Bernina 500 E User manual

BERNINA 500
B500_Manual-Cover_213mm_print.pdf 1 11.08.2017 10:54:43

Welcome
3
Dear BERNINA Customer,
Congratulations! You have decided on BERNINA and therefore on a product which will delight you for years.
For more than 100 years our family company has attached greatest importance to satisfied customers. As for
me, it is a matter of personal concern to offer you Swiss development and precision at the height of
perfection, future-orientated embroidery technology and a comprehensive customer service.
The BERNINA 5-series consists of various ultramodern machines, whose development not only focused the
highest demands on technique and the ease of use but also considered the design of the product. After all
we sell our products to creative people like you, who do not only appreciate high quality but also form and
design.
Enjoy the creative embroidering on your new BERNINA 500 E and keep informed about the various
accessories at www.bernina.com. On our homepage you will also find a lot of inspiring embroidery ideas and
embroidery motifs, to be downloaded for free.
Our highly trained BERNINA dealers will provide you with more information on service and maintenance
offers.
I wish you lots of pleasure and many creative hours with your new BERNINA.
H.P. Ueltschi
Owner
BERNINA International AG
CH-8266 Steckborn

Edition notice
4
Edition notice
Graphics
www.sculpt.ch
Text, Setting and Layout
BERNINA International AG
Fotos
Patrice Heilmann, Winterthur
Part number
2017/05 en 1028895.0.04
1st Edition
Copyright
2017 BERNINA International AG
All rights reserved: For technical reasons and for the purpose of product improvements, changes
concerning the features of the machine can be made at any time and without advance notice. The supplied
accessory can vary depending on the country of delivery.

Contents
5
Contents
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS................................................................................................10
1 My BERNINA.......................................................................................................................................14
1.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................14
1.2 Welcome to the world of BERNINA .........................................................................................14
1.3 Key to signs ............................................................................................................................15
1.4 Overview Machine ..................................................................................................................16
Overview front controls .......................................................................................................16
Overview front ...................................................................................................................17
Overview sideways ..............................................................................................................18
Overview back.....................................................................................................................19
Overview Embroidery module ..............................................................................................20
1.5 Supplied accessories................................................................................................................20
Overview accessories machine .............................................................................................20
Use of the power cable (only USA/Canada)..........................................................................21
Foot control (only USA/Canada) (Optional accessory) ...........................................................21
Accessory box......................................................................................................................22
Overview Accessory Embroidery module ..............................................................................22
1.6 Overview User Interface ..........................................................................................................23
Overview functions/visual information .................................................................................23
Overview System settings ....................................................................................................24
Overview Selection menu embroidery ..................................................................................24
Overview Icons ....................................................................................................................24
1.7 Needle, Thread, Fabric.............................................................................................................25
Overview needles ................................................................................................................25
Example for needle description ............................................................................................26
Needle/thread combination .................................................................................................26
Upper thread.......................................................................................................................27
Bobbin thread .....................................................................................................................27
1.8 Important Embroidery information ..........................................................................................28
Selecting the embroidery file format ....................................................................................28
Embroidery test ...................................................................................................................28
The size of the embroidery motif .........................................................................................28
Embroidering motifs by third-party providers .......................................................................28
Underlay stitches .................................................................................................................29
Satin stitch ..........................................................................................................................29
Step stitch ...........................................................................................................................29
Connecting stitches .............................................................................................................30
2 Embroidery preparation....................................................................................................................31
2.1 Accessory box .........................................................................................................................31
Removing and attaching the accessory box..........................................................................31
Storing accessories ..............................................................................................................31
2.2 Connection and Switching on .................................................................................................32
Connecting the foot control (Optional accessory).................................................................32
Connecting the machine .....................................................................................................32
Fixing the touchscreen pen ..................................................................................................32

Contents
6
Switching the machine on ...................................................................................................33
Switching on the sewing light..............................................................................................33
2.3 Foot control (Optional accessory).............................................................................................33
Regulating the speed via the foot control ............................................................................33
Raising/Lowering the needle ................................................................................................34
2.4 Spool pin ................................................................................................................................34
Retractable spool pin ...........................................................................................................34
Horizontal spool pin ............................................................................................................35
2.5 Free arm .................................................................................................................................36
2.6 Embroidery foot ......................................................................................................................36
Attaching the embroidery foot ............................................................................................36
Selecting the embroidery foot in the User Interface..............................................................36
2.7 Needle and stitch plate............................................................................................................37
Inserting the embroidery needle ..........................................................................................37
Selecting the embroidery needle in the User Interface..........................................................37
Selecting the needle type and the needle size ......................................................................38
Attaching the stitch plate ....................................................................................................38
Selecting the stitch plate in the User Interface......................................................................39
2.8 Threading ...............................................................................................................................39
Threading the upper thread.................................................................................................39
Winding the bobbin thread .................................................................................................42
Threading the bobbin thread ...............................................................................................43
Thread-up command ...........................................................................................................45
Indicating fill level of bobbin thread.....................................................................................45
2.9 Attaching the Module .............................................................................................................46
2.10 Removing the embroidery module...........................................................................................46
2.11 Selecting the embroidery motif ...............................................................................................46
2.12 Embroidery hoop ....................................................................................................................47
Overview Embroidery hoop selection ...................................................................................47
Selecting the embroidery hoop ............................................................................................47
Tear-away stabilizers............................................................................................................48
Cut-away stabilizers.............................................................................................................48
Using adhesive spray ...........................................................................................................48
Using spray starch ...............................................................................................................48
Using iron-on interfacing .....................................................................................................48
Using paper-backed adhesive stabilizer ................................................................................48
Using water-soluble stabilizer ..............................................................................................49
Preparing the embroidery hoop ...........................................................................................49
Attaching the hoop .............................................................................................................50
Overview embroidery functions ...........................................................................................51
Center the needle to the embroidery hoop ..........................................................................51
Moving the hoop to the back ..............................................................................................51
Moving the embroidery arm to the left ................................................................................51
Grid on/off ..........................................................................................................................52
Locating the center of the embroidery motif........................................................................52
Virtual positioning of the embroidery hoop..........................................................................52
3 Setup Program ...................................................................................................................................53
3.1 Embroidery settings.................................................................................................................53

Contents
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Adjusting the upper thread tension .....................................................................................53
Adjusting the maximum embroidering speed.......................................................................53
Centering the embroidery motif or opening in original position ...........................................53
Calibrating the hoop ...........................................................................................................54
Entering the fabric thickness................................................................................................54
Function thread away on/off................................................................................................55
Programming securing stitches (Smart Secure) .....................................................................55
Adjusting the thread cut......................................................................................................56
Changing the measuring unit ..............................................................................................57
3.2 Selecting personal settings ......................................................................................................57
3.3 Monitoring functions ..............................................................................................................58
Activating the bobbin thread indicator.................................................................................58
3.4 Activating the audio signals.....................................................................................................58
3.5 Machine settings.....................................................................................................................59
Selecting a language ...........................................................................................................59
Adjusting the brightness of the display ................................................................................59
Adjusting the sewing light ...................................................................................................59
Checking the firmware version ............................................................................................60
Reviewing the total number of stitches ................................................................................60
Registering details of the dealer...........................................................................................61
Saving Service data..............................................................................................................61
Back to basic setting............................................................................................................62
Deleting user data ...............................................................................................................62
Deleting motifs on the BERNINA USB Stick...........................................................................62
Updating the machine Firmware..........................................................................................63
Recovering saved data .........................................................................................................63
Cleaning the thread catcher ................................................................................................64
Lubricating the machine ......................................................................................................64
Packing the embroidery module ..........................................................................................65
4 System settings..................................................................................................................................66
4.1 Calling up the Tutorial.............................................................................................................66
4.2 Calling up the embroidery consultant......................................................................................66
4.3 Using eco mode ......................................................................................................................66
4.4 Calling up the Help .................................................................................................................66
4.5 Cancelling any alterations with «clr» .......................................................................................66
5 Creative embroidering ......................................................................................................................67
5.1 Overview embroidering ...........................................................................................................67
5.2 Selecting and changing the embroidery motif .........................................................................67
5.3 Checking the embroidery time and the embroidery motif size .................................................67
5.4 Regulating the speed ..............................................................................................................67
5.5 Editing the embroidery motif...................................................................................................68
Overview Editing embroidery motif......................................................................................68
Scaling up the embroidery motif view..................................................................................68
Downsizing the embroidery motif view................................................................................68
Moving the embroidery motif view ......................................................................................69
Moving the embroidery motif in enlarged view....................................................................69

Contents
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Moving the embroidery motif ..............................................................................................69
Rotating motif .....................................................................................................................70
Altering the embroidery motif size proportionally ................................................................70
Altering the embroidery motif size disproportionally ............................................................70
Mirroring embroidery motifs................................................................................................71
Bending the text..................................................................................................................71
Changing the stitch type .....................................................................................................71
Altering the stitch density ....................................................................................................72
Checking the embroidery motif size and position.................................................................72
Endless embroidery..............................................................................................................73
Duplicating the embroidery motif ........................................................................................75
Deleting an embroidery motif ..............................................................................................75
Changing the sequence within an embroidery motif combination........................................75
Undoing entries...................................................................................................................76
Grouping embroidery motifs................................................................................................76
5.6 Pinpoint placement .................................................................................................................77
Positioning of grid points.....................................................................................................77
Free point positioning..........................................................................................................78
5.7 Combining embroidery motifs.................................................................................................79
Combining embroidery motifs .............................................................................................79
Deleting a single embroidery motif ......................................................................................79
Duplicating the embroidery motif ........................................................................................79
Duplicating a combination...................................................................................................80
5.8 Creating lettering....................................................................................................................81
Overview embroidery alphabets...........................................................................................81
Creating words/sentences....................................................................................................81
Editing words/sentences ......................................................................................................82
5.9 Changing the colors of the embroidery motif ..........................................................................83
Overview changing the color ...............................................................................................83
Changing the colors ............................................................................................................83
Altering the colors via the color wheel .................................................................................83
Changing the thread brand .................................................................................................84
5.10 Embroidering the embroidery motif.........................................................................................85
Overview Embroidery menu.................................................................................................85
Adding basting stitches .......................................................................................................85
Moving the hoop.................................................................................................................85
Embroidery sequence control when thread breaks ...............................................................85
Cutting connecting stitches .................................................................................................86
Reducing color changes.......................................................................................................86
Multi-colored embroidery motif on/off.................................................................................86
Endless Embroidery..............................................................................................................86
Color indication...................................................................................................................87
5.11 Free arm embroidering............................................................................................................88
5.12 Administering embroidery motifs ............................................................................................88
Administering embroidery motifs.........................................................................................88
Saving embroidery motifs in the personal memory...............................................................89
Saving the embroidery motif on the BERNINA USB stick.......................................................89
Overwriting the embroidery motif in the personal memory ..................................................89
Overwriting the embroidery motif on the BERNINA USB stick...............................................89
Loading an embroidery motif from the personal memory.....................................................90

Contents
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Loading an embroidery motif from the BERNINA USB stick ..................................................90
Deleting an embroidery motif from the personal memory ....................................................90
Deleting an embroidery motif from the BERNINA USB stick..................................................90
6 Embroidery.........................................................................................................................................91
6.1 Embroidering via the button «Start/Stop» ...............................................................................91
6.2 Increasing the embroidery speed .............................................................................................91
6.3 Adjusting the upper thread tension .........................................................................................91
6.4 Embroidering via the foot control (Optional accessory) ............................................................92
7 Attachment ........................................................................................................................................93
7.1 Cleaning the display................................................................................................................93
7.2 Removing thread remnants under the stitch plate ...................................................................93
7.3 Cleaning the hook ..................................................................................................................93
7.4 Lubricating the hook ...............................................................................................................94
7.5 Troubleshooting......................................................................................................................96
7.6 Error messages........................................................................................................................99
7.7 Storage and disposal .............................................................................................................103
Storing the machine ..........................................................................................................103
Dispose of the machine .....................................................................................................103
7.8 Technical data.......................................................................................................................104
8 Overview motifs ..............................................................................................................................105
8.1 Overview Embroidery motifs..................................................................................................105
Editing embroidery motifs..................................................................................................105
Projects .............................................................................................................................105
Quilt motifs .......................................................................................................................106
Ornaments ........................................................................................................................115
Children ............................................................................................................................122
Frames and borders ...........................................................................................................128
Seasons .............................................................................................................................130
Borders and Lace ...............................................................................................................136
Sports and hobby ..............................................................................................................141
Animals .............................................................................................................................145
Flowers..............................................................................................................................146
Designs with special effects ...............................................................................................151
Index.................................................................................................................................................156

Important safety instructions
10
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Please be aware of the following basic safety instructions when using
your machine. Before using this machine, read instruction manual
carefully.
DANGER!
To reduce the risk of electrical shock:
• Never leave the machine unattended as long as it is plugged in.
• Always unplug the machine from the electrical outlet immediately
after using and before cleaning.
Protection against LED radiation:
• Do not view the LED light directly with optical instruments (e.g.
magnifier). The LED light corresponds with protection class 1M.
Protection against injuries:
• Attention moving parts. To avoid injuries, switch off the machine
before manipulations are carried out. Always close the cover
when operating the machine.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of burns, fire, electric shock or injury to persons:
• To operate the machine always use the supplied power cable. The
power cable for USA and Canada (power plug NEMA 1-15) must
only be used for a power supply of maximal 150V against
ground.
• Use this machine only for purposes as described in this manual.
• Do not use the machine outdoors.
• Do not use this machine as a toy. Close attention is necessary
when this machine is used by or near children.

Important safety instructions
11
• The machine can be used by children older than 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
as long as they are supervised or have been given instruction
concerning the responsible use of the appliance and are aware of
the involved risks.
• Children are not allowed to play with this machine.
• Cleaning and maintenance work must not be carried out by
children unless they are supervised.
• 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. Contact the nearest authorized BERNINA
dealer to arrange further details.
• Only use accessories recommended by the manufacturer.
• Don't use this machine when the ventilation openings are
blocked. Keep the ventilation openings free from the
accumulation of lint, dust and loose cloth.
• Never insert any objects into any openings of the machine.
• Do not operate the machine where aerosol products (sprays) or
oxygen are being used.
• Keep fingers away from all moving parts. Special care is required
around the needle.
• Neither pull nor push the fabric while sewing. This can cause
needle breakage.
• When making any adjustments in the needle area - such as
threading the needle, changing the needle, threading the hook or
changing the presser foot - turn the power switch to «0».
• Do not use bent needles.

Important safety instructions
12
• Always use the original BERNINA stitch plate. The wrong stitch
plate can cause needle breakage.
• To disconnect, turn power switch to «0» and then remove the
plug from the outlet. Do not unplug by pulling the cord, instead
grasp the plug to pull it from the outlet.
• Always disconnect the power plug from the electrical outlet when
the covers are removed or opened, when the machine is
lubricated or during any other maintenance adjustments
mentioned in the instruction manual.
• This machine is provided with double insulation. Use only
identical replacement parts. See instructions for Servicing of
double-insulated products.
Servicing of double-insulated products
In a double-insulated product two systems of insulation are provided
instead of groanding. No groanding means is provided on a
doubleinsulated product, nor should a means for groanding be added
to the product. Servicing a double-insulated product requires extreme
care and knowledge of the system and should be done only by
qualified service personnel. Replacement parts for a double-insulated

Important safety instructions
13
product must be identical to the original 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.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
Appropriate use
Your BERNINA machine is conceived and designed for private
household use. It answers the purpose to embroider fabrics and other
materials as it is decribed in this instruction manual. Any other use is
not considered appropriate. BERNINA assumes no liability concerning
consequnces resulting from an inappropriate usage.

My BERNINA
14
1 My BERNINA
1.1 Introduction
Your BERNINA 500 E enables you to be endlessly creative due to the various applications. Delicate silk or
satin fabrics as well as heavy-weight linen, fleece and denim can be embroidered successfully with this
machine. Numerous embroidery motifs are at your disposal.
Additional to this instruction manual, subsequently listed help programs are provided which will give you
useful advice and support at any time how to operate your BERNINA 500 E.
The Tutorial gives information and explanations concerning various aspects of embroidering.
The Embroidery Consultant informs you about decision support for embroidery projects. After entering the
kind of fabric and the desired embroidery project, suggestions concerning the suitable needle or the
appropriate embroidery foot are displayed.
The Help Program contains information about individual embroidery motifs, functions and applications in
the User Interface.
Further information
In addition to this instruction manual of your BERNINA 500 E further information products are enclosed.
The latest version of your instruction manual as well as additional information in connection with the
machine and accessories can be found on our website http://www.bernina.com
1.2 Welcome to the world of BERNINA
Made to create, this is the slogan of BERNINA. Not only our machines do support you to implement your
ideas, but on top of that, our below mentioned opportunities also offer various inspirations and instructions
for your future projects as well as the option to exchange ideas with other sewing and embroidering
enthusiasts. We wish you lots of pleasrue doing that.
BERNINA YouTube Channel
On YouTube we offer a wide range of how-to videos and support concerning the most important functions
of our machines. Detailed explanations are also provided as for the various presser feet, so that your projects
will succeed completely.
http://www.youtube.com/BerninaInternational
Provided in the languages English and German.
inspiration – the sewing magazine
Are you looking for ideas, sewing patterns and instructions for great projects? In that case the BERNINA
magazine «inspiration» is exactly what you need. «inspiration» offers extraordinary sewing and embroidery
ideas four times a year. From seasonal fashion trends to trendy accessories and practical tips to decorate your
home in an original way.
http://www.bernina.com/inspiration
The magazine is available in the languages English, German, Dutch and French. Not available in all countries.

My BERNINA
15
BERNINA Blog
Fancy instructions, free sewing patterns and embroidery motifs as well as many new ideas: all this you can
find in the weekly blog by BERNINA. Our experts give valuable tips and explain step by step how you can
achieve the desired result. In the community you can upload your own projects and exchange experiences
and ideas with other sewing and embroidering enthusiasts.
http://www.bernina.com/blog
Provided in the languages English, German and Dutch.
BERNINA Social Media
Follow us on the social networking to learn more about events, thrilling projects as well as tips and tricks all
about sewing and embroidering. We will keep you informed and we are looking forward to presenting you
the one or the other highlight from the world of BERNINA.
http://www.bernina.com/social-media
1.3 Key to signs
DANGER Labels a danger with a high risk which can lead to death or severe injury unless it is avoided.
WARNING Labels a danger with a medium risk which can lead to death or severe injury unless it is avoided.
CAUTION Labels a danger with a low risk which can lead to light or medium injury unless it is avoided.
NOTICE Labels a danger which can end up with damage unless it is avoided.
Tips by BERNINA Embroidery experts can be found next to this sign.
By means of illustration, sample pictures are used in this instruction manual. The machines as well as the
accessory shown in the pictures may vary from the delivery content of your machine.

My BERNINA
16
1.4 Overview Machine
Overview front controls
45
6
7
8
1
2
3
9
1 Sewing light on/off 6 Upper Multifunctional knob
2 Thread cutter 7 Lower Multifunctional knob
3 Start/Stop 8 Pinpoint placement
4 Needle up/down 9 Center of embroidery motif
5 Check embroidery motif size

My BERNINA
17
Overview front
2
1
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
12
11
13
1 Connection for embroidery module 8 Slide speed control
2 Bobbin cover 9 Thread take-up lever cover
3 Connection for accessories 10 Thread take-up lever
4 Embroidery foot 11 Thread cutter
5 Needle threader 12 Fixing screw
6 Sewing light 13 Connection for slide-on table
7 Thread cutter

My BERNINA
18
Overview sideways
1
2
3
4
8
9
7
56
10
11
12
1 Connection for foot control 7 Retractable spool pin
2 Feed dog up/down 8 Air vents
3 PC-connection 9 Handwheel
4 USB port 10 Power switch
5 Spool pin 11 Connection for power cable
6 Bobbin winding unit 12 Magnet holder for touchscreen pen

My BERNINA
19
Overview back
1
2
3
4
56
8
9
11
12
10
7
1 Air vents 7 Bobbin winding unit
2 Connection for slide-on table 8 Thread pretension
3 Carrying handle 9 Thread guide
4 Spool pin 10 Presser foot lifter
5 Thread guide 11 Thread cutter
6 Retractable spool pin 12 Stitch plate

My BERNINA
20
Overview Embroidery module
2
1
5
4
4
3
1 Release lever/carrying handle 4 Guide rails for the machine
2 Embroidery arm 5 Connection to the machine
3 Bracket for attaching the embroidery hoop
1.5 Supplied accessories
Overview accessories machine
All rights reserved: For technical reasons and for the purpose of product improvements, changes
concerning the features of the machine can be made at any time and without advance notice. The supplied
accessory can vary depending on the country of delivery.
Visit www.bernina.com for more accessory information.
Illustration Name Purpose
Soft Cover with pocket The soft cover protects the machine from dust and
contamination.
Accessory box The accessory box serves the purpose to store the
supplied accessories as well as the optional
accessories.

My BERNINA
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Illustration Name Purpose
3 Spool discs Spool discs hold the thread spool in place for
proper release of thread from the spool.
4 bobbins in the
accessory, whereas 1
bobbin is in the
machine.
The bobbins are filled with the lower thread.
2 Foam pads The foam pad prevents the thread from getting
hooked at the spool pin.
Touchscreen pen The operation of the display is more precise when
using the touchscreen pen instead of the fingers.
Seam ripper The seam ripper is an indispensable tool to undo
stitches or to cut buttonholes open.
Screwdriver red The red screwdriver is supplied as an all-round tool.
Brush The brush is used to clean the feed dog and the
hook area.
Lubricator The lubricator is used to fill up the oil depots.
Power cable The power cable connects the machine with the
power supply system.
Use of the power cable (only USA/Canada)
The machine has a polarized plug (one blade wider than the other). To reduce the risk of electrical shock, this
plug is intended to 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 (only USA/Canada) (Optional accessory)
Use only foot controller type LV-1 with BERNINA 500 E.