Day 3 of my month long series, All About Machine Embroidery, will talk about machine embroidery software.
In yesterday’s post, I talked about embroidery machine formats. Each machine reads a specific format or language which allows the designs in the machine to stitch out.
If all you ever plan to do is use the designs and fonts that are loaded onto your machine, then you can skip this post.
However, if you plan to purchase individual designs or design sets {which I will cover later this month}, then the next word you will need to know is: Software.
What is machine embroidery software? It is a software that is able to read designs that are specially digitized for machine embroidery.
Think graphic design with a sewing twist.
This design set by Hatched in Africa is an example of a design set that can be purchased online. The set will list all of the formats {.pes, .art, .dst, .exp, etc.} It will also list hoop sizes and thread colors.
nyghte shadow says
July 22, 2013 at 8:06 ami would argue that it should be never buy an embroidery machine with ONLY a card slot. my Brother SE400 has a card slot, but it ALSO has a USB port, so it’s not just an either/or situation. i personally never use the card slot, but if i had read your series when i was shopping around i might have been dissuaded from a great little affordable machine than can do all the tricks a non-card slot machine can do.
Leslie says
July 22, 2013 at 8:17 amI agree ~ card slots are old technology. However, these types of embroidery/sewing machines can be purchased for a great price ~ perfect for someone with a small budget.
jessica harwell says
December 20, 2015 at 11:34 amI have the same brother machine — can I use this bernina software with my brother? I have a trial of buzz explore and have downloaded designs to an external hard drive (a sea gate) and when I plug the hard drive in to the machine, there is nothing. HELP!
Sian says
April 14, 2016 at 6:06 amBrother machines prefer smaller USB drives (1GB usually works well). Also, some Seagate external drives only work on PC… and can’t be read by sewing machines, TVs or other devices.
Shelly says
January 19, 2018 at 11:16 pmImportant question
I don’t have my machine yet. I’m getting the brother se 4000 just starting out, I was trying to get ahead and download sum files. But I extracted them but I can’t open or see them it I have windows 10 and after I extract them and then open them it comes up asking how do I want to open the file… is that be I don’t have the machine and software or is my pc messed up….thanks so much.
Leslie says
January 20, 2018 at 6:46 pmWindows 10 messed up my embroidery software and files, too. You may need to look into a new software. Bernina has a free one on their website.
Beth says
May 5, 2016 at 10:15 amCan someone please help me i am newbie and dont have a clue what i am doing. I have a brother pe770 and i have downloaded some files onto my computer and put them on my memory stick but when i try to use them on my machine it wont read them. Its like nothing is there! So what am i doing wrong? Please HELP!!! Thanks and God Bless
Leslie says
May 5, 2016 at 7:02 pmI’m guessing that this is a format issue. You may not be loading the correct format for your machine. Brother should use PES. Check and make sure the design is in PES format.
Kjh80634 says
July 12, 2017 at 11:43 pmFrom my experience, my Brother would only recognize the pattern if one (1) pattern was on the USB thumb drive.
Karissa says
September 17, 2013 at 10:58 pmI am just starting out in the embroidery world. I bought my PE500 about 2 months ago & can’t really do anything I wang without software- what do you recommend? All suggestions greatly appreciated!!
elvia says
October 18, 2013 at 10:50 amI purchased the brother se400 because it was affordable and did the things i needed. Unfortunately i sent out an image to have it digitized to pes file to 4×4 which is what my machine takes.. i downloaded it to my se400 the memory shows it was downloaded but there is no image for me to click on! i have done it several times and nothing! do you think i need software for this issue? I read the books and it does not say so, but i don’t know what else to do. I specifically bought the machine to do this particular logo(it is a car crew i am in and i was supposed to do our t-shirts for a few events coming up) and im stuck!! Anyone please HELP!!!
Lisa says
August 19, 2016 at 2:05 pmIt was probably digitized in the wrong format. Brother machines read PES format. Call customer service for the company who digitized it. It is an easy fix.
MJ says
December 24, 2013 at 1:27 pmCards are not bad!! I have a machine that uses both cards and has a port to attach to a computer. While I use the designs on my computer (and I have so many), I love using cards!! Really love it! Because it is so much easier to pop in a card or to use designs on the machine than to boot up my laptop and open the program and transfer to the embroidery machine. Not a lot more time, but many extra steps that are usually not worth it. I have actually bought many cards because of this, even though when I bought my machine cards were being phased out. And even though I am very tach savvy. For someone who is not tech savvy, cards are the way to go. I find plenty on ebay and amazon. Embroidery software is nice to combine designs, but cards are a great alternative. Don’t be afraid of them!
Barbara Lawson says
January 21, 2017 at 3:43 pmCan you help me. I have bought a secondhand Brother 900. Is has cards and also usb from computer. To download designs, do I need some software. At the moment I am embroidering from my cards and also the machine, but I think I will need to expand.
Leslie says
January 21, 2017 at 9:31 pmI suggest you visit a local Brother dealer. They will help you know how to transfer designs to the machine.
Christin says
April 7, 2014 at 4:59 pmWhat about software to convert sizes? I have run into a problem where I need a different size design in order to use with my software.
Leslie says
April 7, 2014 at 7:27 pmSize conversion is a tricky thing. Most designs won’t tolerate much more than a 10% size conversion. It really depends on the design and format.
Michelle W says
November 10, 2014 at 11:55 amTotal newbie here, but I do have a question: which software is best for a custom image (a business logo on to a shirt, specifically).
Annette miller says
December 5, 2014 at 8:23 pmHi Leslie I have really enjoyed read your post great information I just purchase a 770 Brother Embroidery Machine learning that I need to purchase software because what I want to do with files is not installed in my machine and now I need to purchase a computer to transfer files to machine …. Will a Desk top or laptop computer be best to meet my embroidery need?
Best regards, Annette
Leslie says
December 6, 2014 at 6:36 amAnnette, I recommend you speak to the people at the store where you purchased your machine. They will know what will work best. Good luck.
sheila zasada says
December 28, 2014 at 1:16 pmHello, I have a sewing business for sewing window treatments. I also make banners and stoles for our local church. I usually layer fabrics and applique stitch around the raw edges. This is very time consuming and my machines don’t perform it as well as would like. I have found a company in town that does the embroidery work for banners and stoles – however if they do the “set up” it is very expensive. I would like to take my designs in the artwork ready format for them to save money. I am assuming that I need a software program to do that. All the options on the internet have my head spinning. I would like to find a program that when I scan an image into my computer I can change the color and sizes to meet my needs at a reasonable cost to me. I am wondering if you would have any suggestions for me.
Lyn Ireland says
May 9, 2015 at 7:37 amHi Leslie, I have a Brother Innov-is 1500. It has a card slot and a USB port but not a memory stick one. I have also purchased a Scan n Cut machine. Unfortunately my computer is downstairs and machine are in my craft room upstairs and I don’t feel I use them to their full advantage and I am not at all techinica really. I am thinking of buying a laptop just for use with my machines. I already Have Brother PES Desigh soft wear and, although I have my machines for well over a year. Don’t really use them much!!!! I would love to learn and use them more but am terrified! Any advice on the best and most reasonably priced laptop that is suitable or any advice on using my very expensive and underused equipment gratefully received – I am in the U.K.
Lyn
Cheryl says
May 18, 2016 at 7:43 pmI also have an Innovis 1500 embroidery machine. I am at a standstill on using it due to the fact I want to design my own patterns. I have found that you have to convert files you download to PES file…I have googled free embroidery designs but the quality is poor.
I bought a Toshiba windows 10 laptop and it works great for downloading files, I think what we both need is digitizing software.
I work for an embroidery shop and we use Bernina and Stitch & Sew software .
I hope I was some help to you!
cynthia says
July 9, 2015 at 8:11 amI have a Pfaff 3.0 and am macbook did not know about the pc issue until well after I purchased my machine. My dealer doesn’t know anything about apple so… I am considering purchasing a cheap computer just for my embroidary machine. I am not computer savory and find it difficult to know what to purchase because so many terms get thrown around that mean nothing to me. HELP!
Leslie says
July 9, 2015 at 4:58 pmEmbrilliance has a Mac option.
Eric & Diane Young says
August 8, 2015 at 5:21 pmWe have a 7 head happy embroidery machine by texmac. We are newbies and we purchase this new software called stitch & sew by compucon. We are having problems with the installation of this software. What are your recommendations.
When we bought this machine we had no idea about what type of software to use we just took their advise.
Please help with software choices before we make another investment.
Thanks
Leslie says
August 8, 2015 at 7:17 pmI have no idea about this type of machine. I suggest you reach out to the manufacturer. They should be able to give you some suggestions.
Cheryl says
May 18, 2016 at 7:55 pmI work with Happy Machines and we use Bernina to digitize and then you save the design and open up Stitch and sew. You then open up Stitch and sew and in the top menu you transfer to happy and your design gets transferred to the
machine.
the machine may need a USB attached to the laptop to work…..I hope I was able to help
Jack says
August 25, 2015 at 8:05 pmI’m used machine brother se400. it worked very good.
janna fielder says
September 7, 2015 at 2:14 amim thinking i want an embrodery machine.. doi have to have a computer to start with? or can i get a machine and wait ntil finances allow to get a laptop?
Leslie says
September 7, 2015 at 7:23 amGreat question. Without a computer you will be limited to the designs that are included with your embroidery machine. All you need is a fairly inexpensive laptop for the job. I would suggest you factor this into the cost of your machine.
Tammi says
April 27, 2016 at 1:58 pmNo necessarily. I have an embroidery machine and I download patterns from my phone (Android). All I did was buy a micro usb to usb converter online. I don’t have a personal computer because I use one everyday for work. I can use my work computer for casual personal use, but I’m unable to download everything because there is build in security that will automatically encrypt anything downloaded. Anyway, rather than buy another computer, I figured out how to download using my phone (or a tablet would also work).
GAIL HARDOCK says
February 1, 2018 at 6:15 pmThis is a situation where a used embroidery machine that comes with some patterns built in but also includes extra cards that the machine takes might be a most cost effective option. It would be best if the machine also has a USB port, for if and when, you ever do get a computer. Many really older embroider machines may only have the card slot but don’t write them off if you are just starting. You can learn on them and then move up to a more advanced newer model later on when you can afford it. Also as a beginner who is not computer experienced the embroidery cards may be a better option for learning in the beginning. Just make sure you get a good assortment of cards with the machine or else you will be limited to only the designs that the machine has built in. You can also buy used cards on Ebay but make sure the seller is reputable (has a good rating and been on Ebay for awhile). Remeber though that you have to add shipping and taxes (if they apply).
Sharlene says
September 12, 2015 at 6:16 pmDo you know if a Brother NQ 1400E embroidery machine is a good purchase for a beginner just doing family shirts, etc? I already have a sewing machine.
Thank you
Leslie says
September 13, 2015 at 4:35 pmI’ve never used this machine. I suggest you visit a local Brother dealer and try using one.
Mary Goodman says
November 20, 2015 at 9:24 amI was given a Viking Designer 1 last summer by my Sister-in -Law. It is a card only machine. I was lucky to receive a lot of her pattern cards too. I also have a lot of blank floppy disks I can use. I found great software, Buzzexplore. It works with Windiws 10 and so far is a great product for under $200. I am having a lot of fun learning about the machine and embroidering things. I have a pillow in the works as well as wanting to put designs on jackets, pants, and shirts. If I was buying another machine I would step up to the Viking that had the card reader as well as the USB port. I am happy with my machine and the software so will just sew away for quite a while. I find this tutorial so helpful. Thank you for your great blog.
Leah Frey says
December 1, 2015 at 3:45 pmI have a Janome machine, will the free software from the Bernina company work with this machine. I am 2 weeks in to embroidering with a machine and everything is a question at this point.
Leslie says
December 1, 2015 at 8:22 pmI’ve never tried the software with a Janome, but I’m pretty sure it will work.
Lin says
January 2, 2016 at 5:30 amYou are a life saver! I have been pulling my hair out for days trying to load Embroidery designs on to my machine.
I am new to the Embroidery machine world, having only recently invested in one. I bought the designs online. But nobody told me I would not be able to open then on my Mac. UNTIL NOW! I found the software online. Free!
Thank you so much for ALL the wonderful information.
Susan says
December 11, 2016 at 5:56 pmWhat software did you use? Do you know anything about Stitch Buddy?
Leslie says
December 12, 2016 at 4:58 pmI use a software from Bernina. Never heard of Stitch Buddy.
Heather says
January 7, 2016 at 12:45 pmI upgraded from the old emt machine to new bravo, I have $$thousands of designs on 3 1/2 floppy disks due to years of old system… I need software that will pull these designs anyone know of anything free?? Apparently my new digitizing software does not, I can keep paying thousands on software if it’s only running my machine ;( anyone else have this problem??
Marji Alexa says
March 8, 2017 at 10:24 pmI don’t have a clue in the world when you asked this question, but I hope this helps. You can move(copy could be better) the designs from the 3 1/2 floppies onto your desktop or laptop just like any other file. Reading them requires some software, but copying them is just like anything else, only with a different file extension. You do have to have a computer with a floppy drive (like mine, an old desktop running Windows 2000) or there are out there “attachments” I guess you’d call them, you can put a floppy in the slot of this little box, and it has a USB to connect it with any computer with a port. Got mine years and years ago, but I’m sure they’re still out there. Once the files are on the computer, they can be used by your machine IF the machine reads the same file type. Each machine has (of course) a different file type: Janome’s is JEF, I think Brother is SEW, Singer is XXX, etc. You have to make sure the files on floppy can be read by your machine. If not, then you DO need software, but there is free software out there, these folks have mentioned some like Wilcom and others, which will convert one embroidery file extenion to another, for the most part.
So, perhaps more clearly, I have a Janome machine which takes .jef files. I have floppies with a bunch of .sew files on them, I copy the files just like .doc files or .jpg files onto my computer one way or another into an “Embroidery” folder. I use my free Wilcom software to convert the files to .jef, and then send them to my machine via usb. Easy peasy, no money involved, only time. And maybe an investment in one of those floppy readers with a usb connection. Hope this helps, and your message wasn’t years old. Marji Alexa, 3/8/17
Leslie says
March 9, 2017 at 4:00 pmI suggest you visit a local shop to see if they can help you. It may be time for a software update.
Vanessa says
January 13, 2016 at 3:38 amI am just now starting to use an embroidery machine and I have the brother 1 and I have a Mac Pro computer. I need help with what to download and do designs on my computer and transfer over to the embroidery machine. It comes with a cord that plugs in to my computer but when I plug it in nothing happens. Someone help me please.
Leslie says
January 13, 2016 at 6:12 amAlmost all machines are set up for PC connectivity only. Since Mac’s run a different operating system you will need to use a usb stick to transfer designs to your embroidery machine. If you contact a dealer in your area they should be able to help you.
Sharon says
January 19, 2016 at 5:01 amIam thinking of purchasing a SE400 brother combination machine if I want to use software ,USB stick card will a laptop work with this machine?
Leslie says
January 19, 2016 at 7:05 amI’m not sure. I have more information here: http://www.seasonedhomemaker.com/shop/choosing-the-best-embroidery-machine/ If you follow the link back to Amazon there are a lot of comments/reviews and a place to ask questions.
From my research, this seems like a solid machine. Most machines with a usb port allow for you to directly connect the computer to the machine. However, you will still need software to send the design to the machine.
Denise Farmer says
May 30, 2016 at 8:46 amWill the Bernina software work with a Janome Memory Craft 200e? I am so frustrated with the Monogram Plus software that I got with my machine. I’m looking for something that is easier to use. Monogram Plus doesn’t even allow you to edit saved designs. You have to start from scratch every time. They actually recommend taking a screenshot so you can remember what the design looked like so you can recreate it.
Leslie says
May 30, 2016 at 9:18 amThe Bernina software should be able to save to the format that works on your Janome. I would call your local Bernina dealer and ask for more details. They will have the latest information since software changes all the time.
k.s. says
July 13, 2016 at 9:47 pmBeware of software that works fine on one operating system, such as Windows 8.1, but not Windows 10). You don’t know if the embroidery software will work in the future. We now have a very old computer in the basement, which we keep solely to use my embroidery machine & software. When I tried to use the software on the new computer with the new operating system, all the files will load, but nothing works. After spending quite a bit of money on the embroidery machine & first software, I was very disappointed that I would have to buy a new machine with new embroidery software to be able to manipulate the designs in the new operating system. I don’t think I received my money’s worth before the first machine & software were obsolete.
Leslie says
July 13, 2016 at 10:00 pmI’ve had a similar issue. Great points.
Charlotte says
August 26, 2016 at 5:26 pmThis was a great help. I have a memory craft 9500 janome
Kristy Hannafious says
September 8, 2016 at 11:47 pmHi Leslie, I purchased a brother Designio DZ820E. I have downloaded a font package. I am very new to machine embroidery and am just learning how to use my machine. If I want to make a name with the new fonts I downloaded, do I have to reset my machine for each letter? I am able to do a full name with the fonts that come loaded on my machine but I’m not sure how to use the downloaded fonts. Any help I can get would be greatly appreciated. If you know of any tutorials that I can watch/purchase, please let me know which would be the best to watch. Thank you so much for any help and/or feedback.
Leslie says
September 9, 2016 at 9:21 amThis sounds like a software issue. Check with a local dealer. They should be able to match you to a software.
Norma says
October 23, 2016 at 12:16 pmI have a Babylock Destiny and want to be able to view PES files on my old hp laptop. Is there any free software out there for doing this? I downloaded the Bernina Artlink, but it does not seem to be able to view the PES files I have. Thanks!
Leslie says
October 23, 2016 at 1:58 pmIt should work with PES format. Here’s a link: https://www.bernina.com/en-US/Products-US/BERNINA-products/Software/BERNINA-embroidery-software/ArtLink-Seven
Cynthia M Pryer says
November 7, 2016 at 1:23 pmThanks for this valuable information. I have the NQ1400e, does Hernia free software work with this machine? Should I invest in Embrillance essentials? Any idea cost?
Linda Rogers says
November 29, 2016 at 1:55 pmThis may be a dumb question, but I have a 2800D Sewing/embroidery machine. I have purchased some fonts from a company online. Now I want to type out the names I want to sew. It will not let me. Am I doing something wrong? Or is my machine not capable of doing this. I keep seeing where I purchased it, that my machine must let me merge. Is this why I am only able to sew one letter at a time. Thanks!
Leslie says
December 1, 2016 at 10:07 amYou need software to make edits to any fonts you’ve purchased online unless your machine allows for that function.
Jane Bailey says
January 21, 2017 at 11:07 amI need help if you can. Been search every where.
I had bought PES files. Put them on desktop. Needed to put them in software program (Studio III) so I could send them to embroidery machine . Meanwhile, Windows 10 does updates or whatever it does. It changed files to blank at first and could open them. Now they are PDF and I can’t get then changed back so I can move them to software so I can send to machine. Can you help with this, please?
Thank you, jane
Leslie says
January 21, 2017 at 9:32 pmI recommend you contact the person (people???) you purchased the designs from. They should be able to offer you a solution.
Peryar says
February 27, 2017 at 7:43 pmHow can you convert a xxx to a pes? What sofware will work to convert this kind of change?
Are embroidery designs that are being created by embroidery companies using new software to create embroidery designs.
How often would you have to change your software your computer to keep up with the new embroidery designs?
Leslie says
February 28, 2017 at 3:09 pmMost embroidery software products have the ability to convert a design from one format into another. You will need to check with each particular software brand to find one that will work for you. Some software companies (DIME and Floriani) offer free updates. Others require you purchase new software after a period of time. You will need to check with a local sewing shop to see demonstrations with these products.
Jean says
March 3, 2017 at 9:06 amHello,
I’ve just come across your excellent site and have, what seems to me, a huge problem! I have a BROTHER embroidery machine and have been embroidering for years. However, I’ve just bought a new laptop and all my designs are opening with adobe reader ! Of course my machine cannot open these files. My question is …. what do I need installed on my laptop in order to open my PES files? I have Embird but files will still not open. Perhaps if Embird WILL open them, I haven’t got to the place on my laptop to change ” which program opens this type of file ” …. wherever THAT might be ! If you could help, I’d be eternally grateful!
Leslie says
March 3, 2017 at 2:17 pmIt seems like you might have a software updating problem. Computer updates don’t always match software updates.
Jean says
March 4, 2017 at 3:25 amI’ll look into that. Thank you!
POLLY JONES says
March 11, 2017 at 6:30 pmHi..my baby lock stick is full. .can I user any type of stick to load more designs? ?
Leslie says
March 11, 2017 at 7:47 pmI advise you check with a local Babylock dealer.
Mark says
March 15, 2017 at 7:53 amGreat article i appreciate this post thanks for sharing this post 🙂 very helpful to users 🙂
Anne Edwords says
November 27, 2017 at 5:16 amI like embroidery digitizing.. and after reading this I am more interested in it. Thanks for sharing it.
Dana says
December 23, 2018 at 11:34 pmHelp! I have a Brother machine and Mac laptop. I have ALWAYS had issues with Macbroiderynsoftware. I don’t embroidery much because it never easy, now my software is not compatible with latest opperating system. I don’t want to buy a laptop just for embroidery. Is there any way to use an iPad and get files on a stick? If not I am ready to give up. ☹️ Thanks