing your feedback. Please let us know what you think!
How can I download it? I went to the download page but couldn’t find it.
Hi,
You can find the download to the software here.
Great, no more jerking when stitching designs with points. Tried it and love it.
For pete sake it took all afternoon to download and now it is zipped Are there detailed instructions anywhere?
Sorry to hear that Nancy! It is not too large of a file at less than 100MB, so I’m not sure why it took so long. (Generally on a slower connection that size file can take a few minutes to download).
Detailed installation instructions can be found here.
I updated with the latest version at the academy last week and now my machine skips stitches. I am sue it isn’t the needle because I have changed that out, and in addition when the stitch looks like it skipped, I think it is making elongated stitches. It is in the Sam place when I unpick and start again. I have totally shut down the prostitcher and machine to clear everything. I have even went to the original pattern, repeated it and skewed it several times and the problem persists. It also seems to drag the needle at times. When the confirmation page comes up before starting to stitch under count, shouldn’t that be the stitch length? It says 4, which is the number I use for basting. And wn
Hen I tried to baste, it wouldn’t do the bigger stitches. Don’t know what to do.
Hi Nora, One thing you can check is that the needle is not in backwards. the groove should be facing you and the scarf should be in the back. Check the stitch size that is set on your machine. Give us a call at 877-697-8458 on Friday and we can help you troubleshoot.
I love the update!! Well done. Everything works wonderfully.
The only thing I miss are the green and red”disks” that showed which line node you were choosing when creating a new start/stop point. Some of the designs are very complex and it is difficult to tell if the spot you choose is where the stitching will actually start.
Shirley,
To display the Jumps points for your pattern/workspace select the View tab then select Jumps on the ribbon. This will show the green/red start/stop points of your pattern or workspace.
New user and loving our Amara 20.
Are there step by step scenarios on different ways to advance ?
Welcome to the Handi Quilter family! Check out all the video tutorials on our YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=handiquilter
I have prostitcher premium. What is the latest version I should have and how do I check what I currently have?
If you go to the Information tab at the top far right and then the About button on the ribbon you can see the version you have. You can see the latest version at https://prostitcher.com/prostitcher-software-update/ The latest vesion is 19.07.0506. There is also a newer BETA version 20.01.508 that you can download and use on your Pro-Stitcher. It has some great new features that I know you will love!
Help, I downloaded the beta version and now my PS keeps crashing. I have to do a hard reboot, all the way down to unplugging the machine. Any ideas?
Hello Juliana, I’m sorry you are having difficulties. First, check to make sure your machine software is up to date. You can find that here: https://handiquilter.com/machine-software-updates/ Often times that solves the problem.
You can always roll back to the previous version. Simply make sure the version you want is on your USB stick and proceed just as you would for an update but choose the previous version.
Can I put the Prosticher Premium on my ipad so that I can practice designing quilts instead of standing and using the Acer tablet connected to my machine?
Pro-Stitcher Premium is a Windows based program. You can put it on a Windows laptop computer but not an iPad.
How do I download the nPro Stitcher Premium and put it on my Windows base computer?
Hi Barbara, Just go to ProStitcher.com and under the Pro-Stitcher tab click on software. Download the latest version. Once you have downloaded right click and choose run as administrator. If you need more information there is a step-by-step tutorial you can find at the bottom of the software download page.
how do i turn off optistitch?
Optistitch is the name of the tool that allows you to control the speed of your machine. You cannot turn it off. It’s where you set your speed and acceleration.
What is speed profile and what should it be set at??
The Speed Profile reads your machine type and sets the default maximum Stitches Per Minute to your
specific machine. This is NOT an adjustable value. Pro-Stitcher uses this information to calculate the SPM
(Stitches Per Minute) when you customize your Speed percent on the side bar for Settings tab > Opti-Stitch.
You can learn more by reading the user reference manual at https://prostitcher.com/prostitcher/