Bernina 590 User manual

BERNINA 590

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 sewing 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 sewing, embroidering and quilting on your new BERNINA 590 and keep informed about
the various accessories at www.bernina.com. On our homepage you will also find a lot of inspiring sewing
instructions, 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
2017/10 en 1026725.0.04
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................................................................................................14
1 My BERNINA.......................................................................................................................................18
1.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................18
1.2 Welcome to the world of BERNINA .........................................................................................18
1.3 Key to signs ............................................................................................................................19
1.4 Overview Machine ..................................................................................................................20
Overview front controls .......................................................................................................20
Overview front ....................................................................................................................21
Overview sideways ..............................................................................................................22
Overview back.....................................................................................................................23
1.5 Supplied accessories................................................................................................................23
Overview accessories machine .............................................................................................23
Use of the power cable (only USA/Canada)..........................................................................25
Overview presser feet ..........................................................................................................26
Accessory box......................................................................................................................28
1.6 Overview User Interface ..........................................................................................................29
Overview functions/Visual information.................................................................................29
Overview System settings ....................................................................................................29
Overview selection menu sewing .........................................................................................30
Overview Icons ....................................................................................................................30
1.7 Needle, Thread, Fabric.............................................................................................................31
Overview needles ................................................................................................................31
Example for needle description ............................................................................................33
Thread selection ..................................................................................................................33
Needle/thread combination .................................................................................................34
2 Sewing preparation...........................................................................................................................35
2.1 Accessory box .........................................................................................................................35
Removing and attaching the accessory box..........................................................................35
Storing accessories ..............................................................................................................35
2.2 Connection and Switching on .................................................................................................36
Connecting the foot control ................................................................................................36
Connecting the machine .....................................................................................................36
Attaching the knee lifter of the Free Hand System ...............................................................36
Fixing the touchscreen pen ..................................................................................................37
Switching the machine on ...................................................................................................37
2.3 Foot control ...........................................................................................................................37
Regulating the speed via the foot control ............................................................................37
Raising/Lowering the needle ................................................................................................38
Programming the foot control individually ...........................................................................38
2.4 Spool pin ................................................................................................................................38
Retractable spool pin ...........................................................................................................38
Horizontal spool pin ............................................................................................................39
2.5 Free arm .................................................................................................................................40
2.6 Feed dog.................................................................................................................................40

Contents
6
Adjusting the feed dog........................................................................................................40
2.7 Slide-on table..........................................................................................................................41
Using the slide-on table .......................................................................................................41
2.8 Presser foot.............................................................................................................................42
Adjusting the presser position via the knee lifter of the Free Hand System ..........................42
Adjusting the presser foot position via the button «Presser foot up/down» .........................42
Changing the presser foot ...................................................................................................42
Selecting the presser foot in the user interface.....................................................................43
Adjusting the presser foot pressure......................................................................................43
2.9 Adjusting the feed dog ...........................................................................................................44
2.10 Needle and stitch plate............................................................................................................44
Changing the needle ...........................................................................................................44
Selecting the needle in the User Interface ............................................................................44
Select the needle type and the needle size...........................................................................44
Adjusting the needle position up/down ...............................................................................45
Adjusting the needle position left/right ................................................................................45
Needle stop up/down (permanent) ......................................................................................45
Changing the stitch plate ....................................................................................................46
Selecting the stitch plate in the User Interface......................................................................46
2.11 Threading ...............................................................................................................................47
Threading the upper thread.................................................................................................47
Threading the double needle ...............................................................................................49
Threading the triple needle..................................................................................................50
Winding the bobbin thread .................................................................................................50
Threading the bobbin thread ...............................................................................................51
Indicating fill level of bobbin thread.....................................................................................53
3 Setup Program ...................................................................................................................................55
3.1 Sewing settings.......................................................................................................................55
Adjusting the upper thread tension .....................................................................................55
Adjusting the maximum sewing speed.................................................................................55
Programming securing stitches ...........................................................................................55
Adjusting the hovering height of the presser foot ................................................................56
Programming the button «Pattern end» ..............................................................................56
Programming the button «Thread cutter» ...........................................................................57
Adjusting the presser foot position with needle stop down..................................................57
Programming the button «Quick reverse» ...........................................................................58
Programming the foot control .............................................................................................58
3.2 Embroidery settings.................................................................................................................59
Adjusting the upper thread tension .....................................................................................59
Adjusting the maximum embroidering speed.......................................................................60
Centering the embroidery motif or opening in original position ...........................................60
Calibrating the hoop ...........................................................................................................61
Entering the fabric thickness................................................................................................61
Function thread away on/off................................................................................................62
Programming securing stitches (Smart Secure) .....................................................................62
Adjusting the thread cut......................................................................................................63
Changing the measuring unit ..............................................................................................64
3.3 Selecting personal settings ......................................................................................................64

Contents
7
3.4 Monitoring functions ..............................................................................................................65
Activating the upper thread indicator ..................................................................................65
Activating the bobbin thread indicator.................................................................................65
3.5 Activating the audio signals.....................................................................................................66
3.6 Machine settings.....................................................................................................................66
Selecting a language ...........................................................................................................66
Adjusting the brightness of the display ................................................................................67
Adjusting the sewing light ...................................................................................................67
Checking the firmware version ............................................................................................67
Reviewing the total number of stitches ................................................................................68
Registering details of the dealer...........................................................................................68
Saving Service data..............................................................................................................69
Back to basic setting............................................................................................................69
Deleting user data ...............................................................................................................70
Deleting motifs on the BERNINA USB Stick...........................................................................70
Calibrating the Buttonhole foot No. 3A ...............................................................................71
Updating the machine Firmware..........................................................................................71
Recovering saved data .........................................................................................................72
Cleaning the thread catcher ................................................................................................73
Lubricating the machine ......................................................................................................73
Packing the embroidery module ..........................................................................................74
4 System settings..................................................................................................................................75
4.1 Calling up the Tutorial.............................................................................................................75
4.2 Calling up the Creative Consultant..........................................................................................75
4.3 Using eco mode ......................................................................................................................75
4.4 Calling up the embroidery consultant......................................................................................76
4.5 Calling up the Help .................................................................................................................76
4.6 Cancelling any alterations with «clr» .......................................................................................76
5 Creative sewing .................................................................................................................................77
5.1 Overview selection menu sewing.............................................................................................77
Selecting a stitch pattern .....................................................................................................77
5.2 BERNINA Dual Feed.................................................................................................................77
Application of the BERNINA Dual Feed.................................................................................78
5.3 Regulating the speed ..............................................................................................................79
5.4 Adjusting the upper thread tension .........................................................................................79
5.5 Editing stitch patterns .............................................................................................................80
Changing the stitch width ...................................................................................................80
Changing the stitch length ..................................................................................................80
Correcting the balance ........................................................................................................81
Programming pattern repeat ...............................................................................................81
Programming long stitch .....................................................................................................81
Mirror image of stitch patterns ............................................................................................81
Editing stitch pattern length ...............................................................................................82
Programming the stitch counter function.............................................................................82
Sewing stitch patterns using the triple stitch ........................................................................82
Quick reverse.......................................................................................................................83

Contents
8
Permanent Quick reverse .....................................................................................................83
Backstepping.......................................................................................................................83
5.6 Combining stitch patterns .......................................................................................................84
Overview Combi mode ........................................................................................................84
Creating Stitch pattern combinations...................................................................................84
Saving a stitch pattern combination.....................................................................................84
Loading a stitch pattern combination...................................................................................84
Overwriting a stitch pattern combination.............................................................................85
Deleting a stitch pattern combination ..................................................................................85
Editing a single stitch pattern...............................................................................................85
Deleting a single stitch pattern ............................................................................................85
Adding a single stitch pattern ..............................................................................................86
Aligning the stitch length and width....................................................................................87
Mirroring a stitch pattern combination ................................................................................87
Stitch pattern combination Subdivider 1 ..............................................................................88
Stitch pattern combination Subdivider 2 ..............................................................................88
Securing a stitch pattern combination..................................................................................88
Programming pattern repeat ...............................................................................................89
5.7 Administering stitch patterns...................................................................................................89
Saving settings of stitch patterns .........................................................................................89
Saving stitch patterns in personal memory ...........................................................................89
Overwriting stitch patterns from the personal memory ........................................................89
Loading stitch patterns from the personal memory ..............................................................90
Deleting stitch patterns from the personal memory..............................................................90
Uploading a stitch pattern from the BERNINA USB stick .......................................................90
Deleting stitch patterns from the BERNINA USB stick ...........................................................91
5.8 Securing..................................................................................................................................91
Securing via the icon «Securing» .........................................................................................91
Securing with the button «Pattern end» ..............................................................................91
5.9 Height Compensation of uneven layers ...................................................................................91
5.10 Sewing Corners.......................................................................................................................92
6 Practical stitches ................................................................................................................................93
6.1 Overview Practical stitches.......................................................................................................93
6.2 Sewing straight stitch..............................................................................................................96
6.3 Securing with the automatic Securing Program .......................................................................96
6.4 Sewing in the zipper ...............................................................................................................97
6.5 Sewing both sides of the zipper from bottom to top ...............................................................98
6.6 Sewing triple straight stitch .....................................................................................................99
6.7 Sewing Triple zig zag ..............................................................................................................99
6.8 Manual darning ....................................................................................................................100
6.9 Automatic darning ................................................................................................................102
6.10 Reinforced darning, automatic ..............................................................................................102
6.11 Reinforced Darning Program .................................................................................................103
6.12 Finishing edges .....................................................................................................................104
6.13 Sewing Double overlock........................................................................................................104

Contents
9
6.14 Narrow edgestitching............................................................................................................105
6.15 Wide edgestitching ...............................................................................................................105
6.16 Edgestitching using the seam guide (optional accessory) .......................................................106
6.17 Sewing hem edges................................................................................................................106
6.18 Sewing blind hems................................................................................................................107
6.19 Sewing visible hems ..............................................................................................................108
6.20 Sewing flat joining seams......................................................................................................108
6.21 Sewing basting stitches .........................................................................................................109
7 Decorative stitches ..........................................................................................................................110
7.1 Overview Decorative Stitches.................................................................................................110
7.2 Bobbin-Play...........................................................................................................................111
7.3 Altering the stitch density......................................................................................................112
7.4 Sewing cross stitches.............................................................................................................112
7.5 Pintucks ................................................................................................................................113
Pintucks.............................................................................................................................113
Overview pintucks .............................................................................................................113
Inserting the cord ..............................................................................................................114
Sewing Pintucks ................................................................................................................114
8 Alphabets .........................................................................................................................................115
8.1 Overview Alphabet................................................................................................................115
8.2 Creating lettering..................................................................................................................116
8.3 Altering font size...................................................................................................................116
9 Buttonholes......................................................................................................................................118
9.1 Overview Buttonholes ...........................................................................................................118
9.2 Making use of the height compensation tool ........................................................................120
9.3 Using the compensation plate ...............................................................................................120
9.4 Marking buttonholes.............................................................................................................121
9.5 Cord .....................................................................................................................................122
Using cord with the Buttonhole foot with slide No. 3A ......................................................122
Using cord with the Buttonhole foot No. 3C (optional accessory).......................................123
9.6 Sewing a test sample ............................................................................................................124
9.7 Determining the buttonhole slit width...................................................................................124
9.8 Determining the buttonhole length .......................................................................................125
9.9 Using the stitch counter function ..........................................................................................125
9.10 Sewing a buttonhole automatically .......................................................................................126
9.11 Programming the Heirloom buttonhole .................................................................................127
9.12 Sewing the manual 7-step buttonhole...................................................................................127
9.13 Sewing the manual 5-step buttonhole...................................................................................128
9.14 Cutting the buttonhole open with the seam ripper................................................................129
9.15 Cutting open buttonholes with the buttonhole cutter (optional accessory) ............................129

Contents
10
9.16 Sewing on buttons................................................................................................................130
9.17 Sewing eyelets ......................................................................................................................130
10 Quilting ............................................................................................................................................131
10.1 Overview Quilt Stitches .........................................................................................................131
10.2 Quilting, Securing Program ...................................................................................................132
10.3 Sewing handlook quilt stitches ..............................................................................................132
10.4 Guiding the quilt work freely.................................................................................................133
11 BERNINA Stitch Regulator (BSR) .....................................................................................................134
11.1 BSR mode 1 ..........................................................................................................................134
11.2 BSR mode 2 ..........................................................................................................................134
11.3 BSR function with Straight stitch No. 1..................................................................................134
11.4 BSR function with Zig zag No. 2 ............................................................................................134
11.5 Sewing preparations for quilting ...........................................................................................134
Attach the BSR presser foot ...............................................................................................134
Changing the presser foot sole ..........................................................................................135
11.6 Using the BSR mode..............................................................................................................135
11.7 Securing................................................................................................................................136
Securing in BSR1 mode with the button «Start/Stop» ........................................................136
Securing in BSR2 mode......................................................................................................136
12 My BERNINA Embroidery ................................................................................................................138
12.1 Overview Embroidery module................................................................................................138
12.2 Supplied accessories Embroidery module...............................................................................138
Overview Accessories Embroidery module..........................................................................138
12.3 Overview User Interface ........................................................................................................139
Overview functions/visual information ...............................................................................139
Overview System settings ..................................................................................................140
Overview Selection menu embroidery ................................................................................140
12.4 Important Embroidery information ........................................................................................140
Upper thread.....................................................................................................................140
Bobbin thread ...................................................................................................................141
Selecting the embroidery file format ..................................................................................141
Embroidery test .................................................................................................................142
The size of the embroidery motif .......................................................................................142
Embroidering motifs by third-party providers .....................................................................142
Underlay stitches ...............................................................................................................142
Satin stitch ........................................................................................................................142
Step stitch .........................................................................................................................143
Connecting stitches ...........................................................................................................143
13 Embroidering preparation ..............................................................................................................144
13.1 Attaching the Module ...........................................................................................................144
13.2 Removing the embroidery module.........................................................................................144
13.3 Preparing the machine ..........................................................................................................145
Lowering the feed dog ......................................................................................................145

Contents
11
Selecting an embroidery motif ...........................................................................................145
13.4 Embroidery foot ....................................................................................................................145
Attaching the embroidery foot ..........................................................................................145
Selecting the presser foot in the User Interface ..................................................................146
13.5 Needle and stitch plate..........................................................................................................147
Inserting the embroidery needle ........................................................................................147
Selecting the embroidery needle in the User Interface........................................................147
Selecting the needle type and the needle size ....................................................................147
Attaching the stitch plate ..................................................................................................148
Selecting the stitch plate in the User Interface....................................................................148
Thread-up command .........................................................................................................149
13.6 Embroidery hoop ..................................................................................................................149
Overview Embroidery hoop selection .................................................................................149
Selecting the embroidery hoop ..........................................................................................149
Tear-away stabilizers..........................................................................................................149
Cut-away stabilizers...........................................................................................................150
Using adhesive spray .........................................................................................................150
Using spray starch .............................................................................................................150
Using iron-on interfacing ...................................................................................................150
Using paper-backed adhesive stabilizer ..............................................................................150
Using water-soluble stabilizer ............................................................................................151
Preparing the embroidery hoop .........................................................................................151
Attaching the hoop ...........................................................................................................152
Overview Embroidery functions .........................................................................................153
Center the needle to the embroidery hoop ........................................................................153
Moving the hoop to the back ............................................................................................153
Moving the module for the sewing mode ..........................................................................153
Grid on/off ........................................................................................................................154
Locating the center of the embroidery motif......................................................................154
Virtual positioning of the embroidery hoop........................................................................154
14 Setup Program .................................................................................................................................155
14.1 Adjusting the embroidery settings in the Setup Program .......................................................155
15 Creative embroidering ....................................................................................................................156
15.1 Overview embroidering .........................................................................................................156
15.2 Selecting and changing the embroidery motif .......................................................................156
15.3 Checking the embroidery time and the embroidery motif size ...............................................156
15.4 Regulating the speed ............................................................................................................156
15.5 Editing the embroidery motif.................................................................................................157
Overview Editing embroidery motif....................................................................................157
Scaling up the embroidery motif view................................................................................157
Downsizing the embroidery motif view..............................................................................157
Moving the embroidery motif view ....................................................................................157
Moving the embroidery motif in enlarged view..................................................................158
Moving the embroidery motif ............................................................................................158
Rotating motif ...................................................................................................................158
Altering the embroidery motif size proportionally ..............................................................159
Altering the embroidery motif size disproportionally ..........................................................159
Mirroring embroidery motifs..............................................................................................160

Contents
12
Bending the text................................................................................................................160
Changing the stitch type ...................................................................................................160
Altering the stitch density ..................................................................................................161
Checking the size and the position of the embroidery motif .............................................161
Endless embroidery............................................................................................................162
Duplicating the embroidery motif ......................................................................................164
Deleting an embroidery motif ............................................................................................164
Changing the sequence within an embroidery motif combination......................................164
Undoing entries.................................................................................................................165
Grouping embroidery motifs..............................................................................................165
15.6 Pinpoint placement ...............................................................................................................166
Positioning of grid points...................................................................................................166
Free point positioning........................................................................................................167
15.7 Combining embroidery motifs...............................................................................................168
Combining embroidery motifs ...........................................................................................168
Deleting a single embroidery motif ....................................................................................168
Duplicating the embroidery motif ......................................................................................169
Duplicating a combination.................................................................................................169
15.8 Creating lettering..................................................................................................................170
Overview embroidery alphabets.........................................................................................170
Creating words/sentences..................................................................................................170
Editing words/sentences ....................................................................................................171
15.9 Changing the colors of the embroidery motif ........................................................................172
Overview changing the color .............................................................................................172
Changing the colors ..........................................................................................................173
Altering the colors via the color wheel ...............................................................................173
Changing the thread brand ...............................................................................................174
15.10 Embroidering the embroidery motif.......................................................................................175
Overview Embroidery menu...............................................................................................175
Adding basting stitches .....................................................................................................175
Moving the hoop...............................................................................................................175
Embroidery sequence control when thread breaks .............................................................175
Cutting connecting stitches ...............................................................................................176
Reducing color changes.....................................................................................................176
Multi-colored embroidery motif on/off...............................................................................176
Endless Embroidery............................................................................................................176
Color indication.................................................................................................................177
15.11 Free arm embroidering..........................................................................................................178
15.12 Administering embroidery motifs ..........................................................................................179
Administering embroidery motifs.......................................................................................179
Saving embroidery motifs in the personal memory.............................................................179
Saving the embroidery motif on the BERNINA USB stick.....................................................179
Overwriting the embroidery motif in the personal memory ................................................179
Overwriting the embroidery motif on the BERNINA USB stick.............................................180
Importing stitch patterns ...................................................................................................180
Loading an embroidery motif from the personal memory...................................................180
Loading an embroidery motif from the BERNINA USB stick ................................................181
Deleting an embroidery motif from the personal memory ..................................................181
Deleting an embroidery motif from the BERNINA USB stick................................................181

Contents
13
16 Embroidery.......................................................................................................................................182
16.1 Embroidering via the button «Start/Stop» .............................................................................182
16.2 Increasing the embroidery speed ...........................................................................................182
16.3 Adjusting the upper thread tension .......................................................................................183
16.4 Embroidering via the foot control..........................................................................................183
17 Attachment ......................................................................................................................................184
17.1 Maintenance and cleaning ....................................................................................................184
Cleaning the display ..........................................................................................................184
Cleaning the feed dog.......................................................................................................184
Cleaning the hook.............................................................................................................184
Lubricating the hook .........................................................................................................185
17.2 Troubleshooting....................................................................................................................187
17.3 Error messages......................................................................................................................190
17.4 Storage and disposal .............................................................................................................193
Storing the machine ..........................................................................................................193
Dispose of the machine .....................................................................................................194
17.5 Technical data.......................................................................................................................195
18 Overview motifs ..............................................................................................................................196
18.1 Overview Stitch patterns .......................................................................................................196
Practical stitches ................................................................................................................196
Buttonholes.......................................................................................................................196
Decorative stitches.............................................................................................................196
18.2 Overview Embroidery motifs..................................................................................................202
Editing embroidery motifs..................................................................................................202
Projects .............................................................................................................................203
Quilt motifs .......................................................................................................................204
Ornaments ........................................................................................................................213
Children ............................................................................................................................220
Frames and borders ...........................................................................................................225
Seasons .............................................................................................................................227
Borders and Lace ...............................................................................................................233
Sports and hobby ..............................................................................................................238
Animals .............................................................................................................................242
Flowers..............................................................................................................................243
Designs with special effects ...............................................................................................248
Index.................................................................................................................................................253

Important safety instructions
14
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.

Important safety instructions
15
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.
• 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.

Important safety instructions
16
• 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.
• 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.

Important safety instructions
17
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
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.
KEEP THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL SAVE
Appropriate use
Your BERNINA machine is conceived and designed for private
household use. It answers the purpose to quilt fabrics 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.

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1 My BERNINA
1.1 Introduction
With your BERNINA 590 you can sew, embroider and quilt. Delicate silk or satin fabrics as well as heavy-
weight linen, fleece and denim can be sewn without any problems with this machine. Numerous practical as
well as decorative stitches, buttonholes and 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 590.
The Tutorial gives information and explanations, covering various aspects of sewing, embroidering and the
different stitches.
The Creative Consultant informs you about decision support for sewing projects. After entering the kind of
fabric and the desired sewing project, suggestions concerning the suitable needle or the appropriate presser
foot are displayed.
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 stitch patterns, functions and applications in the
display.
Further information
In addition to this instruction manual of your BERNINA 590 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.

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19
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 given by BERNINA sewing 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.

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1.4 Overview Machine
Overview front controls
1
2
4
3
56
7
8
9
1 Quick reverse 6 Needle up/down
2 Thread cutter 7 Upper Multifunctional knob
3 Presser foot up/down 8 Lower Multifunctional knob
4 Start/Stop 9 Needle left/right
5 Pattern end

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Overview front
2
1
3
4
6
7
8
9
10
5
13
14
12
11
1 Connection for embroidery module 8 Slide speed control
2 Bobbin cover 9 Thread take-up lever cover
3 Connection for accessory (optional accessory) 10 Thread take-up lever
4 Presser foot 11 Thread cutter
5 Needle threader 12 Fixing screw
6 Sewing light 13 Connection for slide-on table
7 Thread cutter 14 Connection for Free Hand System