Formatting an SWF embroidery machine can correct software glitches and restore performance—but only when executed correctly. This editorial guide walks you through Joseph ABC Sewing’s trusted process for securely backing up data, formatting the memory, reinstalling software, and tailoring your machine parameters for smooth operation.
Table of Contents
- Understanding Your SWF Embroidery Machine and the Need for Formatting
- Essential Pre-Formatting Checks: Don't Skip This!
- Step-by-Step Guide: Formatting Your SWF Machine
- Re-installing Software: Bringing Your Machine Back to Life
- Configuring Machine-Specific Parameters for Optimal Performance
- Final Steps: Loading Your First Design on a Clean Slate
- From the Comments: Real-World Issues and Fixes
Understanding Your SWF Embroidery Machine and the Need for Formatting
Every embroidery pro faces that moment when the panel freezes, buttons grey out, or designs vanish mid-run. For SWF E-series machines, formatting acts as a reset switch to clear those stubborn memory faults.
Before diving in, know that this guide applies to models ET-1501, ET-1501C, and EU-1501—all single-head machines with LCD panels. They share the same formatting workflow and parameter logic.
When should you format? Only after verifying your USB and panel transfer processes still work. Formatting isn’t a quick fix for every hiccup—it’s a last resort when memory corruption or software mismatch blocks operation.
Essential Pre-Formatting Checks: Don’t Skip This!
- Check memory integrity – Try saving a test design to your USB or floppy. If it won’t save, troubleshoot before touching the format command.
- Back up program and data – These two files are your machine’s heartbeat. Use a USB stick to save both before proceeding.
- Identify your model – Confirm whether your panel belongs to a compact (C-type), normal, or bridge version.
- Prepare your workspace – Have your USB, backed-up files, and notebook ready for parameter values.
Common pitfall: pressing the Start key too early or too late during reboot. Timing matters when accessing the install screen.
Once you’re in, the LCD displays menu blocks for Program, Data, Upgrade, and Backup. Choose Backup first.
Insert your USB stick—preferably 2 GB or smaller, formatted to FAT—to ensure compatibility.
Back up both Program and Data files, watching the green progress bar climb toward completion.
Step-by-Step Guide: Formatting Your SWF Machine
Formatting wipes the entire flash ROM and software, giving you a blank slate to reload from scratch.
On the install screen, select Format, confirm with Go, and wait for the DOS-style verification display.
When the progress bar hits 100 %, you’ll see the message Format completed. Power off and then on. Shut down, wait five seconds, and power back up.
During restart, the machine will automatically enter the Version Select screen—no need to hold any keys this time.
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Choose the correct model type for your machine; in Joseph’s example he selects 1 Head Normal E* for the ET-1501.
If you choose the wrong version, mismatched firmware may cause errors or disable panel keys.
Before proceeding, confirm your USB backup files are intact. Store a copy off-site or in a separate folder on your computer.
Re-installing Software: Bringing Your Machine Back to Life
From the now-empty install screen, reinstall your saved Data file first. This step rebuilds the machine’s configuration environment.
Then install the Program (the firmware). Install order matters—data before program ensures compatibility.
Finally, perform a Machine Upgrade, selecting Yes when prompted.
This syncs the LCD panel’s software with the motors and boards across the machine.
A lengthy progress bar confirms components are synchronizing. Be patient; once complete, your panel and mechanics share the same restored language.
Some users compare this sync to recalibrating smart hoops like mighty hoop, ensuring electronics and motion communicate seamlessly.
If you encounter an “Initialize” freeze, re-check your power supply’s ±5 V output or backtrack through this reinstall order. From the comments, several owners revived their units by reloading software before replacing any boards.
Configuring Machine-Specific Parameters for Optimal Performance
Next comes personalization—the point where your software meets your machine’s body.
Navigate to Machine Information and set each line carefully:
- Head Select: 1 Head
- Needle Select: 15 colors (or as per your model)
- Trim System: Solenoid
- Frame Sizes: Typically 450 mm × 450 mm
- X Space Extension: No
Double-check sensor hardware next. Behind your needle bar sits an aluminum thread-break sensor wheel. Count its holes—18 for older models, 50 for newer ones.
Choose accordingly under Wheel Type Select.
Leave X Satin and Y Satin default at 0 mm, and Sequin Type as No unless you have that attachment.
When done, tap OK to confirm. The screen summarizes your selections—head, color count, trim system, and sewing field—then press OK again to finalize.
Craft owners comparing across brands—say, switching between an SWF and a tajima embroidery machine hoops setup—should expect similar calibration steps but with different firmware menus.
Final Steps: Loading Your First Design on a Clean Slate
With everything saved, you’ll see the home screen return.
At this stage, design buttons like EMB Call remain inactive until you load a new file.
Insert the USB, confirm it’s in .DST format, and toggle the Dir/Fil key to highlight your folder or design name. If it doesn’t appear, place the file directly on the USB root instead of inside folders.
Owners coming from domestic lines such as brother embroidery machine or janome embroidery machine often find commercial SWF systems a refreshing balance of power and precision once set correctly.
Once a new design is loaded, the machine recognizes the file, F-keys activate, and you’re ready to stitch. Run a small test pattern to confirm X/Y positioning and thread trim.
From the Comments: Real-World Issues and Fixes
Community feedback under Joseph’s video adds valuable nuance to the process:
- USB compatibility & file visibility – Several users discovered that keeping files in subfolders prevented display; moving designs to the USB root resolved it.
- Initialization errors – Viewers stuck on “System Initialize” typically fixed it with a clean format plus correct E-series version.
- Panel power issues – A missing +5 V feed can mimic software failure; always check voltage before replacing boards.
- Hardware insights – Machines built around 2007 commonly use a 50-hole thread-break wheel.
- Frozen controls – Greyed F-keys often trace back to missing design loads or mismatched firmware versions.
The consensus? Follow the video’s order exactly and keep your backups separate. Once complete, your machine will operate with the same grace as modern setups equipped with magnetic embroidery hoops.
Quick Recap
- Back up program + data
- Format memory
- Power cycle to version-select
- Install data, then program
- Perform machine upgrade (sync)
- Set parameters (head, needles, wheel type)
- Load a new design and test run
When done methodically, formatting isn’t frightening—it’s liberating. Treat your SWF like a pro-grade canvas, and it’ll reward you with precision embroidery for years to come.