I decided to try spray basting a quilt - but seemed to have trouble with the BSR skipping a lot of stitches. Has anyone else had this problem? I used Sullivan's brand baste spray..tried changing the needle and rethreading the machine but continued to have trouble.

I would write Bernina and ask the question

What model Bernina do you have?

I have used spray baste with the BSR and have had no problems. Does your BSR need an update?

I've had my BSR foot upgraded to the heavy duty spring, and regardless, it does not like quilting over fusibles or basting. Not that I use it much, it makes me insane when it skips stitches.

Thanks for the feedback. I have a 440 and will check to see if I need an update. I've had no trouble at all with it - but for some reason I don't think it liked the basting spray.

What's a BSR?

I just had the same problem and took my BSR to my quilt shop where I bought my Bernina 820. She showed me again how to get set up and let me practice and I did great. She then asked if I was using basting spray. I actually had used it on the small sample quilt I was practicing on. So, I came home and made a new sample quilt and it worked great. She explained that many people have this problem and you can try a very light adhesive spray, but you just may not be able to...so I guess we are back to pinning!

Oh, sorry...A BSR is a Bernina Stitch Regulator.

The spray Basting has nothing to do with the foot skipping. It is another issue.

I thought the same thing, but I came home and practiced without any spray basting and the machine sewed beautifully. I am not sure why it mattered, but with mine it did.

I agree, the BSR will run beautifully right up until you stitch onto an area with fusible or spray basting, and then it starts skipping stitches. Having had the BSR foot for my 440, 630, 730 and my 830, it's done the same on all of them. Different BSR foot by the way :)

I have had skipped stitches with my BSR and never knew the cause.
This is a revelation. I actually stopped using the BSR. I always spray baste so it very well may be my problem.
Thanks for the post.

You should still get the upgraded spring and washer as was recommended and is provided by Bernina.

The owner of the shop told me if I noticed anything else not sewing smoothly they would replace it. She said I am right on the edge of when they started making them with the upgraded spring and washer. I just got this machine in December. Hopefully it has the new one, but if not she told me they could do it in a day.

Sorry, but I find this doubtful. Mine was purchased in March(newer than yours) and my dealer has replaced about 50 of the springs and washers, mine included. My dealer has been great about it and has replaced them with a smile, problems during BSR or not. If I were you, I'd push for the replacement. You shouldn't have to argue to get a free retrofit from Bernina! Worst case, fib and say you're still having issues and want the new spring. Period.

I have had my BSR for about five years and use it alot. I have not heard about the upgrade, tell me about it please....

Technically, it's for the 820/830 machines, because the BSR runs at higher speeds, those who were having trouble with skipped stitches were offered the upgrade. But, I know some dealers are also doing them for the Artista/Aurora BSR feet as well. Same foot on all models.

They just replace the spring in it with a heavier duty one. It does help.

From what I understand they replace the washer too.

I can't get the repair person at my dealer to replace it. He says that's not the problem. I have a crack in my foot, which was not noticed until I picked it up from my last repair, and he insists I need to buy a new foot. I don't have a warranty because I bought the machine used. I don't like this guy, he treats me if I am stupid and don't know what I am talking about.
The man who owns the shop is nice, just the repair person who isn't!!!

Oh no.... So you think he was the one who cracked it? Yikes....I do see BSR's come up for sale on the sewing yahoo list occasionally. Usually they're asking about $400 for them, though:< That really stinks! It's hard for me to believe this foot isn't repairable, but my dealership has told us all the same thing. To be very careful with it because it's a non-fixable item.

I had lots of issues with my BSR when I first got my machine in January (I've never used spray basting). The problem seems to be in the pressure level of the presser foot. The updated spring and washer will help but I have also found a few other things that ensure I don't get skipped stitches.

1) Even though the manual says to put the presser foot pressure level at 0, I put it somewhere in the mid-high 20's, even low 30's if I'm quilting a thin, minimal seam quilt. When the pressure is at 0 the fabric can come up with the needle and "tent" around it, causing the skipped stitches.

2) Use a 90/14 sized needle. Anything less on a regular quilt and I will get skipped stitches. I quilted an applique wall hanging with a smaller needle but there were no seams and the whole sandwhich was very thin.

The only way I can think of that the spray basting is the actual problem is if it's sticking to the needle and causing the "tenting" like I talked about earlier.