.jan, .emb, .jef, .jpx. No, we’re not talking gibberish, we are speaking Janome embroidery language.

One of the most important things you need to know about embroidery designs are the correct format – more specifically the file type in which your Janome embroidery machine is able to read. In today’s post we do a quick run through on the formats that current Janome embroidery machines can take:

.jef is a “Stitch Data” file and is the default format for all current Janome embroidery machines.

It’s made up of Janome machine readable files, with instruction for every stitch in the design, and coordinates to move the hoop.

If you’re purchasing embroidery designs from websites, you need to choose the. jef format. Same applies if you buy a CD of designs; be sure to check that it has the .jef format. If this format is not available, you will need software to convert the design to .jef.

.jef+ is an editable “Stitch Data” file created in Janome software programs.

It’s made up of two or more .jef file created in the edit function of the machine HMC15000, HMC14000, HMC12000, Skyline S9, MC9900, MC11000SE, MB-7, MB-4, MC500E and MC400E or Horizon Link/Suite. This means that each of the .jef that were brought into the edit screen can be moved, rotated, resized, etc. at any time. (Previous generations permanently grouped all designs when confirmed in the edit mode. All designs became a .jef and could no longer be edited individually.)

The format will also recognise hoops that are bigger than earlier generations of Janome embroidery machines.

Designs sent from the machine or Horizon Link/Suite to computer/USB are .jef+.

Note: The following machine models can only read .jef files: MC10000, MC9700, MC9500, MC370E, MC350E, MC300E, MC200E.

.jan is the “Master Data” file created in Janome Digitizer up to version 4.5. This is a working file whilst in the software. It’s made up of object data, thread colour, fill pattern, density and dimensions. This is the stage that you can make changes before sending it to become stitches and save as a .jef or .jef+.

.emb is the “Master Data” file created in Digitizer MBX V5. This is a working file whilst in the software. It’s made up of object data, thread colour, fill pattern, density and dimensions. This is the stage that you can make changes before sending it to become stitches and save as a .jef or .jef+.

.jpx has exclusive information that the current generation of Janome machines may need for special functions i.e. Cutwork, AcuFil and graphics.

You will need Digitizer MBX V4 and upwards to create a .jpx file. Digitizer automatically writes .jpx when writing to the USB or directly to the HMC15000, HMC14000, HMC12000, Skyline S9, MC9900, MC500E and MC400E.

AcuFil automatically writes to USB as *.alf.

.jpx contains both the stitch data and a background image together (.jpeg). This allows the HMC15000 and HMC12000 to display a .jpeg on the screen (this can be an image of your fabric) while positioning the design for improved positioning accuracy.

Additional Tips:

If your machine is WIFI enabled, you can transfer the design wirelessly using the iPad or computer.
With current Janome sewing and embroidery models, when you insert a blank USB stick into the USB port on your embroidery machine, your machine will automatically create 2 folders on your USB stick, an EMB folder and an ORD folder. Your designs should be in the EMB / EMBF sub-folder. This is the folder that your machine will look for embroidery designs.

Have you tried out the range of Janome embroidery machines with brilliant functionalities that make life so much easier to be creative?

In sewing 101, we learn to lock our stitch when we reach the end of a seam. Lock, simply means to tie off the end of the thread within the stitch and prevent it from coming undone.

With straight or zig zag stitches, reverse stitching is a fast and convenient option to locking your stitch – you go forward, back and forward again to complete the locking stitch. With decorative stitches, there are different ways to complete your stitching pattern.

When you press the reverse stitch button for straight and zig zag setting, the machine will sew in reverse; with any other decorative stitches, the machine will automatically lock off and stop.

All of Janome’s computerised machines have a locking stitch button, which allows you to lock off the stitches with a simple press of a button instead of reversing over the previous stitching. Decorative stitches are programmed to lock off once completed however there are two options you can choose to lock off your stitches.

When using the auto-lock button, it allows you to complete the pattern repeat before locking the stitch. For example, if you wish to have five oval shaped stitches once it has started the fifth pattern repeat you press the Auto Lock Button and it will tie off once the repeat has completed.

However, if you are using the reverse button, it will stop stitching as soon as you press it and lock off. For example, if you want to sew three and a half ovals once you have completed to the point you wish simply press the reverse stitch button and the machine will commence locking the stitch and then stop immediately.

Option 1: If you want the machine to finish its current pattern repeat then sew the locking stitch at the end, press the auto-lock button – it will give you a perfect end to your stitching.

Option 2: If you want the machine to immediately stop and start sewing locking stitches, press the reverse stitch button. The machine will then stop at any point within the pattern and complete a locking stitch.

As a sewist, one of the most important relationships you have is with your sewing machine. How well do you know your Janome machine? We are sharing some of our favourite Janome features with you today.

One of the most common comments we hear from people is about the tricky little foot pedal. You barely step on it and your machine zooms away at the speed of light?

No it doesn’t have to be so scary – there is an option on Janome machines called speed control. It’s usually a little sliding dial that can be adjusted manually from very very sloooooow to super sonic speed if you crank it up (well, maybe not that fast).