(I posted a few weeks before when I was having trouble with timing going out 3 times in three weeks). I am still having the same issues with this machine. Yesterday, authorized Bernina repairman said the reason my Bernina is going out of time is because I have been threading machine with the pressure foot down. I find it hard to believe his statement. If this were true, our owner's manuals would have a great big warning statement telling us our machine may need servicing if we thread needle with pressure foot up. Bernina owners, please let me know if you have ever threaded your machine with the pressure foot down and what you think of his explanation.
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I reciently read to thread any machine with the pressure foot UP. Tension is better with the machine done this way compared to having the foot down. I know it's more difficult to thread with the foot in the up position, however, isn't having a smooth running machine better than one that breaks threads, or puts out uneven stitches?
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I can see that if you thread any machine with the foot down the thread may not go into the tension discs correctly, but I sure can't figure it causing any OTHER problems, very strange if it's true.
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When the foot is down, the tension discs are engaged and you are putting undue stress on the thread and the discs when you pull it to thread the needle. This is true for any sewing machine. I think your repair guy's explanation is right on and you should listen to him. I never thread machines with the foot down...it's like pushing a car with the brakes on. :D
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Originally Posted by DebsShelties
I reciently read to thread any machine with the pressure foot UP. Tension is better with the machine done this way compared to having the foot down. I know it's more difficult to thread with the foot in the up position, however, isn't having a smooth running machine better than one that breaks threads, or puts out uneven stitches?
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Originally Posted by ghostrider
When the foot is down, the tension discs are engaged and you are putting undue stress on the thread and the discs when you pull it to thread the needle. This is true for any sewing machine. I think your repair guy's explanation is right on and you should listen to him. I never thread machines with the foot down...it's like pushing a car with the brakes on. :D
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Originally Posted by sewmuchmore
Originally Posted by DebsShelties
I reciently read to thread any machine with the pressure foot UP. Tension is better with the machine done this way compared to having the foot down. I know it's more difficult to thread with the foot in the up position, however, isn't having a smooth running machine better than one that breaks threads, or puts out uneven stitches?
It's very easy to unhook the foot, use the auto threader, then rehook the foot to sew. |
Great post- hope this helps you! I've learned from it.
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When threading the machine I always have my pressure foot up for the exact reason Ghost Rider explained. However, when threading my needle I have done it with pressure foot down but only dropping the pressure foot after I have taken enough slack in my thread that I may need. I never pull my thread through the machine when the tension disks are engaged (ie when pressure foot is down). I always raise it before pulling any thread. So much so that it is engrained habit now.
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I was taught to thread any sewing machine with the presser foot up. You can lower the foot to thread the needle.
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Originally Posted by Nana2Sew
I was taught to thread any sewing machine with the presser foot up. You can lower the foot to thread the needle.
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It is correct that you must/should thread with the presser foot up, so that the tension discs are open. Maybe in the past it has worked for you to thread with it down because the thread has just fallen into place once you started sewing. I can see how you'd get thread tangles, poor stitch quality, and tension problems from threading with the foot down, but I personally don't understand how it would damage the machine. Not saying it won't, but I don't get how.
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Originally Posted by Maia B
It is correct that you must/should thread with the presser foot up, so that the tension discs are open. Maybe in the past it has worked for you to thread with it down because the thread has just fallen into place once you started sewing. I can see how you'd get thread tangles, poor stitch quality, and tension problems from threading with the foot down, but I personally don't understand how it would damage the machine. Not saying it won't, but I don't get how.
If I pull on the thread with the presser foot down, you can tell the machine is "fighting" it. It doesn't pull easily. That's how I know it can't be good for the machine. I think that's why they say not to thread the machine with the foot down, because the tendancy (when threading manually at least) is to thread the eye, then pull a short length of thread on through to go under the presser foot or to hold onto. Hope this made sense! |
Presser foot up when threading the top of the machine. To thread the needle only I don't think it matters. Sometimes I think of threading the machine as just the needle. I tend to oversimplify! But that would be threading the needle, not the machine.
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Originally Posted by Nana2Sew
I was taught to thread any sewing machine with the presser foot up. You can lower the foot to thread the needle.
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Originally Posted by Izaquilter
Originally Posted by Nana2Sew
I was taught to thread any sewing machine with the presser foot up. You can lower the foot to thread the needle.
Threading of the needle can be done with the foot up or down depending on your preference. Threading of the needle with the needle down, well, when someone figures that out, I'd love to hear it! :shock: |
The manual for my machine states that the machine should be threaded with the pressure foot up.
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This is new to me but I believe it. And understand it re: the tension disks
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Originally Posted by blisterful
(I posted a few weeks before when I was having trouble with timing going out 3 times in three weeks). I am still having the same issues with this machine. Yesterday, authorized Bernina repairman said the reason my Bernina is going out of time is because I have been threading machine with the pressure foot down. I find it hard to believe his statement. If this were true, our owner's manuals would have a great big warning statement telling us our machine may need servicing if we thread needle with pressure foot up. Bernina owners, please let me know if you have ever threaded your machine with the pressure foot down and what you think of his explanation.
Luckily, now that I'm so cautious of this machine, I sew with one eye and one ear focused on anything unusual, and I can catch the problem just as it happens and have avoided breaking a needle. I'm not speaking of just skipped stitches or thread breaking. Yesterday after getting machine back from shop I used Bernina for only about 2 minutes and then it wouldn't sew again! This time the needle went through bobbin case just fine, but needle wouldn't pick up bobbin thread. Last night told me the machine was getting out of alignment because I didn't have pressure foot up when threading machine. After I got home, I looked up needle threading in my manual and it states pressure foot up, but no warning that "if you don't do it you will have severe mechanical problems and break needles!". I am not buying the fact that I have damaged my machine by threading it with the pressure foot down. I have been in the sewing industry and have sewn on many brands and models. The timing has only gone out twice. That was when I was sewing commercially 40+ hrs. a week for 3 years. Using a machine over a long period of time may cause a little wear or slippage. When the timing goes out on a machine, your machine will not sew properly, loose stitching, skipped stitches, etc. So, you take your machine in for servicing and you are good to go for several more years. Not like I've been doing, taking my Bernina in to have timing set every week for 4 weeks. Since I posted this morning, I called another Bernina dealer 40 miles aways. She said the pressure foot should be up when threading since it releases the tension and your first few stitches might be affected by being loose, etc. HOWEVER, not having the pressure foot up when threading will not throw your machine out of time causing the serious problems I have. She said there is something else going on. |
Originally Posted by Izaquilter
Originally Posted by Nana2Sew
I was taught to thread any sewing machine with the presser foot up. You can lower the foot to thread the needle.
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Originally Posted by blisterful
I am thinking I have a lemon. Been sewing for too many years on too many machines to be intimidated. The repairman/owner has told me twice that he is puzzled and indicated I may have a alternative solution.
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Originally Posted by ghostrider
When the foot is down, the tension discs are engaged and you are putting undue stress on the thread and the discs when you pull it to thread the needle. This is true for any sewing machine. I think your repair guy's explanation is right on and you should listen to him. I never thread machines with the foot down...it's like pushing a car with the brakes on. :D
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You need to bring the thread to the needle on all sewing machines with the pressure foot up; you can then thread the needle with the foot down if you prefer.
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Same here....altho I thread both with foot up. Just habit.
Originally Posted by Nana2Sew
I was taught to thread any sewing machine with the presser foot up. You can lower the foot to thread the needle.
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Originally Posted by blisterful
(I posted a few weeks before when I was having trouble with timing going out 3 times in three weeks). I am still having the same issues with this machine. Yesterday, authorized Bernina repairman said the reason my Bernina is going out of time is because I have been threading machine with the pressure foot down. I find it hard to believe his statement. If this were true, our owner's manuals would have a great big warning statement telling us our machine may need servicing if we thread needle with pressure foot up. Bernina owners, please let me know if you have ever threaded your machine with the pressure foot down and what you think of his explanation.
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I agree with Izaquilter. I don't think how you thread your needle has anything to do with your timing going out. If you thread the needle with foot down, the tension discs are engaged, foot up the tension discs are released. It would take more than that to get your timing out. Years ago I had a New Home and I sewed 3 fish houses made out of canvas for my husband and BIL. Fighting with canvas which is extremely heavy and that is what got my timing out of whack. I was young and stupid then. I got a new Bernina and did not let my husband talk me into anything like that again. I think you need a new Bernina dealer and this one should be reported to the Better Business Bureau.
Marilyn |
Originally Posted by dotski
Originally Posted by ghostrider
When the foot is down, the tension discs are engaged and you are putting undue stress on the thread and the discs when you pull it to thread the needle. This is true for any sewing machine. I think your repair guy's explanation is right on and you should listen to him. I never thread machines with the foot down...it's like pushing a car with the brakes on. :D
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Originally Posted by blisterful
(I posted a few weeks before when I was having trouble with timing going out 3 times in three weeks). I am still having the same issues with this machine. Yesterday, authorized Bernina repairman said the reason my Bernina is going out of time is because I have been threading machine with the pressure foot down. I find it hard to believe his statement. If this were true, our owner's manuals would have a great big warning statement telling us our machine may need servicing if we thread needle with pressure foot up. Bernina owners, please let me know if you have ever threaded your machine with the pressure foot down and what you think of his explanation.
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I thought b erninas had self threaders.
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I always thread mine with the presser foot down.
I have never had a problem. I seldom raise my pressure foot and use the knee lift when sewing. I would take my machine to another dealer, it doesn't have to be a Bernina dealer. I take my Berninas to a Phaff dealer for cleaning/adjustments. I get better service than I did from my Bernina dealer. Plus hes only 12 miles away, my Bernina dealer was a 30 mile drive. |
Think Ghostrider is right on.
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I have both Bernina's and Janome's...I have always been told by both dealers to thread with the presser foot up for the tensions to work properly...I have never had any issues with any of the machines....blessings
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Originally Posted by ghostrider
When the foot is down, the tension discs are engaged and you are putting undue stress on the thread and the discs when you pull it to thread the needle. This is true for any sewing machine. I think your repair guy's explanation is right on and you should listen to him. I never thread machines with the foot down...it's like pushing a car with the brakes on. :D
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Originally Posted by east side quilter
I thought b erninas had self threaders.
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Hi
I have a Bernina 440QE that I purchased last year, I was told by the dealer to put the foot up and threading the machine. So that's what I do and have had no problems. NormaBeth |
Yes threading a Bernina machine with the presser foot up is a must. The tension will be all wrong if you don't. I have the 730.
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When I bought mine I was told that before I took it home. Then in the first class they told us the same thing. I don't know if its in the book or not, never looked. Both times they explained that the tension discs are closed when the foot is down. They also said the needle should be up when threading the machine.
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Yes I agree, the pressure foot is to be up when threading. I have a Bernina 153 QE with a self threader. Then I put the pressure foot down to thread the needle, but only after threading the machine with the foot in the up position. I am not sure we really answered the question though. Is threading the needle with the foot down, actually enough to throw the timing off in the machine? I just don't think it is. There has to be something more to throw the timing off. What do you think?
Marilyn |
Interesting. I've never given it much thought. I believe my presser foot is usually up though.
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Originally Posted by grandma.me
Yes I agree, the pressure foot is to be up when threading. I have a Bernina 153 QE with a self threader. Then I put the pressure foot down to thread the needle, but only after threading the machine with the foot in the up position. I am not sure we really answered the question though. Is threading the needle with the foot down, actually enough to throw the timing off in the machine? I just don't think it is. There has to be something more to throw the timing off. What do you think?
Marilyn |
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