Understanding Layers

Layers let you organize your design by separating elements onto independent levels. Think of layers like stacking transparent sheets — each sheet holds part of the design, and they combine to form the full picture.

Why Use Layers?

• Separate background from foreground — Keep your background pattern on one layer and detailed elements on another
• Try different color schemes — Duplicate a layer, change colors on the copy, and compare by toggling visibility
• Protect finished areas — Lock a completed layer so you cannot accidentally edit it while working on another part
• Organize complex designs — Break a large design into logical sections (border, fill, details, text)

The Layers Panel

The Layers panel is in the right sidebar. It shows all layers in your design, with the top layer listed first.

Active Layer

The active layer has a blue highlight in the Layers panel. All drawing, erasing, and filling happens on the active layer. Click a layer to make it active.

Stacking Order

Layers are drawn from bottom to top. Stitches on higher layers appear in front of stitches on lower layers. You can reorder layers to change which elements appear on top.

Default Behavior

Every new pattern starts with a single layer called "Layer 1." You can add more layers at any time.