Technology1 min read

Show HN: My $300 embroidery machine needed a subscription, so I built my own app

By · Published by Everything Blog

In short

ZigZag converts standard SVG artwork into machine-ready stitches using either a standalone graphical interface or an engine-matched command-line tool. It automates complex digitizing tasks such as overlap removal, travel routing, and automatic splitting for wide satins. Users can transmit designs over Bluetooth directly to a Brother Skitch PP1 or export projects to standard formats like PES, DST, and EXP. Precompiled binaries are provided for recent macOS and Windows systems, while Linux systems can build it from source.

Key points

  • ZigZag delivers a standalone Rust-based alternative to subscription-gated embroidery soft…: ZigZag delivers a standalone Rust-based alternative to subscription-gated embroidery software through GUI and CLI tools.
  • The engine supports diverse techniques such as appliqué, tatami fills, satin columns, and…: The engine supports diverse techniques such as appliqué, tatami fills, satin columns, and automated travel routing.
  • Prebuilt packages support modern Windows and macOS systems, while Linux users can compile…: Prebuilt packages support modern Windows and macOS systems, while Linux users can compile the tool using Cargo.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

ZigZag is a visual embroidery editor built in Rust for performance, with built-in MCP (Model Context Protocol) support so AI agents can create and edit designs alongside you. Turn SVG artwork into stitches, fine-tune it in the editor, and export PES, DST, EXP, JEF, or VP3 for broad compatibility with embroidery machines—or send designs directly to a Brother Skitch (PP1) over Bluetooth.

Draw in Illustrator, draw in ZigZag, or let an agent draw. The Rust engine

and zigzag

command-line tool power the same workflow outside the editor.

zigzag-demo.mp4

For Apple Silicon and Intel Macs, macOS 11 or later. Open the DMG, then drag ZigZag into Applications. The release is signed and notarized by Apple. No Rust installation is needed.

Download ZigZag for Windows

— the ZigZag-<version>-x86_64-windows.zip

asset on the latest release.

For 64-bit Windows 10 (version 1709 or later) and Windows 11. Unzip it and double-click ZigZag.exe. Windows SmartScreen warns on apps without a Microsoft-trusted signature the first time they run; click More info → Run anyway. No Rust installation is needed.

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