Bernina 590

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Bernina 590 Sewing and Embroidery Machine User Manual

Model: Bernina 590

1. Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the safe and efficient operation, setup, and maintenance of your Bernina 590 Sewing and Embroidery Machine. Please read this manual thoroughly before using the machine to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

2. Safety Instructions

Always follow basic safety precautions when using electrical appliances to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons.

  • Ensure the machine is unplugged before cleaning, lubricating, or performing any user servicing.
  • Keep fingers away from all moving parts. Special care is required around the sewing machine needle.
  • Use the correct needle plate. The wrong plate can cause the needle to break.
  • Do not use bent needles.
  • Do not pull or push fabric while stitching. This may deflect the needle, causing it to break.
  • Wear safety glasses.
  • Never operate the machine with any air openings blocked. Keep ventilation openings of the sewing machine and foot controller free from the accumulation of lint, dust, and loose cloth.

3. Product Overview

The Bernina 590 is a versatile machine designed for both sewing and embroidery tasks, offering advanced features for precision and ease of use.

Key Features:

  • Automatic Thread Cutter: Performs three steps in one: cuts the thread, positions the needle, and lifts the presser foot.
  • Bernina Hook: Ensures consistent and precise stitches at speeds up to 1,000 stitches per minute.
  • Bernina Dual Feed: Moves fabric evenly from both top and bottom, easily activated and deactivated.
  • Embroidery Capabilities: Maximum embroidery area of 400 x 150 mm, includes 275 embroidery designs and 8 embroidery alphabets.
  • Color Touchscreen: Intuitive interface for machine control and stitch selection.
  • LED Light: Provides bright illumination of the work area.
  • Invisible Secure Stitch and Intelligent Tie-off Recognition: Ensures high-quality embroidery results.
  • Precise Motif Positioning: Allows accurate placement of embroidery designs on hooped fabric.
  • On-screen Guides: Sewing and embroidery guides provide direct assistance and answer questions.

Machine Components:

Bernina 590 Sewing Machine without embroidery module
Figure 3.1: The Bernina 590 Sewing Machine in its standard configuration, ready for sewing tasks. This view highlights the main body, sewing bed, and control panel.
Bernina 590 Sewing and Embroidery Machine with embroidery module attached
Figure 3.2: The Bernina 590 with the embroidery module attached, demonstrating its capability for embroidery projects. The embroidery hoop is visible in position.
Close-up of Bernina 590 color touchscreen and control knobs
Figure 3.3: A detailed view of the machine's color touchscreen display and adjacent control knobs. The screen shows various stitch and function icons, indicating the machine's digital interface.

4. Setup

Before operating your Bernina 590, ensure it is properly set up.

4.1 Initial Power Connection

  • Place the machine on a stable, flat surface.
  • Connect the power cord to the machine and then to a suitable electrical outlet.
  • Turn on the machine using the main power switch.

4.2 Threading the Machine

Follow the numbered threading path indicated on the machine for the upper thread. For the bobbin, refer to the following illustration:

Close-up of the bobbin area of the Bernina 590
Figure 4.1: The bobbin case and winding mechanism of the Bernina 590. This image shows the area where the bobbin is inserted and threaded for lower thread tension.

4.3 Attaching the Presser Foot and Needle

Ensure the correct presser foot and needle are installed for your chosen task.

Close-up of the presser foot and needle plate on the Bernina 590
Figure 4.2: A close-up view of the presser foot and needle plate area. This shows the needle descending towards the fabric, with clear markings on the needle plate for precise stitching.

5. Operating Instructions

5.1 Sewing Operations

Select your desired stitch pattern and adjust settings using the color touchscreen. The Bernina 590 offers precise control for various sewing projects.

  • Stitch Selection: Navigate the touchscreen to choose from a wide range of utility and decorative stitches.
  • Bernina Dual Feed: Activate the dual feed for even fabric transport, especially useful for challenging materials.
  • Automatic Thread Cutter: Utilize this feature to automatically cut threads at the end of a seam.
Hands guiding fabric under the presser foot of the Bernina 590
Figure 5.1: A user's hands gently guiding fabric under the presser foot during a sewing operation. This illustrates the practical application of the machine for various sewing tasks.

5.2 Embroidery Operations

Attach the embroidery module and hoop your fabric to begin embroidery projects.

  • Design Selection: Choose from 275 built-in embroidery designs or load your own.
  • Motif Positioning: Use the precise motif positioning feature to align your design accurately on the fabric.
  • Embroidery Guide: Follow the on-screen guide for step-by-step assistance during embroidery.
Embroidery in progress on the Bernina 590
Figure 5.2: The Bernina 590 actively embroidering a design onto fabric held within an embroidery hoop. The needle is visible performing stitches, demonstrating the machine's embroidery function.

6. Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures the smooth operation and extends the lifespan of your Bernina 590.

  • Cleaning: Regularly clean the bobbin area, feed dogs, and needle plate to remove lint and dust. Use a small brush provided with the machine.
  • Lubrication: Refer to the machine's internal instructions for specific lubrication points and frequency.
  • Needle Replacement: Replace needles frequently, especially when working with different fabric types or if the needle shows signs of wear.
  • Software Updates: Check the official Bernina website for any available software updates for your machine.

7. Troubleshooting

This section addresses common issues you might encounter. For more complex problems, contact Bernina support.

ProblemPossible CauseSolution
Skipped StitchesIncorrect needle, bent needle, improper threading.Replace needle, re-thread machine, ensure correct needle type for fabric.
Thread BreakageIncorrect tension, poor quality thread, burr on needle plate, incorrect threading.Adjust tension, use quality thread, check for burrs, re-thread machine.
Machine Not StartingPower cord not connected, main switch off, foot control issue.Check power connections, ensure switch is on, inspect foot control.

8. Specifications

Detailed technical specifications for the Bernina 590 Sewing and Embroidery Machine.

  • Model: Bernina 590
  • Dimensions (Package): 58 x 50 x 48 cm
  • Weight (Product): 15 kg
  • Maximum Embroidery Area: 400 x 150 mm
  • Maximum Embroidery Speed: 1000 stitches per minute
  • Included Embroidery Designs: 275
  • Embroidery Alphabets: 8
  • Hook System: Bernina Hook
  • Display: Color Touchscreen
  • Lighting: LED
Dimensions of the Bernina 590 Sewing and Embroidery Machine
Figure 8.1: An illustration showing the key dimensions of the Bernina 590 machine, including height, width, and depth, for placement and storage considerations.

9. Warranty and Support

For warranty information, please refer to the documentation provided with your purchase or visit the official Bernina website. For technical support, service, or to order parts, please contact your authorized Bernina dealer or Bernina customer service.

Bernina Official Website: www.bernina.com

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