Bernina 820 Assembly instructions

The 8 Series -Instructions and tips
BERNINA 830
BERNINA 820
QUILTERS EDITION
More information at: www.bernina.com

Congratulations on your purchase of the
BERNINA 8 Series
Your BERNINA 8 Series machine will ensure endless sewing and embroidery pleasure. To
produce the best and most creative results from your sewing-/embroidery computer, please
read the instruction manual carefully, make use of the following tips and visit us at
www.bernina8series.com, where we continually provide new ideas to stimulate your inspiration.
* The BERNINA 830 offers both embroidery and sewing features.
The BERNINA 820 provides sewing features only.
General tips for sewing and embroidering
Further information
Further information, various animation and videos can be found at:
www.bernina8series.com/US/testdrive, please read the instruction manual or
watch our Trainings-DVDs.
Tips for needles
Choose the correct type and size of needle
Thread of standard strength 130/705 H/70-80
Thicker threads or metallic threads 130/705 H-SUK/90-100
Jersey 130/705 H-SUK/70-80
Be careful to match needle and thread
• The thread should travel smoothly down the long groove • See instruction
manual chapter «Important facts about thread and needle»
Working with the Double needle
To achieve the best sewing quality:
1. Upper threads must be guided separately into the thread guide of the needle
clamp. At that point, thread the first thread behind the wire as usual (red arrow),
thread the second thread in front of the wire. (picture 1)
2. The recommended optimal speed for Double Needles ranges from about
350-500 stitches per minute. Set the slide speed control as shown below.
(picture 2)
3. Make sure that the threads are not twisted after the thread take-up lever. For a
better sight the cover can be removed.
As a general guideline: Replace the needle before starting a new sewing
project. Needles are wearing parts and by frequent use they change their features.
Even after 1.5 hours of useage first abrasions are recognizable. After about 8
hours, increases in thread breakage, loops and poor stitch formation may occur.
Tips for working with metallic threads
• Sew a test sample to find the optimal machine setting • Use a
130/705 H-SUK/90-100 needle
• Turn off automatic thread cutter to avoid excessive
wear
• Reduce upper thread tension (lower number) • Reduce motor speed and
use thread lubricator
Radial feed of upper thread
For best feed with certain thread types, a radial feed is suggested. Two options are
listed:
1. With smaller spools and/or loose twist: use the thread guide in the divider.
(picture 3)
2. For threads with a strong twist and/or larger spools (especially Mini-King): guide
the thread around the telescoping guide directly into the side of the sewing
computer. (picture 4)
In each case, a foam rotary disc must be used. To center the Mini-King spool
always use the center aid. (picture 5) Thread lubrication can be used if necessary.
(picture 6) Before starting, make sure that the thread between spool and thread
guide of the sewing computer is slightly taut.
Radial feed, thread lubrication and thread guide can effectively increase the thread
tension. Adjust upper tension setting as needed.
Tips for threading
• The sewing computer must be switched on • See instruction manual chapter
«Threading»and «Manual threading»
• Various animations and videos may be
viewed at: www.bernina8series.com/US/testdrive
Tips for the spool net
Always use one of the provided spool nets. This net prevents thread breakage
when the thread gets caught at the edge of the spool.
• Use the white spool net with larger spools • Use the red net with smaller spools
• Before threading automatically, always pull a small amount of thread out of the
spool net
Tips for presser feet
• Select and attach the correct presser foot according to the desired technique
• Activate the presser foot indicator in the display and confirm the selected presser
foot
The sewing computer can now make the necessary adjustments (e.g. Zipper Foot
No. 4: the center of the icon in the display is gray = the needle can't stitch in this
area).
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Are you looking for some more useful
accessories by BERNINA?
Please visit: www.bernina.com
Special tips for embroidering
Always keep your sewing computer up to date
See instruction manual chapter «Setup-Program/Update»
Updates are available at: www.bernina.com/downloads.
Tips for upper thread tension
• Practical stitches = increased upper thread tension (higher number) • Decorative
stitches and embroidery motifs = reduced upper thread tension (lower number)
• Always adjust the upper thread tension according to the thread features
• Increase the upper thread tension if necessary when using easily sliding and
break resistant threads, e.g. cotton, polyester
• Reduce the upper thread tension if
necesssary when using threads which are prone to break easily, e.g. rayon/viscose,
metallic and polyamid
• Adjust the upper thread tension when using a
different weight bobbin thread
Always adjust the upper thread tension according to the fabric
• Heavy weight/firmer fabrics require an increased upper thread tension
• Light weight/softer fabrics require a reduced upper thread tension
Tips for lower thread tension
If many loops or irregularities occur in the stitch formation:
1. Make sure that the thread is threaded correctly for sewing or embroidering.
2. Please confirm the lower thread tension is set correctly.
The basic settings are indicated in the bobbin door of the sewing computer as well
as in the instruction manual see chapter «Thread tension».
Always adjust the lower thread tension according to the thread
features
For slippery and strong threads: Shift the lug at the lower thread
tension 1-2 points to the right (increased lower thread tension).
With threads which are prone to break easily: Shift the lug at the lower thread
tension 1-2 points to the left (reduced lower thread tension).
Tips for silicone oil (thread lubrication)
Silicone oil is a lubricant which dissipates without trace. The thread slippage
through the needle improves and thread breakages can be reduced.
• Use BERNINA thread lubricator
Lubricating is not necessary: With easily sliding, tensile threads with smooth
surface, e.g. polyester, cotton, rayon up to half a year old
Lubricating is recommended: With threads which are prone to break having a
rough surface, e.g. metallic threads, rayon older than half a year
Attention: When threads are lubricated using silicone, it may be necessary to
increase the upper thread tension.
Tips for cleaning and maintenance
• Oil the hook after having used the content of 3 to 4 bobbins. The machine
screen will display a reminder
• Increasing noise of the motor and/or irregular
stitch formation can also be an indication that oiling is necessary
• Remove any lint from the hook and the bobbin area, then remove the stitch plate
• See instruction manual chapter «Maintenance/Cleaning»
• Use the straight stitch plate when embroidering • Always use a suitable stabi-
lizer. This ensures proper stability of the fabric in the hoop and prevents the em-
broidery from distorting • Use a water-soluble stabilizer on the right side of pile or
longfiber fabrics to prevent the threads from sinking into the pile too deeply • See
manual instruction chapter «Preparation/Stabilizer»
Tips for embroidering speed
• High speed when using strong threads and simple embroidery designs • Reduce
speed when using fine threads or with demanding embroidery projects
Further information
Further information, various animation and videos can be found at:
www.bernina8series.com/US/testdrive, please read the instruction manual or
watch our Trainings-DVDs.

2011/09 033928.50.04 EN