Welcome to the BERNINA family
In choosing BERNINA, you are assured of years of rewarding sewing. For over 100 years my family has concentrated on providing complete satisfaction to our customers. And it is my personal wish to continue this tradition of offering you Swiss precision engineering combined with state of the art technology and an after sales service second to none. The new BERNINA activa 210 are characterized by a youthful appeal which is combined with a range of added value features to give you, dear Customer, more sewing pleasure than ever before. Enjoy modern, creative sewing with BERNINA: our wide range of accessories as well as our sewing publications brimming with imaginative ideas and practical tips all add to the joy of sewing BERNINA style. Any questions you have will be dealt with courteously and efficiently by our highly trained BERNINA dealers, who will also be glad to service your sewing computer for you.

H.P. Ueltschi Owner

www.bernina.com BERNINA International AG
CH-8266 Steckborn/Switzerland
032622.50.04_0701_a210_EN

Safety instructions

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
When using an electrical machine, basic safety precautions should always be followed, including the following. Read all instructions before using this sewing computer. When the sewing computer is not in use, it should be disconnected from the electricity supply by removing the plug from the outlet. 1. Do not allow to be used as a toy. Close attention is necessary when the sewing computer is used by or near children and infirm persons. This sewing computer is not intended for use by persons (including children) whit reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the sewing computer by a person responsible for their safety. Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the sewing computer. Use this sewing computer only for its intended use as described in this manual. Use only attachments recommended by the manufacturer as contained in this manual. Never operate this sewing computer if it has a damaged cord or plug it is not working properly it has been dropped or damaged it has fallen into water Return the sewing computer to the nearest authorized BERNINA dealer or service center for examination, repair, electrical or mechanical adjustment. Never operate the computer with any air openings blocked. Keep ventilation openings of the sewing computer and foot control free from accumulation of lint, dust and loose cloth. Keep fingers away from all moving parts. Special care is required around the sewing needle. Always use the BERNINA original needle plate. The wrong plate can cause the needle to break. Do not use bent needles.

DANGER

To reduce the risk of electric shock: 1. A sewing computer should never be left unattended when plugged in. 2. Always unplug the sewing computer from the electric outlet immediately after using and before cleaning. 3. Always unplug before replacing light bulb. Replace the bulb with the same type rated 12 volts / 5 watts.

WARNING

To reduce the risk of burns, fire, electric shock or injury to persons:

5. 6. 7.

Safety instructions 8. 9. Do not pull or push fabric while stitching. It may deflect the needle causing it to break. Turn power switch to 0 when making any adjustments in the needle area, such as threading or changing the needle, threading the bobbin or changing the presser foot. Always unplug the sewing computer from the electrical outlet when removing covers, lubricating or when making any other user servicing adjustments mentioned in this instruction manual. Never drop or insert any object into any opening. Do not use outdoors. Do not operate where aerosol (spray) products are being used or where oxygen is being administered. Before disconnecting, turn all controls to the off (0) position then remove the plug from the outlet. Do not unplug by pulling on the cord but grasp the plug. No responsibility will be taken for any possible damage as the result of misuse of the sewing computer. This sewing computer is provided with double insulation. Use only identical replacement parts. See instructions for Servicing of double-insulated machines. (Except USA and Canada).

added to the product. Servicing a double-insulated product requires extreme care and knowledge of the system and should only be done by qualified service personnel. Replacement parts for a double-insulated product must be identical to those parts in the product. A double insulated product is marked with the words DOUBLE INSULATION or DOUBLE INSULATED. The symbol may also be marked on the product.
11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17.
This sewing computer is intended for household use only.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

BERNINA is committed to the protection of the environment. We strive to minimize the environmental impact of our products by continuously improving product design and our technology of manufacturing. At end of life please dispose of this product in an environmentally responsible way according to the national directive. Do not throw away this product with your household waste. In case of doubt, please contact your dealer.
SERVICING DOUBLEINSULATED PRODUCTS
In a double-insulated product, two systems of insulation are provided instead of grounding. No grounding means is provided on a double-insulated product nor should a means for grounding be
Details of the sewing computer

Front view

Right end
Bobbin cover Stitch plate Attachment base for special accessories Sewing table socket Presser foot shaft Needle clamp with fixation screw Needle Threader Thread guide Reverse button Thread take up cover Thread path Bobbin pre-tension Thread tension adjustment LCD display Needle stop up/down 1/2 motor speed Bobbin winder Stitch width button Needle position button
Stitch length button clr/del-button Stitch selection buttons Handwheel Balance adjustment Power switch on/off Power plug socket Drop feed-dog Foot control socket Spool pin (vertical, collapsible) Carrying handle Horizontal spool pin Rear thread guide Accessory box connection Presser foot lifter (manual) Thread cutter

Back view

Standard Accessories

Accessories*

Foot control
Accessory bag 2 bobbins (+ 1 in bobbin case) Presser feet shaft with 4 soles Selection of 130/705H needles Seam ripper Lint brush 3 spool discs Foam pad Oiler Instruction manual Foot control Power cable Warranty card The foot control regulates the sewing speed Sewing speed is adjusted by applying more or less pressure to the foot control. Important! (USA/Canada only) Use only foot controller type SR-1 with sewing computer activa 210. Self storing cord wind the cord on the reel insert the plug into the groove provided When sewing unwind the cable Refer to the safety instruction! Important! (USA/Canada only) This sewing computer has a polarized plug (one blade wider than the other). To reduce the risk of electric shock, this plug is intended to fit in a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug

*may vary from country to country

Power cable

The power cable plug A into sewing computer plug B into wall socket Foot control cable plug C into sewing computer Power switch (D) 1 the computer is switched on 0 the computer is switched off The sewing light is switched on and off with the power switch.

D C A B

does not fit fully in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrican to install the proper outlet. Do not modify the plug in any way.

Feet selection

Standard snap-on soles
Presser foot shaft for snap-on soles 1 Reverse pattern sole for practical and decorative stitches 4 Zipper sole for sewing in zippers
Optional presser feet selection
9 Darning foot 10 Edgestitch foot
3 Buttonhole sole for manual buttonholes

20 Open embroidery foot

37 Patchwork foot 1/4 / 6mm
5 Blind stitch sole Blind hems, edge stitching

50 Walking foot

86 Ruffler

Optional snap-on sole

2 Overlock sole Overlock seams, hems, oversewing edges, narrow satin stitches
43 Free motion couching foot

Needle punch tool

Note that all presser feet are available as stable feet as well 032622.50.04_0701_a210_EN

Optional accessories

Accessory box
Storing accessories The box is equipped with one small and one large drawer as well as compartments for bobbin holders and presser feet. (Additional compartments and drawers are available). Attaching the accessory box to the sewing computer close the doors push feet back into position attach the box to the sewing computer (catch A must engage); inserting the presser foot lifter into the opening Note: first lower the presser foot lifter! Removing the accessory box press catch A on the top of the box remove box to the rear

Sewing table

To attach raise the needle and presser foot place the table over the free arm and press firmly so that it engages on the fixing cam To remove raise the needle and presser foot
pull the table out of the fixing cam pull in a horizontal position to the left
Scale of sewing table 0 corresponds to the centre needle position
Seam guide for sewing table insert into the groove (underside of table) from the right or left it can be freely adjust over the whole width of the table Note: Remove the presser foot or the presser foot shaft when attaching the seam guide!

Lens Set

We recommend the use of the BERNINA Lens Set for more comfort when sewing.

Foot Control

Sewing speed control the sewing speed by depressing the foot control raise or lower the needle by tapping on the foot control with your heel

Start-stop-unit

B A With the Start-stop-unit (SSU) the start-stop-function can be controlled by hand. press start-stop-button A = stitching starts with the speed regulator B the sewing speed can be regulated by hand to interrupt or stop sewing = press start-stop-button A again

CFL sewing light

Contrary to an ordinary bulb, the CFL sewing light has a better illumination and a longer life time. Caution: Please note that a defective CFL sewing light must ONLY be replaced by an authorized technician. The sewing computer must be brought to an authorized BERNINA dealer!
Please refer to the safety instructions!
Note: If the foot control is connected with the sewing computer, the Start-stop-unit is deactivated.
Setting up the sewing computer

Winding the bobbin

Winding the bobbin turn power switch on place empty bobbin on spindle
following the direction of the arrow take thread through the rear guide and round the pre-tension stud wind the thread two to three times around the empty bobbin and cut off any excess thread on the thread cutter press the engaging lever against the bobbin press the foot control the motor will stop automatically when the bobbin is full remove the bobbin
Thread cutter cut the thread on the thread cutter
Note: When winding the bobbin on the vertical spool holder (p. 13), it may be necessary to adjust the speed.

Bobbin case

To remove the bobbin case raise the needle turn power switch to 0 open the bobbin cover grasp the latch of the bobbin case remove case
To insert the bobbin case hold the bobbin case latch the finger on the case should point upwards insert so that it clicks into place
Bobbin thread cutter insert the bobbin case take the thread over cutter A thread is cut close the bobbin cover
Please refer to the safety instruction!
Note: The bobbin thread does not have to be brought up as the loose end is just the right length to start sewing.

Inserting the bobbin

Insert the bobbin Insert the bobbin so that the thread runs clockwise.
Pull the thread counter clockwise into the slot.
Pull the thread to the left under the spring until.
. it lies in the T-shaped slit at the end of the spring. The bobbin must turn clockwise when thread is pulled.

Changing the needle

Removing the needle raise the needle turn power switch to 0 lower the presser foot loosen the needle clamp screw pull the needle down to remove
Inserting the needle flat side of needle to the back insert the needle as far as it will go tighten the needle clamp screw

Changing the presser foot sole
Changing the presser foot sole raise the needle and the presser foot shaft turn power switch to 0 press the button on the shaft to release the sole
Attaching the presser foot sole place the presser foot sole under the shaft so that the peg sits under the opening of the shaft

Supplementary spool pin

Collapsible vertical spool pin found on the back of the sewing computer behind the handwheel essential aid for sewing with more than one thread, i.e. double needle work raise the pin until it clicks into its vertical position when using large reels, add the foam pad A for stability
lower the presser foot lifter and the foot sole will click into position
Threading the upper thread
Attaching the thread spool raise the needle and the presser foot switch the power off attach the foam pad place spool on pin (thread unwinds clockwise) attach the appropriate spool disc - diameter of spool disc is disc size. There must be no clearance between the disc and the spool take thread through rear guide A then into slit of upper thread tension pull thread down to the right of the take-up cover to B take thread up to the left of the cover to C in the direction of the arrow, placing it in the take-up level take thread down and through guides D and E

Needle Threader

Thread in hook raise the needle lower the presser foot lay the thread behind hook B and hold lightly
Lever down press lever A down and simultaneously guide the thread around hook B to the right to the needle
Thread in front of needle put the thread from the front into the guide until it catches in the hook let go of lever A and thread

Thread cutter

Thread cutter on head frame pull both threads from front to back over the cutter the threads release as soon as the first stitch is sewn

Stitch plate

Stitch plate markings the stitch plates are marked with seam guide lines in mm or inches they are very useful guide lines for precise seaming the millimetre markings are at the front the inch markings are at the back the measurements show the distance (with needle position centre) from needle to line lines are provided to the right and left of the needle the horizontal lines are useful for sewing corners, etc. Note: To change the stitch plate see page 31

Feed-dog and fabric feed

Button flush with housing = sewing position Feed-dog and stitch length With each stitch the feed-dog moves forward by one step. The length of this step is determined by the stitch length selected. With an extremely short stitch length, the steps are also short. The fabric moves under the foot quite slowly, even at full sewing speed. Buttonholes are sewn with a very short stitch length.
Button depressed = feed-dog is lowered for free-hand sewing or darning

Operating instructions

Thread tension
A The basic setting is indicated when the red line on the tension adjustment wheel is in line with the marking A the tension does not need adjusting for normal sewing work for special sewing work, the tension can be adjusted to suit the fabric The tension is factory set for the best results. Metrosene 100/2 (Arova Mettler, Switzerland) is used to set both the upper and lower thread tension. If other sewing or embroidery threads are used, the tension may need adjusting to suit the fabric and chosen stitch.

Perfect stitch formation the stitch formation is in the fabric

For example: Tension

Upper thread tension too tight the lower thread is pulled more to the right side of the fabric to reduce the upper thread tension turn tension adjustment wheel to 31 Upper thread tension too loose the upper thread is pulled more to the wrong side of the fabric to increase the upper thread tension turn tension adjustment wheel to 510
Metallic thread Monofilament

approx. 3 approx. 24

Balance
Your sewing computer has been tested and factory set using a double layer of cretonne fabric and Metrosene 100/2 threads (Arova Mettler, Switzerland). Different fabrics, threads and stabilizers can naturally affect the stitch balance so that they are sewn too close together or not close enough. This can be remedied with Balance to suit the fabric and produce perfect results. Applications: Practical stitches, e.g. Honeycomb stitch on jersey, buttonholes, etc.

Normal position

Denser stitch formation (shorter stitch length)
Finer stitch formation (longer stitch length)
Note: If the balance has been adjusted, return it to the normal setting once sewing is completed.

LCD Display

The LCD display shows 1 stitch width, basic setting blinks constantly 2 stitch length, basic setting blinks constantly 3 needle position (9 positions) 4 needle stop up/down 5 stitch number 6 recommended foot for selected stitch 7 satin stitch; dense, short zig-zag stitch
Altered Stitch Memory any stitch length or width alterations will be saved automatically For example: sew altered stitch, e.g. zig-zag select another stitch, e.g. straight stitch return to zig-zag, your alterations are still active

Buttons

Stitch selection stitches 111: touch the number of your choice; stitch number and basic width and length settings appear on the LCD display Stitch width left button = narrow the stitch width right button = widen the stitch width the basic settings of the chosen stitch blink constantly Needle position left button = needle to the left right button = needle to the right
Stitch length left button = shorten the stitch length right button = increase the stitch length

Functions

Functions are. activated when the symbol appears on the LCD display. deactivated when the symbol no longer appears on the LCD display. Reverse sewing quick reverse: press button Sewing computer sews reverse until button is released (max. stitch length 3 mm) Applications: programming buttonholes programming darning program manual securing (seam begin and end) continous reverse: press button quickly twice the sewing computer sews the chosen stitch in reverse press button once to cancel 1/2 motor speed press the button and the sewing speed will be halved press the button again to revert to full speed

Needle stop basic setting needle stop up press button arrow points down = sewing computer stops with needle down press button again arrow points up = sewing computer stops with needle up Note: Press button a bit longer = the needle will go automatically up or down.
clr/del (clear/delete) press button = reverts to basic settings other selected functions are cleared Exceptions: needle stop down 1/2 motor speed when buttonhole is selected, the first step blinks on the display

Stitch overview

1 Straight stitch All non-stretch fabrics. All Stitch work 2 Zig-zag stitch Most fabric types; all simple zig-zag such as oversewing fine fabrics. Sewing on elastic and lace 3 Running stitch Most types of fabric. Mending, patching, reinforcing seams
4 Triple straight and triple zig-zag stitch Reinforced seams in tough, heavy fabrics
5 Blind stitch Most types of fabric; blind hems, shell edging on soft jerseys and fine fabrics, decorative seams
6 Double overlock stitch All types of knit; Overlock = sew and neaten in one operation
7 Stretch overlock stitch Mediumweight knits, toweling and firm wovens. Overlock seams, flat joining seams
8 Super stretch stitch Open seam for all super-stretch fabrics
9 Honeycomb stitch Most types of interlock and smooth fabrics; visible seams and hems
10 Darning program Automatic darning for fine and medium weight fabrics
11 Buttonhole Fine to medium weight woven fabrics; blouses, shirts, trousers, bedlinens, etc.
Selected practical stitches

Straight stitch No. 1

Zig-zag stitch No. 2
A Fabric edges finished with zig-zag stitch B Zig-zag stitch with altered stitch length C Zig-zag stitch with altered stitch width
Use reverse pattern sole No. 1 or blindstitch sole No. 5 Outer Edges needle position far left for outer edge place finished or folded edge of fabric against the left side of the guide on the sole No. 5 select needle position left at desired distance from the edge Hem Edges needle position far right for inner edge (hem edges) place edge of fold (inside upper edge of hem) against the right side of the guide on the sole No. 5 set to right needle position to stitch along upper edge

Use reverse pattern sole No. 1
Zig-zag stitch for all fabrics for neatening edges for decorative work Satin stitch dense (shorter) zig-zag stitch = filled in zig-zag adjust stitch width as you sew for new effects
Oversewing edges guide edge of fabric under the center of the presser foot needle goes into fabric on one strike and over the edge of the fabric on the next stroke do not select too wide a width or too long a stitch the edge should lie flat and not roll use darning thread for fine fabrics

Running stitch No. 3

Triple straight stitch No. 4
Use reverse pattern sole No. 1 Wide Elastic for edges on sportswear and lingerie Preparation cut elastic to length desired divide fabric edge and elastic into 4 equal sections and mark pin elastic to raw edge, matching up marks Sewing stretch the elastic to fit the raw edge while sewing trim excess fabric close to the stitching
Use reverse pattern sole No. 1 Open Seam durable seam for firm and densely woven fabrics such as denim and corduroy reinforced seam for garment areas subject to hard wear Decorative top stitch lengthen out stitch and use as a decorative top stitch with denim
Note: For best results when topstitching with the triple stitch, set the length to 4.

Blind stitch No. 5

Double overlock stitch No. 6
Use blind stitch sole No. 5
Use reverse pattern sole No. 1 or overlock sole No. 2 (optional accessory) Closed seam Overlock seam in loose knits and cross seams in knits and jerseys. Sewing guide the raw edge along the pin on the overlock sole or the reverse pattern sole the stitch will form over the pin and over the edge of the fabric
For invisible hems in medium to heavy cotton, wool and blended fabrics. Preparation neaten raw edges prepare seam as for sewing by hand place work under the presser foot (see drawing)

Wrong side of fabric

Wrong side of fabric Right side of fabric
Sewing the needle should just pierce the edge of the fold (same as hand sewing) adjust the stitch width to suit the fabric after sewing about 10 cm (4"), check both sides of fabric and adjust width again if necessary
Stretch overlock stitch No. 7
Super stretch stitch No. 8
Use reverse pattern sole No. 1 Closed Seam overlock seam in coarse or loose knits Sewing sew stretch overlock along the fabric edge the stitch should sew over the edge of the fabric on the right sewing of the needle

Use reverse pattern sole No. 1 Open Seam very elastic seam for knit fabrics ideal for sports and leisure wear seam lies flat and is not bulky When using heavyweight fabrics (rolling edges) sew 3/8 (1cm) in from the edge and cut off seam allowance.

Honeycomb stitch No. 9

Zippers with Straight stitch No. 1
Use reverse pattern sole No. 1 Ribbing with visible seam for all cotton, wool, synthetic and mixed fiber jersey
Use zipper sole No. 4 Preparation: baste in zipper fabric edges should meet over the center of the zipper needle position far right or far left Sewing sew in the zipper, each side from bottom to top once with needle position far right and once with needle position far left the edge of the foot runs along the teeth of the zipper the needle inserts close to the teeth
Preparation press 1 cm (3/8") to wrong side Sewing sew from the right at a foot's width from the edge trim surplus fabric (wrong side) adjust balance if necessary

Balance/corrections

Note: After sewing return balance to the normal setting!
bring stitch together open out stitch
Darning program, stitch No. 10
Buttonhole, stitch No. 11
Use reverse pattern sole No. 1 Darning with Reverse pattern sole No. 1 (auto stitch counter) insert needle in top left of damaged area sew the first length and stop the sewing computer press the quick reverse button: length is programmed complete the darn; the sewing computer stops automatically clear the programme by pressing the clr/del-button Large areas: the darning area can be extended by moving the work under the foot
Use buttonhole sole No. 3 Preparation select buttonhole the LCD display shows the buttonhole number, presser foot sole No. 3 and the buttonhole symbol (the first step blinks on the display) insert the lower thread in the finger of the bobbin case = thread tension is a little higher mark the buttonhole length in the appropriate position Test sewing test on the fabric and stabilizer you intend to use sew buttonholes in the same grain direction (with or against) cut the buttonhole open push the button through and adjust length if necessary Manual buttonholes are particularly suitable for single buttonholes, for repairing existing buttonholes or to decorative effect. Manual buttonholes cannot be saved.
Sewing a manual standard buttonhole
Both beads are sewn in the same direction. The individual steps blink on the LCD display. 1 sew the first bead forward, stop the sewing computer press the reverse button 2 sew reverse straight stitch, stop the sewing computer at the first stitch (buttonhole begin) press the reverse button 3 sew the bartack and the second bead, stop the sewing computer press the reverse button 4 sew the bartack and the securing stitches 4 Individual steps can be eliminated or repeated.

Corrections To adjust the bead width: alter the stitch width altered stitch widths can be deleted by pressing the clr/del-button
Altering the stitch length: any alterations to the stitch length affect both beads (denser or less dense) altered stitch length can be deleted by pressing the clr/del-button
Balance for manual buttonholes any balance alterations to the manual buttonholes affects both beads identically because they are sewn in the same direction
Note: When all buttonholes have been sewn, return balance to the normal setting!

Sewing needles

Important facts about sewing needles
Your BERNINA uses needle system 130/705H. Needle and thread The most commonly sold needles are nos. 70 120. The finer the needle, the lower the number. The table shows which needle is suitable for which threads.
Needle Darning thread Mercerised cotton thread Synthetic thread 110 120
Thick threads, synthetic mercerised thread
Needle appropriate for thread When sewing, the thread runs in the long groove on the needle.
Needle inappropriate for thread If the needle is too fine, the groove will be too narrow for the thread and faulty stitching or thread breakage can occur. Needle and fabric Condition of needle The needle must be in perfect condition. Problems can occur with damaged needles.
Buttonhole thread for decorative seams (cordonnet)

bent needle

blunt needle

hooked needle

Special materials are easier to sew if the appropriate needle is used. Special needles are available at your BERNINA dealer. Type of needle Universal 130/705 H Normal point, slightly rounded Jersey/Stretch 130/705 H-S 130/705 H-SES 130/705 H-SUK Jeans 130/705 H-J Leather 130/705 H-LL 130/705 H-LR Double needle 130/705 H-ZWI Needle distance: 1.0 / 1.6 / 2.0 / 2.5 / 3.0 / 4.0 Triple needle 130/705 H-DRI Needle distance: 3.0 Wing needle 130/705 HO Wing needle (wing)
Suitable for For nearly all natural and synthetic fabrics (woven and knitted)

Needle size 60100

Jersey, stretch fabrics
Ball point Heavyweight fabrics such as denim, canvas, overalls Very fine point Natural and synthetic leather and plastic Cutting point Visible hems in stretch fabrics, pintucks, decorative sewing 80110

Decorative sewing

Hemstitch

100120

Maintenance

Cleaning

If the sewing computer is stored in a cold room, it should be brought to a warm room about one hour before use. Clean the sewing computer after every use turn power switch to 0 (off) and pull out plug from electric outlet remove presser foot and needle open the free-arm cover press the stitch plate down at the back right corner, lift and remove clean the area with the lint brush replace the stitch plate Cleaning the hook turn power switch to 0 (off) and pull out plug from electric outlet remove the bobbin case push the release lever to the left push the locking lever to the left and fold down the hook race cover remove the hook clean the hook race with a cloth or brush, never use a sharp instrument replace the hook, turning the handwheel if necessary so that the hook driver is on the left close the hook race cover and secure with the locking lever, the locking pin must engage check by turning the handwheel insert the bobbin case

CAUTION

Disconnect plug from the socket before cleaning and servicing
Lubricating squeeze 23 drops of oil into the hook race run the machine for a short time without thread to prevent oil soiling your work
Cleaning the LCD display and the sewing computer wipe with a damp cloth Important! Never use alcohol, petrol, white spirit or any type of solvent to clean the sewing computer!

Sewing light

Disconnect plug from the socket before cleaning and servicing Note: Use bulb type 12 V 5 W. W 2.1 x 9.5 d. Replacing the bulb turn power switch to 0 loosen the screw
remove the cover by lifting it slightliy and detaching from the top
remove the bulb insert the new bulb replace cover and tighten screw
Light bulbs get hot. Allow to cool down before removal.

Trouble shooting

In most cases you will be able to identify and remedy faults by checking the following. Check whether: the upper and lower threads are threaded correctly the needle is inserted correctly the needle size is correct check the needle/thread table p. 29 the sewing computer is clean brush out any thread fluff the hook race is clean any threads are trapped between the tension discs or under the bobbin case spring the bobbin runs smoothly in the case or if remnants or lint need removing
Lower thread breaks The lower thread tension is too tight. The bobbin is jamming in the bobbin case. Remove and replace the bobbin. The hole in the stitch plate has been damaged by the needle. This must be repolished by an expert. The needle is blunt or bent.
Upper thread breaks The upper thread tension is too tight. The needles are of a poor quality. Ideally needles should be purchased from your BERNINA dealer. The needle is bent or blunt. Poor quality, knotted or dried out thread has been used. Use the correct spool disc. Stitch plate or hook tip damaged. Take your sewing computer to your BERNINA dealer.
Skipped stitches Wrong needles used. Use only 130/705H system. The needle is blunt, bent or incorrectly inserted. Push right to the top when inserting. Needle inserted all the way to the top. The needle point does not suit the fabric being sewn. If necessary use a ball point for knitted fabrics and cutting point for hard leather.
Faulty stitching Remnants of thread between the tension discs. Remnants of thread under the bobbin case spring. Lower thread still threaded in the bobbin case finger. Sewing computer threaded with foot down. Incorrect threading. Check upper and lower threads. Use the correct spool disc.

Needle breaks Needle clamp screw loose. Fabric taken out in front instead of behind presser foot. When sewing over thick area, the fabric was pushed with the needle still in the fabric. Poor quality thread, unevenly wound or knotted. See pages 29 and 30 for information about needles.
Sewing computer fails to run or runs slowly Plug not properly inserted. Power switch in off position. Sewing computer has been standing in a cold room. Bobbin winder still switched on.
A Accessories Accessory bag Accessory box Altered stitch memory B Balance Blind stitch Bobbin Bobbin case Bobbin thread cutter Buttonhole C Changing the presser foot sole Changing the needle Cleaning Clear / Delete D Darning program Delete / Clear Details of the sewing computer Display Double overlock stitch F Fabric feed Feed-dog Foot control H Honeycomb stitch 18, 26, 28 21, 11 10, 11 27, 28 I Inserting the bobbin L LCD display Lens Set M Maintenance 1/2 Motor speed N Needle position Needle stop Needle Threader Needle up/down Needles 6, 9 O Optional accessories P Power cable Presser feet R Reverse sewing Running stitch 7, 8, 9 T Thread cutter Thread tension Threading Threads Triple straight stitch Trouble shooting U Upper thread W Winding the bobbin Z Zig-zag stitch Zippers 10, 11, 21, 23 33

21, 21, 23

3132 20

21, 21, 24

29, 30
S Seam guide 8 Sewing light 9, 32 Sewing table 8 Snap-on soles 7 Spool pin 13 Standard accessories 6, 7 Start-stop-unit 9 Stitch length/width 19 Stitch overview 21 Stitch plate 16 Stitch selection 19 Straight stitch 21, 22, 26 Stretch overlock stitch 21, 25 Super stretch stitch 21, 25 Supplementary spool pin 13

21, 22 26

Contents
Important safety Instructions Details of the sewing computer Standard Accessories Feet selection Optional Accessories Setting up the sewing computer Operating instructions Stitch overview Selected practical stitches Sewing Needles Maintenance Troubleshooting Index
Impressum Typesetting, Layout, DTP: Silvia Bartholdi Graphics: Mller-Melzer ID, Kreuzlingen copyright 2007 BERNINA International AG, Steckborn

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