Guess it pays to read the instructions. My BSR was acting up yesterday and I went to the Bernina web site to see if I could get some help. Two things - they say to set the needle position 2 points to the left (swear I never heard that before) and they caution use of chalk as a marking medium because it clouds up the lens. I had been using the "pounce" product and now that I'm off that and have moved the needle things are going really well!

I would never have thought about the chalk, I wonder if lintier fabrics (flannel/fleece/minky) and dust in the air would also have the same outcome? :D:D:D

I have never heard about moving the needle to the left - never. But hey, I think I'm gonna give it a try. Thank you for this info!

I have never used the chalk but was thinking about giving it a try. Guess i wont now. lol.. And moving the needle was never anything I was told but now I am going to give it a shot.. THANKS..

Thanks for the info!

I knew about keeping the lens clean, but I never heard about moving the needle over.
The only thing I was told was that it had trouble working on red fabric.

Is there a reason why the needle is moved to the left? Am really curios.

I've used my BSR a TON and I've never had to move my needle over. It's also not in the directions of the BSR unit. I think it may give some folks better stitching, but mine works great as is. Plus, I use my straight stitch plate for FMQ (better stitch quality) and moving the needle over would take away this option.

That's a good point Candace.
I have never heard of moving the needle either. Mine works great with center needle position........but I'm going to give it a try.....without the single hole stitch plate.

The move the needle instructions comes from the Bernina web site. They don't give a reason for it - but I just figured I would try it. Here's the site reference:
http://www.berninausa.com/faq_detail...i5944-sUS.html