What happens to your SEW file
Every needle point lands in the same place in the EXP file as in the SEW file, and Hoopbench reads the new file back to prove it before you save it. The details below are what actually changes between these two formats.
| Stitch positions | Identical, to 0.1 mm |
|---|---|
| Colour stops | Same number, same order |
| Thread colours | Dropped, as EXP has none |
| Size and density | Unchanged |
Thread colours
SEW names a thread for each stop, but EXP has nowhere to keep them. The stops survive and the colours do not. Print the run sheet and keep it with the file, because that is the only record of the colours.
Long moves
Both formats move at most 12.7 mm per record, so nothing needs splitting.
Trims
EXP has a real trim command, so cuts carry across as cuts.
Before you stitch
- Open the .sew file above and watch it sew, so you know the file is sound and in the order you expect.
- Choose your hoop under Hoop fit. The check uses the design's real size, not the file's header.
- Download the .exp file, and stitch a test piece on matching fabric and stabiliser.
Converting doesn't resize a design or change its density. If a design needs to be much bigger or smaller, use digitising software, as stretching stitches without recalculating them can leave gaps or heavy spots.
About SEW
SEW is an older Janome format. It holds a list of thread slots at the top, about 7.5 KB of header in total, then two bytes per stitch.
Trims and exact colours.
About EXP
EXP is the expanded format from Melco, also widely used with Bernina. It has no header at all: the file is simply two bytes per stitch, with control codes for jumps, trims and colour changes.
The EXP file is for Melco machines and Bernina machines and software. Melco and Bernina users, and a simple exchange file where a header is not needed.
With no header, a damaged EXP can look valid. Hoopbench checks that the stitches make sense and tells you if they do not.