I have a Bernina 440QE and I love it and several friends have the 180 have you changed the needle also right needle size or thread you are using also the bobbin thing can't think of right name does need to be oiled often also cleaned as the Bernina at least to my findings does not like any lint your book should have instructions for this then to it may need a goo service I would check with the dealer you do have a wonderful machine

SuzyM, you can find some really good buys at thrift shops or craigslist for Kenmore machines. I've gotten some real bargains that way!! I've never paid over $35 for any I've bought, and the older ones are so dependable!

Change your bobbin. Mine are plastic and I have found that they get old, I had one that was full and giving me nothing but problems (they also have to click - you know the feel). I found that I had a mess on the underside of my sewing and the thread even came up to the top???. I wound a new bobbin (brand new), and had no problems. Pulled all that nice thread off my problem bobbin, but still didn't see anything. Closed my eyes and ran my finger around top, bottom and the middle and finally found with my fingernail a small crack. Dumped the bobbin and that was the end of my problem. So maybe it's as simple as that. Good luck

I can relate to your issues! My Viking has never sewn as well as my Singer 401A. I love the feel of the tension on the Singer; I seems like the Viking has no tension as all. Hope you can figure it out.

The bobbin could be the problem. I've had trouble on my Brother's if I don't use the right bobbin. The prewound bobbins don't work for me. Are you sure the bobbin is the correct one for your machine? Some bobbins look the same but are just a smidgen off.

I've had a Bernina 830 that is 43 years young. I take it in occassionally to have it cleaned and oiled. The problem you have may be that the bobbin thread is not in correctly. My machine will us any type of thread. It is a very accurate machine. Thus, if anything is off it will mess up your stitching. It is a top line machine. The suggestion to take it to a dealer is correct so you know how to use the various settings. Good luck.

It's horrid when u seem to be spending more time sorting issues with machines than u do sewing. Did your mum have issues before u got it? If not maybe it's time for a service by a pro if u can x

Yes, yes, please follow this advice, a mess on the bottom is an upper threading problem, I suspect the upper thread is not getting into the tension disks properly. Are you threading with the pressure foot up? If you thread with the pressur foot down the thread can not sit in the tension disks.

I recommend taking it to a Bernina dealer and having it tuned up. It probably needs cleaning or something.

I have been sewing on my Bernina for over 40 years and it has been wonderful. I admit, though, that I have not done the servicing with the professional that is recommended, but I HAVE kept it oiled, etc. I would try having it serviced and just see if that helps. Berninas are wonderful machines.

the last time I made birds nests with my Brother and I gave up and took it to my service man --they said there was a piece of thread caught in the "TOP" tension and to be carefull when changing threads---don't yank fast and always snip and pull out through the needle---hope this helps

Ok, now I'm confused. Should my presser foot be up or down when threading my Bernina? I'm pretty sure I never remember to do anything different when I change thread. And I rarely leave my presser foot down. Never really thought about it.

SuziM It's good that you took it in to the dealer. Your local Bernina shop will be a great support for you, and you'll be glad you made friends with the owner and technician for sure! I wish you many happy years sewing on this new-to-you machine. And what a special way to honor your mother. Enjoy!

Someone else may have already suggested this but just in case have you checked the bobbin case to see if there is a piece of thread stuck in there? Just take a moment to walk away from it then come back take that area apart clean and reassemble it be something simple like that. Good luck!

Your presser foot should be up -- it releases the tension on the disks so the thread lays in properly.

I used my mothers 1968 White when i started quilting, (never had any issues), a few years later I have a Janome 7700, a Singer Quintet, an old Brother embroidery, an old little Brother (belonged to my sister) a Bernete Bernina small machine and a 30 year old Singer....all of which i have become a 'service repairman ' on these..,the most expensive of the lot is the one I use all the time but let it get a small amount of lint build up in the bobbin area and it will NOT sew...nests, knots, gobs of thread build up on the back side of the material...take yours to a repair shop and and let them check it out...you may have a machine that is picky

thank you! I was surprised at how many posts it took for that to be corrected!

Up. Always up. Just like it's hard to get into your car without first opening the door, the thread can't get into the tension disks without the presser foot up to release the tension on the disks to make room for it.

This is true but not always. If my bobbin thread slips out of the bobbin case slot the bottom thread is a mess.

You ARE crazy if you're thinking about tossing this machine because of bobbin problems! That is a great machine and given a chance will sew circles around your old Kenmore. Given a chance you will be very pleased with it. Sort of sounds like me and my first "stupid computer". It just wouldn't do anything right. I couldn't figure out why it was doing what it was doing, either. Of course, in the end, it was "operator error". Please have it looked at first and get a brief lesson on how to operate it. If, in the end, you decide to shoot at it, please put it up for sale somewhere near me!!!

I am not getting rid of the machine I was just really frustrated. The Bernina store suggested I take a one day class to learn all of the functions on the machine. The lady at the store was very helpful and kind and I felt so much better when I left. I am just relieved to know that it was all my fault and not something wrong with the machine.

The machine holds so many memories for me because I would take my sewing machine over to my mom's house and we would spend the weekend sewing together, her on her 180 and me on my Kenmore. We would go fabric shopping and I would take her to quilt shows. We had totally different taste on fabric and quilts but that is the great thing about this craft. I was very lucky that I have sew (funny) many memories quilting with my mom - I miss her so much but every time I play in fabric or I am sewing she is right there with me.

From what I have been taught -- if your thread is tangled on the bottom, it is a top thread(ing) problem. Be really sure you are threading it the right way. It could be a small thing. Consult the book about threading. If you don't have the book that goes with the machine, try Google. So sorry you are going through this. I had to give up a NEW machine after having it in the service department several times, because of a top thread issue. I know how you can HATE it.

Thank you so much for your post. My 401A has been jumping out of the track lately and it has been driving me nuts. I took it in for service and he couldn't find the problem. It is the Coat and Clark from Mexico. I would have never thought of it until I saw your post. Thank you so much.

Hi Suzy,

Make sure you are using a Bernina bobbin. I had that problem and found out I wasn't using the correct bobbins. Hope that helps.

You may need to get it serviced. I have 3 Bernina machines and they run beautifully especially after a tune up.

The bobbin must go in the case with the thread coming off the top to the right. Not sure if this is how you are doing it. My old Kenmore was opposite this. Good luck.

I'm wondering if you are using a Bernina bobbin ? It just plain won't work without the Bernina bobbin. Ask me how I know !

I bought a Bernina a few years ago because I wanted more stitch options than I had with my basic Brother sewing machine. I was too new to sewing to realize that I had a lemon on my hands. I thought it was something I was doing wrong. After years of sewing I realized it was the machine and not me! It was finally relegated to the shed and was eventually stolen. I have to say that I don't miss it a bit! All of my power tools in the other hand..... :\

Donna

Had to chuckled at the stupid as my husband always teases me about calling inanimate objects stupid.

Please be patient. The Bernina 180 is a great machine. Just rethread your machine and check the bobbin to see if it is inserted correctly, also make the machine is clean of all threads and dust. Did you insert a new needle? Remember the Bernina 180 is a computer and must be handled correctly. Follow the instruction guide that I hope you have.

Or you can pick up a brand new Brother machine at Walmart for $100 or less...

This was my first thought. Several years ago, my friend inherited her Mom's Bernina 930 and it was "broke". She took it to the dealer and found out her Mom had been using class 15 bobbins not Bernina bobbins. She bought some Bernina bobbins and after servicing the machine just purred. She is still using it.

Take it for serviceing.I bet you have a bad check spring.It's the spring that goes up and down as you are sewing.Sometimes they lose the temper.[strength]It's an easy fix.But can cause hours of frustration if it's bad.

I have used my Bernina Artista for years and have not had a problem with it.(knock on wood), it probably needs servicing.

I'm one of those lone voices who isn't thrilled with her 180. One day the machine just decided to sit there with the display back lit and no other activity and won't fully power up. I was told it was likely one or both circuit board and the cost of diagnosis and repair was prohibitive. The dealer wasn't even sure they could get a replacement board or repair mine.

Michelle

My Berninas 930 and 1031 aren't happy with some threads. They do fine with Mettler,Gutterman and Aurifil threads. Berninas won't sew well if they are very linty in the bobbin area and under the needle plate.
When was the last time the needle was changed? I use Schmetz top stitch needles for quilting and binding; universal needles aren't good. Check for burrs on the bobbin and bobbin case, also the needle plate.
Is the bobbin in the bobbin case correctly? It goes in with the thread going over the top away from you.
Sharon in Texas

I am so pleased you have found a solution because I couldn't believe that it would be totally the Bernina's fault, sorry but they have such a wonderful reputation, and I am a proud owner of a Bernina 804 and love it but when I first got it had to get used to it being a bit pernickity, I now only use Aurifil threads cos it likes them :)

Gold stars to the members who noticed that it was the top threading rather than the bobbin, clever clogs :)