Which USB stick works for Embroidery Machines?

Let's clear up the confusion about USB sticks for transferring embroidery designs to our machines. It's not just the size that matters, the version or color is probably more important for getting a compatible USB flash drive. I'll also give a tip on how to make your USB port last longer because repairing them is expensive! Watching this video can save you lots of money!
Table of contents for this video:
0:00 Intro
2:06 USB version or color
3:16 Size or capacity
3:53 Long-term storage alternatives
4:14 Extend the life of your USB port
5:38 Summary and more tips
I sell in-the-hoop embroidery designs at www.BallyhooCreations.com
My Amazon affiliate link to my favorite USB stick that's compatible with embroidery machines is this one: amzn.to/3PWUdZN it looks like a sewing machine so you can always tell it's the one for your machine.
The content of this video in written form can be found on my blog including links to USB sticks and cables that have worked for me: ballyhoocreations.com/2021/09...

[@MrsMarybiz]

I just read a recommendation from an embroiderer to a beginner. She told the beginner to watch “all” of your you tube videos. I had never heard of your site so I checked it out. LOVE IT!!! ❤️

[@BallyhooCreations]

That's great! Welcome to the channel Mary!

[@claudiahibdon973]

My dongle for my Designee 1 broke. I was told my machine is now just a plain $5000 sewing machine because each dongle is made specifically for each machine. That doesn’t seem right.

[@BallyhooCreations]

Hi Claudia. For some reason my previous reply got lost so I'll try again. You might still be able to embroider. I've been using the Designer 1 for over a decade and I'm aghast at the bad and wrong advice I've heard from the dealer/repair shop. People use the word "dongle" for different things. If the USB stick broke, you can easily replace it using the advice in this video. If the USB dongle that plugs into your computer to run the software has broken - you can switch to better software and I use Embird to create my SHV files. IF the broken thing is the card reader for the older Designer 1, those are hard to find but still come up on the used market from time to time.

[@susancullen5839]

Another life extender of USB sticks is to pull them out slowly. It reduces static opportunities by having more time with a grounded (safest). The silver rectangle is your ground. Slow and straight out disconnection is the best!

[@BallyhooCreations]

Excellent tip! Thanks Susan.

[@daribarber3470]

Another great and very informative video! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge! I am going to go order the USB dongle cord to prevent wear and tear on my new machine! Great advice!

[@charjones8781]

WOW! Very informative - now I know what to look for on USB drives. I even asked my computer savvy teens - and they had a little idea - but this information clarified it for all of us. I have an older Janome embroidery machine that would accept some USBs and not others - now I know why!

[@2missteri]

So interesting, I had no idea it would not be just plug and play. Very helpful and educational THANKS

[@karengdestruel5156]

I am so glad I found this. I just purchased a new Topaz 50 and was told it only would work with the usb it came with. Even though I did try others and they worked!! To a Big Thank you....I will be watching your video more often.

[@tammybrown7970]

Thank you so very much for explaining the USB colors. I had no idea that the USB was color coded. my very first time to watch your videos. I will watch more. I also had no idea that dongle cables even existed.

[@nancyfreeeman6370]

Great news, THANKS! I'VE BOUGHT THUMB DRIVES THAT DONT WORK!! THEY ARE RED INSIDE!!! I have been using this machine for 10 yrs and was not aware of this!!!!

[@07Review]

The dangle idea is awesome 👌

[@lucysalerno9309]

I never knew that about the color inside . Thank you for the helpful hints.😃

[@BallyhooCreations]

You are so welcome!

[@sharonjones7138]

Awesome video. I learned allot. Just got my first embroidery machine…Brother PE535. I’m so very excited. Have been sewing 52 years so sewing is old for me. This however is something new that I’ve wanted to do for many years. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us ❤️😃.

[@bonniekennedy9191]

Another great video! You answered questions I didn't even know I had!!

[@BallyhooCreations]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sherrymurphy1185]

This was extremely helpful! I’m new to embroidery machines and appreciate your advice!

[@ladypinkbagsetc.9116]

Thank you so much. I am exploring into usb to purchase some designs. I am delighted to have learned so much from one video!

[@BallyhooCreations]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mendyelliott9495]

Thank you Lucy! I’m new to embroidery and just purchased my machine. I know when I have a question I can always go to your channel for the answer!

[@BallyhooCreations]

awesome! happy to have you here!

[@susanowens4313]

I Loved her informative video being new to embroidery. Yes a lot of info out there but true knowledge is the best!!! Thank You :}

[@michelleedwards-longway3167]

Yes, Thankyou for this video very helpful. I have different students using the machines and have run into sticks that aren't read by our single needle machines.

[@estherhenry220]

Very good information. Thank you!

[@anniewilliams114]

Thanks, great tips on USB. I will buy a dongle very soon.

[@joanglasser5129]

Thank you! Great information and good to know.

[@sandraleamelendez9679]

Thank you so much for all this information. Really like your presentation..

[@aprilmartin520]

Great information today! Thanks!

[@shelmica]

Your videos are excellent! Thank you.

[@bethserran]

I learned something new from Lucy again today. I did not know there is color specific for USB port on my Brother Luminare XP2 and not needed to purchase a high USB memory. I do have a dongle on my embroidery machine suggested by my dealer. I also have a female to female USB port connector for my new HP laptop which can be purchase at Amazon inexpensive. Thank you, Lucy. You always have great ideas for us.

[@BallyhooCreations]

Hopefully others will see your comment about the cable to connect to the computer. I edited that info out of my video because it felt like too much. But dealers charge as much as $60 for those cables. And Amazon sells the same thing for $10!!! And as usual, Thank you for your sweet comments Beth!

[@terrystellyarceneaux1677]

Thank you. I am new to Embroidery Machines with the USB Stick.

[@angelaackerman8934]

Same here. I have a old embroidery machine that uses the memory cards.

[@jackrabbitlepus]

LUCI!!! Thank you SO much! I have struggled for a long time with all the things you have cleared up for me today. I am very graeful!!

[@BallyhooCreations]

glad it was helpful, hope it saves you some money on USB sticks!

[@paulanoctor2434]

Very useful - great suggestion about the dongle.

[@BallyhooCreations]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Smooch-Magazine]

Very very helpful. Thank you!

[@robinkinley6851]

Never noticed flash drives have colors…always learn something in your videos!

[@BallyhooCreations]

I recently learned about the colors myself and had to share it!

[@chabela1944]

Solid info. Thank you.

[@Everyoneisanartist776]

You saved the day… and more! Thank you so much

[@BallyhooCreations]

Yay!! I love saving the day. Glad the video helped you 😊

[@barbaradesousa9122]

Thank you! Your video was helpful! 👍🏻

[@BallyhooCreations]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sharonmacintyrebarrett8572]

Thank God you did this video, I went got a 8gb at the local computer store cost 9.00 and it works perfectly with my Brothers Dreamweaver XE. I also ordered the cord to use on the machine to connect memory sticks. You are such a blessing. I subscribed to your video's. Thank you again and again.

[@BallyhooCreations]

Welcome to the channel @sharonmacintyrebarrett8572 ! It makes me happy to hear that my video saved you some money and some hassle. (●'◡'●)

[@judithlpn-quilter7757]

Thank you. Good info.

[@mariadacosta2925]

Thank you for the info.

[@mariadorishoyos3471]

Thank you so much. Great information for my ignorance.

[@BallyhooCreations]

Glad it was helpful!

[@melissacroft1544]

Great info! Love you channel! I will be purchasing a dongle!

[@BallyhooCreations]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@bu23359]

Been embroidering for years and still learned something new, going to definitely order a cable soon as I use the USB port every time I embroider. Have subscribed and been binge watching your videos, love your style (can definitely sense your engineering/science background in your straight to the point but well presented info) and yet you make it fun to watch as well.

[@BallyhooCreations]

Thanks for watching Becky!

[@knitterliness]

I have found that both my single-needle and 7-needle machines are happiest if I don't try to load in a bunch of files that I don't intend to stitch out anyway. I just load up the file(s) I'm intending to use in this session. Also, I plug a short USB extension into the machine's USB port and then plug my USB stick into the end of that. This reduces wear and tear on the machine's port and moves all the wear and tear into the other end of that short cable.

[@jaloneynorwood4306]

Your awesome I was so confuse , and was not able to fine information, as you have clearly explained. THANK YOU big hugs also a new subscriber....

[@BallyhooCreations]

Glad it helped!

[@kimstrand6012]

Thank you! I just purchased a Janome MC9850 and had no idea what size or speed of flash drive to purchase this was great information.

[@BallyhooCreations]

Glad it was helpful!

[@spat7378]

Great info. Thanks! As for how much storage should you get on your USB stick (16GB? 64GB? Etc.), a good guide would be to get the same size as the “branded” stick that came with your machine (if one came with it). The manufacturer will most likely only ship one they know to be compatible, so mirroring what they used would be a good rule of thumb for your thumb drive. 😄

[@BallyhooCreations]

Excellent advice! Thanks for adding that info 😀

[@kimberlybarbour6895]

Great information

[@jenniferbrocksmith3233]

Wow! This may have solved everything for me! I’m new to all of this because I got a Brother se1900 for Christmas. I am trying to take in as much as I can from as many sources as possible. Of course I thought the best 128GB 4K compatible drive would be awesome for my new machine. NOT!! I’ve literally been tortured. Maybe when I buy just a 16 or 32GB black usb, it will be magical!! You are awesome! Thank you❤

[@BallyhooCreations]

A smaller size usb 2.0 stick will definitely work for your Brother. Crazy, right? Happy stitching and enjoy your new machine. 😁

[@gmurray3616]

Very informative. Thank you

[@BallyhooCreations]

Thanks for watching!

[@isobelgreer7693]

Great information thank you.

[@BallyhooCreations]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jorgerobles628]

Lucy, you are correct again in these things!!!!! In my case, the only brands of USB sticks I am using for my machines are SanDisk and Onn, and the sticks are no larger than 4GB, but actually any brand had worked from me, even generics. For external storage I do not trust any cloud service. I got two portable 2 TB each SSD from Seagate in a mirror fashion. In that way I can have access to everything I want without the hassle these cloud providers can give, lots of protection, and they are two layer password protected. Thanks for your very welcome topic!!!!!!

[@BallyhooCreations]

I'm a big fan of the SSD myself!

[@gaylemoore5751]

Thank you

[@lauriel5543]

Thank you.

[@suestanding3758]

Really helped how to choose a usb stick.

[@BallyhooCreations]

Glad to hear!

[@cowpatty120448]

Ty, ty, ty. I was never told. I've always had the correct sticks, but didn't know. Yesterday, I just bought a new Bernina one for $75. I'm returning it next trip to town. Wow.

[@BallyhooCreations]

Glad I could help!

[@AW-pz3qc]

Get a generic in the B colour, add label from your labelmaker machine! You could probably buy a labelmaker with the $$ difference if you don't have one.

[@paulinesmith8349]

Thanks

[@traceydoherty3181]

Thank you!!!!!

[@mountainmagicranch4881]

Thank you!, I didn't know about the color matching of USB to machine. Mine is Black and I have been using a Blue. Plus the size and capacity for my SE725 machine. I'm out to get the black and hope this solves my problem.

[@kemioriola4470]

Hi! I have same as yours pls can you tell me the gig you bought I was thinking of getting 64gb but don’t know if it will work

[@mariastein425]

thank you🙏👏👏🙌

[@yonettethomas8503]

Good evening, thank you much for your help i have a question

[@DFelix-ir4qp]

Gracias

[@margaretminer863]

This is all brand new for me - love the simplicity of your directions & recommendations - thank you. My Viking Topaz 50 came with a 1gb USB, what do you recommend I buy for future downloads, the machine & USB are both black. I'd like to hook up my computer directly to the machine to bypass downloading to the flash drive - can it be done with a dongle cable? I'm thinking ahead to updated info from Viking for my machine. Hope this makes sense to you. Thank you.

[@BallyhooCreations]

You should be safe with another USB stick that is USB 2.0 (black inside) and 1 gb - the same as the USB stick Viking gave you. IF you need to format that USB stick, the free Viking software should have an option for that (but not all machines require this.) As for a direct cable, I don't think the Topaz 50 supports that. The USB ports on most embroidery machines are "dumb" and can only read from a stick.

[@JN-kc2zd]

Thx

[@barbarameehan113]

Great information. Thank you.0

[@irene587]

Great info there, thanks Lucy. Would anyone know if a Chromebook can download & save embroidery designs to a usb please? Thanks, Irene.

[@BallyhooCreations]

Chromebooks can manage the files and transfer to USB since they have standard USB-A connectors and file folder management. It's harder on Cell phones that don't have USB-A outlets.

[@yonettethomas8503]

My embroidery machine is Brother SE1900 which site can I purchase embroidery pattern from

[@evemarevelyn3184]

Great information!!! Thanks for sharing.

[@arlenemottola473]

Red help Upgraded to windows 10 new laptop had a Viking 4 program with a dongle new laptop won’t read dongle so I can’t use my expensive program can’t find a site to upgrade dongle can you help me

[@lurlinepusey448]

Thank you I learned something new i was wondering what type of flash drive I could use in my SE600?

[@BallyhooCreations]

As long as you follow the advice in the video, you'll get a USB stick that works. The Brother SE600 would work with any of the smaller capacity USB 2.0 sticks.

[@juanmagana2939]

Its actually not too much. Just place them in folders. Every folder with 10 items and it will do wonders

[@erikacook939]

Great information. What about specific file names? If the color matches does that mean we should be good?

[@BallyhooCreations]

The color inside is the biggest issue. But also get a small capacity if you're not sure what your machine can handle. I don't know about specific file names but I would avoid special characters since older operating systems might not read #$& in a file name

[@chrisharvey5942]

Thanks for all the great info. I am waiting for my new Brother NQ3700D, combo/sewing machine. I just ordered it from my dealer yesterday. I was going to go ahead and get a few USB sticks but as I don't know what color the case is. So I don't want to purchase any not knowing. Didn't know if you knew. Thanks for all your help. Also what dongle would you recommend? Thanks again..

[@BallyhooCreations]

You will be safe with any USB2.0 stick with smaller storage size under 16GB. And look for a short USB extension cable of about 1 foot or less, that way you can plug the stick into that extension cable instead of your machine. (even though people call them dongles, they are actually extension cables) I have some Amazon product links in a related blog post ballyhoocreations.com/2021/09/usb-stick-for-embroidery-machines/

[@pearllucas452]

Thank you for this great information. Where can I purchase the dongle cable?😊

[@BallyhooCreations]

Any short extension cable will work. You can buy them on Amazon or a computer store. Any 6" to 12" length works well.

[@terryehayes480]

Great info! Where do I find a dongle? And I suppose I need black inside since my BabyLock usb is black.

[@BallyhooCreations]

This is the extension cable I use amzn.to/3MHlXRz (amazon affiliate link alert) but any short cable works. The color inside the dongle cable doesn't matter like it does for the USB stick. :o :-)

[@joannematthys6017]

I am looking at usb extension cables. Most are blue doesn't that matter also? Thank you so very much for the tips. Great helpful video!

[@BallyhooCreations]

My USB short extension is also blue inside. It works fine. I suspect the cable is just a pass-through so they are backward-compatible. It's the machine and USB stick that need to be compatible and usually USB 2.0.

[@joannematthys6017]

Great thank you for the info. I just bought a 1gb USB Stick and it will not work in my older bernette deco 340 embroidery machine. I am pretty sure that is the one I originally bought with my machine and it is still working. I just wanted to have a backup just in case. Any tips? I have called 3 repair shops and none of them even know it takes a small usb! They all have said it shouldn't matter!

[@BallyhooCreations]

@@joannematthys6017 you've already learned the hard way that it DOES matter. Try the cheapest USB 2.0 stick you can find. And you might also check out this FAQ from Bernina - the stick must be properly formatted with the correct folder names or it won't work. tinyurl.com/5d6j6mby Hope you get it working! It's good to have a back-up plan.

[@timelesscottagegifts7240]

Thank you so much for posting this, it was very informative! I have a Husqvarna Designer 1 which has trouble reading my 1GB USB stick. I tried to format the it with a .SHV format but the stick I have won't accept that. Do you know of any other formats the Designer 1 can handle?

[@BallyhooCreations]

hello @timelesscottagegifts7240 I also have a designer 1. It only reads SHV but you must format the USB stick using software. You cannot drag and drop SHV files to the USB like you can with other formats - it can only be written with software. The Viking editor software can do it and you can probably find a free version for that task. I use Embird which can also format and write SHV files. You also need to be sure your USB is 2.0 (black inside) which is how I embarked on this whole USB journey in the first place - with my Viking.

[@timelesscottagegifts7240]

@@BallyhooCreations Thank you so much, I am definitely going to give this a try. I truly appreciate you getting back to me so quickly!

[@maryannevanoff4464]

I am looking at amazon to buy a usb stick. Getting a lot of guff from the men in my house who say (My Bernina 790+ ) can take any size. However, I thought I read somewhere (no help from dealer) it is better if you get one with 2-4mg. When I look on amazon they really don't just say 2mg they have a bunch of other numbers which is confusing. Can you hep????

[@BallyhooCreations]

You Bernina 790 uses more advanced computing than most embroidery machines. It can handle up to 16GB of storage in the USB stick and that's what Bernina sells. The other number is is the USB version. You can rewatch the video - but if the USB port on your machine is blue inside you should get a USB 3.0 stick but if it's black then get USB 2.0. I *think* it's blue but none of the online photos show it. It sounds like you have family members that can help you buy and format the stick so let them help. And worst case- Amazon takes returns so if it doesn't work you can get a refund.

[@CherryBlossomHill]

My Bernina has to have a file folder labeled with a specific name, the USB is my first generation iPod shuffle because they don’t sell USB drives with small enough memory for the machine to handle,

[@BallyhooCreations]

That is good advice for other Bernina owners. Thanks for sharing!

[@lynettethebrunette8969]

Hello very informative words....I have a question and maybe you can help me....I have a basic beginner machine....aventura 2 sewing/embr machine. I purchased my usb stick, downloaded some fonts, yet when I went to try to put these fonts onto a shirt/workshirt for my husband....when I try to move the letters/adjust it....you can only do one letter at a time....and move each letter at a time.It's so small that you are trying to move each letter, then when it brings it up....it actually goes on the other letter....I have to slide it with my finger and itusually moves the wrong letter. With the few built in fonts with my machine....it will outline the whole name and move the whole name together. When I have fonts bought like I said from somewhere else you canonly move one letter and I cannot line them up...what is wrong with this? Am I doing something wrong , or is this the way it is with fonts? Appreciate any help

[@BallyhooCreations]

Embroidery fonts come in different formats. It is common for them to be a separate file for each letter like what you bought. You can buy software to handle fonts, and I believe the free version of embrilliance supports their BX font format so you can build words and send to your machine as one file. Other software can do it too but not in their free versions.

[@pamelagiles7294]

I have a Bernina Artista 200 sewing machine and wondered if the above USB stick would work. I am using a dongle and the port on machine looks silver or black. It's so hard to judge the color with my flashlight. Is the USB above a generic color for all different USB colors? I guess I am confused.

[@BallyhooCreations]

It's the color of the PLASTIC inside the USB plug you need to look at. Most likely, yours is black. Find a USB 2.0 stick with a small file capacity and it should work on the Bernina.

[@gailcarter2182]

Does the 2.0 dongle have to be black on the inside as well? All of the ones I see online are white on the inside.

[@BallyhooCreations]

white is USB 1.0 and black is USB 2.0. Choose the color that matches the USB port on your embroidery machine to be sure you don't get a version mis-match.

[@junehulme1624]

I have the Brother 230E embroidery machine, can you tell me which usb stick to use with it.

[@BallyhooCreations]

I don't know anything about that machine. But the info in the video should guide you to figure it out based on the USB hardware your machine has. The color inside the stick as well as small capacity are important for older machines.

[@gwendriggers2220]

Would you please tell me where you purchased your dongle cable? Thank you in advance.

[@BallyhooCreations]

Here's the cable I use, and this is an Amazon affiliate link ;-) amzn.to/3SPZjbz

[@ElizabethTurnage-tj8yy]

I recently bought a Baby Lock Destiny 2 and cannot get any USB to open on the machine. Please help, I am having severe buyers remorse of this machine. No one at Baby Lock can or will help me. Thank you

[@BallyhooCreations]

I'm sorry you're having problems. I know it's frustrating! I'm assuming you bought this machine uses since it's discontinued and therefore has no warranty. Watch this video again to be sure you are doing everything correctly. Most likely the USB stick must be black inside to match your machine. And take ALL the PES files OUT of folders on the USB stick to ensure the machine will read them. Also, be sure you're plugging the stick into the proper USB port since your machine has more than one. If none of that works, you may need to have the USB port replaced and any dealer (not just babylock) should be able to do that repair for you. Or you can run a USB cable from your computer to the machine to transfer designs to the Destiny as well. That's what one of those USB ports is for.

[@mertzook1304]

Mary Zook, hello, I have a NQ1700Ebrother embroidery machine and was wondering if the one you use would be okay for my machine it says a 3.0 and i thought it was to be a 2.0 would you put the place to get one on here please mine is black inside have spent hours looking for a black one thanks so much.

[@BallyhooCreations]

Hi Mary, here's an affiliate link to my favorites on Amazon amzn.to/3PWUdZN and it even looks like a sewing machine so you won't confuse it with other devices. Just make sure it says USB 2.0 which means it's black inside. I'll update my video with this link - thanks for the suggestion!!

[@mertzook1304]

@@BallyhooCreations mary zook, I'am sorry i meant that i need the dongle black insides extension i foot one i can't find any with the black inside i looked up the dongle you use and wondered if it's okay for my machine if it's 2.0 or what i need sorry i'am totally confuse on what to get .Thanks in advance

[@BallyhooCreations]

@@mertzook1304 Oh, now I understand! For the cable it doesn't matter what color. My extension cable (dongle) is blue inside even though my machine has black. So it will still work. Get a 6" or 12". Here's what I have amzn.to/3zpYuhj but any short USB cable will work.

[@vickieschlagenhauf9137]

I was told to use a 2gb usb. I have a problem I use Embrilliance for my designs. When I copy and save it to a file I then move to usb and plug into my 765 upgraded to 770 embroidery machine and sometimes more often than other I click on the usb picture on the menu and it turns white and all I get is systems volume information ???? What is that and I have nothing to embroider?? please help

[@BallyhooCreations]

This sounds like a formatting problem when you transfer your files from Embrilliance. You didn't say which file format you were sending to your Bernina. Hopefully you're using EXP+ and I would also avoid any special characters in your filenames like periods and such. Embrilliance has a facebook group that can probably help you better than me since I don't use Bernina or Embrilliance. Bernina prefers the ART file format but they don't allow any software other than Bernina to create those files. So programs like Embrilliance have workarounds for EXP or DST formats instead. You need to learn those workarounds or your designs won't show up on your embroidery machine menu correctly.

[@florence775]

Just saw your video on USB sticks. I just purchased a Pfaff Creative Icon. One of the videos states Pfaff only uses a 1 gig USB stick and to put designs on it, load into machine and delete stick and repeat. What can I use for something like this?? I don’t know if USB’s you can buy go that low. I haven’t looked yet, so wanted to ask.

[@BallyhooCreations]

You can buy 1gb sticks on Amazon. 😁 That'd be a really small capacity for a high end machine so it surprised me. If it were me, I'd try a 16gb just to see if it works. But be sure to get the right color inside.

[@florence775]

@@BallyhooCreations I will. I never knew about the color of the inside. Everyone always looks at the outside.

[@kimthongdee1]

Ok so I need advice on my babylock I have a esante babylock and I need help figuring out how to get embroidery files on it since it doesn’t have a usb stick port it has like a usb type b port 😢

[@BallyhooCreations]

The Babylock Esante will connect directly to your computer. It uses a USB-B port on the Esante and your computer will probably need a USB-A connector. You're in luck - because most USB PRINTER cables have this configuration!!! I use this cable amzn.to/45QjwoX (amazon affiliate link) to connect my computer to my Babylock Endurance and it's been working great for 2 years now even though I've rolled my chair over it a hundred times. When your Esante is powered on and connected to your computer with this cable, your computer should show it as a new drive or folder that you can drag and drop your files to. If yours is like mine - those files go away when the machine is powered off. But your machine might have a memory you can save to and store on the Babylock to get around that. Hope that gets you up and running!!!

[@kimthongdee1]

@@BallyhooCreations omg thank you so much I’m getting a cable right now!

[@alechiaevans9117]

What more do I need to know about the dongle. Does it need to be 2.0 also.

[@BallyhooCreations]

I'm not sure why people call it a dongle, because it's really just a short USB extension cable. Mine is USB 3.0 and works fine on the 2.0 machines. Here's my affiliate link to the one I use from Amazon: amzn.to/3OjSGgH (I will make a small percentage of the sale if you purchase from that link, but at no extra cost to you :-)

[@angelaackerman8934]

I have a question. I have pes embroidery files that i used with the old Amazing Box card reader writer. Will i have to take those out of the folders set up for Amazing box? I want to use them in a new embroidery machine.with usb

[@BallyhooCreations]

It depends on what machine you're transferring them to. The newer PES machines can read inside folders and should be backward compatible with older versions of PES.

[@angelaackerman8934]

@@BallyhooCreations After doing a good bit of research I’m considering buying the PE800 or NS1150E. I read they do the same thing but will the NS1150 be able to use any BES blue software? And will these machines be able to read my old Amazing Box Pes folders? I also have an old version of Click-n-stitch auto digitizer. Would it be compatible also? I had the old PE design 4.0 but it has deteriorated. It stopped working and U can’t find any receipts etc. it’s from 18 yrs. Ago! I have all my thread. And stabilizers etc. But I can’t decide if I should go for a 5x7 machine or stick with 4x4. HSN was demoing a 4x4 sewing embroidery machine that had me mesmerized. The sewing machine function’s decorative border stitches were so neatly done:) i don’t really need a regular sewing machine . I still can use my old Simplicity sewing machine.

[@BallyhooCreations]

The PES files should still work. PES is one of the few formats that are good about backward compatibly. And you can use inexpensive or free software to convert them if needed. The 5x7 hoop can do a lot more than han a 4x4 so I always suggest buying the largest embroidery field you can afford. On another note, your old stabilizers may be ok but the old threads may cause tons of problems. Rayon will dry out, while the old poly threads are poor compared to today's versions. IF you have issues, try a new spool of 49 wt poly to be safe. I've thrown out lots of old threads that shred - not worth the trouble anymore. Threads have actually advanced more than the machines have!

[@angelaackerman8934]

@@BallyhooCreations Thaks for the thread info. Ordinary cotton and cotton blend can get rotten too. I’ve thrown out some that were my mom’s. It kept breaking. You could easily break it by hand. I’m hoping some of my thread will be good. Will buy more if needed. I do have some of the polyester which will hopefully do well.

[@hollyayick3500]

Hi! Can you please share the name of your dongle? I’m looking for one and want to make sure I get the right thing. Thank you!

[@BallyhooCreations]

I'm using this 1 foot USB cable: amzn.to/35Nxbmq (amazon affiliate link)

[@deg9021]

Thank you Lucy for the dongle link. I was having a hard time figuring out which one I needed. Love your videos!

[@hollyayick3500]

Thank you so much! I am new to all of this and I LOVE all the videos. I’m so glad I found them!!

[@kayeennis1632]

How do you use a new usb? Does it need to be formatted, if so how? Thanks

[@BallyhooCreations]

it depends on your embroidery machine. If you have Janome, you need to set up a folder for the new stick. On older Vikings, you need software to format the USB stick. Brother and Babylock don't need formatting - just drag and drop files like any other computer. You can do a google search for your machine and "format USB stick" to see if there are special circumstances with your machine brand.

[@christinew3405]

Does the color on the inside of the Dongle matter? I have a white one on insides but on my machine, inside is black.

[@BallyhooCreations]

White is an older version for USB 1.0, while the black is 2.0. People use the word "dongle" to mean different things. Did you mean the actual USB stick is white inside? That might not work. But if you're talking about the short USB extension cable, then try it and see. I suspect the short cable that is white inside might work. Either way - try it and see if it works. I'd be interested to know what happens for you. (◔◡◔)

[@mrubagomez7]

I recently purchased a pe800 but I am stuck on what usb flash drive would be good to purchase, any 16gb recommendations ?

[@BallyhooCreations]

Here's an Amazon affiliate link to my favorites amzn.to/3vaOas7 and I like that these come in Sewing related shapes so you can tell at a glance it's for your embroidery machine. Just make sure whatever you get is USB 2.0.

[@mrubagomez7]

@@BallyhooCreations thank you very much! :D

[@creativedee4663]

Do you have a certain one i should use for my Se600

[@BallyhooCreations]

there's nothing special needed for the Brother SE600 series. The advice in the video should help you find one that works. Small size is still best. (Under 1 GB if you can find it)

[@published2809]

My machine will no longer take the designs that it used to accept. Why would it do that? zThank you for your help on the usb sticks.❤

[@cherylconrad1157]

I am having the same problem. It says not enough memory.

[@BallyhooCreations]

I'm sorry, I thought I already replied to this. But if the machine is not reading the USB, you could try a new stick (they DO fail eventually) or worst case there could be a problem with the USB reader on the machine or the machines software. You would need a service tech for that.

[@Angie-gz5cv]

Hi what can I do so that the machine doesn’t leave so much thread to clip out…thank you

[@BallyhooCreations]

single needles will have a shorter thread path than multineedles. But ALL machine embroidery will waste thread and it can be heartbreaking. The best I can offer is to save all your thread clippings in a nearby cup and create fiber art with them.

[@music_cult7165]

What's the name of that machine that you have in the background which embroidery machine is that

[@BallyhooCreations]

The multineedle is a Babylock Endurance II. It's an older 6-needle machine. There's also a Viking Designer 1 shown in the video and that's a single needle combo machine.

[@conniemccumberbrown7360]

My Bernina 730 got picky about what stick it would read and I can only use that brand now. Oh, that's Sandisk!

[@BallyhooCreations]

That's interesting. Are you sure it was the brand of stick and not the version or size? The only other reason a Bernina would not read a stick is a bad connection or corrupted stick, and that's something we usually see with much cheaper brands than Sandisk. (but then EVERY company was plaqued by quality control issues starting in 2020 so anything is possible)

[@conniemccumberbrown7360]

@@BallyhooCreations I took the machine to the dealer and while there she tried a bunch of sticks she had, none of them would work. She was as baffled as I was! Also this was several years pre-pandemic so it wasn't related to anything like that.

[@yolandabenavides8628]

I use my usb pug from Esty. Down load on my machine . I up load. And hit one of the folders . And I get no design .,matter of fact I did a selection of more then one Disney characters. What should I do? I paid. Thank you .

[@BallyhooCreations]

This is not enough information to troubleshoot with. Disney designs are only sold through Brother, so if you purchased anywhere else - they are bootleg illegal designs. What machine are you using? Have you tried NOT putting designs in folders to see if those show on your machine? Try a google search for "{your machine model} transfer designs.

[@chrisharvey5942]

Hello, I received my Brother Innovis NQ3700D sewing/embroidery machine. What a wonderful machine. Moving on to obtaining a USB cable, I looked at the plug on my machine and it is all black. So off to the store we went and explained to the customer service person what I was looking for. After a little bit, he came back and gave us a USB cable. He said this should work fine. Home we went and I inserted the USB stick. Unfortunately it did not work. So after closer examination we saw on the end of the purchased dongle that it was white/black. Oooops, back we went and returned it. They did not have only black USB connector's at our store. Can you recommend where we could order one? Is there a special number or UPC code. I don't want to order the wrong one. Thank you again for all your great video's.

[@BallyhooCreations]

This is the short USB cable I have attached to my machine amzn.to/3vZB5pe (amazon affiliate link) And even though it's blue inside, it works fine with USB2.0 black ports because the cable only passes information and doesn't process information. Your USB STICK needs to have the black plastic inside - that's when color is most important. I don't even know what the black and white cable they sold you was for - possibly for power and not data transmission?

[@barbaraanderson2928]

How do you get designs,from usb stick to your screen ??

[@BallyhooCreations]

I don't have a video for that but other people do. Search for "transfer embroidery designs" and you should find advice on getting the files from your computer to your embroidery machine.

[@lorriescott2894]

I added designs to a usb stick and when I plug it in they come up with weird colors! I own a Bernina 700 and used a 2 gb stick. Please I need help!

[@BallyhooCreations]

This is normal and it has nothing to do with your USB stick. The DST and EXP file types do not store color information. Your Bernina assigns random colors and it will look very weird on your machines display BUT you get to choose which thread colors to use because you are the one putting the spools on there. Look at the color diagram in your design file download - there should be a PDF or JPG file that shows the order of thread colors. Use that instead of your machine display and you'll be fine. This is not a problem with ART files like the ones pre-loaded on your machine. Only the Bernina software can create ART files and most digitizers don't use the Bernina software. So you are forced to put an EXP file type on your Bernina and there is no color info in EXP files. You could stick with Bernina designs or buy from digitizers that include the ART file type. But most people just learn to live with the psychedelic display on their machine and use whatever thread colors the designer puts on their color sheets.

[@deloresspencer3289]

What is the correct format for brother pe800?

[@BallyhooCreations]

Brother file format is PES and all the things I talk about in the video apply to USB sticks for your machine. (USB2.0, smaller storage size