Trouble w/ Bernina 830. Help please!
 

I have a Bernina 830 and when I use the embroidery module, it keeps showing I have a problem with the bobbin. Actually, the bobbin is fine as is the embroidery work. No thread buildup. I push the button and resume stitching until the next time. It happened about 40-50 times in a 4x4 embroidery piece. It is so frustrating. I have had the Bernina 830 for almost 5 years and the first year or so, I had constant thread breakage. I must have taken it into the dealer 10 times. Finally, they changed the hook and that resolved, for the most part, the thread breakage but this problem with the bobbin has never been resolved. It happens sometimes when quilting but not often. I clean the bobbin area frequently so it is not that. Any help would be appreciated. I am taking it soon to my dealer. Cost for servicing is $175! I keep wondering if it should be sent back to Bernina for their servicing. I did not use the machine much in the past as it was so frustrating but now I am retired and sewing and quilting a lot. I would like to use the embroidery part of the machine as I have a lot invested in it to have it just sit. Please offer any suggestions. I would really appreciate it!

I should send a message to bernina with a list of all the times it has gone in for repairs and try to add up how much you have spent on them. Don't send in again until they reply.
Sounds like a Friday machine with many faults which they would not like other to hear about. My bernina and my friends are all fantastic.

I have a 200e Bernina that did the same thing. Several trips back to the dealer. Several circuit boards - problems. I finally gave up and went with an 830. I made the mistake of not contacting Bernina directly, always went through the dealer. I would highly recommend contacting Bernina directly. At least you'd have peace of mind that someone other than the deal might address the problems. By the way, I recently heard that Bernina's don't usually like variegated thread and you might have a high incident of thread breakage. The correct needle made a huge difference, too. I was changing needles, but putting the same type in.

I have an 820 and was having problems with the bobbin. It kept showing a problem. I switched to a different bobbin, one where the silver marks were newer. My machine didn't like the more rubbed off marks. Could it possibly be that? (I'm sure you've probably tried that, but just thought I'd mention it)

I had problem with another Bernina model and went directly to Bernina of America. They were able to resolve the problem quickly. Good Luck !!

Try a new bobbin. The machine reads those little silver marks and if they are worn in places it causes the problem you are having. Found that out with my 820.

Agree ... if it wears out ... you need to replace the bobbins.
There is nothing wrong with your machine ... in fact, it is your machine (and the sensors) doing the job they are meant to do.



About the variegated thread comment .... I've run miles of it thru my 820, with no problems.

I don't think you could categorize a machine as not liking variegated threads ... whereas less success with a specific type/brand (variegated or plain) might be more realistic.

Be sure you are using the correct bobbin thread and the correct top thread. My 830 is very particular about the thread I use. If I feed him correctly he works just fine. It was interesting to hear about the silver marks and bobbin issues. I will file that information away! Thanks for that hint!

You can go into your service panel and turn off the thread sensor. If it's going off that much, and the stitching is looking alright, why not?

Thanks for all your help and suggestions. I took it back today to the dealer. I took my embroidery module and hoop and sat down and showed him the problem. He said it was bobbin empty sensor. It showed a full bobbin and then an empty bobbin. He took a video of it. When I go to pick it up in a couple of weeks, I will sit and check everything before I leave the store. If the problem is not corrected, the dealer said they will send it to Chicago.

Quilted sunshine, i never thought to shut off the thread sensor. That would have made me happier!! I heard you can do that if you are stitching without thread on foundation paper. I'll remember that now and ask the dealer how to do that.

For those who recommended different thread and a new bobbin, I did different and good thread (Robinson Anton and Magnifico from Superior thread), a new needle and new bobbin. Nothing worked. Did not know that about the bobbin, however, so appreciate that info.

If this gets resolved, I'll be happy. I have been enjoying quilting on it.

When you go to pick it up make sure you test before you leave the store (ask me how I know)! Take fabric, stabilzer thread (even if it is just one color) and then set it up there pull in a design and let it stitch out. I would do one with color changes just to try everything. It doesn't have to be a masterpiece but stitch the whole thing out - all you have wasted is some fabric and thread, much better than gas and picking that monster up and down again to take it back. You want it right and do it now while it is still under warranty. If they have to send it to Chicago so be it - they actually did that with my 180 not long after I got it and it was well worth the wait!

i definitely plan to do that. They have my module but did not want my hoop or thread. I will do that. I plan to also take a quilt sandwich since that has been working well and I want to make sure it continues. Thanks for your input. I did not know that they should have sent it back to Chicago until I was told this last year at a quilt show by a Bernina educator. I just could not deal with it then. Now I want it right.