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Base Commands

Ariadna Pons
Updated

Base commands define the foundation of your design and should always be the first command in a new project. By default, the base is provided by either a rectangular panel or a garment panel generated with the Template Editor, and its dimensions and tensions can be set and edited in Shape. Alternatively, you can use one of the three commands below to generate the base layer.

 

 

 

These commands override the dimensions and tension settings defined in Shape, replacing the default base. Therefore, only one base command should be present in the command stack (or none, if you are using the default base). If you use one of these commands, it should always be placed at the top of the command stack.

Let’s explore them in detail:

Shape

There are two different setting panes, depending on if you picked “Rectangle” or a garment template in the initial base setup wizard.

  1. Rectangle

    Allows you to create your design from scratch.

The default shape is 40 wales (needles) wide and 60 rows high. This can easily be modified by entering the dimensions you want in width (needles) and height (rows).

Enter your tensions if you know them. If not, the program will use default values.

The “Stitch Type” dropdown shows the option Front Knit by default, which means the canvas is filled with front stitches. This option can be changed to “Rear Knit” or to “Miss” for a blank canvas.

The“Yarn Carrier” dropdown lets you pick the main yarn carrier for your base canvas (1-6).

  1. Garment template panels

    If you use the garment templates, the Shape pane will look similar to this one (it may differ depending on which style you choose):

    You can find three tabs at the top:

    1. Design options

    The measurements shown are calculated from the standard size or body measurements entered in the initial setup wizard, together with the selected fit. All of these measurements can be edited.

    They are divided into two categories:

    • Design measurements: Measurements that are defined entirely by the designer.
    • Garment measurements: Measurements derived from the body measurements and the selected garment fit.

    You can also edit your ribs’ measurements for the waistband (Body Rib), cuff and neckband (collar), or discard them from your design by unticking the checkbox.
    Shape Options at the bottom:

    • Panel asymmetry checkbox: When selected, this option adds one row to all points on the right side of the panels. This offset adjusts the panel sides during different passes, ensuring smoother transfers and cleaner edges. However, it will result in longer knitting times. (Recommended)
    • Even rows checkbox: When enabled, the row count is rounded to the nearest even number. This ensures that the main feeder ends up on the left-hand side of the machine when it needs to perform the first armpit bind-off. (Recommended)

     

  2. Size & Fit

    Edit your chosen standard size or body measurements. The sweaters’ fit it linked to the style and is not editable for now. To make any changes you’ll have open the little lock situated at the top next to your garment’s name and apply the changes when you’re done.

     

  3. Tensions & Stitches

    Edit previously entered tensions, stitch type, main yarn carrier and rib pattern.

    IMPORTANT NOTE: Any edits in the Shape settings will change the panel’s shape. Editing measurements can distort shapes and create mismatched dimensions between the body and sleeve panels. Proceed with caution to avoid these issues.

 

Import Vector Shape

 

This command imports a vector file (SVG or DXF) as a single-colour filled shape, which is especially useful for bringing in panel shapes drafted in external pattern software, such as Illustrator, CAD programs, or CLO3D.

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • File:
    Click on the 'File' field to select the file you want to import. Once loaded, the pane shows some basic file information:
    • Source: displays the file format detected (SVG or DXF) and its aspect ratio. DXF files carry no real-world units, so their dimensions must be defined manually in the Sizing section below.
    • Placement: shows where the shape will sit on the canvas and its resulting size in stitches.
  • Shape
    If the file contains multiple pieces, an additional section called 'Shape' appears. It lists every shape found in the file and lets you pick which one to import.
  • Sizing
    Set the real-world dimensions of your imported shape.
    • Link Width & Height: When ticked, changing one dimension automatically adjusts the other proportionally.
    • Width (Cm) / Height (Cm): Enter the desired dimensions. The unit can be changed with the 'Unit' dropdown.
  • Gauge
    Enter your 'stitches per 10 cm' and 'rows per 10 cm' to convert the real-world dimensions into stitches and rows on the canvas.

  • Stitch & Yarn

    Choose the stitch type to fill the shape with (e.g. Front Knit) and assign a yarn carrier (1-6) to it.

  • Rendering
    The 'Mode' dropdown determines how the shape is translated onto the canvas, with two options:
    • Fill: reads the shape as solid, filling its entire area with stitches of the selected stitch type.
    • Outline only: reads the shape as a frame, filling only its contour with stitches of the selected stitch type and leaving the interior as empty grey space.

 

Instructions to export a file from CLO3D:

When exporting from CLO, select the options below to minimise the lines placed on the designs:

 

Load txt File Pattern

Imports .txt files, for example, those created with the old Kniterate Template Editor or exported from DAK9. It reads multiple yarn and stitch symbols, meaning it can import files with integrated stitch patterns and/or multiple colors.

Click the black rectangle to select the file you want to open. The chosen panel will appear in the image box and on the workspace, and a new set of options will show below:

  • Choose the yarn carrier/s for your knit (1-6). If the file has more than one color, you can assign a yarn carrier to each color.
  • The “Stitch mapping” shows the different symbols that the .txt file contains and translates them into stitch symbols. Clicking the different dropdowns lets you change the default stitch symbols assigned.

Scroll down on the the pane to discover further options:

  • Tick the “Rib Transfers” box to automatically create the necessary transfers before and after the rib if there is one.
  • Tick the “Reversible” box to turn multicolored single-bed designs into reversible tubular jacquard fabric (works only for 2 colors). This option reveals two further ones:
    • Tick “Solid edges” to make sure the edges are closed.
    • “Roll every pass” increases the roller pulldown from every other pass to every pass.
  • Single Stitch edge: in 2-color reversible designs, it swaps the last 2 columns at both edges from the knit, which may produce a more stable edge with certain designs.

In the boxes below, you can enter your preferences for speed, roller, and stitch size for each particular set of rows. Click on them to see an example of how these values need to be entered in the cell.

 

Stitch Image

The Stitch Image command imports .png files and translates the image colors into different stitch types. Each detected color includes a dropdown menu that lets you assign a specific stitch.

This feature is especially useful for designs that combine front and rear stitches, such as those intended for plating techniques.

Each command affects the result of all commands above it. If you go back and modify an earlier command, all subsequent commands will be temporarily disabled and appear in light gray. This indicates that they must be reviewed, as earlier changes may have affected their selections or parameters.

Keep in mind that certain stitch combinations may require additional transfers to ensure the design is knittable on the machine, and some combinations may not be technically feasible. Always run a full error check before exporting your file for knitting.