What happens to your XXX file
Moving Singer designs to a Brother or Baby Lock machine. XXX stores real colours, which are carried in PES version 6 and matched to the Brother chart for the machine. Check both dimensions, because Singer hoops are often long and narrow.
| 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
XXX stores real colours, and PES needs a thread from a fixed chart. Each colour moves to the nearest in the Brother and Baby Lock chart, so close shades can land on the same or a slightly different thread.
Long moves
PES can move 204.7 mm in one record and XXX only 12.3 mm, so everything fits. Chains of jumps from the XXX 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 .xxx 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 XXX
XXX is the Singer format. It has a 256 byte header, then stitch records, then a table of real colours after the end marker.
Thread names and catalogue numbers. Only the colour value is stored.
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.