ink stitch

What ink stitch does

Ink/Stitch is a free, open-source embroidery digitizing platform implemented as an extension for the Inkscape vector graphics editor. Built primarily in Python and built on top of the project's own pyembroidery library, it converts SVG vector artwork into machine-readable embroidery files across a wide range of commercial and DIY machine formats. The product offers 20+ stitch types (including Running, Bean, Zig-Zag, Satin Column, Tatami Fill, Cross Stitch and others), a 80+ pre-digitized font library, an interactive stitch simulator, push/pull compensation, satin column auto-routing, and specialized tools such as the v3.3.0 Cross Stitch Assistant. Distribution covers Windows, macOS (Intel and Apple Silicon), and Linux, including Arch Linux AUR and NixOS package channels.

The platform serves hobbyist embroiderers, professional digitizers, DIY/maker builders of CNC embroidery machines (via G-Code export), and educators/students. It is offered entirely free of charge under a GPL license and is maintained by volunteer community contributors — there is no commercial entity, no headcount disclosed, no funding rounds, and no pricing tiers. Distribution is self-serve via GitHub releases and community package managers, with go-to-market driven entirely by word-of-mouth, community forums, chat, translation contributions, and presence at open-source events such as Libre Graphics Meeting, Inkscape Summit, and Kieler Open Source Tage.

Business activity is reflected not in revenue but in a steady product cadence: v2.0 in May 2021, v3.0 in May 2023, v3.1 in July 2024, v3.2 in May–June 2025, and v3.3 in July 2026, alongside ongoing community events and internationalization across 11+ languages. The project is classified as Pre-revenue with no disclosed commercial revenue model.

Name

ink stitch

Legal name

Ink/Stitch

Website

https://inkstitch.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Ink/Stitch is a free, open-source extension for Inkscape that converts vector artwork into machine embroidery files, serving hobbyists, professional digitizers, DIY CNC embroidery builders, and educators. The community-maintained project is distributed at no cost across Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Embroidery Design Software

NAICS

Narrow Fabric Mills and Schiffli Machine Embroidery (313220)

SIC

Services-Mailing, Reproduction, Commercial Art & Photography (7330)

akta.pro primary industry

Custom Printing & Decoration Services (Screen Print, Embroidery, Laser) (BPAFAMAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Printing Operations (Rotary/Flat/Digital/Sublimation) (IMAOACAC), Digital & Specialty Inks (Inkjet, UV, Conductive) (IMAEAHAI)

Keywords

• Embroidery digitizing software
• Machine embroidery patterns
• Open source design tools
• Vector graphics extension
• Embroidery file formats

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Software

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Others

Revenue model

1. Free Open-Source Software: Ink/Stitch is entirely free and open-source under GPL license. There is no revenue generation. The project is maintained by volunteer community contributors and does not operate as a commercial entity.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Ink/Stitch is an open-source Inkscape extension that converts SVG vector designs into machine embroidery stitch files, providing a complete digitizing platform with stitch tools, lettering, and a live stitch simulator. It is distributed free of charge under the GPL license and supports export to a wide range of commercial and DIY embroidery machine formats, including G-Code for Arduino/GRBL-based CNC embroidery machines.

Product overview

Ink/Stitch is a free, open-source embroidery digitizing platform implemented as an extension for the Inkscape vector graphics editor. The core product consists of the Ink/Stitch extension itself, which converts SVG designs into machine embroidery stitch files. The platform includes a comprehensive Stitch Library with 20+ stitch types (including Cross Stitch introduced in v3.3.0), a Font Library with pre-digitized embroidery fonts, and specialized tools like the Cross Stitch Assistant for automated cross stitch creation. Additional offerings include Tutorials and Sample Files for learning digitizing techniques, a DIY Embroidery Machine Support project for building G-Code-powered CNC embroidery machines, and a Sock Hoop hardware project. The platform supports export to numerous embroidery machine file formats (PES, PEC, DST, VP3, etc.) and G-Code for custom machines.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Ink/Stitch embroidery digitizing extension An open-source Inkscape extension that converts SVG vector designs into machine-readable embroidery stitch files for hobbyist and professional digitizers. Includes a comprehensive stitch library, lettering system, font library, and supports export to numerous embroidery machine file formats. Available free of charge under the GPL license for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
• DIY Embroidery Machine project An open-source hardware project and documentation package for building self-made CNC embroidery machines using Arduino/GRBL controllers, 3D-printed parts, and modified sewing machines. Includes build instructions, BOM, 3D printed parts specifications, and GRBL configuration paired with G-Code export capability in Ink/Stitch.
• Sock Hoop hardware project An open-source hardware project with 3D printable files and documentation for creating a hoop adapter that enables embroidery on socks using standard embroidery machines. Targeted at hobbyists seeking to extend their home embroidery capabilities.

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature10 records

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• SewWhat-Pro: Affordable standalone embroidery software for Windows. Comparable in being a paid alternative to Ink/Stitch for hobbyists needing cross-machine file format support without subscription pricing.
• Embrilliance: Affordable embroidery software platform with modular add-ons (StitchArtist, Essence, etc.) serving hobbyists and small businesses. Directly comparable in target audience and pricing strategy to Ink/Stitch's positioning.
• Wilcom EmbroideryStudio: Industry-leading commercial embroidery digitizing software used by professional digitizers worldwide. Most direct competitor to Ink/Stitch on functionality, with corresponding paid pricing that Ink/Stitch directly challenges in the open-source segment.
• Hatch Embroidery Software: Consumer and prosumer embroidery digitizing software from Wilcom, positioned at lower price points than EmbroideryStudio. Competes with Ink/Stitch for hobbyist and small-business users who might otherwise consider paid alternatives.
• Pulse (by Pulse Microsystems): Professional embroidery software historically used in production digitizing shops. Direct competition for the professional digitizer segment that Ink/Stitch also targets.

Broad incumbents

• Janome Digitizer (Digitizer MBX / HD): Janome's embroidery design software sold alongside its embroidery machines. Comparable to Ink/Stitch in feature scope but proprietary and bundled with hardware sales.
• Inkscape: The open-source vector graphics editor on which Ink/Stitch runs as an extension. While not a direct competitor, it is the parent platform and defines Ink/Stitch's capabilities and roadmap constraints.
• Brother PE-Design: Proprietary embroidery digitizing software bundled with Brother embroidery machines. Serves a captive hardware user base and competes with Ink/Stitch among owners of Brother machines, but tied to a single vendor ecosystem.
• Bernina ArtLink: Free Bernina embroidery software offering basic digitizing capabilities, used to drive demand for Bernina embroidery hardware. Closest free commercial alternative to Ink/Stitch in pricing model, though limited in features.

Emerging players

• EmbroideryDesigns.com: Online marketplace for pre-digitized embroidery designs. While primarily a content library rather than software, it serves overlapping hobbyist customers and represents an adjacent monetization model that Ink/Stitch does not currently pursue.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• GitHubgithub.com/inkstitch/inkstitch
• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/InkStitch

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about ink stitch