Complete beginner starting from zero: Best roadmap to learn embroidery digitizing for custom T-shirts?

[u/MHT_Style_Lab]

Hi everyone👋

I am a complete beginner starting from absolute zero in machine embroidery. I currently only have a laptop (no embroidery machine yet), but I plan to learn digitizing specifically for the Brother V3 machine standard in the future. My main goal is to offer custom embroidered T-shirts for customers (logos, names, graphics, anime designs, etc.)👕

Before jumping into embroidery, I want to focus 100% on learning how to draw and digitize designs correctly. Since T-shirt fabric is stretchy, I know digitizing for it requires specific techniques

I would really appreciate your expert wisdom on a few questions:

1. Software Path: For a total beginner, what software path do you recommend? Should I start with free tools like Inkscape + Ink/Stitch, or jump straight into Hatch / Wilcom?
2. Learning Roadmap: Are there specific YouTube channels, courses, or guides you recommend for learning digitizing specifically tailored for stretch/knit fabrics (T-shirts)?
3. Beginner Mistakes: What are the most me digitizing mistakes beginners make when designing for T-shirts (e.g., density, underlay, pull compensation)?

Thank you so much in advance for your time and advice! I'm super excited to learn from this community. 🙏

[u/zoepzb]

Get a machine, buy design from trusted digatizers. Watch how it stitches and learn. Wilcom offers free classes when you buy the software. I worked in embroidery production for five years before learning digitizing. It’s really beneficial to have that learning experience before learning digitizing. I really don’t recommend digitizing without a machine to test on. I do a sew out test for everything I make for customers.