Bernina B 500 User manual

BERNINA 500
User manual

LOOKING FOR
A NEW SEWING
PROJECT?
You can nd what you want in “inspiration”, our sewing
magazine. Thanks to great sewing patterns and detailed
sewing instructions, every project succeeds right away.
* Not available in all countries.
Inspiration magazine
is available in German, English,
French and Dutch
WITH AN ANNUAL
SUBSCRIPTION*
YOU GET THE MAGAZINE
SENT DIRECTLY
TO YOUR DOOR
THREE TIMES A YEAR.
bernina.com/inspiration

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

Table of Contents
4
Table of Contents
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ................. 8
Important information ........................................ 10
1 My BERNINA ........................................................ 12
1.1 Introduction ........................................................... 12
1.2 Welcome to the world of BERNINA ........................ 12
1.3 Overview Machine ................................................. 14
Overview front controls .............................................. 14
Overview front ............................................................ 15
Overview sideways ...................................................... 16
Overview back ............................................................ 17
Overview Embroidery module ..................................... 18
1.4 Supplied accessories ............................................... 18
Overview accessories machine .................................... 18
Use of the power cable (only USA/Canada) ................. 19
Foot control (only USA/Canada) (Optional accessory) .. 19
Accessory box ............................................................. 20
Overview accessory Embroidery module ...................... 20
1.5 Overview User Interface ......................................... 21
Overview functions/visual information ......................... 21
Overview System settings ............................................ 22
Overview Selection menu embroidery ......................... 22
Overview Icons ........................................................... 22
1.6 Needle, Thread, Fabric ............................................ 23
Overview Needles ....................................................... 24
Example for needle description ................................... 24
Needle/thread combination ......................................... 25
Upper thread .............................................................. 25
Bobbin thread ............................................................. 26
1.7 Important Embroidery information ......................... 26
Selecting the embroidery file format ........................... 26
Embroidery test .......................................................... 26
The size of the embroidery motif ................................ 26
Embroidering motifs by third-party providers .............. 27
Underlay stitches ........................................................ 27
Satin or Leaf stich ....................................................... 27
Step stitch .................................................................. 28
Connecting stitches .................................................... 28
2 Embroidery preparation ..................................... 29
2.1 Accessory box ........................................................ 29
Removing and attaching the accessory box ................. 29
Storing accessories ...................................................... 29
2.2 Connection and Switching on ................................. 30
Connecting the foot control (Optional accessory) ......... 30
Connecting the machine .............................................. 30
Fixing the touchscreen pen ........................................... 30
Switching the machine on ............................................ 31
Switching on the sewing light ...................................... 31
2.3 Foot control (Optional accessory) ............................ 31
Regulating the speed via the foot control ..................... 31
Raising/Lowering the needle ......................................... 32
2.4 Spool pin ................................................................ 32
Retractable spool pin .................................................... 32
Horizontal spool pin ..................................................... 33
2.5 Free arm ................................................................. 33
2.6 Embroidery foot ...................................................... 34
Attaching the embroidery foot ..................................... 34
Selecting the embroidery foot in the User Interface ...... 34
2.7 Needle and stitch plate ........................................... 35
Inserting the embroidery needle ................................... 35
Selecting the embroidery needle in the User Interface ... 36
Selecting the needle type and the needle size ............... 36
Adjusting the needle position up/down ........................ 36
Attaching the stitch plate ............................................. 37
Selecting the stitch plate in the User Interface .............. 37
2.8 Threading ............................................................... 38
Threading the upper thread ......................................... 38
Winding the bobbin thread .......................................... 40
Threading the bobbin thread ........................................ 41
Thread-up command .................................................... 43
Indicating fill level of bobbin thread ............................. 43
2.9 Attaching the Module ............................................. 44
2.10 Removing the embroidery module .......................... 44
2.11 Selecting the embroidery motif ............................... 44

Table of Contents
5
2.12 Embroidery hoop ................................................... 45
Overview Embroidery hoop selection .......................... 45
Selecting the embroidery hoop ................................... 45
Tear-away stabilizers ................................................... 45
Cut-away stabilizers .................................................... 46
Using adhesive spray ................................................... 46
Using spray starch ....................................................... 46
Using iron-on interfacing ............................................ 46
Using paper-backed adhesive stabilizer ....................... 46
Using water-soluble stabilizer ...................................... 46
Preparing the embroidery hoop .................................. 47
Attaching the hoop .................................................... 48
Overview embroidery functions ................................... 48
Center the needle to the embroidery hoop ................. 48
Moving the hoop to the back ..................................... 49
Moving the embroidery arm to the left ....................... 49
Grid on/off ................................................................. 49
Locating the center of the embroidery motif ............... 49
Virtual positioning of the embroidery hoop ................. 50
3 Setup Program ..................................................... 51
3.1 Embroidery settings ................................................ 51
Adjusting the upper thread tension ............................. 51
Adjusting the maximum embroidering speed .............. 51
Setting the embroidery motif position when opening .. 51
Calibrating the hoop ................................................... 52
Entering the fabric thickness ....................................... 53
Function thread away on/off ....................................... 53
Programming securing stitches (Smart Secure) ............ 53
Adjusting the thread cut ............................................. 54
Changing the measuring unit ..................................... 55
3.2 Selecting personal settings ..................................... 56
3.3 Monitoring functions ............................................. 56
Activating the upper thread indicator .......................... 56
Activating the bobbin thread indicator ........................ 57
3.4 Activating the audio signals .................................... 57
3.5 Machine settings ..................................................... 58
Selecting a language .................................................... 58
Adjusting the brightness of the display ......................... 58
Adjusting the sewing light ............................................ 58
Checking the firmware version ..................................... 59
Reviewing the total number of stitches ......................... 59
Registering details of the dealer ................................... 60
Saving Service data ...................................................... 60
Back to basic setting .................................................... 61
Deleting user data ........................................................ 61
Deleting motifs on the BERNINA USB Stick ................... 62
Updating the machine Firmware .................................. 62
Recovering saved data .................................................. 63
Cleaning the thread catcher ......................................... 64
Lubricating the machine ............................................... 64
Packing the embroidery module ................................... 65
4 System settings .................................................... 66
4.1 Calling up the Tutorial ............................................ 66
4.2 Calling up the embroidery consultant ...................... 66
4.3 Using eco mode ...................................................... 66
4.4 Calling up the Help ................................................. 66
4.5 Cancelling any alterations with «clr» ....................... 67
5 Creative embroidering ......................................... 68
5.1 Overview embroidering ........................................... 68
5.2 Selecting and changing the embroidery motif ......... 68
5.3 Checking the embroidery time and the embroidery
motif size ................................................................ 68
5.4 Regulating the speed .............................................. 68

Table of Contents
6
5.5 Editing the embroidery motif .................................. 69
Overview Editing embroidery motif ............................. 69
Scaling up the embroidery motif view ......................... 69
Downsizing the embroidery motif view ....................... 69
Moving the embroidery motif view ............................. 70
Moving the embroidery motif in enlarged view ........... 70
Moving the embroidery motif ..................................... 70
Rotating motif ............................................................ 71
Altering the embroidery motif size proportionally ........ 71
Altering the embroidery motif size disproportionally ... 72
Mirroring embroidery motifs ....................................... 72
Bending the text ......................................................... 72
Changing the stitch type ............................................. 73
Altering the stitch density ........................................... 73
Checking the embroidery motif size and position ........ 74
Endless embroidery ..................................................... 75
Duplicating the embroidery motif ............................... 76
Deleting an embroidery motif ..................................... 77
Changing the sequence within an embroidery motif
combination ............................................................... 77
Undoing entries .......................................................... 77
Grouping embroidery motifs ....................................... 78
5.6 Pinpoint placement ................................................ 79
Positioning of grid points ............................................ 79
Free point positioning ................................................. 80
5.7 Combining embroidery motifs ................................ 81
Combining embroidery motifs .................................... 81
Deleting a single embroidery motif ............................. 81
Duplicating a combination .......................................... 82
5.8 Creating lettering ................................................... 83
Overview embroidery alphabets .................................. 83
Creating words/sentences ........................................... 83
Editing words/sentences ............................................. 84
5.9 Changing the colors of the embroidery motif ......... 85
Overview changing the color ...................................... 85
Changing the colors ................................................... 85
Altering the colors via the color wheel ........................ 86
Changing the thread brand ........................................ 87
5.10 Embroidering the embroidery motif ........................ 87
Overview Embroidery menu ........................................ 87
Adding basting stitches ............................................... 87
Moving the hoop ........................................................ 88
Embroidery sequence control when thread breaks ...... 88
Cutting connecting stitches ........................................ 88
Reducing color changes .............................................. 88
Multi-colored embroidery motif on/off ........................ 89
Endless Embroidery ..................................................... 89
Color indication .......................................................... 90
5.11 Free arm embroidering ........................................... 90
5.12 Administering embroidery motifs ............................ 91
Administering embroidery motifs ................................. 91
Saving embroidery motifs in the personal memory ........ 91
Saving the embroidery motif on the BERNINA USB stick
..................................................................................... 92
Overwriting the embroidery motif in the personal
memory ....................................................................... 92
Overwriting the embroidery motif on the BERNINA USB
stick ............................................................................. 92
Loading an embroidery motif from the personal
memory ....................................................................... 93
Loading an embroidery motif from the BERNINA USB
stick ............................................................................. 93
Deleting an embroidery motif from the personal
memory ....................................................................... 93
Deleting an embroidery motif from the BERNINA USB
stick ............................................................................. 93
6 Embroidery ........................................................... 94
6.1 Embroidering via the button «Start/Stop» ............... 94
6.2 Increasing the embroidery speed ............................. 94
6.3 Adjusting the upper thread tension ......................... 94
6.4 Embroidering via the foot control (Optional
accessory) ............................................................... 95
7 Appendix .............................................................. 96
7.1 Maintencance and cleaning .................................... 96
Cleaning the display ..................................................... 96
Removing thread remnants under the stitch plate ......... 96
Cleaning the hook ....................................................... 96
Lubricating the hook .................................................... 97
7.2 Troubleshooting ...................................................... 99
7.3 Error messages ........................................................ 101
7.4 Storage and disposal ............................................... 105
Storing the machine .....................................................105
Dispose of the machine ................................................105
7.5 Technical data ......................................................... 106

Table of Contents
7
8 Overview stitch patterns .................................... 107
8.1 Overview Embroidery motifs ................................... 107
Editing embroidery motifs ........................................... 107
Projects ....................................................................... 107
Quilt motifs ................................................................ 108
Ornaments ................................................................. 117
Children ..................................................................... 124
Frames and borders .................................................... 130
Seasons ...................................................................... 132
Borders and Lace ........................................................ 138
Sports and hobby ....................................................... 143
Animals ...................................................................... 147
Flowers ....................................................................... 148
Designs with special effects ........................................ 153
Index .................................................................... 158

Important safety instructions
8
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.
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.
• When the LED light is damaged or defective, contact your BERNINA specialist
dealer.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of burns, fire, electric shock or injury to persons:
• To operate the machine always use the supplied power cable. USA and
Canada only: Do not connect power plug NEMA 1-15 to circuits exceeding
150 volt-to-ground.
• Use this machine only for purposes as described in this manual.
• Only use the machine in dry rooms.
• Do not use the machine in a damp condition or in a damp environment.
• 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 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.

Important safety instructions
9
• Only use accessory recommended by the manufacturer.
• Don't use this machine when the ventilation openings are blocked. Keep the
ventilation openings and the foot control free from the accumulation of lint,
dust and loose cloth.
• Never insert any objects into any openings of the machine.
• Do not place any objects on the foot control.
• Always use the machine with a foot control of this type -.
• 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 such as
threading the needle, changing the needle, threading the hook or changing
the presser foot – turn 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 (except USA, Canada and
Japan). Use only identical replacement parts. See instructions for Servicing of
double-insulated products.
• The sound pressure level is lower than 70dB(A) under normal conditions.

Important information
10
Important information
Availability of the instruction manual
The instruction manual is supplied with the machine.
• Keep the instruction manual safe at a suitable place near the machine to have it at hand in case that you
need to look up something.
• If you pass the machine to a third party, always include the instruction manual.
Proper use
Your BERNINA machine is conceived and designed for private household use. It is intended for embroidering
fabrics and other materials as described in this instruction manual .Any other use is not considered proper.
BERNINA assumes no liability concerning consequences resulting from an improper use.
Equipment and scope of delivery
Example images are used in these operating instructions for the purposes of illustration. The machines shown
in the images and the accessories shown therefore do not always match the actual items included with your
machine. The supplied accessory can vary depending on the country of delivery. Accessories mentioned or
shown which are not included in the scope of delivery can be purchased as special accessories from a
BERNINA specialist dealer. Further accessories can be found at https://www.bernina.com.
For technical reasons and in order to improve the product, changes may be made to the equipment of the
machine and the scope of delivery at any time and without prior notice.
Maintenance of double-insulated products
In a double-insulated product, two systems of insulation are provided instead of grounding. No grounding
means is provided on a double-insulated product nor should a means for grounded be added to the product.
Servicing a double-insulated product requires extreme care and knowledge of the system and should only be
done by qualified service personnel. Only original spare parts should be used for service and repairs. A
double-insulated product is marked with the words: «Double-Insulation »or «double-insulated».
The symbol may also be marked on the product.
Environmental Protection
BERNINA is committed to the protection of the environment. We strive to minimize the environmental impact
of our products by continuously improving product design and our technology of manufacturing.
The machine is labeled with the symbol of the crossed-out wastebin. This means that the machine must not
be disposed of with the household waste when the machine is no longer needed. Improper disposal can
result in dangerous substances getting into the groundwater and thus into our food chain, damaging our
health.
The machine must be returned free of charge to a nearby collection point for waste electrical and electronic
equipment or to a collection point for the reuse of the machine. Information on the collection points can be
obtained from your local administration. When purchasing a new machine, the dealer is obliged to take back
the old machine free of charge and dispose of it properly.
If the machine contains personal data, you are responsible for deleting the data yourself before returning the
machine.

Important information
11
Explanation of symbols
DANGER Designates a high-risk hazard which can lead to serious injuries or potentially even death if not avoided.
WARNING Designates a medium-risk hazard which can lead to serious injuries if not avoided.
CAUTION Designates a low-risk hazard which can lead to minor or moderate injuries if not avoided.
NOTICE Designates a hazard which can lead to material damage if not avoided.
Tips by BERNINA Embroidery experts can be found next to this sign.

My BERNINA
12
1 My BERNINA
1.1 Introduction
Your BERNINA 500 enables you to be endlessly creative due to the various applications. Delicate silk or satin
fabrics as well as heavy-weight linen, fleece and denim can be embroidered successfully with this machine.
Numerous embroidery motifs are at your disposal.
Additional to this instruction manual, following help programs are provided which will give you useful advice
and support at any time how to operate you BERNINA 500.
The Tutorial gives information and explanations concerning various aspects of embroidering.
The Embroidery Consultant informs you about decision support for embroidery projects. After entering the
desired embroidery project and the fabric, suggestions for the suitable needle and the suitable embroidery
foot are displayed.
The Help Program contains information about individual embroidery motifs, functions and applications in
the User Interface.
Further information
In addition to this instruction manual of your BERNINA 500 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 with our machines do we support you in the
implementation of your ideas. In addition to the offers listed below, we offer you lots of suggestions and
instructions for your future projects as well as the opportunity to exchange ideas with other sewing, quilting
and embroidery enthusiasts. I wish you lots of pleasure.
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 and instructions for great projects? In that case the BERNINA magazine
«inspiration» is exactly what you need. «inspiration» offers extraordinary sewing and embroidery ideas four
times a year. From seasonal fashion trends to trendy accessories and practical tips to decorate your home in
an original way.
http://www.bernina.com/inspiration
The magazine is available in the languages English, German, Dutch and French. Not available in all countries.

My BERNINA
13
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, quilting 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

My BERNINA
14
1.3 Overview Machine
Overview front controls
45
6
7
8
1
2
3
9
1 Sewing light on/off 6 Upper multifunction knob
2 Thread cutter 7 Lower multifunction knob
3 Start/Stop 8 Center of embroidery motif
4 Checking the motif size 9 Pinpoint placement
5 Needle up/down

My BERNINA
15
Overview front
2
1
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
12
11
13
1 Connection for embroidery module 8 Slide speed control
2 Bobbin cover 9 Thread take-up lever cover
3 Connection for accessories 10 Thread take-up lever
4 Embroidery foot 11 Thread cutter
5 Needle threader 12 Fixing screw
6 Sewing light 13 Connection for slide-on table
7 Thread cutter

My BERNINA
16
Overview sideways
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
9
11
10
7
1 Foot control connector 7 Air vents
2 PC-connection 8 Handwheel
3 USB connection 9 Power switch
4 Spool pin 10 Power cable connection
5 Bobbin winding unit 11 Touchscreen pen magnetic holder
6 Retractable spool pin

My BERNINA
17
Overview back
1
2
3
4
56
8
9
11
12
10
7
1 Air vents 7 Bobbin winding unit
2 Connection for slide-on table 8 Thread pretension
3 Carrying handle 9 Thread guide
4 Spool pin 10 Presser foot lifter
5 Thread guide 11 Thread cutter
6 Retractable spool pin 12 Stitch plate

My BERNINA
18
Overview Embroidery module
25
4
4
3
1
1 Release lever/carrying handle 4 Guide rails for the machine
2 Embroidery arm 5 Connection to the machine
3 Coupling for securing the hoop
1.4 Supplied accessories
Overview accessories machine
Illustration Name Purpose
Dust cover To protect the machine from
dust and contamination.
Accessories box To store the supplied accessories
as well as the optional
accessories.

My BERNINA
19
Illustration Name Purpose
Spool disc To support the regular
unwinding of the thread from
the spool.
3 different sizes for thread
spools in different sizes.
Bobbin
4 pieces, 1 of them in the
machine
To wind the bobbin thread.
Foam pad
2 pieces
To prevent the thread from
slipping under the spool holder,
tangling and breaking.
Touchscreen pen For precise operation of the
touch display.
Seam ripper To undo seams and to cut
buttonholes open.
Screwdriver red (slot) To loosen and tighten slotted
screws.
Brush To clean the feed dog and the
looper area.
Sewing machine oil To oil the machine.
Power cable To connect the machine with the
power supply system.
Use of the power cable (only USA/Canada)
The machine has a polarized plug (one contact is wider than the other). To reduce the risk of electric shock,
the plug can only be plugged into the socket in one way. If the plug does not fit into the socket, turn the
plug. If it still does not fit, contact an electrician to install an appropriate outlet. Do not modify the plug in
any way.
Foot control (only USA/Canada) (Optional accessory)
Use only foot controller type LV-1 with BERNINA 500.