If you have a logo or design as an SVG, you can turn it into a PES file for a Brother machine in your browser. CutArc Embroidery (Beta) does everything in this guide on the free plan, with no download limit and nothing to install. You need a free CutArc account.

We use a Brother PE-770 and its 5×7 in hoop here. We have sewn test designs on a PE-770 and a PR1050X; the other file formats are written to their published specs.

What you need

  • An SVG made of closed shapes with a few solid colors.
  • A Brother or compatible machine that reads PES files.
  • A free CutArc account.

Check the smallest details at the size you plan to sew. Lines thinner than about 1 mm and lettering under about 5 mm tall rarely sew cleanly, so simplify them in the SVG first.

Pick your machine and hoop

Open the studio, choose Brother PE-770 under Machine, and 130 × 180 mm (5×7 in) under Hoop. The studio keeps your design inside the hoop.

Import the SVG

Start from an empty canvas: new accounts open with a sample patch, and importing adds to whatever is already there. Choose File, pick Blank canvas under Start from a sample, then Open.

Now choose Import SVG in the Add panel and pick your file. Each shape becomes its own object and keeps its color. Filled shapes start as tatami fill and outlines as running stitch, so a simple logo is often close to ready straight away.

Choose stitch types

Select an object and pick its Stitch type:

  • Tatami fill for large solid areas.
  • Contour fill for flowing shapes, with rows that follow the outline.
  • Satin, a zigzag satin border, for outlines.
  • Running or Bean (triple) stitch for fine lines.

Underlay and pull compensation are under Underlay & compensation. The defaults are a sensible start; adjust them after your test sew.

Check the design

Stitches update as you edit. Switch to the Stitches view to see every stitch, and use Sewing order to see which color sews when. Open Design checks: it warns about areas too dense to sew well.

Save the PES

Choose Export, pick PES, then Download file. In Chrome or Edge you can save straight to a USB stick instead; Safari downloads the file. With a Brother machine selected you can save PES or DST. For another brand, choose Generic machine under Machine, and Export also offers JEF, EXP, VP3 and XXX.

Sew a test

Sew the design on a scrap of the same fabric with the same stabilizer you will use for the real piece. If fills pucker or outlines gap, adjust density or underlay, export again and sew another test.

Going further (Pro)

CutArc Pro adds Image to stitches for photos and logos, meander and circular fills, and curved lettering. Pro is $14.99/month or $99.99/year with a 7-day free trial, and it also unlocks Pro in CutArc Plasma, Laser and Vinyl. See Free vs Pro.