What happens to your DST file
A common way to get a digitiser's file on to a Viking or Pfaff machine. Set your colours first and they are stored exactly, thread names included, because VP3 keeps full thread records.
| Stitch positions | Identical, to 0.1 mm |
|---|---|
| Colour stops | Same number, same order |
| Thread colours | Choose them first |
| Size and density | Unchanged |
Thread colours
DST stores no colours, and VP3 keeps exact ones. Set your own under Colour stops before you download, and they are stored exactly as you pick them, along with any names you type.
Long moves
VP3 can move 12.7 mm in one record and DST only 12.1 mm, so everything fits. Chains of jumps from the DST file stay as jumps.
Trims
VP3 has a real trim command, so cuts carry across as cuts.
Before you stitch
- Open the .dst file above and watch it sew, so you know the file is sound and in the order you expect.
- Choose your hoop under Hoop fit. The check uses the design's real size, not the file's header.
- Pick your thread colours under Colour stops, because DST doesn't hold them.
- Download the .vp3 file, and stitch a test piece on matching fabric and stabiliser.
Converting doesn't resize a design or change its density. If a design needs to be much bigger or smaller, use digitising software, as stretching stitches without recalculating them can leave gaps or heavy spots.
About DST
DST is the file most digitisers deliver, because almost every commercial machine can sew it. It starts with a 512 byte text header holding the design name, stitch count and extents, followed by three bytes for every stitch.
Thread colours and thread names. A DST only says "stop and change thread here".
About VP3
VP3 is the shared format for current Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff machines. Each colour block stores its own start point and a full thread record, including the colour, catalogue number and description.
The VP3 file is for current Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff machines and their software. Viking and Pfaff machines that read VP3.
It keeps the most thread detail of the common formats, so it is a good one to convert from when you want the colours to survive.