Bernette Chicago 7 User manual

1
Contents
Safety Instructions 2
All rights reserved 4
Embroidery 6
Important Embroidery information 6
–Embroidery threads 6
–Lower threads 7
Embroidery Overview 8
Details of Embroidery module 8
Accessories 9
Optional 9
Embroidery Setup 10
Attaching the embroidery foot 10
Connecting the embroidery module 11
Removing the embroidery unit 12
Embroidery hoop 13
–Hooping the fabric 14
–Using embroidery templates 15
Attaching the embroidery hoop 16
Removing the embroidery hoop 16
Stabilizer 16
–Tear-away stabilizers 16
–Cut-away stabilizers 17
Adhesive Spray 17
–Spray starch for additional stiffening 17
Iron-on interfacing 18
–Paper-backed adhesive stabilizer 18
–Water soluble stabilizer 18
Display Explanation & Operating Functions 19
Embroidery Mode 19
Function Buttons 20
–Start/Stop button 20
–Reverse/Exit button 20
–Auto-Lock/Trace button 20
–Elongation/Resize button 20
–Double needle/Rotate button 20
–Stitch length adjustment/ Stitch forward/backward
button 21
–Stitch width adjustment/ Colour forward/backward
button 21
–Memory/Setup button 21
–Clear/Return button 21
–Pattern group selection/Colour setup button 21
Embroidery Selection 22
Embroidery Design types 22
–Built-in Embroidery Designs 23
–Built-in Embroidery Letters 24
–Designs from USB stick 25
Starting to embroider 26
Editing the Embroidery Design 28
–Basic setting 28
–Embroidery hoop 28
–Mirroring the Design 28
–Resizing the Design 29
–Rotating the Design 30
–Single/ Multi color 30
–Repositioning the Design 31
–Advanced settings 32
–CutWork Tool 32
–Inch/mm options 32
–Embroidery maximum speed 32
–Software version information 32
–Acoustic signal 33
–Embroidery arm return 33
Load a Design after interruption 34
BERNINA CutWork Tool* 36
–Preparation 36
–Switch from Embroidery Mode to Cutting Mode 37
–Start to Cut 38
Warnings 39
Warning functions 39
–Warning message 39
–Warning display 39
–Warning sound 44
Trouble Shooting 45
Trouble shooting guide 45
Embroidery Design Overview 47
Start Screen 47
Seasons 48
Sports 52
Decoration 54
Flowers 56
Children 59
Animals 62

2
Safety Instructions
IMPORTANT
When using an electrical machine, basic safety precautions should always be followed, inclu-
ding the following:
Please read the instruction manual carefully before using this machine.
Keep the instruction manual at a suitable place with the machine and hand it over if you give
the machine to a third party.
When the machine is not in use or left unattended, always disconnect the machine from
the power supply system. Unplug it from the outlet.
DANGER!
To reduce the risk of electric shock:
1. Never leave the machine unattended when it is plugged in.
2. Always unplug this machine from the electric outlet immediately after using and before
cleaning.
3. LED RADIATION: Do not view directly with optical instruments Class.
WARNING!
To reduce the risk of burns, fire, electric shock or injury to persons:
1. The machine mustn’t be used by children under 8 or by people with reduced physical,
sensory or mental capabilities or if there is a lack of experience and knowledge how to
operate the machine. Unless they have been given instruction concerning the use of the
machine and the involved risks by a person who is responsible for their safety.
2. Do not use this machine as a toy. Close attention is necessary when this machine is used
by children, near children or people with reduced sensation.
3. Use this machine only for its intended use as described in this manual. Use only acces-
sories recommended by the manufacturer.
4. Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the machine.
5. Never operate this machine if it has a damaged cord or plug, if it is not working properly,
if it has been dropped or damaged, or dropped into water. Return the machine to the
nearest authorized dealer or service centre for examination, repair, electrical or mechani-
cal adjustment.
6. Never operate the machine with any air openings blocked. Keep ventilation openings of
the machine and the foot control free from accumulation of lint, dust, and loose cloth.
7. Keep fingers away from all moving parts. Special care is required around the machine
needle.
8. Always use the proper stitch plate. The wrong plate can cause needle
9. Do not use bent needles.
10. Do not pull or push the fabric while sewing. This can result in needle breakage.

3
Safety Instruction
11. Switch the machine off (”O”) when making any adjustments in the needle area, such as
threading or changing the needle, threading the bobbin, or changing the presser foot, and
the like.
12. Always unplug the machine when performing cleaning or maintenance work such as
replacing the sewing light or when making any other user maintenance adjustments men-
tioned in the instruction manual (disconnect the power plug). Cleaning and maintenance
work must not be carried out by children without supervision.
13. Never drop or insert any object into any openings.
14. Use this machine only in dry and protected areas. Never operate the machine in a damp
or wet environment.
15. Do not operate the machine where aerosol spray products are being used or where oxy-
gen is being administered.
16. To disconnect, turn the power switch to (”O”)(off), then remove the plug from the outlet.
Do not unplug by pulling the cord, instead grasp the plug to pull it from the outlet.
17. If the supply cord of the foot control is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer
or an appropriate service agent or a similar qualified person in order to avoid endanger-
ment.
18. Never place anything on the foot control.
19. When replacing the light bulb, always use the same type.
20. The machine may only be used in combination with a foot control of the type C-9000.
21. The sound pressure level during normal operation is lower than 75dB(A).
22. This machine is provided with double insulation (except U.S.A/Canada). Use only identical
replacement parts. See instructions for Servicing of double-insulated products.
SERVICING OF 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 added to the product. Servicing a doubleinsulated product requires extreme care and
knowledge of the system and should only be done by qualified service personnel. Replace-
ment 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.

4
Safety Instruction
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
Attention!
• This machine is intended for household use only. If used intensively or commercially, regular cleaning and
especially attentive care is required.
• Signs of wear and tear owing to intensive or commercial use are not covered automatically, even if they occur
within the warranty period. The decision on how to deal with any such cases rests with the local authorised
servicing staff.
note
If the machine is stored in a cold room, it should be brought to a warm room about one hour before use.
All rights reserved
For technical and product improvement reasons, the machine’s features, parts and accessory are subject to
unannounced changes and alterations at any time. The accessory included can differ from country to country.
Environmental protection
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 manufactu-
ring. Do not dispose of electrical machines as unsorted municipal waste, use separate collection
facilities. Contact your local government for information regarding the collection systems available.
If electrical machines are disposed of in landfills or dumps, hazardous substances can leak into the
groundwater and get into the food chain, damaging your health and well-being.
When replacing old machines with new ones, the retailer is legally obligated to take back your old
machine for professional disposal free of charge.

5

6
Embroidery
Important Embroidery information
Embroidery threads
A good quality thread is essential for embroidery to avoid poor
stitch formation, thread breakage, etc.
Embroidery is particularly effective if you use 40wt glossy
rayon or polyester embroidery threads as upper threads. They
are available in a wide range of colors for beautiful embroidery.
Polyester threads
Polyester with a brilliant sheen is a hard wearing colorfast
thread and has a high tensile strength which is suitable for all
types of embroidery.
Rayon threads
Rayon is a soft viscose fiber with a brilliant sheen and suitable
for fine, delicate embroidery, or items that will not receive
excessive wear and tear.
Metallic threads
Metallic thread is a light- to medium weight thread suitable for
special effects in embroidery.
Reduce the speed and the upper thread tension when
embroidering with metallic threads.
Embroidery needle
• Correct size thread must correspond with correct size
needle.
• Replace the needle regularly.
Use the vertical spool pin and attach the supplemental
thread guide (optional accessory) when using metallic or
specialty threads. A Metafil 130/705H-MET need is recom-
mended for embroidering with metallic threads. Adjust upper
thread tension and reduce the embroidery speed.
note

7
Embroidery
Lower threads
Bobbin Fill (special bobbin thread)
Bobbin Fill is an especially soft and light polyester thread suit-
able for bobbin thread. This special bobbin thread ensures a
steady thread tension and an optimal intertwining of the upper
and bobbin thread.
Darning and embroidery thread
Fine mercerized cotton thread which is suitable for embroider-
ing on cotton.
In most cases, bobbin thread for embroidery is either white
or black. Some special cases require the same thread in top
and bobbin.
note

8
Embroidery Overview
Details of Embroidery module
1 Embroidery module
2 Embroidery arm
3 USB port
4 Embroidery module release lever
5 Hoop-securing lever
6 Embroidery hoop attachment brackets
7 Embroidery module connection
8 Embroidery module connector plug
Do not touch the embroidery arm. The connector could be
damaged, and it may cause malfunctions.
Do not lift up on the embroidery arm, and do not forcefully
move it. It may cause malfunctions.
Do not carry the embroidery module by holding it at the
release button area.
The foot control is disabled as long as the embroidery
module is connected.
note

9
Embroidery Overview
Accessories
1 Simple embroidery foot
2 Darning/Embroidery foot
3 Embroidery hoop (L-110x170mm)
4
6
5
1 32
Optional
4 Embroidery hoop (M-100x100mm)
5 Embroidery hoop (S-40x40mm)
6 CutWork Tool

10
Embroidery Setup
Attaching the embroidery foot
• Raise the presser foot.
• Press the black lever (a) and the foot will disengage.
• Remove the presser foot holder (c) by unscrewing
(counter-clockwise) the presser foot bar attaching
screw (b).
• Attach the embroidery foot to the presser foot holder
bar.
• Press the embroidery foot on firmly from behind with
your index finger and tighten the screw.
Turn power switch to off («O») when carrying out any of the
following operations!
Attention!
note
To achieve a better sewing result when using thick material,
insert the darning/embroidery foot. Adjust the thread tension
if necessary.

11
Align the arrow on the plug (a) with the arrow on the
machine (b).
Attention!
Embroidery Setup
Connecting the embroidery module
• Remove the sewing table to the left side.
•Move the feed dog control to lower the feed dog (b).
• Insert the embroidery module connection into the
machine connection port.
• Push lightly until the module clicks into place.
• Insert the plug into the embroidery module connector
of the machine.
Turn power switch to off («O») when carrying out any of the
following operations!
Attention!
b
a
ba

12
Embroidery Setup
Removing the embroidery unit
• Remove the embroidery module connector plug.
• Press the embroidery module release button on the
left, underneath the embroidery module and slide the
module to the left to remove it.
Turn power switch to off («O») when carrying out any of the
following operations!
When you finish the work, move the feed dog control to
raise the feed dog (a).
Attention!
note
b
b
a
a
b
b
a
a
b
a
ba

13
Embroidery Setup
Embroidery hoop
1 Inner hoop
2 Centering ribs for embroidery template
3 Center mark
4 Outer hoop
5 Embroidery hoop connector
6 Hoop size
7 Adjustment screw

14
Embroidery Setup
Hooping the fabric
•Loosen the embroidery hoop adjustment screw on the
outer hoop.
•Separate the inner and outer hoop by removing the
inner hoop upward.
•The fabric is hooped with the right side up.
•Place the fabric with the stabilizer material on top of the
outer hoop.
•Press the inner hoop down.
•Push down firmly until the inner hoop fits securely into
the outer hoop.
•Align the fabric with the inner hoop (a) and the outer
hoop (b).
•Tighten the adjustment screw to secure the fabric.
•Tighten the fabric by hand.
•After tightening the fabric, make sure that the fabric is
stretched tautly in the hoop.

15
Embroidery Setup
Using embroidery templates
•Mark the center position of the design to be embroi-
dered using a chalk pen.
•Place the embroidery template on the inner frame.
•Align the fabric with the base line of the embroidery
template.
•Place the inner frame over the fabric on the outer frame
and stretch the fabric.
•Remove the embroidery template.

16
Tear-away stabilizers
•Excess is easily torn away.
•One or more layers can be used.
•Available in different weights.
•For more stability, apply to the wrong side of the mate-
rial with temporary adhesive spray before hooping.
•Carefully tear away excess stabilizer from the back of
the embroidery after stitching.
•Designs are not skewed.
•Stabilizer will remain under larger embroidered areas.
Application
–For all woven materials and materials without
stretch.
Stabilizer
Embroidery Setup
Attaching the embroidery hoop
Removing the embroidery hoop
• Raise the presser foot.
• Place the embroidery hoop under the presser foot.
• Attach the embroidery hoop, plug the embroidery hoop
connector into the hoop securing lever from the front to
the back until it clicks.
• Raise the presser foot.
• Press the snap on the embroidery hoop holder down.
• Pull the hoop towards you smoothly and carefully.

17
Embroidery Setup
Cut-away stabilizers
•One or more layers can be used.
•Available in different weights.
•For more stability, apply to the wrong side of the material
with temporary adhesive spray before hooping.
•Carefully cut away from the back of the embroidery after
stitching.
•Designs are not skewed.
•Stabilizer will remain under larger embroidered areas.
Application
–For all elastic materials.
Avoid using spray adhesive next to your embroidery system.
• At a distance of 25-30 cm use adhesive spray carefully.
• Spray the stabilizer and adhere to the wrong side of the
material carefully smoothing material so that there are
no puckers.
Application
–Stretch and knitted material: to retain shape.
–Smooth material: to avoid slipping of material lay-
ers.
–Appliqués can be exactly positioned.
–Material pieces: position material pieces on stabi-
lizer, e.g.pocket flaps.
–Napped materials (i.e. velvet) that should not be
clamped in the hoop to avoid getting hoop marks.
–To fix the parts to be embroidered.
Spray starch for additional stiffening
Spray starch is ideal for additional stiffening of fine, soft or
loosely woven materials.
• Spray the area to be embroidered
• Let dry; or press gently with a warm iron if necessary
•Always use an additional stabilizer such as water solu-
ble stabilizer on the wrong side of the material.
Application
–Ideal for fine, loosely woven materials, e.g. batiste,
fine linen, etc.
Adhesive Spray

18
Iron-on interfacings are available in a variety of weights. Iron-
on interfacings should be selected to suit the material being
used. Use an iron-on interfacing which is easily removable
from the material.
• Iron-on interfacings are pressed (fused) to the wrong
side of the material
Application:
–To provide body and shape for the materials onto
which designs will be placed, use the appropriate
stabilizer.
Paper-backed adhesive stabilizer
• Place stabilizer in hoop, paper side up.
• Use a pointed object (e.g. scissors) to score the paper.
• Remove paper to reveal the self-adhesive surface.
– The self-adhesive surface reveals.
• Position the material to be embroidered on the stabi-
lizer and smoothen the area.
Application:
–Intended for delicate materials such as jersey or silk
etc.
–For hard-to-hoop parts and materials.
Iron-on interfacing
Water soluble stabilizer
Water soluble stabilizers look like plastic wrap. Dissolve stabi-
lizer in warm water when the embroidery is complete. Water
soluble stabilizers are ideal protection for materials with a
thick or looped pile such as toweling. This prevents the
threads from sinking into the material and prevents the mate-
rial from showing through the embroidery stitches.
• Place on top of the material.
• Place all the layers together into the embroidery hoop.
• Use adhesive spray to fix stabilizer if necessary.
• For material with a pile, reinforce with additional, suit-
able stabilizer on the wrong side.
• After dissolving lay the design down flat and let dry.
Application:
–Ideal for toweling, velvet, bouclé etc.
–Ideal for fine, sheer materials such as organdy,
batiste, etc.
–For lace embroidery.
Make sure that the adhesive residue on needle, stitch plate
and hook area is removed.
For lace embroidery place one or two layers of water soluble
stabilizer in hoop (as the design is not embroidered on any
material, only the thread embroidered design is left). Embro-
idery designs must be combined with short stitches other-
wise the individual designs may fall out.
note
note
Embroidery Setup