Free online SVGZ to DST converter

Embroidery machines that accept Tajima DST files cannot use an SVGZ drawing directly. The conversion requires opening the compressed vector artwork, assigning embroidery parameters such as stitch type and density, then exporting generated stitches as DST.

What the SVGZ format is

SVGZ is a gzip-compressed SVG file containing XML-based vector artwork. It is used for logos, lettering, and illustrations because paths remain editable and scale without rasterization. In machine embroidery workflows, SVGZ files commonly come from graphic-design applications, logo libraries, or clients who supply artwork for digitizing.

Inkscape can usually open SVGZ directly. If it does not, decompress it with gzip -dc design.svgz > design.svg or a compatible archive utility, then open the resulting design.svg.

What the DST format is

DST is a widely supported Tajima embroidery format containing machine movement commands for stitches, jumps, and stops. It is suitable for loading designs into many commercial and consumer embroidery machines and is often requested by embroidery shops.

DST stores stitch coordinates and machine-control commands, but it does not reliably preserve thread names, color values, object types, underlay settings, stitch density, pull compensation, or lettering metadata. Those settings must be established during digitizing and checked in the embroidery software.

How to actually convert SVGZ to DST

1. Open the SVGZ in Inkscape. Remove hidden objects, duplicate paths, clipping masks, gradients, filters, and effects that the embroidery extension cannot interpret reliably.
2. Convert text to paths with Path → Object to Path, and confirm that closed shapes, outlines, and overlaps match the intended design. Keep separate objects for areas that need different thread colors or stitch types.
3. Save an uncompressed working copy as design.svg. Install the Ink/Stitch extension, then open the SVG in Inkscape.
4. Assign embroidery behavior to each object through Extensions → Ink/Stitch → Params. Choose running stitch for narrow lines, satin stitch for suitable borders and columns, and fill stitch for larger regions. Set stitch length, density, underlay, pull compensation, thread order, and color stops.
5. Run Ink/Stitch’s stitch-generation or embroidery-preview function. Inspect stitch direction, jumps, trims, starting points, exposed underlay, excessive density, and small details before exporting.
6. Use Ink/Stitch’s embroidery export function and select DST as the output format, saving the result as design.dst. Menu names can vary between Ink/Stitch versions.
7. Load the DST into the machine’s usual transfer software and verify the hoop size, design dimensions, thread sequence, and estimated stitch count. A test sew on comparable fabric is required before production.

For a no-installation option, 101convert.com provides free online conversion. A generic vector conversion only produces a usable DST when the service also performs embroidery digitizing; changing the filename or merely compressing the SVGZ cannot create machine stitches.

Quality, compatibility, and limitations

SVGZ geometry describes appearance, not sewing strategy. The same artwork can produce very different DST files depending on stitch direction, density, underlay, sequencing, fabric stretch, stabilizer, needle, and thread.

DST has a movement limit of about 12.1 mm between normal stitch coordinates. Longer movements are represented as jumps or require trims, so digitizing software must split paths appropriately. Many machines also interpret color-change and trim commands differently; preview the exported file in the target machine software and confirm its thread-change behavior.

Very small SVG details, thin strokes, sharp corners, gradients, and transparent effects may disappear or cause thread buildup. Simplify those elements or assign them deliberate running, satin, or fill stitches instead of expecting automatic conversion to preserve their screen appearance.