Innov-is XV Upgrade Kit: The Complete, Step-by-Step Guide

Primer: What the Innov-is XV Upgrade Kit Actually Adds

The Innov-is XV Upgrade Kit enhances three pillars of your embroidery flow: creating designs in My Design Center, editing/embellishing in Embroidery Edit, and managing bigger jobs with new frames and smarter file tools. You can scan an original image, refine it on-screen with precise zoom and shape tools, add textured stitch types, and preview fills or stippling before you stitch.

Key creative additions in My Design Center

• Scan an original image in the scanning frame and convert it to line or fill embroidery data.

• Choose from 30 new closed shapes and 30 new open shapes to speed composition.

• Zoom up to 800% for accurate placement and cleanup.

• Pick candlewick and chain stitches for lines, and assign distinct attributes to each region.

Editing and quilting polish in Embroidery Edit

• Add stippling around an embroidery design—ideal for quilt blocks.

• Save an outline, set an outline distance (e.g., 3.2 mm), and use decorative fills to create a trapunto-like effect with batting beneath the fabric.

Bigger canvases and smarter handling

• New embroidery frames: 9.5" × 9.5" (24 × 24 cm) and 9.5" × 14" (24 × 36 cm), with rubber along both sides of the inner frame to reduce slippage and improve stitch results.

• Expanded text editing, alignment, grouping/ungrouping, and multi-design management (appliqués and bobbin work) streamline layout.

• Auto Density Adjustment maintains stitch density when resizing designs from 60% to 200%.

• Color Shuffling previews alternate colorways; Color Sort reduces thread changes across combined designs.

• Multi-file copy and delete from USB accelerates setup and cleanup.

If you came here comparing frame styles (for example, searching for embroidery magnetic hoops), note that this upgrade highlights rubber-lined frames for grip; it does not introduce magnetic frames.

Prep: Workspace, Materials, and Files

Workspace

• Set up your Innov-is XV on a stable surface with room to hoop and to place the scanning frame.

- Keep a clear area in front of the machine for scanning and design previewing.

Tools and accessories

• Embroidery machine with the Innov-is XV Upgrade Kit installed

• Scanning frame (for My Design Center)

• Stylus pen for precise touch-screen edits

• USB device for JPG import

• Appropriate embroidery hoop/frame for your design size

Materials

• Fabric suitable for your project

• Thread (colors as desired)

• Backing and quilt batting for trapunto-like effects (when needed)

• Original images for scanning or JPG files for USB import

Files and images

• Original artwork (paper or flat media) that fits the scanning frame

• JPG images on USB for conversion

Quick check

• Machine powered, upgrade installed, hoop/frame selected for the design size

• Fabric is hooped firmly and square to the frame

• For trapunto-like work: backing and batting on hand

Checklist—Prep

• Workspace cleared and lit

• Scanning frame and hoop within reach

• Stylus and USB device ready

• Fabric, backing, batting (as needed)

• Artwork/JPGs prepared

Setup: Configure My Design Center and Key Options

Before you stitch, set the machine to help you edit accurately and preview outcomes:

- Access My Design Center with the scanning frame ready.

- Frame the scan area carefully on-screen using the stylus; precise framing avoids missing edges.

- Explore the new shape libraries—30 closed and 30 open shapes—for borders, appliqué placements, or quick motifs.

• Turn on high zoom (up to 800%) when cleaning edges, merging segments, or placing small details.

- Select line attributes such as candlewick or chain for decorative outlines.

- Assign region attributes and fills by area; each region can be different to create contrast.

Pro tip

• When you plan to stitch stippling or a fill around a focal design, use the scan preview feature so you can visually confirm spacing and coverage before stitching.

Checklist—Setup

• Scan framed and aligned

• Shape library explored and selected

• Zoom set as needed (up to 800%)

• Line stitch type chosen (candlewick/chain)

• Region attributes assigned

Operation: Scanning, Editing, and Stitching—Step by Step

Below is a clean, repeatable sequence that mirrors the upgrade’s new capabilities while keeping edits intentional.

1) Convert original artwork with the scanning frame

• Place the original image on the scanning frame and load it into the machine. Scan to bring it into My Design Center.

• On-screen, frame the capture, choose line or fill conversion, and adjust thresholds as needed.

- Refine edges at high zoom for clean stitch paths.

Expected result: You see a clean line or fill representation ready for stitch-type assignment. If you were browsing for a magnetic hoop for brother to help with hooping, note that the upgrade features rubber-lined frames for grip; hoop as usual and ensure fabric tension is even.

Quick check

• Are outlines closed where they should be? Use 800% zoom.

• Do region fills show the intended boundaries and colors?

Watch out

• Incomplete framing during scanning can crop parts of your image. Re-scan if edges look clipped.

2) Add stippling around an embroidery design

• Load the finished embroidery design in Embroidery Edit.

• Choose the stippling function and set distance/spacing to suit the area.

- Use preview to verify that stippling surrounds the motif without crowding.

- Stitch out.

Expected result: Even stippling that frames the design and complements a quilt block.

Pro tip

• Stippling density too tight? Increase spacing in small increments and re-preview.

Note

• If you searched for magnetic hoops for embroidery machines because you struggle with fabric drift, the XV upgrade addresses stability with rubber lining in the new frames; align and tighten evenly across the frame.

3) Create trapunto-like dimension - Save the outline of your chosen design and set an outline distance (e.g., 3.2 mm).

• Stitch that outline on your main fabric.

- Place backing and quilt batting beneath the embroidery material.

• Scan the embroidered outline to align fills accurately.

- Choose one of the 10 decorative fill patterns for the interior region.

• Preview, then stitch the fill; the batting layer creates a raised, trapunto-like effect.

Expected result: A dimensional center motif with crisp edges and visible relief.

Quick check

• After layering, the fabric should remain flat in the hoop; if you see puckers, re-hoop before stitching.

4) Convert a JPG and stitch it on a quilt piece - Insert a USB device with your JPG and import it in My Design Center.

• Hoop your quilting piece, set it in the machine, and scan the hooped fabric.

• On-screen, resize/rotate the converted design so it lands exactly where you want.

• Assign region attributes and line properties by area; preview and stitch.

Expected result: A clean conversion from JPG to stitch data, aligned to your hooped quilt panel.

5) Use larger frames for bigger compositions

• For larger designs or combined motifs, use the new 9.5" × 9.5" or 9.5" × 14" frames.

- The rubber along both sides of the inside frame reduces slippage so stitches land predictably.

Decision point

• If your composition exceeds 9.5" × 9.5", select 9.5" × 14"; otherwise, the square frame offers easy rotational symmetry for quilt blocks.

Note

• If you were specifically looking for a brother magnetic embroidery frame, the upgrade’s frames use rubber grip rather than magnets; plan your hooping accordingly.

6) Edit text precisely and manage complex layouts

• Expanded text editing lets you type, then adjust letter spacing and orientation.

• Use alignment tools for straight baselines and consistent spacing.

- Group and ungroup multiple letters or design elements to move or resize them together.

Expected result: Lettering that reads cleanly, aligned and scaled consistently with the rest of the design.

7) Scale with density control and explore colorways

• Use Auto Density Adjustment to resize designs from 60% to 200% while maintaining stitch density and coverage.

• Try Color Shuffling to audition new color palettes (e.g., Vivid); the interface previews options so you can choose before stitching.

Expected result: A resized design with consistent coverage and an updated palette that suits your project.

8) Combine multiple appliqués and bobbin work designs in one hoop

• Lay out multiple appliqués in a single on-screen composition so they stitch efficiently.

• Likewise, combine multiple bobbin work designs in one hoop for cohesive projects.

Expected result: A multi-element layout that fits your frame and stitches in an optimized order.

9) Sort colors and batch-manage files for speed

• Use Color Sort to reduce thread changes when you combine designs.

• Select and copy multiple files from USB to the machine in one operation; delete multiples when you’re done to keep storage tidy.

Expected result: Fewer stops for thread changes, and faster file preparation/cleanup.

Checklist—Operation

• Scans framed accurately; conversions previewed at high zoom

• Stippling/decoration areas previewed on the scanned background

• Outline distance set for trapunto-like effects; batting and backing in place

• JPGs aligned to scanned, hooped fabric

• Frame size chosen to match the layout; fabric tension even throughout

• Grouping/alignment used for multi-element layouts

• Density preserved with Auto Density Adjustment; colors auditioned with Color Shuffling

• Color Sort applied; multi-file copy/delete used for efficiency

If you are cross-shopping accessories (e.g., magnetic hoops or a magnetic hoop for brother), remember: this upgrade focuses on rubber-grip frames and digital features; it does not claim magnet-based frames.

Quality Checks: What “Good” Looks Like

• Scan integrity: Edges are complete, with no cropped segments after framing.

• Conversion fidelity: Lines and fills reflect your original artwork; no stray gaps at region boundaries.

• Stippling coverage: The halo around your design is even, with spacing that suits the fabric density.

• Trapunto-like relief: After layering, the stitched fill lifts the motif—but the outer area remains flat and unpuckered.

• Text alignment: Baselines and spacing appear consistent across words and lines.

• Density after scaling: Stitch coverage looks uniform even at 60% or 200%.

• Color selections: The chosen Color Shuffling variant complements fabric and motif.

• Multi-design fit: All elements sit within the hoop limits with safe margins.

• Thread change efficiency: Color Sort has reduced the number of stops compared to unsorted order.

• File hygiene: Only the designs you need remain on the machine; finished or unused files have been deleted in batch.

Quick check

• Preview everything (stippling, fills, and colorways) against the scanned fabric background before you commit to stitch.

Results & Handoff: Saving, Layouts, and Efficient Management

Deliverables you can expect

• Clean stitch files derived from scans or imported JPGs

• Quilt-ready blocks with even stippling

• Raised, trapunto-like centers using saved outlines, set outline distances, and decorative fills

• Larger compositions stabilized by rubber-lined frames

• Lettering layouts that are grouped, aligned, and sized consistently

• Resized designs with preserved density and refreshed colorways

Handoff habits that scale

• Group related designs before exporting or storing them so you can revisit the layout easily.

• Use Color Sort on the final composite to minimize thread changes.

• Rely on the multi-file copy/delete flow to move entire sets for a project in one pass.

If you’re browsing broader accessory ecosystems (terms like magnetic hoops for embroidery machines tend to come up), remember the upgrade’s native value: scan-to-stitch precision, bigger frames with rubber grip, and editing tools that save time at the machine.

Troubleshooting & Recovery

Symptom: Scan edges look clipped

• Likely cause: Framing the scan too tight or off-center.

• Fix: Re-frame on-screen, re-scan with slightly larger margins; use 800% zoom to verify edges.

Symptom: Region fills spill or don’t appear

• Likely cause: Open paths or tiny gaps in outlines.

• Fix: Zoom to 800%, close gaps, or adjust conversion thresholds so boundaries are recognized.

Symptom: Stippling crowds the motif

• Likely cause: Spacing too tight or stippling area too close to the design.

• Fix: Increase spacing slightly; re-preview to ensure a comfortable halo.

Symptom: Trapunto-like effect too flat

• Likely cause: Outline distance too small or batting/backing not layered correctly.

• Fix: Increment outline distance (e.g., toward 3.2 mm); re-hoop with batting and backing placed smoothly.

Symptom: Misalignment after layering batting

• Likely cause: Fabric shift during re-hooping.

• Fix: Carefully re-hoop and confirm tension across the frame; use the scan preview to realign.

Symptom: Visible coverage loss after scaling

• Likely cause: Resized without density compensation.

• Fix: Use Auto Density Adjustment (60%–200%) to maintain stitch density.

Symptom: Too many thread changes in combined designs

• Likely cause: Colors not sorted in final composite.

• Fix: Apply Color Sort, then re-check the stitching sequence.

Symptom: Storage clutter slows selection

• Likely cause: Old files left on the machine.

• Fix: Use multi-file delete to clear out unneeded designs; use multi-file copy from USB for batch transfers.

Pro tip

• Preview with scanned fabric/embroidery underlays before running long stitches. It’s faster to fix on-screen than to pick stitches later.

If you searched for a brother sewing machine or a brother embroidery machine generally, this upgrade’s core strengths are in digital control: scanning, precise editing, and efficient multi-design management.

Watch out

• Rubber-lined frames reduce slippage but don’t eliminate the need for even tension. Re-hoop if you see ripples.

From the comments

• This section intentionally left minimal because the source material did not include comment Q&A to surface. The guidance above reflects the upgrade’s demonstrated capabilities.

A final word on frames

• You may see phrases like brother magnetic embroidery frame or embroidery frame in broader searches. The upgrade’s featured frames are rubber-lined for grip; they are not presented as magnetic. Choose the size that fits your layout (9.5" × 9.5" or 9.5" × 14") and verify hoop boundaries in preview before stitching.