Why your embroidery machine will not read the USB stick.

The eight causes

Work down the list in order. Keep the machine's manual open, because it names the format, the folder and the largest design your machine accepts.

1. Cause 1

   The stick is not formatted the way the machine expects

   How to tell

   The machine shows no stick at all, or an error, even with designs on it. A computer reads the same stick without trouble.

   The fix

   Format the stick FAT32. exFAT and NTFS are the usual wrong answers, and large new sticks often arrive as exFAT. On a Mac, the FAT32 choice is called MS-DOS (FAT). Some machines can format a stick themselves. If your manual offers that, use it, because the machine then gets exactly what it expects. Formatting erases the stick, so copy your designs off it first.

2. Cause 2

   The stick is too large

   How to tell

   A new large stick fails, and an old small stick works in the same socket. The machine gives no reason.

   The fix

   Many machines refuse a drive larger than two gigabytes. They do not refuse it politely. They fail to read it and give no reason. Use the smallest stick you can find, and keep the one that works. Your manual may give the largest size it reads.

3. Cause 3

   The design is in the wrong folder

   How to tell

   The machine sees the stick but shows an empty list. On a computer, the design is on the stick.

   The fix

   Many machines read designs from one folder only and ignore the rest of the drive. They report that as an empty list, not as an error. A Janome MB-4 reads a folder named EMBF inside a folder named EMB. A Brother PR reads the top level of the stick. Your manual names the folder for your machine. Copy the design there, then leave the design list and open it again.

4. Cause 4

   The machine does not read that format

   How to tell

   Other designs on the stick show and this one does not. Or the file ends in .EMB or another design file type.

   The fix

   Each machine reads only some formats. Most Brother machines read PES, and most Janome machines read JEF. A design file, such as a Wilcom .EMB, holds artwork and settings, not stitches. No machine can sew it. Download the design again in your machine's format, or ask the digitiser for one. Your manual lists the formats your machine reads.

   Design files and stitch files

5. Cause 5

   The download is still zipped

   How to tell

   The file name ends in .zip. Or the shop sold you several formats and you see one file.

   The fix

   A machine does not open a ZIP. Unzip it on the computer or phone first. Inside you will usually find the same design in several formats. Copy only the file your machine reads into the machine's folder. A whole folder from the ZIP puts the design one level too deep.

6. Cause 6

   The file name is too long or has odd characters

   How to tell

   The design shows with a cut or garbled name. Or it does not show, while a design with a short plain name does.

   The fix

   Machine panels read short capitalised names only. Rename the file with plain letters and numbers, keep it short, and keep the extension, for example ROSE01.PES. Leave out spaces, accents and symbols.

7. Cause 7

   The design is larger than the hoop

   How to tell

   The design is in the list, but the machine will not open it, or asks for a hoop you do not have.

   The fix

   Every machine has a largest sewing area, and the manual gives it. Check the design's finished size against that area. If the design is too large, buy it in a smaller size, or resize it in digitising software. A large change of size at the machine can spoil the stitch density, so a smaller version is the better choice.

8. Cause 8

   The USB socket is worn

   How to tell

   The stick works in a computer and in another machine, but not in this one. Or the machine finds it, then loses it when the stick is touched or while it sews.

   The fix

   Every stick you push in and pull out wears the socket, and the machine shakes while it sews. The USB standard rates a socket for 1,500 insertions, on a desk that keeps still. An embroidery machine does not keep still, so expect less. A worn socket is a repair to the machine, not a new stick. Ask your dealer.

   Why the socket wears out

Questions people ask about this

Can I use any USB stick for my embroidery machine?

Not always. Many machines refuse a drive larger than two gigabytes, and most want FAT32. A small, plain stick is the safe choice. When you find one that works, keep it for the machine.

Does the stick have to be FAT32?

For most machines, yes. Many will not read exFAT or NTFS, and large new sticks often arrive as exFAT. Your manual says what it wants. Some machines can format the stick for you.

How do I format a USB stick for my embroidery machine?

On Windows, open File Explorer, right-click the stick, select Format and choose FAT32. On a Mac, open Disk Utility, select Erase and choose MS-DOS (FAT). If your machine can format a stick itself, use that instead. Formatting erases everything on the stick.

Why does my machine show an empty folder?

Almost always, the design is in a folder the machine does not look in. Many machines read one folder only and show everything else as an empty list. Your manual names the folder. The next thing to check is the format.

Why is my Brother embroidery machine not reading my USB?

Work through the same eight causes. Most Brother machines read PES files. A Brother PR reads designs from the top level of the stick. Models differ, so check the manual for yours.

Why is my Janome not reading my USB?

Check the folder first. A Janome MB-4 reads designs from a folder named EMBF inside a folder named EMB, and most Janome machines read JEF files. Then check the size and the format of the stick.