Bernette Chicago 7 User manual

my
bernette
my
city
Instruction Manual
Chicago 7

502020.83.11_2013_06_bernette chicago 7_EN

1
Contents
Safety Instructions 3
All rights reserved 4
Machine Overview 5
Details of the sewing machine 5
Accessories 6
–Optional 6
Machine Setup 7
Connecting the Machine 7
–Polarized plug information 7
Foot Control 7
Sewing Table 8
Winding the Bobbin 9
Inserting the Bobbin 11
Threading the Upper Thread 12
Needle Threader 14
Replacing the Needle 15
Thread Cutter 15
Thread Tension 16
Altering Presser Foot Pressure 17
Raising or Dropping the Feed dog 17
Changing the Presser Foot 18
Two-Step Presser Foot 18
Important Sewing Information 19
Needle, Fabric, Thread Selection Guide 19
Presser Foot Application Chart 21
Display Explanation & Operating Functions 22
Buttons Explanation 22
Information on the LCD Display 23
–Normal Mode 23
–Memory Mode 24
–Embroidery Mode 25
Function Buttons 26
–Start/Stop button 26
–Reverse/Exit button 26
–Auto-Lock/Trace button 26
–Needle up/down button 27
–Speed Dial 27
–Arrow buttons 28
–OK button 28
–Direct pattern selection 28
–Number buttons 28
–Mirror image button 29
–Elongation/Resize button 29
–Double needle/Rotate button 29
–Stitch length adjustment/ Stitch forward/backward button
30
–Stitch width adjustment/ Colour forward/backward button
30
–Memory/Setup button 31
–Clear/Return button 31
–Pattern group selection/Colour setup button 31
How to select a stitch 32
Stitches Overview 33
Stitches 33
Basic Sewing Procedures 36
Reverse 36
Free arm 36
Sewing corners 36
Sewing on the heavy fabric 37
Straight Stitches and Needle Position 38
–Changing the needle position 38
–Altering the stitch length 38
Zig-zag Stitches 38
–Altering the stitch width 38
–Altering the stitch length 38
Triple Straight Stretch Stitch 39
Overlock Stitches 40
Using the All- purpose foot 40
Blind Hem 41
Button Sewing-on 42
Buttonhole Stitching 43
–Buttonholes on stretch fabrics 47
–Bartack stitch 48
Eyelet Stitch 49
Darning Stitch 50
Zipper Insertion* 52
–Inserting a centered zipper 52
–Inserting a side zipper 53
–Invisible zipper insertion 54
Narrow Hemming 55
Cording 56
–Single cording 56
–Triple cording 56
Satin Stitch Sewing 57
Quilting 58
–Patchwork stitching 58
–Hand look quilting 59
–Blanket (Quilting Applique) 59
–Patchwork stitching 59
Fagoting 60
Scallop Stitch 60
Gathering 61
–Gathered fabric 61
–To gather and attach gathered fabric in one step 61
–Smoking 62
Free Motion Darning, Embroidery and Monogramming 63
–Darning 63
–Embroidery 64
–Monogramming 64
Walking Foot 65
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2
Contents
Special Functions 66
Mirror image stitch pattern 66
Elongation 67
Double Needle Sewing 68
Memory 70
Overview Memory Enter Mode 71
–Enter a sequence of stitch patterns in Memory Enter
Mode 71
Overview Memory Review/Edit Mode 74
–Review stored stitches 74
Switch from Memory Mode to the Normal Mode 76
–Sew memorized patterns 76
Memory Editing functions - Add a sequence of stitches 77
Memory Editing functions - Change a stored stitch or its
parameters 79
Memory Editing functions - Insert an additional stitch 80
Memory Editing functions - Delete a stored stitch 82
Memory Editing functions - Delete ALL 83
Embroidery 84
Important Embroidery information 85
–Embroidery threads 85
–Lower threads 86
Embroidery Setup 87
Details of Embroidery module 87
Attaching the embroidery foot 88
Connecting the embroidery module 89
Removing the embroidery unit 90
Embroidery hoop 91
–Hooping the fabric 92
–Using embroidery templates 93
Attaching the embroidery hoop 94
Removing the embroidery hoop 94
Stabilizer 95
–Tear-away stabilizers 95
–Cut-away stabilizers 95
Adhesive Spray 96
–Spray starch for additional stiffening 96
Iron-on interfacing 97
–Paper-backed adhesive stabilizer 97
–Water soluble stabilizer 97
Embroidery Selection 98
Embroidery Design types 98
–Built-in Embroidery Designs 99
–Built-in Embroidery Letters 100
–Designs from USB stick 101
Starting to embroider 102
Editing the Embroidery Design 104
–Basic setting 104
–Embroidery hoop 104
–Mirroring the Design 104
–Resizing the Design 105
–Rotating the Design 106
–Single/ Multi color 106
–Advanced settings 107
–CutWork Tool 107
–Inch/mm options 107
–Embroidery maximum speed 107
–Software version information 107
–Acoustic signal 108
–Embroidery arm return 108
Load a Design after interruption 109
BERNINA CutWork Tool* 111
–Preparation 111
–Switch from Embroidery Mode to Cutting Mode 112
–Start to Cut 113
Warnings 114
Warning functions 114
–Warning message 114
–Warning display 114
–Warning sound 119
Maintenance 120
Cleaning the display 120
Cleaning the sewing machine surface 120
Cleaning the hook 120
Environmental protection 121
Trouble Shooting 122
Trouble shooting guide 122
Embroidery Design Overview 133
Start Screen 133
Seasons 134
Sports 138
Decoration 140
Flowers 142
Children 145
Animals 148
Stitches Overview 127
A - Group Stitches 127
B - Group Stitches 130
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3
Safety Instructions
IMPORTANT
WARNING!
DANGER!
To reduce the risk of burns, fire, electric shock
or injury to persons:
1. This appliance is not intended for use by
persons (including children) with reduced
physical, sensory or mental capabilities,
or lack of experience and knowledge,
unless they have been given supervision
or instruction concerning use of the appli-
ance by a person responsible for their
safety.
2. Do not allow this machine to be used as a
toy. Close attention is necessary when
this appliance is used by or near children
and infirm persons.
3. Use this appliance only for its intended
use as described in this manual. Use only
attachments recommended by the manu-
facturer as contained in this manual.
4. Children should be supervised to ensure
that they do not play with the appliance.
5. Never operate this appliance if it has a
damaged cord or plug, if it is not working
properly, if it has been dropped or dam-
aged, or dropped into water. Return the
appliance to the nearest authorized dealer
or service center for examination, repair,
electrical or mechanical adjustment.
6. Never operate the appliance with any air
openings blocked. Keep ventilation open-
When using an electrical appliance, basic
safety precautions should always be followed,
including the following:
Read all instructions before using this sewing
machine. Keep the instruction at a suitable
place close to the machine, and hand it over if
you give the machine to a third party.
When the sewing-/embroidery machine is
not in use, it should be disconnected from
the electricity supply by removing the plug
from the outlet.
ings of the sewing machine and foot con-
trol free from accumulation of lint, dust,
and loose cloth.
7. Keep fingers away from all moving parts.
Special care is required around the sew-
ing machine needle.
8. Always use the proper Stitch plate. The
wrong plate can cause the needle to
break.
9. Do not use bent needles.
10. Do not pull or push fabric while stitching.
It may deflect the needle causing it to
break.
11. Switch the sewing machine off («O») when
making any adjustments in the needle
area, such as threading needle, changing
needle, threading bobbin, or changing
presser foot, and the like.
12. Always unplug sewing machine from the
electrical outlet when removing covers,
lubricating, or when making any other
user servicing adjustments mentioned in
the instruction manual (pull power plug).
13. Never drop or insert any object into any
opening.
14. Do not use outdoors.
15. Do not operate where aerosol spray prod-
ucts are being used or where oxygen is
being administered.
To reduce the risk of electric shock:
1. An appliance should never be left unat-
tended when plugged in.
2. Always unplug this appliance from the
electric outlet immediately after using and
before cleaning.
3. LED RADIATION: Do not view directly with
optical instruments Class
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4
Safety Instruction
This sewing 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.
If the sewing machine is stored in a cold room, it should be
brought to a warm room about one hour before use.
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 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 pro-
duct must be identical to those parts in the
product. A double insulated product is mar-
ked with the words «DOUBLE INSULATION»
or «DOUBLE INSULATED».
The symbol may also be marked on the
product.
All rights reserved
For technical and product improvement reasons, the sewing computer‘s features, parts and accessory are subject to unan-
nounced changes and alterations at any time. The accessory included can differ from country to country.
Note
AtteNtioN!
16. To disconnect, turn all controls to the off
(«O») position, then remove plug from out-
let.
17. Do not unplug by pulling on cord. To
unplug, grasp the plug, not the cord.
18. If the supply cord fixed with foot controller
is damaged, it must be replaced by the
manufacturer or its service agent or a
similar qualified person in order to avoid a
hazard.
19. Never place anything on the foot control.
20. This sewing machine is provided with
double insulation (except U.S.A/Canada).
Use only identical replacement parts. See
instructions for Servicing of double-insu-
lated products.
SERVICING OF DOUBLE-
INSULATED PRODUCTS
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
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5
Machine Overview
Details of the sewing machine
1 Thread guide
2 Presser foot pressure
3 Bobbin winder pre-tension
4 Thread tension dial
5 Spool pin
6 Hole for second spool pin
7 Bobbin winder spindle
8 Bobbin winder stopper
9 LCD display
10 Speed dial
11 Operation buttons
12 Thread cutter
13 One-step buttonhole lever
14 Needle threader
15 Stitch plate cover
16 Sewing table and accessory box
17 Selection buttons
18 Function buttons
19 Top cover
20 Handwheel
21 Embroidery module connector
22 Power switch
23 Power cord
24 Foot control connector
25 Handle
26 Presser foot lever
27 Feed dog lever
28 Embroidery module
(for details refer to separate section on page 87)
1
3
4
2
9
11
12
10
13
15
16
14
20
19
28
22
23
24
21
25
27
26
5
6
7
8
17
18
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6
Machine Overview
Accessories
1 All-purpose foot (T)
2 Buttonhole foot (D)
3 Blind hem foot (F)
4 Button sewing foot (H)
5 Overcasting foot (E)
6 Satin stitch foot (A)
7 Zipper foot (I)
8 Simple embroidery foot
9 Darning/Embroidery foot
10 Brush & Seam ripper
11 Needle Set (3 pcs)
12 Bobbin
13 Screwdriver
14 Seam guide/Quilting bar
15 L – Screw driver
16 Spool pin long (V)
17 Spool pin felt
18 Spool holder (large)
19 Spool holder (small)
20 Dust Cover
21 Spool net
22 Embroidery hoop (L-110x170mm)
23 Scissors
Optional
24 Cording foot (M)
25 Gathering foot
26 Hemmer foot (K)
27 Double needle
28 ¼“ Quilting foot (P)
29 Walking foot
30 Invisible Zipper foot
31 Embroidery hoop (M-100x100mm)
32 Embroidery hoop (S-40x40mm)
25
30
24 26
31
28
29
27
32
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7
Machine Setup
Connecting the Machine
Before connecting the power supply, make sure that the volt-
age and frequency shown on the rating plate is conforming
with your mains power.
•Place the machine on a stable table.
•Connect the power line cord to the machine by insert-
ing the 2-hole plug into the mains plug socket.
•Connect the power line plug to the wall outlet.
•Turn on the power switch.
–The sewing lamp will light up when the switch is
turned on.
Polarized plug information
This appliance has a polarized plug (one blade wider than the
other), to reduce the risk of electrical shock; this plug will fit in
a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully in
the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a
qualified electrician to install the proper outlet. Do not modify
the plug in any way.
Foot Control
With the sewing machine turned off, insert the foot control
plug into its connector on the sewing machine.
•Turn on the sewing machine, and then slowly depress
the foot control to start sewing.
•Release the foot control to stop the sewing machine.
AtteNtioN!
Always make sure that the machine is unplugged from
power source and the main switch is on «O». When the
machine is not in use and before inserting or removing parts.
Consult a qualified electrician if in doubt as how to connect
the machine to the power source. Unplug the power cord
when the machine is not in use. Use only foot control type
C-9000 manufactured by CHIEN HUNG TAIWAN., LTD. with
sewing machine.
AtteNtioN!
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8
Machine Setup
Sewing Table
•Keep the snap-in sewing table horizontal, and pull it in
the direction of the arrow.
The inside of the snap-in sewing table is used as an acces-
sory box.
•
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9
Machine Setup
•Wind the thread clockwise around the bobbin winder
tension disc.
•Insert the thread end through one of the inner holes in
the bobbin as illustrated and place the empty bobbin
on the spindle.
•Push the bobbin to right.
Note
If using special thread which winds quickly off the spool
attach a net to the spool before using and use the larger
spool holder. Reduce the thread tension if necessary.
Winding the Bobbin
•Place the thread and spool holder onto the spool pin.
For smaller spools of thread use the small spool holder.
•Snap the thread into the upper thread guide.
1
2
3
45 - 11
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10
Machine Setup
When the bobbin winder spindle is pushed to the right
(bobbin winding position), this message is shown on the
LCD display. It will disappear from the LCD display when the
bobbin winder spindle is pushed back to the left into the
sewing position.
•Cut the thread near the hole of the bobbin.
•Continue filling the bobbin until it is full.
–The motor stops automatically when the bobbin is
full.
•Press the Start/Stop button or release the foot control
to stop the machine.
•Push the bobbin winder spindle to left.
•Cut the thread and then remove the bobbin.
•Hold the thread tail securely in one hand.
•Press on the foot control or the Start/Stop button to
start winding the bobbin.
–After the bobbin has wound a few turns, stop the
machine.
Note
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11
Machine Setup
Inserting the Bobbin
•When pushing the locking knob (1), the bobbin cover
opens.
•The bobbin cover can be pulled out of the guide (2).
•Inserting the bobbin in the bobbin holder with the
thread running in counter-clockwise direction.
AtteNtioN!
Turn power switch to «O» before threading or unthreading
the machine.
The thread take-up lever must be in the highest position
when threading. Incorrect threading can cause damages to
the machine!
A
1
2
A
B
C
B
•To make sure that the thread is pulled into the tension
spring of the bobbin holder, press a finger slightly onto
the bobbin while pulling. As a check you must feel a
resistance in the thread feed.
•Pull the thread at the arrow markings into the stitch
plate thread guide from (B) to (C).
– To cut off excess thread pull the thread back over
the cutting-off blade at point (C).
– When closing, insert the lid in the guide (2) on the
left. Afterwards press down on the right until the
locking knob (1) engages.
•Pull the thread along the arrow marking through the slit
under the finger (A) as far as the pulley (B).
AtteNtioN!
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12
Machine Setup
Threading the Upper Thread
It is important to carry out the threading correctly as by not
doing so several sewing problems can occur.
Note
1
2
3
4
6
5
7
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13
Machine Setup
•Place the thread spool on the spool pin so that the
thread comes from the front of the spool, then place
the spool cap at the end of the spool pin.
Start by raising the needle to its highest point, and also raise
the presser foot to release the tension discs.
•Pull the thread from the spool through the upper thread
guide.
•Guide the thread around the thread guide pulling the
thread through the pre-tension spring as illustrated
•Then lead it further down and around the bottom part
of the take-up lever cover.
•Pull it up and insert the thread from the right to the left
through the slotted eye of the take-up lever and then
take it downwards again.
•Guide the thread through the wire loop.
•Pull the end of the thread through the needle from the
front to the rear, and pull out about 10 cm of thread.
•Use the face plate thread cutter to cut excess needle
thread.
•Use the needle threader to thread the needle (refer to
next page for instruction).
AtteNtioN!
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14
Machine Setup
Needle Threader
•Lower the needle threader lever slowly and pull the
thread through the thread guide as illustrated and then
to the right.
AtteNtioN!
Raise the needle to its highest position and lower the
presser foot.
Turn power switch to the off position «O»!
•The needle threader automatically turns to the thread-
ing position and the hook pin passes through the
needle eye.
•Pull the thread to the right, guiding it to the front of the
needle
•Hold the thread loosely and release the lever slowly.
– The hook will turn and pass the thread through the
needle eye forming a loop.
– Pull the thread through the needle eye.
AtteNtioN!
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15
Machine Setup
Replacing the Needle
Thread Cutter
Change the needle regularly, especially if it is showing signs of
wear and tear or of it is causing problems.
Insert the needle following the illustrated instructions.
A Loosen the needle clamp screw and tighten it again
after inserting the new needle. The flat side of the shaft
must be at the back.
B Insert the needle as far up as it will go.
The thread cutter serves two purposes:
1. Cut the thread after threading the needle
2. Cut the thread after finishing a seam.
•To cut the thread after completing your work raise the
presser foot.
•Remove the fabric, draw the threads to the left side of
the face cover and cut using the thread cutter.
•The threads are cut at the proper length to start the
next seam.
Needles must be in perfect condition
Problems can occur with:
–Bent needles
–Blunt needles
–Damaged points
Turn power switch to off («O») when carrying out the
following operation!
AtteNtioN!
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16
Machine Setup
Thread Tension
Normal thread tension for straight stitch sewing.
Basic thread tension setting: «4»
•To increase the tension, turn the dial to the next num-
ber up.
•To reduce the tension, turn the dial to the next number
down.
Appropriate setting of tension is important to good sew-
ing.
With any decorative sewing you will always obtain a nicer
stitch formation and less fabric puckering when the upper
thread appears on the wrong side of your fabric.
Thread tension is too loose for straight stitch sewing.
•Turn dial to higher number.
Normal thread tension for zig-zag and decorative sew-
ing.
Thread tension is too tight for straight stitch sewing.
•Turn dial to lower number.
loose
tight
Upper thread
Bobbin thread
Surface
Reverse side
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17
Machine Setup
Raising or Dropping the Feed dog
With the sewing table detached, the feed dog lever can be
located on the back of the free arm.
Sliding the lever to position (b) will lower the feed dog, for
example during button sewing or freehand embroidery.
•If you wish to continue sewing normally, slide the lever
to position (a) in order to raise the feed dog.
•The feed dog will not be raised if you do not turn the
handwheel, even if the lever is slid to the right.
•Make a complete turn to raise the feed dog.
Altering Presser Foot Pressure
The presser foot pressure of the machine has been pre-set
and requires no particular re-adjustment according to the type
of fabric (light-or-heavy weight).
However, if you need to alter the presser foot pressure, turn
the presser foot pressure adjusting screw using a coin.
•For sewing very thin fabric, loosen the pressure by
turning the screw counter-clockwise, and for heavy
fabric, tighten by turning it clockwise.
•To return to initial pressure foot setting turn the presser
foot pressure adjusting screw to become flush with the
face cover.
b
a
ba
b
a
ba
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Machine Setup
Changing the Presser Foot
Two-Step Presser Foot
There are two raising levels of the presser foot. Lifting the foot
up to the first level is used to place the fabric under the foot
for sewing.
The second level is only used in embroidery mode to remove
the hoop easily.
Turn power switch to off («O») when carrying out any of the
following operations!
Attaching the presser foot holder
•Raise the presser foot bar (a).
•Attach the presser foot holder (b) as illustrated.
Attaching the presser foot
•Lower the presser foot holder (b) until the cut-out (c) is
directly above the pin (d).
•Press the black lever (e).
•Lower the presser foot holder (b) and the presser foot
(f) will engage automatically.
Removing the presser foot
•Raise the presser foot.
•Press the black lever (e) and the foot will disengages.
Attaching the edge/quilting guide
•Attach the edge/quilting guide (g) in the slot as illus-
trated.
•Adjust according to the need for hems, pleats, etc.
AtteNtioN!
Note
The needle must always be at the highest position.
b
d
c
f
e
a
b
e
g
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