Bernina 790 User manual

BERNINA 790
B790-720_UG_213mm_11.10.2011.indd 1 22.09.2014 14:27:44

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 790 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
035964.50.04_2014-08_Manual_B790_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
2014/08 en 035964.50.04
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.
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Contents
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Contents
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 14
1My BERNINA 17
1.1 Introduction 17
1.2 Further information 17
1.3 Key to signs 18
1.4 Overview 19
Overview front controls 19
Overview front 20
Overview sideways 21
Overview back 22
1.5 Included accessories 23
Use of the power cable (USA/Canada only) 25
Foot control (USA/Canada only) 25
Presser feet 25
Accessory box 27
1.6 Overview Selection Menu on the left (External Functions/Views) 28
1.7 Overview Selection Menu on the right (System settings) 28
1.8 Buttons and icons 29
1.9 Needle, Thread, Fabric 29
Thread selection 31
Example for needle description 32
Needle/thread combination 32
2Preparation 33
2.1 Accessory box 33
Accessory box free standing 33
Storing accessories 33
2.2 Connection and Switching on 34
Connecting the foot control 34
Connecting the machine 34
Attaching the lever of the Free Hand System 35
Fixing the touchscreen pen 35
Switching the machine on 35
2.3 Foot control 35
Sewing speed control 35
Raising/Lowering the needle 36
2.4 Spool holder 36
Installing the spool holder 36
Inserting foam pads 37
Positioning the spool disc 37
Using a spool net 37
2.5 Free arm 38
Adjusting the feed dog 38
Using the slide-on table 38
Attaching the seam guide 39
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2.6 Presser foot 39
Adjusting the presser position via the lever of the Free Hand System 39
Adjusting the presser foot position via the button Presser foot up/down 39
Changing the presser foot 40
Selecting the presser foot 40
Adjusting the presser foot pressure 41
2.7 Adjusting the feed dog 41
2.8 Checking the filling level of the bobbin thread 41
2.9 Needle and stitch plate 41
Adjusting the needle position up/down 41
Adjusting the needle position left/right 41
Needle stop up/down (permanent) 42
Changing the needle 42
Selecting the needle 42
Selecting the needle type and the needle size 43
Changing the stitch plate 43
Selecting the stitch plate 43
2.10 Threading 44
Threading preparation 44
Threading the upper thread 44
Threading the double needle 47
Threading the triple needle 48
Winding the bobbin thread 48
Threading the bobbin thread 49
2.11 Calling up the Tutorial 52
2.12 Calling up the Help 52
2.13 Calling up the Creative Consultant 52
3Setup-Program 53
3.1 Sewing settings 53
Adjusting the upper thread tension 53
Adjusting the maximum sewing speed 53
Programming the securing stitches 53
Adjusting the hovering height of the presser foot 53
Programming the button «Pattern end» 54
Programming the button «Thread cutter» 54
Adjusting the presser foot position with needle stop down 55
Programming the button «Quick reverse» 55
Programming the button «Securing» 56
Programming the foot control 56
3.2 Embroidery settings 57
Adjusting the upper thread tension 57
Adjusting the maximum embroidering speed 57
Calibrating the hoop 58
Entering the fabric thickness 58
Deactivating securing stitches 58
Deactivating the thread catcher 59
Programming the automatic thread cut 59
3.3 Selecting personal settings 60
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3.4 Monitoring functions 61
Activating the upper thread indicator 61
Activating the bobbin thread indicator 61
3.5 Activating the audio signals 61
3.6 Machine settings 62
Selecting a language 62
Adjusting the brightness of the display 62
Adjusting the sewing light 62
Calibrating the display 63
Back to basic setting 63
Deleting user data 64
Deleting data from the BERNINA USB Stick (optional accessory) 64
Calibrating the Buttonhole foot No. 3A 64
Updating the software 65
Recovering saved data 66
Cleaning the machine 66
Lubricating the machine 67
Packing the embroidery module 67
Checking the Software Version 68
Reviewing the total number of stitches 68
Registering details of the dealer 68
Saving Service data 69
4Creative sewing 70
4.1 Overview Sewing functions 70
Selecting a stitch pattern 70
4.2 BERNINA Dual Feed 70
Application of the BERNINA Dual Feed 71
4.3 Sewing speed control 72
4.4 Editing stitch patterns 72
Changing the stitch width 72
Changing the stitch length 73
Adjusting the upper thread tension 73
Correcting the balance 74
Programming pattern repeat 74
Programming long stitch 74
Mirror image of stitch patterns 74
Editing stitch pattern length 75
Programming the stitch counter function 75
Quick reverse 75
Permanent Quick reverse 76
Backstepping 76
Changing the sewing direction 76
4.5 Securing 77
Securing a seam with the button «Securing» 77
Securing with the button «Pattern end» 77
4.6 Administering stitch patterns 77
Saving settings of stitch patterns 77
Calling up the previously sewn stitch patterns 78
Saving stitch patterns in personal memory 78
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Overwriting stitch patterns from the personal memory 78
Loading stitch patterns from the personal memory 78
Deleting stitch patterns from the personal memory 79
Canceling alterations 79
4.7 Combi mode 79
Overview Combi mode 79
Overview Combi mode extended 80
Creating Stitch pattern combinations 80
Saving a stitch pattern combination 80
Loading a stitch pattern combination 81
Overwriting a stitch pattern combination 81
Deleting a stitch pattern combination 81
Editing the view of the stitch pattern combination 81
Editing a single stitch pattern 82
Deleting a single stitch pattern 82
Relocating a single stitch pattern 83
Adding a single stitch pattern 83
Aligning the stitch length and width 83
Mirroring a stitch pattern combination 84
Stitch pattern combination Subdivider 1 85
Stitch pattern combination Subdivider 2 85
Securing a stitch pattern combination 85
Relocating several stitch patterns 86
Programming pattern repeat 86
Changing the sewing direction of a stitch pattern 86
Changing the sewing direction of a stitch pattern combination 86
4.8 Stitch Designer 87
Overview Stitch Designer 87
Creating your own stitch pattern 88
Editing the view 88
Inserting points 88
Relocating the points 89
Duplicating points 89
Deleting points 89
Activating the triple stitch 90
Mirroring the stitch pattern 90
Reversing the stitch sequence 91
Designing a stitch pattern from scratch 91
Determining the stitch pattern width 91
4.9 Height Compensation of uneven layers 92
4.10 Sewing Corners 92
4.11 Using eco mode 93
5Practical stitches 94
5.1 Overview Practical stitches 94
5.2 Sewing straight stitch 96
5.3 Securing with the automatic Securing Program 96
5.4 Sewing in the zipper 97
5.5 Sewing both sides of the zipper from bottom to top 98
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5.6 Sewing triple straight stitch 99
5.7 Sewing Triple zig zag 99
5.8 Manual darning 100
5.9 Automatic darning 102
5.10 Reinforced darning, automatic 103
5.11 Reinforced Darning Program 103
5.12 Finishing edges 104
5.13 Sewing Double overlock 105
5.14 Narrow edgestitching 105
5.15 Wide edgestitching 105
5.16 Edgestitching using the seam guide 105
5.17 Sewing hem edges 106
5.18 Sewing blind hems 107
5.19 Sewing visible hems 108
5.20 Sewing flat joining seams 108
5.21 Sewing basting stitches 109
6Decorative stitches 110
6.1 Overview Decorative Stitches 110
6.2 Bobbin-Play 112
6.3 Altering the stitch density 112
6.4 Tapering 113
Overview Tapering 113
Altering points of a stitch pattern 113
Sewing tapering 114
Sewing tapering automatically 114
6.5 Sewing cross stitches 115
6.6 Pintucks 115
Pintucks 115
Inserting the cord 116
Sewing Pintucks 117
7Alphabets and Monograms 118
7.1 Overview Alphabet 118
7.2 Creating lettering 118
7.3 Altering font size 119
7.4 Altering size of monogram 120
8Buttonholes 121
8.1 Overview Buttonholes 121
8.2 Making use of the height compensation tool 122
8.3 Using the compensation plate 123
8.4 Marking buttonholes 123
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8.5 Cord 124
Using cord with the Buttonhole foot with slide No. 3A 124
Using cord with the Buttonhole foot No. 3C (optional accessory) 125
8.6 Sewing a test sample 126
8.7 Determining the buttonhole slit width 126
8.8 Determining the buttonhole length 127
8.9 Using the stitch counter function 127
8.10 Sewing a buttonhole automatically 128
8.11 Programming the Heirloom buttonhole 129
8.12 Sewing the manual 7-step buttonhole 129
8.13 Sewing the manual 5-step buttonhole 130
8.14 Cutting the buttonhole open with the seam ripper 131
8.15 Cutting open buttonholes with the buttonhole cutter (optional accessory) 131
8.16 Sewing on buttons 131
8.17 Sewing eyelets 132
9Quilting 133
9.1 Overview Quilt Stitches 133
9.2 Sewing in the Quilting securing Program 134
9.3 Sewing handlook quilt stitches 134
9.4 Guiding the quilt work freely 135
10 BERNINA Stitch Regulator (BSR) 136
10.1 Using the BSR mode 136
10.2 BSR mode 1 137
10.3 BSR mode 2 137
10.4 BSR function with Straight stitch No. 1 137
10.5 BSR function with Zig zag No. 2 137
10.6 Sewing preparation 137
Attach the BSR presser foot 137
Changing the presser foot sole 138
10.7 Securing 139
Securing in BSR1 mode with the button «Start/Stop» 139
Securing in BSR2 mode 139
11 Embroidery 140
11.1 Overview Embroidery module 140
11.2 Supplied accessories 140
11.3 Important Embroidery information 141
Choosing the embroidery motif 141
Embroidery test 141
The size of the embroidery motif 141
Underlay stitches 142
Satin stitch 142
Step stitch 142
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Connecting stitches 143
Upper thread 143
Bobbin thread 143
Tear-away stabilizers 144
Cut-away stabilizers 144
11.4 Overview Embroidery functions 144
11.5 Embroidering preparation 145
Attaching the Embroidery foot No. 26 145
Selecting the Embroidery foot No. 26 145
Inserting the embroidery needle 146
Selecting the needle 146
Selecting needle type and needle size 147
Attaching the stitch plate CutWork/Straight 147
Selecting the stitch plate CutWork/Straight 148
Attaching the Module 148
Preparing the embroidery hoop 149
Using adhesive spray 150
Using spray starch 150
Using iron-on interfacing 150
Using paper-backed adhesive stabilizer 150
Using water-soluble stabilizer 151
Attaching the hoop 151
11.6 Selecting an embroidery motif 151
11.7 Embroidery hoop 152
Overview Embroidery hoop selection 152
Changing the upper thread in the embroidery mode 153
Changing the bobbin thread in Embroidery mode 153
Sewing with connected embroidery module 153
Activating the grid 154
Locating the center of the embroidery motif 154
Relocating the hoop 154
11.8 Editing the embroidery motif 155
Overview Editing embroidery motif 155
Monitoring the embroidery time 155
Adjusting the upper thread tension 156
Altering the view 156
Relocating the embroidery motif 157
Rotating the embroidery motif 157
Altering the size 157
Altering the size proportionally 157
Mirroring embroidery motifs 158
Bending text 158
Changing satin stitch to step stitch 158
Altering the stitch density 158
Checking the size of the embroidery motif 159
11.9 Combinations 159
Combining embroidery motifs 159
Duplicating the embroidery motif 160
Duplicating a combination 160
11.10 Administering embroidery motifs 161
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Saving embroidery motifs in the personal memory 161
Saving the embroidery motif on the BERNINA USB stick 161
Overwriting the embroidery motif in the personal memory 162
Overwriting the embroidery motif on the BERNINA USB stick 162
Importing stitch patterns 162
Loading an embroidery motif from the personal memory 163
Loading an embroidery motif from the BERNINA USB stick 163
Deleting an embroidery motif from the personal memory 163
Deleting an embroidery motif from the BERNINA USB stick 164
11.11 Embroidery menu 164
Overview Embroidery menu 164
Changing the colors of the embroidery motif 165
Changing the thread brand 165
Adding basting stitches 165
Moving the hoop 166
Repositioning the needle 166
Cutting connecting stitches 166
Reducing color changes 166
Embroidering motifs in one color 166
Embroidering single colors 167
11.12 Embroidering via the button «Start/Stop» 167
11.13 Embroidering via the foot control 168
11.14 Creating lettering 168
11.15 Endless embroidery 169
12 Attachment 172
12.1 Maintencance and cleaning 172
Cleaning the display 172
Cleaning the feed dog 172
Lubricating the machine 172
Cleaning the hook 173
Lubricating the hook 174
12.2 Troubleshooting 176
12.3 Error messages 179
12.4 Storage and disposal 183
Storing the machine 183
Dispose of the machine 183
12.5 Technical data 184
12.6 Overview Stitch patterns 185
Practical stitches 185
Buttonholes 185
Decorative stitches 186
12.7 Overview Embroidery motifs 191
Editing embroidery motifs 191
Embellishment 192
Quilts 194
Borders and Lace 197
Flowers 200
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Children 203
Seasons 206
Asia 207
Sport 209
Monograms Girls 210
Monograms Boys 213
Animals 215
DesignWorks designs 217
Index 218
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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 790 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 for your BERNINA 790 the following information products are enclosed:
• DVD with video instruction
• DVD with embroidery motifs
• 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
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My BERNINA
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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
7
8
9
10
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1 Quick reverse 7 Pattern begin
2 Thread cutter 8 Needle up/down
3 Presser foot up/down 9 Upper Multifunctional knob
4 Start/Stop 10 Lower Multifunctional knob
5 Pattern end 11 Needle left/right
6 Securing
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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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