A SEW file is an older machine embroidery format from the Janome family, also read by some Elna and Bernina machines. Like JEF, it is an expanded stitch format that stores needle movements directly, with a header that lists the design's thread colours from a fixed Janome thread chart.
What's Inside a SEW File?
- •A header listing how many colours the design uses.
- •A colour table referencing entries in the Janome thread chart.
- •Stitch data: relative X/Y movements for each needle penetration, in units of 0.1 mm.
- •Jump commands for needle-up travel between regions.
- •Colour-change and end-of-design commands.
SEW stores colours as references into Janome's standard thread chart rather than free RGB values, so SewFlow matches each of your thread colours to the closest Janome chart colour when it writes the file.
Which Machines Use SEW Files?
SEW is associated with older Janome and Elna embroidery machines, and some Bernina Deco models. Newer Janome and Elna machines generally use JEF, so SEW is most useful when you have an older model that predates JEF support.
SEW vs JEF vs DST vs PES
| Format | Machines | Colour Info |
|---|---|---|
| SEW | Older Janome, Elna, Bernina Deco | Janome thread chart |
| JEF | Janome, Elna | Embedded |
| DST | Tajima, commercial | Separate |
| PES | Brother, Babylock | Embedded |
How to Create a SEW File Free
SewFlow converts any image to a SEW file instantly — no software to install, free to convert; create a free account to download (1 free download every month).
- 1Go to sewflow.com/image.
- 2Upload your PNG, JPEG, SVG, BMP, or WebP image.
- 3Set your hoop size and adjust thread colours.
- 4Select SEW in the format selector.
- 5Download the .sew file and copy it to a USB stick for your machine.
Create a free SEW file for your Janome or Elna machine:
Open Image Converter →Check Whether Your Machine Prefers JEF
Most modern Janome and Elna machines read JEF. Use SEW for older models — if both are supported, JEF carries colour information more precisely.