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BERNINA Sewing Machine Questions & Answers

Every household should have a sewing machine. Just like countless other electronic household appliances, a sewing machine can lighten the load of our daily lives. But unlike a vacuum cleaner or a washing machine, a sewing machine can do so much more than just that – it can even sweeten our day-to-day lives!

Read about the advantages of owning a sewing machine and learn some tips for purchasing your very own.

Everyone is familiar with this scenario: You have just pulled out your favorite outfit from the closet only to discover that a seam on your favorite blouse has split open! You have three options in a case like this:

  1. get angry and (once you find the time) take the blouse to a tailor
  2. get angry and throw the blouse away
  3. sit down at your sewing machine and quickly resew the seam

The purchase of a sewing machine always pays off and is sustainable. Repairing seams, hemming trousers, patching holes and sewing on buttons … those of you with children already know how handy having your own sewing machine can be. But it's not just daily sewing that can be completed in a blink of an eye. Your own creative ideas can be designed and accomplished as well. The selection of materials is enormous; whether colorful or monochrome prints made of cotton, jersey, denim, or fine silk, the possibilities are infinite and can be turned into unique creative pieces in your very own sewing room. Not only is sewing fun, but it also provides relaxation and a way to slow down our hectic lives. Children and teens will also enjoy having a creative hobby with wearable results: a simple skirt, a t-shirt, or accessories such as bags or pillows… something that is handmade holds value not only to the person who made it, but also to the person who receives it as a gift. The personal touch counts!

So you have decided to buy a sewing machine. What a great idea! You will be able to perform your own sewing tasks easily and efficiently at home in the very near future. But what is important to know when buying a sewing machine? First you must ask yourself a few questions:

  • Will you just be repairing items once in a while, or would you like to get creative and sew something unique?
  • Which functions are important to you? For instance, different buttonhole stitches, heavy duty sewing or a large selection of ornate decorative stitches.
  • Do you want a machine do patchwork and quilting work? Or one for embroidery?
  • How much room do you have at home? Will you be able to leave the machine set up, or will you have to put it away after each use?
  • What kind of budget do you have available?

There are sewing machines for every price range. You have to bear in mind, however, that the extremely cheap models available at discount retailers may not live up to your expectations. And it would be a shame if your newfound passion for a hobby quickly fizzled as a result. Premium sewing machines easily work with diverse materials and sew beautiful stitches thanks to powerful motors and high-quality hooks. They also allow you to avoid loops, loose threads, irregular thread tension and seams, and thread breakages. Just as with all other electrical household appliances, the same rule applies: good quality comes at a price, but it always pays off in the end. Buy the right one from the start.

Do your research and consult with a specialized retailer. Additionally, try out different sewing machine models at your authorized dealer. BERNINA offers smaller, larger, and very large models with different ranges of functions. Of course, the bigger models have more to offer and are therefore a little more expensive. Think about what exactly it is you need from a sewing machine and what comfort functions you absolutely cannot do without. Pay particular attention to functions that may offer you a new perspective. For instance, there are many BERNINA sewing machines that are also capable of embroidery. You don't embroider? Simply give it a try!

Our tip for you: Make a purchase with an eye towards growth – and especially on developing your expertise. Because you will grow with the creative requirements of every project that you undertake. The more often and the longer that you sew, the more knowledge and skills you will gain and the higher your standards will rise. Wouldn't it be wonderful, then, if your sewing machine also had more to offer? If you are not initially purchasing with a look to the future, then there might also be the possibility of trading in used sewing machines as payment towards a new model at authorized BERNINA dealers. Isn't that convenient? One way or another, you should choose a sewing machine that you will be able to understand and operate. Easy operation is important, but "easy" is a highly subjective concept that can be greatly determined by one's age and previous knowledge. Which is why we have just one thing to say: Head to your local specialized store and try out a BERNINA for yourself!

There are mechanical sewing machines and electronic sewing machines, the latter also being called computerized sewing machines.

Mechanical sewing machines are considered very sturdy and their operation is likewise simple. However, when compared to computerized sewing machines, the range of functions and even the level of comfort of the mechanical machines are less extensive. Generally, you can only choose between a few stitches, and all basic settings, such as stitch length, stitch width, needle position, and thread tension must be adjusted by the user to the fabric surface and thickness, the thread, and the selected stitch.

Electronic sewing machines have a significantly greater range of function. The large selection of sewing and decorative stitches, as well as the extensive automated functions and programming options, make computerized sewing machines true multi-talented workhorses. Additionally, the many extras and comfort functions make operating the machines and sewing even easier. For instance, computerized sewing machines (depending on which model) can automatically bring the needle into the right threading position or automatically cut the thread at the push of a button. Even sewing and securing the thread at the end of a seam can be performed at the push of a button on many models. In addition, you have the option of starting the machine using a foot pedal that can control the speed of the machine, or you can simply do without the foot control and operate the machine using a start/stop button. Computerized sewing machines also have greater sewing speeds than their mechanical counterparts and significantly quieter operation.

Many computerized sewing machines are also capable of sewing alphabet letters, allowing you to personalize your sewing projects. The typically large selection of decorative stitches has something for everyone when it comes to embellishments and decorations. Models in the higher price range can even save various stitches and stitch pattern combinations. Computerized sewing machines in the higher price range are also generally equipped with an embroidery function. This means that you can turn your sewing machine into an embroidery machine with an additional embroidery module and embroidery hoops. Embroidery opens up a multitude of options for embellishment, personalization, and individualization. Whether floral patterns on jeans, animal motifs on children's t-shirts, or monograms on hand towels and napkins… embroidery is a hobby for creative individuals and happens to be a lot of fun.

Operating an electronic sewing machine is extremely easy. The sewing machine is operated using a display, which is generally a touch screen with a modern swiping function on the more expensive models. All settings are adjustable using this display as well. Operation is very intuitive and the logistics and menu operation of the integrated software is similar to that of a computer or a smartphone. The desired stitches are selected via the display. Additional settings can be adjusted under the setup option – these settings may be more or less extensive depending on the model.

Certainly, computerized sewing machines are more expensive than their mechanical counterparts, but they have significantly more to offer.

The better care you take of your sewing machine, the longer it will bring you joy. But how exactly does one take care of a sewing machine? What do you do? What can and can't you do yourself? And how often?

It fundamentally depends on how often you use your sewing machine and how intensively you pursue your hobby. Dust and fluff should be removed from the sewing machine after each use, since working with materials and threads quickly produces dust that can settle in the hook of the sewing machine and in the feed dog, resulting in skipped stitches or unsightly knots in the bobbin thread. A simple and very efficient method is to use a vacuum cleaner. If you open the clasp of the hook on your (turned off!) BERNINA sewing machine, you can use the vacuum cleaner hose (best without the attachment) to thoroughly clean the entire area around the hook and easily remove the remaining thread and fluff. Do the same from above the stitch plate, which allows you to remove the residual fluff from the feed dog so you can once again work in a clean environment. Cleaning is important, but so is oiling the machine from time to time. If you also embroider with your sewing machine, you must oil it often because the machine is put under more stress with the high speeds than it is when performing simple sewing work.

You must place the oil on the proper site on the hook. One drop of sewing machine oil is enough to make the system run smoothly again. It is important that you don't use just any sewing machine oil, because different hook systems on different machines require different oil. Ask your specialized dealer beforehand! When applying oil, be sure that you distribute the oil well while the machine is at rest and let the machine run (without needle and thread) by pressing on the foot control. After you have oiled your sewing machine, you will first want to sew a little on a piece of test fabric to ensure that oil residue is not leaking out that could stain your precious materials you bought for your new creations.

You also have the choice of having your sewing machine checked and serviced or, in the event of issues, repaired by a BERNINA sewing machine specialist. In most BERNINA authorized stores you will find a complete wellness offer to ensure your satisfaction with your sewing machine.

Many different accessories are included when you purchase a BERNINA sewing machine, such as presser feet or soles (depending on the model), bobbins, seam ripper, brush, and oil. Presser feet or soles are usually required for general sewing work, such as zippers, buttonholes, or blind hemming. They are included in the delivery package with your BERNINA sewing machine, depending on the model. Another useful accessory is the freearm slide-on extension table. It expands the sewing surface, which makes working on large sewing projects or working with difficult materials significantly easier. Freearm slide-on tables are sometimes included in the delivery and sometimes are available as an optional accessory. Freearm refers to the exposed part of the sewing machine arm. This is the area that also has an open section underneath so that you can work on closed items, such as trouser legs, sleeves, cuffs, or even smaller items like children's t-shirts.

There are, of course, countless optional accessories to equip your sewing machine with. Unique accessories have been developed for various applications to make life easier for the hobbyist and the professional sewist alike. Whether it's a binder attachment, a jeans presser foot, a darning foot, a gathering foot, a button sew-on foot, a quilting foot, a pin tuck foot, an embroidery foot, a patchwork foot, a piping foot, or a couching foot – the list is far from complete. But there is more to offer than presser feet. There are also spool holders, needle plates for special applications, as well as the knee lifter for the legendary BERNINA Free Hand System (FHS) available for purchase. The knee lifter allows you to raise or lower the presser foot while simultaneously lowering the feed dog without having to take your hands off the sewing project – everything is controlled by moving your knee.

There are different ways to find the right accessories for your sewing machine. You will find every kind of accessory for your sewing machine online in the BERNINA Accessories Search. Alternatively, you can contact a BERNINA authorized dealer or flip through the BERNINA accessories catalog. There is nothing that does not exist. The selection is vast and investing in additional accessories for special applications is worth it. Accessories not only make sewing easier, but they make your sewing projects more professional and your sewing machine more valuable.

To start off with, you can also sew a seam with an overlock machine – an overlock seam!

Overlock seams are generally found on the inside of practically all articles of clothing. An overlock machine cuts, sews and finishes the edges of fabric in one fell swoop, making the finishes and seams perfectly clean and professional-looking as well as secure from coming undone. An overlock is a specialized machine with a looper system that is designed completely differently than that of a sewing machine. The overlock creates loops, like a type of chain, that enclose the fabric edges. Particularly elastic materials, such as jersey and knitwear, are easy to handle with an overlock so that no unwanted waves are created. It is generally recommended that you purchase an overlock machine in addition to a sewing machine, particularly if you like to sew clothing that looks professional both inside and out.

Although there are one or even a few overlock stitches on many sewing machine models, it must be noted that this useful stitch is not comparable to the overlock stitches on an overlock machine. An overlock not only has various stitches with one or two needles and two loopers (depending on the model and stitch), but it also has a small integrated knife that cuts, stitches, and finishes the fabric edges at the same time while you sew. You can certainly sew an overlock seam using the overlock stitch on a sewing machine, but the appearance and the technique used to create it will be different than that done by an overlock machine, since a sewing machine and an overlock function completely differently.

It is recommended that beginners first get a sewing machine and learn the basics of sewing. There are a multitude of sewing classes for beginners as well as advanced sewists offered by many BERNINA authorized dealers as well as online on YouTube or via online sewing courses. Once you have acquired a wealth of sewing knowledge and wish to expand your skills, then it will be time to get an overlocker. You will find that you'll have twice as much fun sewing and the results will be so much more beautiful.

BERNINA Overlocker – Sew, cut and tidy up in a single operation

The BERNINA overlock machine, the specialist for highly stretchy seams in knitwear, fine rolled hems in lightweight fabrics or decorative flatlock seams in wovens or knits.

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TYPICAL BERNINA! This sets BERNINA sewing machines apart

Why should you buy a sewing machine from BERNINA? Because for more than 125 years we have focused our passion into developing sewing and embroidery machines of the highest quality.

The BERNINA name has always been synonymous with robustness and durability. Quality is evident in the precision of the stitches and the high needle penetration power when sewing thick fabrics.Our machines are tested extensively before leaving our factory. And we remain available to provide support and advice after purchase. Our authorized dealers receive regular product training so that they can provide expert assistance to our customers.

A wealth of exclusive and innovative functions and features and simple, intuitive operation sets BERNINA sewing machines apart from all others. They guarantee simple and intuitive operation despite the highly complex technology and open up a world of new possibilities for your creative ideas. Almost all BERNINA models feature a touch screen that lets you keep track of your settings at a glance and functions like a modern smartphone. And many things run automatically! The automatic foot lifter automatically lowers the foot when you start sewing and raises it at the touch of a button. The automatic presser foot pressure feature ensures that the presser foot has the ideal pressure for the selected stitch. The default setting can be adjusted for specific materials. And the automatic thread cutter trims the thread and lifts the needle and presser foot with just the touch of a button. What service!

But there are even more exclusive features from BERNINA! The BERNINA Hook is one of the best ideas to come from our Swiss engineers. With up to a 9 mm stitch width, the BERNINA Hook allows you to sew precisely and quietly for even longer stretches without interruption thanks to the jumbo-sized bobbin. The BERNINA Adaptive Thread Tension also deserves to be mentioned. This great innovation from BERNINA ensures the ideal thread tension as you sew, helping you to achieve perfect stitch quality on both sides of the fabric. After you set the thread tension for the thread and fabric, the BERNINA Adaptive Thread Tension continuously checks it as you sew, adjusting it unobtrusively and automatically whenever necessary. The result: the finest sewing and embroidery quality, with no need to even press a button. The BERNINA Dual Feed is especially helpful when sewing delicate materials. When activated, the Dual Feed feeds the material from both the top and bottom, letting you sew difficult fabrics evenly and carefully.

One of the most revolutionary BERNINA presser feet for regular stitches with variable speed is the BERNINA Stitch Regulator. Thanks to modern sensor technology, it is particularly suited for freehand sewing, i.e. sewing with a lowered feed dog. It ensures a perfect stitch result when sewing straight and zigzag stitches. The BERNINA Free Hand System (FHS) is also one of BERNINA's exclusives. The knee lever lowers the feed dog and raises the presser foot simultaneously so that both hands are free to guide and manoeuvre the fabric.

If embroidery is your passion, then Pinpoint Placement is an important function for you. It helps you precisely position and align embroidery motifs on the fabric. The Smart Secure function conveniently adds tie-on/off stitches to a design if none are pre-programmed. And the Invisible Secure makes the perfected tie-on/off formation completely invisible. The cutting of jump stitches at every length can be set individually. All of this and much more is par for the course for a BERNINA!

"My BERNINA never lets me down." Tula Pink, american fabric designer and quilter

Tula Pink plays with patterns like a poet plays with words. She transforms traditional patterns into modern designs. Her love of textiles began at a young age, and it wasn't long before she was designing her own fabrics. Soon after she also fell in love with quilting, because she wanted to use the mountain of material she had collected over the years to make beautiful things. Today, many years later, she is an internationally recognized designer and quilter who values quality down to the last detail with perfect stitches and a capable sewing machine.

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Personal advice at your Local BERNINA Store

Over 2,000 BERNINA Stores worldwide offer valuable services to all our customers. Your local BERNINA Store is there to proudly help you, with advice on machines and accessories that best suit your needs, selection of BERNINA Embroidery Software and also in servicing your BERNINA.

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