BMP to SEW Converter
Upload a BMP image and download a machine-ready SEW embroidery file for older Janome, Elna & Bernina machines — automatic digitizing with a free animated stitch preview.
Drop your BMP here
or click to browse — your SEW downloads after a free preview
SEW is preselected · other image types work too · up to 10 MB
Automatic colour detection · background removal · animated stitch preview · downloads as SEW for older Janome, Elna & Bernina machines
About BMP files
BMP is the uncompressed Windows bitmap format. BMP files are completely uncompressed, so there are zero compression artifacts — every pixel is exactly as authored. BMP has no transparency, so the automatic background removal detects and strips solid backgrounds instead.
Tip: Keep the background a single flat colour so the automatic background removal can strip it cleanly.
About the SEW format
SEW (Janome SEW format) is read by older Janome and Elna machines (Memory Craft 8000/9000 era) and some Bernina models. The format stores thread colours as Janome palette indices, like JEF. Copy the file to the memory card or USB medium your machine reads.
How to convert BMP to SEW
- 1
Upload your BMP image
Drag and drop or browse for a .bmp file up to 10 MB. SewFlow detects the colours, removes the background, and traces stitch regions automatically.
- 2
Fine-tune the design
Set the size for your hoop, override thread colours per layer, toggle layers on or off, and watch the animated stitch preview update.
- 3
Download the SEW file
SEW is preselected — click Download and transfer the file to your machine. Copy the file to the memory card or USB medium your machine reads.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert a BMP to SEW?
Upload the BMP on this page — SewFlow digitizes it automatically (colour detection, background removal, stitch generation) and shows a free preview. Pick your size, then download the SEW file ready for older Janome, Elna & Bernina machines.
My BMP has a white background — will it be stitched?
No — SewFlow's background removal flood-fills from the image border and removes the solid background automatically before digitizing. You can also fine-tune the result with the eraser tool before downloading.
Which machines use SEW files?
SEW is read by older Janome and Elna machines (Memory Craft 8000/9000 era) and some Bernina models. Copy the file to the memory card or USB medium your machine reads.
Is the BMP to SEW converter free?
Converting and previewing is completely free. To download the finished embroidery file, create a free account — you get 1 free download every month, with affordable plans for more.