Embroidery file formats

.SEW embroidery files (Janome older embroidery stitch file)

SEW is an older, simpler Janome stitch format that EduTechWiki also lists for Elna and Kenmore. It holds up to 12 colors from the same Janome thread table as JEF. Newer Janome machines use JEF, so SEW matters mostly for older machines.

Extension	.SEW
Comes from	Janome
Native on	Janome, Elna, Kenmore
Stores thread colours?	Yes
Editable outlines?	No: it is a stitch file (resizing a lot can spoil it)
Machines in our guide that read it	10

About .SEW files

SEW is the older of Janome's two main stitch formats. FileInfo says older Janome machines use SEW, mySewnet lists it under Janome, and EduTechWiki lists it for Janome, Elna and Kenmore. Newer Janome machines use JEF.

The KDE format notes describe SEW as simpler than JEF. It uses the same thread color codes and stitch list as JEF, but the header holds a color count of up to 12 and a color index table. It also holds a black and white preview picture for the whole design and one for each color. The notes warn that these pictures do not always match the stitches.

Embroidery Legacy's guide says SEW has limits on size and stitch count, so a big, dense design may not fit the format.

On the software side, Embrilliance Essentials and mySewnet read and write SEW. Ink/Stitch can read SEW but not write it. A SEW is a stitch file, so resizing it much is not a good idea. Work from the original design and export a new file.

How to convert .SEW files

If your machine reads JEF, use JEF. Use SEW only for older machines that do not.
Embrilliance Essentials or mySewnet can write SEW. Ink/Stitch can open it but not save it.
Keep designs modest in size and stitch count. Embroidery Legacy says SEW has limits on both.
Export from your original editable file, not from another machine format.

Machines that read .SEW files

Janome

Janome Memory Craft 300E (embroidery only, 8 × 5.5 in field)

Singer

Singer Futura XL-400 (sewing and embroidery, 10 × 6 in field)
Singer Futura XL-550 (sewing and embroidery, 10 × 6 in field)
Singer Futura XL-580 (sewing and embroidery, 10 × 6 in field)

Bernina

Bernina B 700 E (embroidery only, 15.7 × 8.3 in field)
Bernina B 880 PLUS (sewing and embroidery, 15.7 × 10 in field)

Husqvarna Viking

Husqvarna Viking Designer Epic 2 (sewing and embroidery, 17.7 × 17.7 in field)
Husqvarna Viking Designer Ruby 90 (sewing and embroidery, 14 × 13.8 in field)
Husqvarna Viking Designer EPIC 3 (sewing and embroidery, 18.1 × 17.7 in field)

Pfaff

Pfaff creative 3.0 (sewing and embroidery, 10 × 8 in field)

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between SEW and JEF?

Both are Janome stitch formats with the same thread color codes. SEW is older and simpler, with a color count of up to 12. JEF is the main format on current Janome machines.

Which machines use SEW files?

Older Janome machines, according to FileInfo. EduTechWiki also lists Elna and Kenmore. The sources do not give model names, so check your manual.

Does SEW keep thread colors?

Yes. It stores up to 12 colors as codes from the Janome thread table. Check the preview, because the format's pictures do not always match the stitches.

Can I convert SEW to JEF?

Yes, with software that reads SEW and writes JEF, such as Embrilliance Essentials or mySewnet. Check the colors and the stitch preview afterward.