What happens to your SEW file
Every needle point lands in the same place in the PES 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 | Matched to the Brother and Baby Lock chart |
| Size and density | Unchanged |
Thread colours
SEW and PES each use their own fixed thread list, so each thread is matched to the nearest in the Brother and Baby Lock chart. Neighbouring stops stay different, and the names will change. Match by eye against your own spools if the exact shade matters.
Long moves
PES can move 204.7 mm in one record and SEW only 12.7 mm, so everything fits. Chains of jumps from the SEW file stay as jumps.
Trims
PES marks moves with a trim flag, so each trimmed move carries across. Brother machines cut on these moves, depending on the machine's own settings.
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 .pes 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 PES
PES is the Brother and Baby Lock format and probably the most common home embroidery file. Inside it is a PEC block, which is the part the machine actually sews, and in newer versions a list of exact thread colours for design software.
The PES file is for Brother and Baby Lock home machines, and many other machines and programs that accept it. Any Brother or Baby Lock machine. Hoopbench writes PES version 6, and version 1 if very old software needs it.
Brother machines only have a few hoop sizes, and a design that overhangs the hoop usually will not load. Check the size before you transfer it.