The process of threading is critical when about to start using a sewing machine. Practically, it is one of the steps you have to go through if you want to actually sew anything. However, while the principles are pretty much the same, different brands come with different functionalities. On another note, do not be surprised to find models from the same brand with different threading procedures either.
Learning how to thread a Bernina sewing machine is fairly simple. You only have to do it once. Moreover, no matter what model you have, the process is similar on most sewing machines from Bernina. However, you do not feel like spending an hour to go through the entire manual of instructions, do you? If you are like most people out there, you want to get sewing right away.
So, what steps do you need to go through?
Importance of properly threading your Bernina sewing machine
Failing to properly thread your sewing machine will turn a beautiful experience into a stressful and annoying happening. The mechanism is similar for many models and no matter what model you have, it is essential to take your time and do it right.
Successful threading comes with multiple advantages. Most of them target your stitch. You want a secure stitch, right? Accidents involving needles can be quite harmful, so proper threading involves security. At the same time, it is also about looks.
Bernina sewing machines are known for their beautiful stitches. Keep your stitches attractive and similar to the samples by threading your machine by the book.
Last, but not least, successful threading will also add to the lifetime of your sewing machine. Bernina sewing machines do not come cheap, but they still count as investments. Therefore, it pays off looking after them.
What to do before threading
There are a few general considerations to keep in mind before learning how to thread a Bernina sewing machine. They are mandatory to look for in the first place – before you even start with the first step – or the whole process will fail.
Check out the presser foot
Take a look at the presser foot. What kind of position does it have? To thread the Bernina sewing machine, you need it in the up position. This kind of position allows a few movements inside the machine. Practically, the tension discs inside the machine will open up.
Their main role is to help the thread move all around the machine. They make some room for it and they are responsible for a beautiful stitch. When open, they allow the thread going through at an even speed.
If you forget the presser foot down, all these discs are closed. In other words, the thread will struggle to go through the machine. Even if it does succeed, you will not be able to get it in the optimal position. The stitch will look terrible.
Take a look at the needle
The needle requires a bit of attention too. Take a look at it and make sure it is in a full upright position. Some people raise it with the hand wheel – not necessarily the best idea. Instead, use the appropriate button to raise it – the button responsible for going up and down.
Why? Simple – this way, you make sure that they take up lever is in the right position. It is perfectly raised for you to see the hook. This way, you make sure the thread goes where it should.
When using the hand wheel, there is no way to see anything. It is a game of guessing. Maybe the thread is it, but maybe it is not. You are basically wasting your time and experience lots of frustration.
All in all, once you get these two aspects covered, you can now learn how to thread a Bernina sewing machine and do the job properly. So, what steps should you follow?
How to thread a Bernina sewing machine
Get the thread ready and bring it to the front part of your machine. Most models have some little arrows to show you the way – this way, you know precisely where to go and what to do next.
The next step involves bringing the thread down. Look at the silver guard and bring the thread downwards on its right side. The thread should then go to the left, then upwards on the left side of the silver guard. You are literally rotating it around.
The machine has a thread take up lever. While you can hook the thread in a few different ways, most of them will fail. What you want to do is get it hooked from right to left. It feels a bit difficult the first few times, but here is a quick tip. Come up with an upside down U with your thread. This way, you will be able to hook it up much easier. Double check the result or the next step will not work.
Once the thread is hooked as it should, move the thread on the left side of the silver thread guard. You basically bring it back down. As you look at the inferior side of the thread guard, you will notice a small silver arm. It has a tiny opening on the right side. Your thread should go behind this opening.
At this point, most of the job is done. It depends on what kind of Bernina sewing machine you have. Models between 215 and 580 come with a tiny U hook above the needle. The 710 models and higher feature the same U hook, but it looks like a tiny arm. Compared to other models, the opening can be observed on the right side.
Frequently asked questions
Here are a few issues you might encounter while learning how to thread a Bernina sewing machine.
Can I use an invisible thread in a sewing machine?
In an ideal case, the thread should be visible on the side it stitches. Some machines can take an invisible thread, but they require extra bobbin tension, so it should be quite tight.
Why is there thread looping under fabrics?
This is one of the most common problems for beginners, but luckily, there are ways to get around it. The issue is normally caused by failing to thread the upper tension by the book, so restart the process and pay special attention at this step.
Why is the sewing machine skipping stitches?
This is another common problem many newbies face. It is mostly caused by an improperly installed needle. Make sure it is installed in the optimal position. It should be in great condition too and not bent or damaged. Second, you should use the right type of needle for whatever you are trying to do. The thread must reach the bobbin – otherwise, some stitches will be skipped.
Final Words
Once you are done with all these steps, the thread should be in the perfect positions. Congratulations, you have just learned how to thread a Bernina sewing machine, so further operations will be significantly lower. There are only two other steps to follow and that involves lowering the presser foot and threading the eye of the needle – obviously, from front to back.
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