Stupid Bernina Sewing Machine
 

I had a little Kenmore sewing machine for years. It wasn't special but it had great tension and I never had a problem with it.

When my mother passed away she left me her Bernina Artisan 180, so I passed on my little sewing machine.

I have had nothing but problems with the bobbin on this Bernina and it making an ugly messy on the underneath side of all of my sewing. I just got done ripping out half a quilt binding I just put on because of this stupid machine. I cannot figure out why it is doing what is doing because it doesn't happen all of the time. I am about ready to chuck it out the window or use it for target practice.

I am thinking about scanning the Sears black Friday adds to see if they may have a Kenmore on sale.

Hi Suzy,

I can't help because I don't have Bernina, I still have my little Kenmore and bought a spare at a garage sale. But I have to tell you that your post made me chuckle.
You are talking about throwing a machine out the window...and then I read ......."Quilting is my sanity"
Hope you figure out how to fix the trouble soon.
Good luck!

Ugh..... I hear your pain. Sometimes fancier is not better. Maybe you can buy a used Kenmore off of Craigs list?

did you try rethreading and re doing the bobbin. I feel your pain. go get a cheapo with less bells and whistles, I have one that's basic just for sewing quilts.

I had issues with my machine and after taking it to the local shop found out it didn't like the thread. I was trying a monofilament and it just doesn't like it. I now use Sulky, Aurifil, or Whatever the shop recommends and no longer have any trouble. I must agree thread issues are very frustrating! Good luck!

I have tried rethreading the top, the bobbin, in the end I end up pulling off all the thread on the bobbin and starting from scratch by rewinding a new bobbin. I have wasted so much time and thread because of this machine.

I recommend the Brother line of sewing machines. I've had four - one broke when it was dropped while we were on vacation - and have no trouble whatsoever with them. The manuals are WONDERFUL - well written and very thorough. They don't assume you know much, which was great for me since I hadn't sewn in about 30 years when I got my first Brother.

I have two Berninas. I've only sewn on Berninas for 20 years and I've never had a problem with my tension, even after letting a machine sit for several years. I would have a repairperson look at it before switching to another machine. My machines have given me nothing but top quality stitching on every type of material. I hope you get to the bottom of the problem quickly.

could it be the bobbin is the wrong bobbin for the machine, haave you taken it to a dealer to see if its a quick fix. It may be something simple you are overlooking. Sometimes new machines can be tricky if we are used to one brand our whole life. Do you have a friend that owns berninas that can help

When was it last serviced if ever?

It is my understanding that Sears got out of the sewing machine business when they parted company with Janome. If you had one you liked, perhaps you can buy another of the same model from ebay or goodwill. Most of the Kenmore's I have were built by Janome. You may find that having two machines is good insurance.
I would not give up on that Bernina. Most Bernina dealers are good about promoting a positive image of their machines and service. Ask what it would cost to have it serviced and inquire about a few lessons from the place where you take it. Also check with the dealer as to whether the Bernina you have is one of those that offers two different bobbin cases; one for regular sewing, and another designed for free motion and decorative stitching. Have you taken off the plate and cleaned the lint from around the feed dogs? I hope you solve your sewing problem.

I have a Bernina Artista 200. I have found there are certain threads it does not like. Same goes for my 1975 Bernina Record 830. Coats and Clark made in Mexico pops out of its track every time and make a terrible. mess.

I have this problem periodically with my bernina . Always when you are in arush. It is the. Machine telling me it needs cleaning and new bobbin and re threading . After all that it works fine. Mine does sometimes take a few attempts to get the front loading bobbin in. It clicks sounds as if in place but when I put the needle down it all jumps out.

I agree that a bigger machine may not be a better machine! Hopefully a good service will help!

BERNINA's are very good machines, find a local dealer and take it in, chances are it is ( operator error) and something simple. Do you have the manual? Sometimes it is simply an error in threading, some lint under the bobbin case, the need of a new needle or a change in thread. Have the machine serviced and ask about an ( owners class- which are often free) to learn the bells & whistles- the machine will probably give you many years of great service once you learn it

Don't give up on that Bernina! You just have kenmore in your brain and having withdrawls.....I bet you it"s you and your problem is very simple.Use only good thread and bernina bobbins......Take your time and get to know how she can purr.........

Mom had her machine faithfully every year she took very good care of it. I had it serviced before I brought it home. I have samples of what it is doing and I will take that along with the thread and bobbin/casing in today to the store today. Maybe they can point me in the right direction on why it is doing this.

I am going to pick up some fabric today for my next project, maybe that will make me feel better :0)

For the good news I did finish the binding yesterday!!!

I have two Bernina and NEVER had a problem. They do need to be serviced at least every 12 to 18 months. I don't know if you know the last time it had been service. I was told when I bought both of my Bernina to use Mettler silk wrapped thread. It is always wise to keep at least two DSM so when one is in for service, you have a backup.

Ditto - I've had mine for 30 plus years and run it hard and long. Absolutely no problems. Perhaps yours needs a visit to stat care (for Berninas) ??

I have the 180 and it always makes a beautiful stitch. Try putting in a new needle, preferably a topstitch needle. Re thread with a "good" thread. My machine does not like C & C thread. You could even try a different bobbin. If none of this works, take it to a Bernina shop. That machine should last for years. It just needs a little adjustment.

Did you check the bobbin tension? You should be able to check it just like on the Kenmore.

My vertical bobbin Pfaffs and now the Brother 1500 have guides to check.

The one time I had the same problem with my Bernina I had the bobbin unwinding from the wrong side and the thread was slipping out of the bobbin case slot. It would sew but sew awful. Check to see which way the bobbin thread is unwinding off the bobbin. Too bad you gave away your Kenmore. :(

I am assuming you are aware Bernina bobbins are specific to machines. You can't slap any old bobbin in the machine. And even different Bernina models take different Bernina bobbins. Also Bernina's need to have the thread feed a specific way. Once you put the bobbin in the bobbin case pull the thread and ensure that the bobbin is rotating clockwise. Have you noticed if your machine is having problems with only one specific bobbin? It could be warped or otherwise damaged but not that you would visually notice. That could also be the problem.

Finally, I do occasionally have this problem when I am running Superior bottom line in my bobbin. I need to tighten the tension on the bobbin case just a wee bit.

YES YES YES, get a Brother. Mine is four years old and has NEVER had to go to the shop.

This may be a bobbin issue that will require a new bobbin case? Take it to a dealer and have it checked. Worth everypenny. I LOVE LOVE LOVE MY 2 Berninas. (Also had trouble with the bobbin in my 200).

I don't know where you live or whether you are near a Bernina dealer but I would be on their doorstep in a hurry if I possibly could. That would make me positively totally frustrated.
I work on an Elna and a Janome. It always helps to have a spare.

I had a top of the line Kenmore before I bought a Bernina Artista 180. I loved that Bernina! When I traded it in for the Artista 200, I wanted that 180 back. I never had a problem with the 180. Others have given you excellent suggestions, e.g., re threading, being sure you have the correct bobbin, etc. If none of those work and a Bernina deLer is near, take it in and have it serviced. I gave my Kenmore to my granddaughter. When I have to sew on it at her house, I wonder why I ever liked that machine. I'm a real Bernina fan and I think the 180 is a great machine.

A mess on the bottom is not a bobbin issue, it's a top thread issue. There are any number of things that could be causing it. Check the manual carefully and make sure the top thread is threaded correctly. Make sure nothing is impeding the thread path as you sew. Try adjusting the top tension tighter. Make sure your thread size is matched to your needle size, maybe try a larger needle. And this one is sort of obvious, but we've all done it - make sure the presser foot is down.

As others have said, maybe it simply needs to go in for service. A good service tech will take time to show you things and answer all your questions.

I agree that I would take it to a dealer and have them help you figure it out!! I have two Bernina's and have had to have help figuring out tension on both! I now know more tricks to try!!

That is exactly what it was, a top thread issue. I took the machine and sample to the Bernina dealership and that is exactly what she said. It was either because (1) I didn't thread the upper properly (2) the feed dogs/foot was up when I did it, I didn't know that part so it was totally operator error which I am thankful for

I did leave the machine to have it serviced any way so I do feel better. Thank you everyone for listing to me rant.

Just a suggestion...you might want to take it a dealer for repair. I would think it would be worth to fix a Bernina.

While I don't have a Bernina myself, I am happy to hear that the problem seems to be solved!! It's so frustrating for us to have these kinds of problems when we're training ourselves on a "new" machine. Here's hoping that every stitch flows smoothly from now on!!

Typically, if you have bird's nest on the bottom, it is probably the top threading. I have had it happen because the thread was catching on a notch in spool. Several other times, I though the upper thread was in the tension discs good, but it wasn't. Another time, a small scrap of thread was in the threading area and caused all kinds of mayhem. And, I do agree with everyone else, some machines don't like certain threads. Some don't like certain combinations of thread, needle and material. Batiks have caused me some grief too. Sewing, when going good is so much fun and rewarding, and not worth a darn when things are going bad. I, also, had a problem when I tried to use an "L" bobbin in a machine that only takes Class 15's. So much fun!!!! Good luck with getting yours fixed.

My Bernina hates Coats & Clark thread, had the same problem as you. Now I only use Gutterman or Mettler and she is very happy.

I would take it and have it serviced. Bernina's are top of the line machines. Yours might not have been serviced in a while, and just need some tlc. I have a Bernina, when I use monofiliment, I don't change anything, tension, needle nothing. I have had my machine over 8 years, sewed on it everyday, and it still sews beautifully!!!

That Bernina 180 is a great machine! If I were your Bernina dealer, I would want you to have a great sewing experience with it every time you sat down to sew. When we get complaints like yours at the store, it's time for a "sit down" with the tech. You need to bring your project to the store and sew on it while the tech is watching, and let them figure it out. It's probably something simple. Those machines are practically indestructable.

When it loops on the bottom, that usually means something isn't right with the upper tension. Or, with rotary hook systems, thread will tangle around the back of the hook and wreak havock with your stitch quality. To find the thread mess, take off the needle plate and look down inside. You can remove the thread with tweezers and a big pin or needle.

The new Kenmores aren't as great as the old Kenmores. Those old Kenmores are jewels! I like to rescue them from the thrift store, service them and sell them. They're worth a second chance.

Good Luck!

Generally if the mess is on the bottom, it is your upper tension. If you can take off the plate that covers the tension disks, take it off and see if there is thread stuck in the disks. Try different thread, a new needle, Thread the upper tension disks with dental floss and drag it back and forth to see if something sticks like maybe a stray thread. Check all along the way for rough spots. Look over the bobbin section for any rough spots as well. Hope you find out what is causing the problem.

are you using your right foot on the pedal with your knee bumping the presser foot lifter? If you bump the lifter you will get skipped stitches and bird nests, you could try using your left foot on the pedal or taking off the lifter. Love my Bernina (1630) but it is more of a Diva than my Singer 301A.

Bernina 180's are good machines. I would suggest having it serviced. Cleaning and oiling can work wonders, I know, I service machines:-) Getting used to any new machines takes time and patience. Relax and just practice on scraps until you get to know this machine and I think you'll like it.

I have a fancy machine and never knew the bobbin had to go in a certain way, it wasn't in my book - that solved the noise and ripping out! Hope it works for you!