Bernina 720 User manual

BERNINA 720
B790-720_UG_213mm_11.10.2011.indd 4 22.09.2014 14:29:11

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 7-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 720 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
036045.50.04_2014-10_Manual_B720_EN

Edition notice
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Edition notice
Graphics
www.sculpt.ch
Text, Setting and Layout
BERNINA International AG
Photos
Patrice Heilmann, Winterthur
Part number
2014/10 en 036045.50.04
1st Edition
Copyright
2014 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.
036045.50.04_2014-10_Manual_B720_EN

Contents
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Contents
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 13
1My BERNINA 16
1.1 Introduction 16
1.2 Further information 16
1.3 Key to signs 16
1.4 Overview 17
Overview front controls 17
Overview front 18
Overview sideways 19
Overview back 20
1.5 Included accessories 21
Use of the power cable (USA/Canada only) 22
Foot control (USA/Canada only) 23
Presser feet 23
Accessory box 24
1.6 Overview Selection Menu on the left (External Functions/Views) 25
1.7 Overview Selection Menu below (System settings) 25
1.8 Buttons and icons 25
1.9 Needle, Thread, Fabric 26
Thread selection 28
Example for needle description 28
Needle/thread combination 28
2Sewing preparation 30
2.1 Accessory box 30
Accessory box free standing 30
Storing accessories 30
2.2 Connection and Switching on 31
Connecting the foot control 31
Connecting the machine 31
Attaching the lever of the Free Hand System 32
Fixing the touchscreen pen 32
Switching the machine on 32
2.3 Foot control 32
Sewing speed control 32
Raising/Lowering the needle 33
2.4 Spool holder 33
Installing the spool holder 33
Inserting foam pads 34
Positioning the spool disc 34
Using a spool net 34
2.5 Free arm 35
Adjusting the feed dog 35
Using the slide-on table 35
2.6 Presser foot 36
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Adjusting the presser position via the lever of the Free Hand System 36
Adjusting the presser foot position via the button Presser foot up/down 36
Changing the presser foot 36
Displaying the presser foot 37
Adjusting the presser foot pressure 37
2.7 Adjusting the feed dog 38
2.8 Checking the filling level of the bobbin thread 38
2.9 Needle and stitch plate 38
Adjusting the needle position up/down 38
Adjusting the needle position left/right 38
Needle stop up/down (permanent) 38
Changing the needle 39
Selecting the needle 39
Select the needle type and the needle size 39
Changing the stitch plate 40
Selecting the stitch plate 40
2.10 Threading 41
Threading preparation 41
Threading the upper thread 41
Threading the double needle 44
Threading the triple needle 44
Winding the bobbin thread 45
Threading the bobbin thread 46
2.11 Calling up the Tutorial 48
2.12 Calling up the Help 48
2.13 Calling up the Creative Consultant 49
3Setup-Program 50
3.1 Sewing settings 50
Adjusting the upper thread tension 50
Adjusting the maximum sewing speed 50
Programming the securing stitches 50
Adjusting the hovering height of the presser foot 50
Programming the button «Pattern end» 51
Programming the button «Thread cutter» 51
Adjusting the presser foot position with needle stop down 52
Programming the button «Quick reverse» 52
3.2 Embroidery settings 53
Adjusting the upper thread tension 53
Adjusting the maximum embroidering speed 53
Calibrating the hoop 53
Entering the fabric thickness 54
Deactivating securing stitches 54
Deactivating the thread catcher 55
Programming the automatic thread cut 55
3.3 Selecting personal settings 55
3.4 Monitoring functions 56
Activating the upper thread indicator 56
Activating the bobbin thread indicator 56
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3.5 Activating the audio signals 57
3.6 Machine settings 57
Selecting a language 57
Adjusting the brightness of the display 57
Adjusting the sewing light 58
Calibrating the display 58
Back to basic setting 58
Deleting user data 59
Deleting data from the BERNINA USB Stick (optional accessory) 60
Calibrating the Buttonhole foot No. 3A 60
Updating the software 60
Recovering saved data 62
Cleaning the machine 62
Lubricating the machine 62
Packing the embroidery module 63
Checking the Software Version 63
Reviewing the total number of stitches 63
Registering details of the dealer 64
Saving Service data 64
4Creative sewing 66
4.1 Overview Sewing functions 66
Selecting a stitch pattern 66
4.2 Sewing speed control 66
4.3 Editing stitch patterns 67
Changing the stitch width 67
Changing the stitch length 67
Adjusting the upper thread tension 68
Correcting the balance 68
Programming pattern repeat 68
Mirror image of stitch patterns 69
Editing stitch pattern length 69
Quick reverse 69
Permanent Quick reverse 70
4.4 Securing 70
Securing with the button «Pattern end» 70
Securing via the icon «Securing» 70
4.5 Administering stitch patterns 70
Saving settings of stitch patterns 70
Saving stitch patterns in personal memory 71
Overwriting stitch patterns from the personal memory 71
Loading stitch patterns from the personal memory 71
Deleting stitch patterns from the personal memory 71
Canceling alterations 72
4.6 Combi mode 72
Overview Combi mode 72
Creating Stitch pattern combinations 72
Saving a stitch pattern combination 73
Loading a stitch pattern combination 73
Overwriting a stitch pattern combination 73
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Deleting a stitch pattern combination 73
Editing a single stitch pattern 74
Deleting a single stitch pattern 74
Adding a single stitch pattern 75
Mirroring a stitch pattern combination 75
Stitch pattern combination Subdivider 1 75
Stitch pattern combination Subdivider 2 76
Securing a stitch pattern combination 76
Programming pattern repeat 76
4.7 Height Compensation of uneven layers 77
4.8 Sewing Corners 77
4.9 Using eco mode 78
5Practical stitches 79
5.1 Overview Practical stitches 79
5.2 Sewing straight stitch 81
5.3 Securing with the automatic Securing Program 81
5.4 Sewing in the zipper 82
5.5 Sewing both sides of the zipper from bottom to top 83
5.6 Sewing triple straight stitch 84
5.7 Sewing Triple zig zag 84
5.8 Manual darning 85
5.9 Automatic darning 87
5.10 Reinforced darning, automatic 88
5.11 Finishing edges 88
5.12 Sewing Double overlock 89
5.13 Narrow edgestitching 89
5.14 Wide edgestitching 89
5.15 Edgestitching using the seam guide 90
5.16 Sewing hem edges 90
5.17 Sewing blind hems 91
5.18 Sewing visible hems 92
5.19 Sewing flat joining seams 93
5.20 Sewing basting stitches 93
6Decorative stitches 94
6.1 Overview Decorative Stitches 94
6.2 Bobbin-Play 95
6.3 Sewing cross stitches 96
6.4 Pintucks 96
Inserting the cord 97
Sewing Pintucks 98
7Alphabets 99
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7.1 Overview Alphabet 99
7.2 Creating lettering 99
8Buttonholes 101
8.1 Overview Buttonholes 101
8.2 Making use of the height compensation tool 102
8.3 Using the compensation plate 102
8.4 Marking buttonholes 103
8.5 Cord 104
Using cord with the Buttonhole foot with slide No. 3A 104
Using cord with the Buttonhole foot with slide No. 3 (optional accessory) 105
8.6 Sewing a test sample 106
8.7 Determining the buttonhole slit width 106
8.8 Determining the buttonhole length 107
8.9 Using the stitch counter function 107
8.10 Sewing a buttonhole automatically 108
8.11 Sewing the manual 7-step buttonhole 109
8.12 Sewing the manual 5-step buttonhole 110
8.13 Cutting the buttonhole open with the seam ripper 111
8.14 Cutting open buttonholes with the buttonhole cutter (optional accessory) 111
8.15 Sewing on buttons 111
8.16 Sewing eyelets 112
9Quilting 113
9.1 Overview Quilt Stitches 113
9.2 Sewing in the Quilting securing Program 114
9.3 Sewing handlook quilt stitches 114
9.4 Guiding the quilt work freely 115
10 BERNINA Stitch Regulator (BSR) 116
10.1 Using the BSR mode 116
10.2 BSR mode 1 117
10.3 BSR mode 2 117
10.4 BSR function with Straight stitch No. 1 117
10.5 BSR function with Zig zag No. 2 117
10.6 Sewing preparation 117
Attach the BSR presser foot 117
Changing the presser foot sole 118
10.7 Securing 119
Securing in BSR1 mode with the button «Start/Stop» 119
Securing in BSR2 mode 119
11 Embroidery 120
11.1 Overview Embroidery module 120
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11.2 Supplied accessories 120
11.3 Important Embroidery information 121
Choosing the embroidery motif 121
Embroidery test 121
The size of the embroidery motif 121
Underlay stitches 122
Satin stitch 122
Step stitch 122
Connecting stitches 123
Upper thread 123
Bobbin thread 123
Tear-away stabilizers 124
Cut-away stabilizers 124
11.4 Overview Embroidery functions 124
11.5 Embroidering preparation 125
Attaching the Embroidery foot No. 26 125
Selecting the Embroidery foot No. 26 125
Inserting the embroidery needle 125
Selecting the needle 126
Selecting the needle type and the needle size 126
Attaching the stitch plate CutWork/Straight 127
Selecting the stitch plate CutWork/Straight 128
Attaching the Module 128
Preparing the embroidery hoop 129
Using adhesive spray 130
Using spray starch 130
Using iron-on interfacing 130
Using paper-backed adhesive stabilizer 130
Using water-soluble stabilizer 131
Attaching the hoop 131
11.6 Selecting an embroidery motif 131
11.7 Embroidery hoop 133
Overview Embroidery hoop selection 133
Changing the upper thread in the embroidery mode 133
Changing the bobbin thread in Embroidery mode 133
Sewing with connected embroidery module 134
Activating the grid 134
Locating the center of the embroidery motif 134
Relocating the hoop 134
11.8 Editing the embroidery motif 135
Overview Editing embroidery motif 135
Monitoring the embroidery time 136
Adjusting the upper thread tension 136
Altering the view 137
Relocating the embroidery motif 137
Rotating the embroidery motif 137
Altering the size proportionally 137
Mirroring embroidery motifs 138
Checking the size of the embroidery motif 138
Changing satin stitch to step stitch 139
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Altering the stitch density 139
11.9 Administering embroidery motifs 140
Saving embroidery motifs in the personal memory 140
Saving the embroidery motif on the BERNINA USB stick 140
Overwriting the embroidery motif in the personal memory 140
Overwriting the embroidery motif on the BERNINA USB stick 141
Loading an embroidery motif from the personal memory 141
Loading an embroidery motif from the BERNINA USB stick 141
Deleting an embroidery motif from the personal memory 142
Deleting an embroidery motif from the BERNINA USB stick 142
11.10 Embroidery menu 143
Overview Embroidery menu 143
Changing the colors of the embroidery motif 143
Changing the thread brand 143
Adding basting stitches 144
Moving the hoop 144
Repositioning the needle 144
Cutting connecting stitches 145
Embroidering motifs in one color 145
Embroidering single colors 145
11.11 Embroidering via the button «Start/Stop» 145
11.12 Embroidering via the foot control 146
11.13 Creating lettering 146
12 Attachment 148
12.1 Maintencance and cleaning 148
Cleaning the display 148
Cleaning the feed dog 148
Lubricating the machine 148
Cleaning the hook 149
Lubricating the hook 150
12.2 Troubleshooting 152
12.3 Error messages 155
12.4 Storage and disposal 158
Storing the machine 158
Dispose of the machine 159
12.5 Technical data 160
13 Overview Stitch patterns 161
13.1 Practical stitches 161
13.2 Buttonholes 161
13.3 Decorative stitches 162
Florals 162
Cross stitches 162
Satin stitches 162
Ornamental stitches 163
Heirloom stitches 163
Novelty 163
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Quilt stitches 164
14 Overview Embroidery motifs 165
14.1 Editing embroidery motifs 165
14.2 Quilt 165
14.3 Embellishment 166
14.4 Flowers 167
14.5 Children 169
14.6 Borders and lace 170
14.7 Seasons 171
14.8 CrystalWork 172
Index 174
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Important safety instructions
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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.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of burns, fire, electric shock or injury to persons:
• 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.
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Important safety instructions
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• Cleaning and maintencance 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 sewing needle.
• Neither pull nor push the fabric while sewing. This can cause
needle breakage.
• Turn power switch to «0» when making any adjustments in the
needle area, such as threading the needle, changing the needle,
threading the hook or changing the presser foot.
• 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» then remove the plug
from the outlet. Do not unplug by pulling the cord, instead grasp
the plug to pull it from the outlet.
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Important safety instructions
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• 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 (except USA/
Canada). Use only identical replacement parts. See instructions
for Servicing of double-insulated products.
Servicing double-insulated products
In a double-insulated product two systems of insulation are provided
instead of grounding. No grounding means is provided on a
doubleinsulated product, nor should a means for grounding be added
to the product. Servicing a double-insulated product requires extreme
care and knowledge of the system and should 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.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
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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My BERNINA
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1 My BERNINA
1.1 Introduction
With your BERNINA 720 you can sew, embroider and quilt. Delicate silk or satin fabrics as well as heavy-
weight linen, fleece and denim can be sewn successfully with this machine. Numerous practical as well as
decorative stitches, buttonholes and embroidery motifs are at your disposal.
In addition to this instruction manual, three help programs are provided on the display.
The Tutorial gives information and explanations, covering various aspects of sewing, embroidering and the
different stitches.
The Creative Consultant provides recommendations for completing your for sewing projects. Enter the
fabric type and technique desired for the project; the machine provides recommended needle, stitch type
and presser foot.
The Help Program contains information about individual stitch patterns, functions and applications in the
display.
1.2 Further information
In addition to this instruction manual of your BERNINA 720 following information products are enclosed:
• DVD with video instruction
• Accessory catalog
The latest version of your instruction manual as well as additional information in connection with sewing can
be foand on our website http://www.bernina.com
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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My BERNINA
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1.4 Overview
Overview front controls
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
9
7
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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My BERNINA
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Overview front
2
1
3
4
6
5
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 accessory (optional accessory) 10 Thread take-up lever
4 Presser foot 11 Clamping screw
5 Needle threader 12 Connection for slide-on table
6 Sewing light 13 Connection for Free Hand System
7 Thread guide
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My BERNINA
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Overview sideways
1
2
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
4
3
1 Connection for foot control 7 Power switch
2 PC-connection 8 Connection for power cable
3 Spool pin 9 Magnet holder for touchscreen pen
4 Thread cutter 10 Air vents
5 Spool holder to be swiveled 11 USB port
6 Handwheel 12 Feed dog up/down
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My BERNINA
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Overview back
1
2
3
5
7
6
4
8
9
12
13
14
15
10
11
1 Connection for slide-on table 9 Thread pretension
2 Connection for darning hoop 10 Thread take-up lever
3 BSR connection 11 Thread guide
4 Connection for accessory (optional accessory) 12 Clamping screw
5 Air vents 13 Thread cutter
6 Thread guide 14 Feed dog
7 Bobbin winding unit 15 Stitch plate
8 Carrying handle
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My BERNINA
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1.5 Included accessories
Visit www.bernina.com for more accessory information.
Illustration Name Purpose
Soft Cover with pocket The soft cover protects from dust and
contamination.
Accessory box The accessory is stored in the accessory box.
Presser foot lifter The presser foot may be raised and lowered with
the Free Hand System.
Slide-on table The slide-on table increases the sewing surface
whereby the area of the free arm is not limited.
Straight/Cutwork stitch
plate
A small stitch hole in the area of the needle allows
an optimized stitch entry. This results in a nicer
stitch formation.
3 Spool discs Spool discs hold the thread spool in place for
proper release of thread from the spool.
3 Bobbins in the
accessory, 1 bobbin in
the bobbin case
The bobbins are filled with the lower thread.
2 Foam pads The foam pad prevents the thread from getting
hooked at the spool holder.
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 ando
stitches or to cut buttonholes open.
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