§ GLOSSARY · TRIM CODE
TRIM CODE
A machine instruction that cuts the thread between two parts of a design.
Embroidery vocabularyPlain-English definition
WHAT IT MEANS
When a design has two disconnected elements, the thread between them either has to be trimmed by the machine (via a trim code) or by the operator (with scissors). Modern multi-needle machines emit trim codes automatically between color blocks; older or simpler heads will stitch the connecting thread as a visible jump that has to be cut by hand after the run.
WHEN IT MATTERS
Misread or missing trim codes are the cause of most 'why is there a thread trail across my logo' tickets. The fix is usually to re-emit the file with the right format for the destination machine.
SEE ALSO