why do some embroidery patterns truncate or cut off part of the pattern?

Which machine and what software are you using? This sounds like there's a mismatch between the size of the hoop you told your software to use and the hoop that's actually attached to the machine. My 4D software tells the exact size of the pattern, so it not only lets you pick the right hoop but also lets you measure on the piece *exactly* as it will look. Alternatively, if you see that it won't fit, you can downsize the pattern (to a degree of course). I would start with making sure the hoop is right.

At what point (width / height) does it stop going any further? I mean, what's the maximum width and height it did embroider normally? It sounds like there's a mismatch between the pattern size/orientation and the hoop size. Like you're trying to position a horizontal (landscape) pattern in a vertical (portrait) hoop. It should still fit judging by your sizes, but maybe it's worth rotating it 90 degrees just to try?

I only have a cursory knowledge of the Brother 1250D machine but it looks as if it should process the pattern and show the required hoop size in black on the screen, to the right of the layout part of the display. Do you see your 5x7 hoop there in black (it's the largest that shows - extra large won't show there). If your hoop is in gray (dotted) it means the machine can't the layout in that loop.

I mean, I know it's basic, just thought it's best to double check the basics. See if you can confirm the hoop size and perhaps try to rotate the layout (and the piece of course) 90 degrees to try if it runs that way.

Sorry I can't help, but my rule no. 1 is: NEVER use a new pattern without trying it out first.

Joyce in RSA

I learned the hard way (on a RTW shirt of my granddaughter's) to always do a test stitch-out on similar fabric and stabilizers first. Always!

____________________ I'd like to suggest a possible salvage: maybe you could save the project byhand-embroidering the tail on. Cea

It turns out there's a way to post images here along with the message, so check it out: 

this is what I meant. The top left corner (1) shows two hoop sizes in black, which means they are OK and the rightmost, the smallest, is greyed out, which means the layout won't fit. Hope this helps.

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