Tajima is the world's leading manufacturer of commercial embroidery machines. From single-head studio machines to 20-head industrial systems used by major garment manufacturers, Tajima machines run on the DST format — and they're the reason DST is the most widely supported embroidery format in existence.
What File Format Do Tajima Machines Use?
Tajima machines use the DST format (Data Stitch Tajima). DST is a binary format that stores relative stitch coordinates, jump commands, and color stop signals. DST does not embed thread color names — color assignment happens at the machine when the operator loads a new spool at each color stop.
Popular Tajima Machine Models
| Model | Heads | Needles per Head | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tajima TEJT-SC | 1 | 15 | Small shops, sampling |
| Tajima TMBP-SC | 2–4 | 15 | Small production runs |
| Tajima TMFX | 6–12 | 15 | Mid-scale production |
| Tajima TMAR | 4–20 | 15 | High-volume commercial |
| Tajima TLMX | 1 | 15 | Chenille and mixed-stitch |
How to Load a DST Design onto a Tajima Machine
- 1Create or obtain your .dst embroidery file.
- 2Transfer the file to a USB stick (FAT32 format) or use direct network connection if your machine is networked.
- 3On the Tajima control panel, navigate to the design selection menu.
- 4Select your DST file from the USB drive or network location.
- 5Set the design parameters: hoop size, starting position, and stitch speed.
- 6Thread the machine with your selected colours. The machine will stop at each color change point in the DST file.
- 7Frame your garment in the appropriate hoop and attach to the machine.
- 8Run a test at low speed first to verify placement and colour sequence.
DST Color Changes on Tajima Machines
Because DST doesn't store color names, Tajima machines stop at each color change command and wait for the operator. This is called a 'color stop'. Before you start a production run, plan your thread color sequence — list the colours in the order they appear in the stitch file so operators can prepare bobbins and needle threads in advance.
Creating DST Files for Tajima Machines Free
SewFlow converts PNG, JPEG, BMP, and WebP images directly to DST format — free to convert and preview; create a free account to download your file (1 free download every month).
- 1Go to sewflow.com/image.
- 2Upload your artwork.
- 3Enable background removal if needed.
- 4Set design dimensions to match your hoop.
- 5Select DST from the format dropdown.
- 6Preview the stitch simulation to verify colour regions and stitch sequence.
- 7Download the .dst file.
- 8Transfer to USB and load on your Tajima machine.
Create a free DST file for your Tajima machine:
Open Image to Embroidery →Optimising DST Files for Commercial Production
- •Minimise colour changes — each stop requires operator time. Combine areas of the same colour into a single layer.
- •Optimise stitch order so the machine works outward from the center to reduce fabric pull.
- •Use the stitch preview to count colour stops — prepare a colour run sheet for operators.
- •For multi-head machines, all heads run the same DST file simultaneously — verify the design works on a single head first.
- •Keep jump stitches short (under 10 mm) to avoid long thread trails between sections.
Production Tip
For runs of 50+ pieces, stitch at 70–80% of the machine's maximum speed, not 100%. Running at full speed increases thread breaks and wear, and the time saving is minimal compared to the cost of stoppages.