A stitched character face includes work that may not be visible from the front. Supporting stitches can influence the finished appearance of the design.
Wilcom describes underlay as part of achieving stable, well-formed embroidery. Wilcom — Underlay and Pull Compensation.
Review the whole design
For a face detail, ask the digitising specialist to explain the underlay in relation to the fabric, shape and cover stitches. Increasing visible stitch density is not the only possible response to an unsatisfactory result.
Compare a sew-out
Review the actual stitched sample on the intended material. Keep the settings and material identity with the comparison. A software preview helps communicate the proposal, but it does not show every effect of stitching on the physical textile.
Source reviewed 25 October 2026. Interpretation and original diagrams: PLUSHIP / Qunhe. Examples are illustrative.
Related reading
Tight Curves Can Concentrate Embroidery Stitches Unevenly
An Embroidery Fabric Preset Is a Starting Configuration
Embroidery Thread and Surface Materials Need a Clean Combination Review