Bernina Sewing Machine manual

In choosing BERNINA , you are assur ed of years of rewar ding sewing . For over 100 years my family has concentrated on providing complete satisfaction to our customers. And it is my personal wish to continue this tradition of offering you Swiss precision engineering combined with state of the art technology and an after sales service second to non[...]

2 W ARNING T o reduce the risk of burns, fire, electric shock or injury to persons: 1. Do not allow to be used as a toy . Close attention is necessary when the sewing computer is used by or near children and infirm persons. 2. Use this sewing computer only for its intended use as described in this manual. Use only attachments recommended by the man[...]

3 Safety instructions 11. Never drop or insert any object into any opening. 12. Do not use outdoors. 13. Do not operate where aer osol (spray) products ar e being used or where oxygen is being administer ed. 14. Before disconnecting, turn all controls to the of f («0») position then remove the plug fr om the outlet. 15. Do not unplug by pulling o[...]

1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 4 31 Details 4 Details of the sewing computer Front view activa 125 (GB) 4.12.2002 14:15 Uhr Seite 4 030595.50.04_0201_a125_EN[...]

5 Details 1 Bobbin cover 2 Stitch plate 3 Attachment base for special accessories 4 Sewing table socket 5 Presser foot 6 Needle clamp with fixation screw 7 Thread guide 8 Thread take up cover 9 Thread path 10 Thread tension adjustment 11 Bobbin pre-tension 12 Reverse button /quick and continuous 13 Screen 14 Bobbin winder with on/off switch and thr[...]

33 37 4 34 36 39 40 3 32 Details 6 Back view activa 125 (GB) 4.12.2002 14:16 Uhr Seite 6 030595.50.04_0201_a125_EN[...]

7 Details 32 Carrying handle 33 Presser foot lifter (manual) 34 Thread cutter 35 Thread take up 36 Darning ring connection 37 Accessory box connection 38 Thread tension disc 39 Rear thread guide 40 Horizontal spool pin Accessory box Sewing computer with Accessory box 34 33 39 35 32 38 40 Left end activa 125 (GB) 4.12.2002 14:16 Uhr Seite 7 030595.5[...]

• foot control • instruction manual • power cable • warranty card • fabric case for standard accessories Accessories Standard accessories*: 4 bobbins (+ 1 in the capsule in the sewing computer) Selection of 130/705H needles Seam ripper Screwdriver Angle key T orx Screwdriver T orx Lint brush Seam guide Compensating plate 3 spool discs Foa[...]

Setting up the sewing computer 9 Attaching the accessory box to the sewing computer • close the doors • push feet back into position • attach the box to the sewing computer (catch A must engage); inserting the presser foot lifter into the opening H Note : first lower the presser foot lifter! Removing the accessory box • press catch A on the[...]

Setting up the sewing computer 10 The power cable • plug A into sewing computer • plug B into wall socket Foot control cable • plug C into sewing computer Important! (USA/Canada only) This sewing computer has a polarized plug (one blade wider than the other). T o re- duce the risk of electric shock, this plug is intended to fit in a polarized[...]

11 Setting up the sewing computer Sewing table* Increases the sewing surface. T o attach • raise the needle and presser foot • place the table over the free arm and press firmly so that it engages on the fixing cam Attaching the presser foot lifter Insert into the opening in the base plate: you should be able to operate the lifter with your kne[...]

Setting up the sewing computer 12 Winding the bobbin • turn power switch on • place empty bobbin on spindle • following the direction of the arr ow take thread thr ough the rear guide and round the pr e-tension stud • wind it several times round the empty bobbin • press the engaging lever against the bobbin • press the foot contr ol •[...]

13 Setting up the sewing computer Bobbin case T o remove the bobbin case • raise the needle • turn power switch to «0» • open the bobbin cover • grasp the latch of the bobbin case • remove case T o insert the bobbin case • hold the bobbin case latch • the finger on the case should point upwards • insert so that it clicks into plac[...]

Setting up the sewing computer 14 Inserting the bobbin ... it lies in the T -shaped slit at the end of the spring. The bobbin must turn clock- wise when thread is pulled. Insert the bobbin Insert the bobbin so that the thread runs clockwise. Pull the thread counter clock- wise into the slot. Pull the thread to the left under the spring until ... Re[...]

15 Setting up the sewing computer Changing the pr esser foot Changing the presser foot sole • raise the needle and the presser foot shaft • turn power switch to «0» • press the button on the shaft to release the sole Attaching the presser foot sole • place the presser foot sole under the shaft so that the peg sits under the opening of the[...]

Setting up the sewing computer 16 Thr eading the upper thread • raise the needle and presser foot • turn the power switch to 0 • place spool on pin and attach the appropriate spool disc (diameter of spool = disc size) • take thread thr ough rear guide A • then into slit of upper thread tension • pull thread down to the right of the take[...]

17 Setting up the sewing computer Bringing up the lower thr ead • hold the upper thread • sew one stitch • pull the upper thread until the bobbin thr ead appears in the stitch plate hole • pull bobbin thread out of the hole and insert both threads thr ough the slit in the presser foot towar ds the back • pull threads over the cutter Note:[...]

Setting up the sewing computer 18 Stitch plate Stitch plate markings • the stitch plate is marked with seam guide lines in mm and inches • the millimetre markings ar e at the front • the inch markings are at the back • the measurements show the distance (with needle position centr e) from needle to line • lines are pr ovided to the right [...]

19 Setting up the sewing computer 3 5 A Thr ead tension The basic setting • is indicated when the red line on the tension adjustment wheel is in line with the marking A • the tension does not need adjusting for normal sewing work • for special sewing work, the tension can be adjusted to suit the fabric T o reduce the tension turn to between 3[...]

Operating instructions 20 0 23 45 1 5.5 1 2 3 4 5 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 General instructions Main switch to 1 • the sewing sewing computer is ready to sew The screen shows 1 stitch width basic setting blinks constantly 2 stitch length basic setting blinks constantly 3 needle position (9 positions) 4 needle stop up/down (generally up) 5 stitch number 1 (s[...]

Stitch width • left button = narrow the stitch width • right button = widen the stitch width • the basic settings of the chosen stitch blink constantly Needle position • left button = needle to the left • right button = needle to the right Stitch length • left button = shorten the stitch length • right button = increase the stitch len[...]

Operating instructions 22 Reverse sewing quick reverse: • press button • Sewing computer sews reverse until button is released (max. stitch length 3 mm) Applications: • programming buttonholes • programming darning program • switch to straight stitch securing program (stitch no. 5) • manual securing (seam begin and end) continous revers[...]

23 Operating instructions Balance Note: If the balance has been adjusted, return it to the normal setting once sewing is completed. Y our sewing computer has been tested and factory set using a double layer of cretonne fabric and Metr osene 100/2 threads (Ar ova Mettler , Switzerland). Applications: Practical stitches, e.g. Honeycomb stitch on jers[...]

Presser feet 24 Pr esser foot selection (snap-on system) 2 Overlock sole V ari-overlock seam V ari-overlock hem Oversewing seam edges 2 1 4 5 1 Reverse pattern sole Practical stitches Decorative stitches Presser foot shaft for snap-on soles 4 Zip sole Sewing in zips Sewing close along raised seam 3 Buttonhole sole Buttonholes 5 Blind stitch sole Bl[...]

14 13 16 11 15 20 17 18 19 12 # clr del 1 4 7 2 5 8 0 3 6 9 25 Stiches Stitches Practical and decorative 1 Straight stitch 2 Zig-zag 3 V ari-overlock 4 Running stitch 5 Securing stitch 6 T riple straight and zig-zag 7 Blind stitch 8 Double overlock 9 Super stretch stitch 10 Standard buttonhole 11 Darning program 12 Gathering stitch Quilting- and De[...]

Stitches 26 Stitch selection All non-stretch fabrics. All straight stitch work Most fabric types; all simple zig-zag such as oversewing fine fabrics. Sewing on elastic and lace Primarily for fine jerseys, stretch overlock seams and hems Most types of fabric. Mending, patching, reinfor cing seams All types of fabric. Secures the beginning and end of[...]

27 Stitches 10 Fine to medium weight woven fabrics; blouses, shirts, trousers, bedlinens, etc. Automatic darning for fine and medium weight fabrics Most types of fabric. Gahering with shirring elastic. Butted seams = butting two pressed edges and sewing together . 10 Standar d buttonhole 11 Darning program 12 Gathering stitch 11 12 activa 125 (GB) [...]

Selected practical stitches: Straight stitch 28 Straight stitch No. 1 size and type suitable for the fabric selected (see p. 42) cotton/polyester up (sewing position) Reverse pattern foot No. 1 Straight stitch Straight stitch (A) The sewing computer is ready to sew as soon as you switch on The screen shows • Stitch No. 1 • Presser foot No. 1 ?[...]

29 Selected practical stitches: Straight stitch with securing program Securing program • for all fabrics • secures seam begin and end • sews exactly over the previous stitches Seam begin • sewing computer secures automatically (5 stitches forwar ds, 5 reverse) • continues sewing straight stitch forwards Seam end • press the r everse but[...]

Selected practical stitches: Zig-zag stitch 30 Stitch: Needle: Thread: Feed-dog: Presser foot: A Zig-zag stitch with altered stitch width B Zig-zag stitch with altered stitch length C Fabric edges finished with zig-zag stitch A B C Zig-zag No. 2 size and type suitable for the fabric selected (see p. 42) cotton or polyester up (sewing position) Reve[...]

31 Selected practical stitches: Blind hem Blind hem No. 7 size and type suitable for the fabric selected (see p. 42) cotton or polyester up (sewing position) Blind stitch foot No. 5 Blind hem for «invisible» hems in medium to heavy cotton, wool and blended fabrics Preparation • neaten raw edges • prepar e seam as for sewing by hand • place [...]

Selected practical stitches: Darning 32 Darning Program No. 11 size and type suitable for the fabric selected (see p. 42) darning thread up (sewing position) Reverse pattern foot No. 1 Quick darning of holes or wor n areas Replacement of damaged fibres/thr eads Darning with Reverse patter n foot No. 1 (auto stitch counter) • insert needle in top [...]

Selected practical stitches: Zippers 33 Straight stitch No. 1 size and type suitable for the fabric selected (see p. 42) cotton or polyester up (sewing position) Zipper foot No. 4 far right or far left Preparation: • baste in zipper • fabric edges should meet over the center of the zipper Sewing • sew in the zipper , each side from bottom to [...]

Selected practical stitches: Buttonholes 34 Thread tension • thread the bobbin thr ead through the finger of the bobbin case = the bobbin tension is a little tighter • this gives the beads on the right side of the fabric a slightly rounded appearance • the buttonhole looks more attractive • gimp reinfor ces buttonholes and enhances their ap[...]

Selected practical stitches: Buttonholes 35 Stitch: Needle: Thread: Feed-dog: Presser foot: Buttonhole No. 10 size and type suitable for the fabric selected (see p. 42) cotton or polyester up (sewing position) Buttonhole foot No. 3 Preparation • select the buttonhole (stitch No. 10) • screen shows the buttonhole number (10), the pr esser foot N[...]

Selected practical stitches: Buttonholes 36 • place both ends of the cord in the grooves on the sole of the foot and pull them to the back • lower the presser foot Sewing • sew the buttonhole in the usual manner • do not hold the cord tightly • the buttonhole will form over the cord, covering it Buttonhole with gimp Gimp • gimp cord r e[...]

Selected practical stitches: Buttonholes 37 Buttonhole cutter and block (special accessory) • place the fabric on the wood • place the cutter in the centre of the buttonhole • press down on the cutter with your hand or a hammer Securing the cord • pull the cord thr ough the buttonhole • pull cords thr ough to back of fabric • knot or se[...]

Selected practical stitches: Handlook quilt stitch 38 Perfect corners • activate needle-stop down and then turn work Monofilament breaks • sew more slowly • reduce upper thr ead tension slightly TIP Handlook quilt stitch Quilt stitch No. 13 size and type suitable for the fabric selected (see p. 42) monofilament 30/2 cotton thread up (sewing p[...]

Selected practical stitches: Overlock seams 39 Knits and jersey use a new needle to prevent damaging the loops Sewing stretch fabrics if necessary use a stretch needle (130/705H-S) = needle point slides between the fibers V ari-overlock seam V ari-overlock No. 3 size and type suitable for the fabric selected (see p. 42) cotton or polyester up (sewi[...]

Selected practical stitches: Overlock seams 40 Double overlock No. 8 size and type suitable for the fabric selected (see p. 42) cotton or polyester up (sewing position) Overlock foot No. 2 or Reverse pattern foot No. 1 Overlock foot No. 2 is specially designed for overlock stitches. The pin on the foot produces mor e thread in each stitch so that t[...]

Selected practical stitches: Overlock seams 41 Needle stop down needle stays in fabric when you stop to adjust the ribbing V ari-overlock No. 3 size and type suitable for the fabric selected (see p. 42) cotton or polyester up (sewing position) Overlock foot No. 2 or Reverse pattern foot No. 1 Overlock foot No. 2 is specially designed for overlock s[...]

42 Needle 70 80 90 1 00 1 1 0 –1 20 Darning thread •• Embroidery thr ead • Mercerised •• cotton thread Synthetic thread •• Thick threads, synthetic mercerised •• thread Buttonhole thread for decorative •• seams (cordonnet) Important facts about sewing computer needles Sewing computer , needle and thread Y our BERNINA uses ne[...]

43 Needles, Threads Needle and fabric Condition of needle The needle must be in perfect condition. Problems can occur with damaged needles. bent needle blunt needle hooked needle activa 125 (GB) 4.12.2002 14:16 Uhr Seite 43 030595.50.04_0201_a125_EN[...]

Needles 44 Special materials are easier to sew if the appr opriate needle is used. Special needles are available at your BERNINA dealer . Needle table Standard needle Special needles Double needle T riple needle Hemstitch needle Description 130/705 H 130/705-SES 130/705 H-SUK 130/705 H-S 130/705 H-J 130/705 H-LR + H-LL 130/705 H ZWI 130/705 H DRI 1[...]

45 Needle, thread, fabric feed Feed-dog and fabric feed Let the fabric feed evenly! Holding back will result in knots. Pulling or pushing will result in gaps. Feed-dog and stitch length With each stitch the feed-dog moves forward by one step. The length of this step is determined by the stitch length selected. With an extremely short stitch length,[...]

Needle, thread, fabric feed 46 Feed-dog and fabric feed with compensating plates Thick fabrics: feed-dog and sewing corners The feed-dog can work normally when the foot is level. If the foot is at an angle, e.g. when sewing over thick to thin or vice-versa, the feed-dog cannot grip and feed the fabric and the fabric hangs up. Uneven layers T o solv[...]

Cleaning the screen and the sewing computer • wipe with a damp cloth 47 Cleaning and maintenance Cleaning If the sewing computer is stored in a cold r oom, it should be brought to a warm room about one hour befor e use. Cleaning Clean the sewing computer after every use • turn power switch to 0 • remove pr esser foot and needle • open the f[...]

Cleaning and maintenance 48 Sewing light Replacing the bulb • turn power switch to «0» • loosen the screw Light bulbs get hot. Allow to cool down before removal. Note: Use bulb type 12 V 5 W . W 2.1 x 9.5 d. • remove the bulb • insert the new bulb • replace cover and tighten screw Refer to the safety instruction! • remove the cover by[...]

49 Faults T r ouble shooting Upper thread br eaks • The upper thread tension is too tight. • The needles are of a poor quality . Ideally needles should be purchased fr om your BERNINA dealer . • The needle is bent or blunt. • Poor quality , knotted or dried out thread has been used. • Use the correct spool disc. • Stitch plate or hook t[...]

50 A Accessory box 9 B Balance 23, 34 Blind hem 31 Bobbin 12 Bobbin case 13 Bobbin thread cutter 13 Bringing up the lower thread 17 Buttonholes 34– 37 • Buttonhole with gimp 36 • Manual buttonhole 34 C Changing the needle 14 Changing the presser foot 15 Cleaning 47, 48 Compensating plates 46 D Darning program 32 Details of the sewing computer[...]

51 Index R Ribbing with overlock seam 41 Reverse sewing 22 S Screen shows 20 Seam guide 11 Securing program 29 Selected practical stitches 28–41 Sewing light 48 Sewing computer needles 42 Spool pin 15 Standard accessories 8 Standard buttonhole 35 Stitch length 21 Stitch plate 18 Stitch width 21 Stitch selection 21 Straight stitch 28 Stretch fabri[...]

Contents 52 4 Details 10 Setting up the sewing computer 20 Operating instructions 24 Presser feet 25 Stitches Selected practical stitches: 28 • Straight stitch 29 • Securing program 30 • Zig-zag stitch 31 • Blind hem 32 • Darning program 33 • Zippers 34 • Buttonholes 38 • Handlook quilt stitch 39 • Overlock 42 Needle, Thread, Fabr[...]