What happens to your SEW file
Every needle point lands in the same place in the VP3 file as in the SEW file, and Hoopbench reads the new file back to prove it before you save it. The details below are what actually changes between these two formats.
| Stitch positions | Identical, to 0.1 mm |
|---|---|
| Colour stops | Same number, same order |
| Thread colours | Carried exactly |
| Size and density | Unchanged |
Thread colours
SEW holds a slot in a fixed chart, and VP3 stores real colour values. The chart colour is carried across as an exact value, so the VP3 file looks the same as the SEW preview.
Long moves
Both formats move at most 12.7 mm per record, so nothing needs splitting.
Trims
VP3 has a real trim command, so cuts carry across as cuts.
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 .vp3 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 VP3
VP3 is the shared format for current Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff machines. Each colour block stores its own start point and a full thread record, including the colour, catalogue number and description.
The VP3 file is for current Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff machines and their software. Viking and Pfaff machines that read VP3.
It keeps the most thread detail of the common formats, so it is a good one to convert from when you want the colours to survive.