c.3 Topstitch
Ⅰ. Introduction to Topstitch Tool
Topstitch is an essential part of garment surface craftsmanship. Double stitching on jeans, decorative stitching on shirt collars, and functional stitching on outdoor jackets all require accurate 3D presentation. Style3D Studio provides a complete set of topstitch tools to automatically generate stitches along pattern edges or internal lines with rich parametric adjustments.
Operation Purpose
Generate topstitch stitches on garments.
Operation Path
Topstitch tool entry
Ⅱ. Edit Topstitch
Operation Path: Assets ▶ Edit Topstitch
Description:
- Drag the endpoints of the topstitch to adjust its length. Selected topstitch styles and specifications can be modified in the Property Editor window.
- Click the target topstitch in the Scene Manager window to edit its parameters, including texture, color, width, length, offset, stitch quantity, stitch spacing, and distance from edge.
Ⅲ. Segment Topstitch Operation Path: Assets ▶ Segment Topstitch
Description:
- Activate the tool, click net edges or inner lines to insert topstitch.
- Drag‑select the whole pattern piece to quickly add topstitch for the entire piece.
Ⅳ. Free Topstitch
Operation Path: Assets ▶ Free Topstitch
Description: After activating the tool, click the start point and end point sequentially to generate topstitch.
Ⅴ. Seamline Topstitch
Operation Path: Assets ▶ Free Topstitch (drop‑down arrow) ▶ Seamline Topstitch
Description: After activating the tool, click the start point and end point on the seam pair to generate topstitch spanning two pattern pieces.
To get a continuous‑looking topstitch across two joined pattern pieces, follow these steps:
- Make sure the seam segments for cross‑piece topstitch are equal in length;
- Use [Assets ‑ Seamline Topstitch] tool to add topstitch on target seams;
- Edit Topstitch ▶ Select target topstitch ▶ Property Editor window ▶ Enable [Cross Seam]
⚠️ Note: Some topstitch parameters and functions are unavailable when Cross‑Piece Seam is enabled, including but not limited to Distance From Edge and the “Round Corner” instance parameter.
▲ Location of Cross Seam function
Ⅵ. Topstitch Dimension Parameter Description
The dedicated dimension parameters of topstitch are critical for process restoration. The table below sorts out the meaning and practical significance of core fields:
Parameter | Description |
Width | The texture width of a single topstitch stitch. Larger values produce a thicker topstitch. |
Stitch Length | The texture length of a single topstitch stitch. It can be calculated from stitch count per 3 cm or 1 inch. For example, with “10 stitches / 3 cm”, the stitch length equals 3 mm. |
Offset To Edge | Distance from the topstitch texture to the selected edge. |
Stitch Spacing | Additional gap between two stitches on the same line (for sparse stitch patterns). |
Line Spacing | Spacing between two topstitch lines when the count is greater than 1 (commonly‑used for double topstitch). |
3D Dent Effect | When enabled, normal‑map indentation pressed by topstitch will be displayed for more realistic appearance. |
⚠️ Note: For actual production orders, align “stitches/3cm” or “stitches/inch” and “Offset To Edge” with “Stitch Length” and “Stitching Width” on the factory technical sheet respectively.
Ⅶ. Adding and Adjusting Topstitch Styles
7.1 Add Topstitch Styles
In the 【Topstitch】 window of current asset, you can add topstitch styles in the following ways:
- Click the「＋」button to add default topstitch directly;
- Duplicate existing topstitch;
- Open locally‑saved topstitch (.sst file);
- Apply new topstitch style to the currently‑selected topstitch position;
- Download and use cloud‑based topstitch asset library.
Topstitch Addition Entry and Style Library
7.2 Adjust Topstitch
After selecting the added topstitch, adjust all detailed parameters in the 【Property Editor Window】 on the right‑hand side:
Topstitch Parameters in Property Editor Window
The topstitch in the scene refreshes instantly after adjustment. You can preview the effect while modifying parameters.
Ⅷ. Common Problems and Advanced Tips
8.1 The topstitch path reaches the edge, but stitch marks stop short
Phenomenon: The topstitch path is drawn up to the pattern piece edge, yet part of stitches are missing at the edge during rendering.
Operation Path: Select the target topstitch ▶ Property Editor Window ▶ Click 【Edit Topstitch Style】▶ Turn on 【Edge Connection】
Turn on the 「Edge Connection」 option.
8.2 How to place topstitch above / below patterns
Operation Path: Edit Topstitch ▶ Select topstitch in 2D window ▶ Right‑click ▶ Set Layer (Above Pattern / Below Pattern).
Topstitch Layer Setting
Application Scenarios: Hats, sportswear with printed or embroidered patterns, and other designs where the front‑back relationship between topstitch and patterns needs to be defined.
8.3 How to use custom topstitch textures
If built‑in topstitch cannot meet realism requirements (such as special stitches for yoga wear, 4‑needle 5‑thread stitch, etc.), you may use scanned real‑garment topstitch textures.
Step 1 · Prepare Textures
Capture small repeating topstitch patterns from real garments in Fabric software, then export textures (Albedo Texture + Normal Texture).
Sample of real 4‑needle 5‑thread topstitch texture
Step 2 · Replace Textures
Add default topstitch ▶ Modify its 【Albedo Texture】 ▶ Replace 【Normal Texture】 simultaneously.
⚠️ You may click "Auto‑generate Normal", but make sure to adjust normal direction and value to avoid a reversed bump effect.
Figure 4-8 Map Replacement Panel
Step 3 · Color Adjustment
Albedo Texture ▶ Desaturate (keep clean base color) ▶ Apply target color.
Step 4 · Fine‑tune
Adjust topstitch width and stitch spacing until satisfied with the result.
Step 5 · Save
It is recommended to create a "Topstitch Library" folder to store self‑made topstitch assets.
Figure 4‑9 Custom Topstitch Library
Topstitch is saved in .sst format, which stores all adjustable parameters for reuse.
Figure 4‑10 Save as .sst Format