Question for those who have a Bernina 820
 

I have a Bernina 820. I made a baby quilt and started to quilt it. I used Mettler thread in the bobbin and on top. I kept getting lots of skipped stitches, some of them quite big. It looks as though the needle did not go through the fabric at points. I took out the bobbin and top thread and made sure there was no fuzz or anything else and then I rethreaded. No luck. Can any of you out there give me some suggestions? Thank you very much for your suggestions.

What size needle did you use and what is the wt and ply of the Mettler thread?

Did you use spray basting? Mine works well WITHOUT the spray basting and I do not like pins! Haven't tried glue basting, but will.

I have an 820 and have had the same problem. Carolina quilter is correct, I can't free motion if I spray baste. I almost ruined a baby quilt before I discovered the problem. I have also discovered that when I use the BRS to not plug it into the machine and I have better success. You should also have it serviced and have the spring replaced. There was a problem with the BSR and it needed a stronger spring. Good luck!

I used a 90/40 microtex needle and a Mettler 100% cotton silk-finish, No. 50.

I did use spray basting. I don't want to pin either. If that's the problem, is the whole quilt ruined? Do I have to hand baste? I'm starting to feel terrible. What did you use if you did not spray baste?

Yes, it is the new 820 with BSR. I just got it back for another problem I was having. That machine has sure caused me a lot of grief for its price.

I think your needle might be too big for your thread - that could cause skipped stitches. I have the 830 and know it can be sometimes have issues but I love that machine. It works best when used frequently. Most issues occur when it has been sitting for very long. These machines only like to do one thing at a time - no multitasking allowed. It can also be very fussy about the thread you use. Just took a class last night on using the BSR. Am now learning how to quilt my own quilts.

I too, have had a problem with skipped stitches with my 820. A heavier spring in the BSR, and 90 microtex needles seems to be the answer. I use the BSR 2 feature, and I put my tension on 3.5. I clean the lint often throughout the quilt, and replace the needle when it starts skipping.