Threading the Machine
Before starting to thread the Bernina sewing machine, it is important to understand the various parts that make up the machine. The bobbin is a small metal cylinder, typically attached to a plastic, paper or cardboard disk and filled with thread. The bobbin, along with its companion parts, the spool pin and hook drive, are housed in a separate compartment, called the bobbin case, which is located beneath the bobbin cover.
The aim is to follow the thread guide from the spool pin to the bobbin wound with thread. Firstly remove the bobbin cover from the machine. Open the loaded bobbin case and position the thread guide closest to the bobbin. Make sure the bobbin is wound correctly with the thread. Make sure the thread is aligned with the thread guide’s teeth. Next, take the thread and insert it into the bobbin case’s groove, loop it around the hook drive, and thread the bobbin with it.
Make sure all the thread is evenly distributed inside the bobbin and it fits snugly in the bobbin case. When being inserted into the bobbin case, the bobbin should spin in a clockwise direction. If the bobbin is spinning in the wrong direction, it may be inserted improperly. In this case, the bobbin should be removed and re-threaded.
Once the bobbin is inserted, thread the machine by aligning the thread guide on the take-up lever and the thread guide on the bobbin. Make sure the thread is snugly fixed in all the required places. Finally, the presser foot should be lowered and the thread should be tensioned on the bobbin. This is done by gently tugging the thread towards the presser foot. To ensure the thread is tensioned properly, the bobbin should spin counterclockwise.
Tension Adjustment
Adjusting the bobbin tension is a crucial step in setting up a Bernina sewing machine. Before commencing the adjustment process, it is essential to check the threading of the machine. The bobbin tension should be adjusted to ensure that the stitching is of good quality. The bobbin tension can be adjusted by turning the screw at the face of the bobbin case. This is done by turning the screw clockwise to increase the tension and counterclockwise to decrease the tension.
To determine if the tension is correctly set, a piece of scrap fabric should be used. After sewing a few stitches on the fabric, the bottom and top threads should be examined. If the top thread is pulling the bobbin thread to the surface, it is an indication that the bobbin tension is too tight. On the other hand, if the bobbin thread shows on the bottom of the fabric, it is an indication that the bobbin tension is too loose.
In some Bernina sewing machines, the tension discs are automatically adjusted, negating the need to manually set the tension. In this case, the bobbin should be carefully inserted into the machine and the tension discs should be positioned correctly. If this is not done correctly, the stitches will not be even and the quality of stitching will be affected.
In addition to this, the type of fabric being sewn should also be taken into account when adjusting the bobbin tension. If a thicker fabric is being used, the bobbin tension should be set higher than normal, while lighter fabric requires a lower tension setting. It is important to note that the bobbin tension should only be adjusted if necessary, as over-adjustment can affect the quality of the stitching.
Clearing Thread Issues
Although threading the Bernina sewing machine is a straightforward task, it can cause various threading issues. If the bobbin is incorrectly threaded or inserted, the spinning of the machine can become erratic, or the machine may refuse to stitch. Another common issue is when the bobbin tension is either too tight or too loose, which can result in the stitches being uneven.
In most cases, such issues can be resolved by correcting the threading of the machine or by adjusting the bobbin tension. Other issues, such as inconsistent stitching, or tension issues that cannot be resolved by adjusting the bobbin tension can be caused by a damaged bobbin case. If this is the case, the bobbin case should be replaced with a new one.
It is also important to check if the machine is properly lubricated. If the machine is not sufficiently lubricated, the thread may become entangled or snagged, causing the machine to malfunction. It is also important to check that the needles are in good condition, as damaged needles can cause poorly stitched seams or uneven stitching.
Maintenance
To ensure the machine is in top condition, it is important to perform regular maintenance. This includes ensuring the bobbin is correctly wound, the thread is tensioned correctly, and the needles are in good condition. It is also important to keep the bobbin case and its components clean, as a dirty bobbin case can cause excessive friction and hence poor stitching.
In addition to this, the machine should also be cleaned regularly, as the accumulation of dust and lint can cause the machine to malfunction. Regularly lubricating the machine is also essential to ensure that it runs smoothly. Finally, it is important to periodically check the tension discs, as they can become worn out with time.
Troubleshooting
If issues arise despite putting the bobbin in correctly and/or routinely servicing the machine, then troubleshooting steps must be taken. Firstly, it is important to ensure that the machine is correctly threaded and the bobbin is wound with the correct amount of thread. If the thread is too tight, it can cause issues with the stitching. Secondly, it is essential to make sure the bobbin tension is set correctly. If the tension is set incorrectly, the stitches may be loose or bunched up.
Thirdly, it is important to check that the bobbin is turning in the correct direction. If the bobbin is spinning in the wrong direction, then it may need to be re-threaded or replaced. Finally, it is also important to check the needle is in good condition and is suitable for the fabric being used. If the needle is bent or worn out, it should be replaced before continuing stitching.
Changing Bobbins
When the bobbin runs out of thread, it must be refilled with the correct type of thread. Depending on the machine, this process may vary. Firstly, it is important to check the bobbin winding spindle for compatibility, as some machines may require a specific type of bobbin or thread. Additionally, the type of fabric may also affect the bobbin selection. Lighter fabrics require thinner bobbins and threads, whereas heavier fabrics require heavier threads and bobbins.
To refill the bobbin, the hook drive should be unscrewed from the bobbin case, and the bobbin should be inserted into the thread winding spool. This should be done by attaching the hook drive and winding the bobbin clockwise. To prevent the bobbin from becoming tangled, it is important to regularly release the hook drive and wind the bobbin evenly. At the same time, the thread should also be evenly wound and fitted into the bobbin’s grooves correctly.
After the bobbin is correctly wound and the thread is tensioned, the bobbin case should be re-assembled and screwed into place. Finally, the presser foot should be lowered and the machine should be threaded. Once the machine is threaded, the bobbin should be checked to make sure it is turning in the correct direction.
Testing
Once the bobbin is changed and the machine is re-threaded and tested, it is important to test the machine by making a few stitches on a piece of scrap fabric. The test stitches help to determine if the machine is working properly and the fabric is being held in place correctly. If the stitches are uneven, it is an indication that the machine requires further adjustment. On the other hand, if the stitches are even and consistent, it is a sign the machine is correctly set up.
In conclusion, putting a bobbin in a Bernina sewing machine is a simple, yet important, task that can be completed in a few steps. In order to ensure the machine is set up correctly, it is essential to follow the thread guide, adjust the bobbin tension, and change and refill the bobbins correctly. Additionally, it is important to regularly service the machine, as this ensures the machine runs smoothly and prevents any potential problems arising.
