What happens to your SEW file
The natural upgrade path for old Janome designs. Thread slots from SEW become the nearest colour in the JEF list, usually the same thread.
| Stitch positions | Identical, to 0.1 mm |
|---|---|
| Colour stops | Same number, same order |
| Thread colours | Matched to the Janome chart |
| Size and density | Unchanged |
Thread colours
SEW and JEF each use their own fixed thread list, so each thread is matched to the nearest in the Janome chart. Neighbouring stops stay different, and the names will change. Match by eye against your own spools if the exact shade matters.
Long moves
Both formats move at most 12.7 mm per record, so nothing needs splitting.
Trims
JEF has no trim record. Trims are dropped from the file and the machine cuts when a jump is long enough, usually about 3 mm or more.
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 .jef 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 JEF
JEF is the Janome format. Its header records the hoop it expects, the stitch count, and a colour for each stop as a slot in a fixed Janome thread list.
The JEF file is for Janome machines, and Elna machines that read JEF. Any Janome or Elna machine that reads JEF.
If you need a cut after a very short jump, a JEF machine may not make it. Inspect the jumps before you run it.