bernette b08 Sewing Machine User Manual

bernette b08 Sewing Machine

DANGER!
To reduce the risk of electrical shock:

• Never leave the machine unattended as long as it is plugged in.
• Always unplug the machine from the electrical outlet immediately after using.

Protection against LED radiation

• Do not view the LED light directly with optical instruments (e.g. magnifier). The LED light corresponds with protection class 1M.
• When the LED light is damaged or defective, contact your bernette specialist dealer.

WARNING
To reduce the risk of burns, fire, electric shock or injury to persons:

• To operate the machine always use the supplied power cable. USA and Canada only: Do not connect power plug NEMA 1-15 to circuits exceeding 150 Volt to ground.
• This machine may only be used for the purpose described in this instruction manual.
• Only use the machine in dry rooms.
• Do not use the machine in a damp condition or in a damp environment.
• Do not use this machine as a toy. You must take extra care if the machine is being used by children or in the vicinity of children.
• This machine may be used by children eight years of age and older as well as persons with restricted physical, sensory or mental capacities or lack of experience and knowledge under supervision or having received instruction on the safe use of the machine and the resulting hazards.
• Children are not allowed to play with the machine.
• Cleaning and maintenance work must not be carried out by children unless they are supervised.
• Do not use this machine if the cable or plug is damaged, the machine is not functioning correctly, it is dropped or becomes damaged or falls in water. Never operate this machine if it has a damaged cord or plug, if it is not working properly, if it has been dropped or damaged, or dropped into water. Contact the nearest authorized bernette dealer to arrange further details.
• Only use the accessories recommended by the manufacturer.
• Do not use this machine if the ventilation openings are blocked. Keep all ventilation openings and foot control free of lint, dust and loose cloth.
• Do not insert any objects into the openings of the machine.
• Do not place any objects on the foot control.
• Always use the machine with a foot control of this type 21381.
• Do not operate the machine where aerosol products (sprays) or oxygen are being used.
• Keep fingers away from all moving parts. Special care is required around the needle.
• Neither pull nor push the fabric while sewing. This can cause needle breakage.
• When making any adjustments in the needle area – such as such as threading the needle, changing the needle, threading the hook or changing the presser foot – turn power switch to 0.
• Do not use bent needles.
• Always use an original bernette stitch plate. The wrong stitch plate can cause needle breakage.
• To disconnect, turn power switch to «0» and then remove the plug from the outlet. Do not unplug by pulling the cord, instead grasp the plug to pull it from the outlet.
• Disconnect the plug before removing or opening the covers, oiling the machine or performing any cleaning or maintenance work described in this instruction manual.
• This machine is double-insulated (except for USA, Canada and Japan). Use only original replacement parts. Note the information on maintaining double-insulated products.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

General Information

Availability of the Instruction Manual

• The short manual is part of the machine.
• The latest version of the detailed instruction manual is available at https://www.bernette.com/support
• Keep the short manual of the machine in a suitable place near the machine and have it ready for reference.
• When passing on the machine to a third party, enclose the short manual of the machine.

Proper Use
Your bernette machine is conceived and designed for private household use. It is intended for sewing fabrics and other materials as described in this instruction manual. Any other use is not considered proper. BERNINA assumes no liability for consequences resulting from improper use.

Equipment and Scope of Delivery

• Example images are used in these instructions for the purposes of illustration. The machines shown in the images and the accessories shown therefore do not always match the actual items included with your machine. The supplied accessory can vary depending on the country of delivery. You can acquire any accessories mentioned or shown that are not included in the scope of delivery as optional accessories from a specialist bernette dealer. Further accessories can be found at www.bernette.com
• For technical reasons and in order to improve the product, changes may be made to the equipment of the machine and the scope of delivery at any time and without prior notice.

Servicing of Double-insulated Products
In a double-insulated product two systems of insulation are provided instead of grounding. No grounding means is provided on a double-insulated product nor should a means for grounded be added to the product. Servicing a double-insulated product requires extreme care and knowledge of the system and should only be done by qualified service personnel. Replacement parts for a double-insulated product must be identical to the original parts in the product. A double insulated product is marked with the words: Double-Insulation or double-insulated.

Environmental Protection

• BERNINA International AG is committed to environmental protection. We strive to minimize the environmental impact of our products by continuously improving product design and our technology of manufacturing.
• The machine is labeled with the symbol of the crossed-out wastebin. This means that the machine should not be disposed of in household waste when it is no longer needed. Improper disposal can result in dangerous substances getting into the groundwater and thus into our food chain, damaging our health.
• The machine must be returned free of charge to a nearby collection point for waste electrical and electronic equipment or to a collection point for the reuse of the machine. Information on the collection points can be obtained from your local administration. When purchasing a new machine, the dealer is obliged to take back the old machine free of charge and dispose of it properly.
• If the machine contains personal data, you are responsible for deleting the data yourself before returning the machine.

Explanation of Symbols

• DANGER
  Designates a danger with a high risk which can lead to serious injuries or even death unless it is avoided.
• WARNING
  Designates a medium-risk hazard which can lead to serious injuries if not avoided.
• CAUTION
  Designates a low-risk hazard which can lead to minor or moderate injuries if not avoided.
• NOTICE
  Designates a hazard which can lead to material damage if not avoided.

My bernette

Overview Machine

Overview – Front

1Bobbin Cover
2	Top Bobbin Cover
3	Thread Cutter
4	Thread Guide
5	«Presser Foot Pressure» Display
6	Thread Take-up Lever
7	Thread Guide
8	«Stitch Length» Display
9	Connection for Free Hand System

Overview Sewing Area

1	Stitch Plate
2	Feed Dog
3	Presser Foot
4	Fixing Screw for Presser Foot
5	Thread Guide
6	Needle Threader
7	Needle Holder
8	Needle Holder Thread Guide
9	Needle
10	Holes for Attachments

Overview of Operating Elements

1	«Thread tension» Dial
2	«Thread Pretension» Dial
3	«Needle Stop Up/Down» Button
4	«Bobbin Winder» Button
5	Speed Control
6	«Thread Cutter» Button
7	Quick Reverse Lever

Overview – Back Panel

1	Connection Power Cable
2	Connection for Automatic Thread Cutter
3	Connection for Foot Control
4	Power Switch
5	Stitch Length Adjustment Dial
6	Air Vents
7	Handwheel
8	Spool Pins
9	Retractable Thread Guide
10	Presser Foot Lifter

Overview Top

1	«Presser Foot Pressure» Dial
2	Bobbin Winder Pretension
3	Carry Handle
4	Thread Guide
5	Bobbin Winder Unit
6	Stopper Bobbin Winder Unit

Accessory

Overview Presser Feet

Needle, Thread, Fabric
Needles will wear down over time. Therefore, needles should be replaced regularly. Only a perfect point results in a good stitching result. In general it can be said: the thinner the thread, the finer the needle.

• Needle sizes 65, 75: For lightweight fabrics
• Needle sizes 75, 90: For medium fabrics
• Needle sizes 90, 100: For heavyweight fabrics

Overview Needles

Needle	Art. No.
Speed Sewing Needles Special 65/9 HLx5	5020601507
Speed Sewing Needles Special 75/11 HLx5	5020601508
Speed Sewing Needles Special 90/14 HLx5	5020601509
Speed Sewing Needles Special 100/16 HLx5	5020601510
Speed Sewing Needles Special HLx5	5020601511

Thread and Needle Overview

Fabric		Thread	Needle size (HLx5)
Thin fabrics	Wool Foil Gabardine Thin jersey	Cotton 50 – 60 Synthetic 50 – 60	65/9 75/11 90/14
	Flannel wool	Synthetic 50 – 60
Thick fabrics	Denim	Synthetic 20 – 50	90/14 100/16
	Canvas
	Imitation leather	Synthetic 20 – 30
	Tweed fabrics	Cotton 20 – 50 Synthetic 30 – 50
	Jersey	Synthetic 20 – 50

Sewing Preparation

Connection and Switching On

• Connecting the Machine and Foot Control
• Switching the Machine On
• Knee Lifter
• Positioning the Thread Guide

Connecting the Machine and Foot Control

1. Insert the device plug of the power cable into the machine’s power cable connection.
2. Insert the power plug of the power cable into the socket.
3. Insert the cable of the foot control into the foot control connection.

Knee Lifter
The presser foot may be temporarily raised and lowered with the Free Hand System. The knee lifter is extremely helpful when sewing appliqué, patchwork and quilting since it allows you to handle the fabric while your knee controls the presser foot.

Attaching the Knee Lifter of the Free Hand System

1. Insert the knee lifter into the knee lifter connection.
2. Adjust the sitting height so that the Knee Lifter can be operated with the knee.

Adjusting the Knee Lifter
The position and angle of the knee lifter can be optimally adjusted to the individual sitting position.

1. Insert the knee lifter into the knee lifter connection.
2. Loosen the fixing screw and adjust the angle by moving the lifter.
   
3. Tighten the fixing screw.

Positioning the Thread Guide
The thread guide ensures that the thread is pulled properly from the thread spools. Each thread is guided through a thread guide wire located directly above the thread spool.

1. To position the retractable thread guide, hold the thread guide and pull it up as far as it will go.
2. Turn the thread guide to the left and right until the two positioning pins engage.
3. The outer thread guide wires are parallel to the machine front.
4. To retract the thread guide, push the thread guide down with a little pressure.

Placing the Thread Spool and the Spool Cap
Spool discs hold the thread spool in place for proper release of thread from the spool.

1. Place the thread spool on the spool pin.
2. Position the appropriate spool cap on the spool pin so that there is no space between the spool cap and the thread spool.

Using the Spool Net
The spool net holds the thread on the thread spool and prevents the thread from knotting and breaking.

1. Pull the spool net over the thread spool. Ensure when doing so that the spool net does not slip off the thread spool, e.g. double-insert the net over the thread spools or insert a part of the net into the thread spool at the rear.

Sewing thick Areas using the Height Compensation Tool
The height compensation tool (optional accessory) is a useful aid when sewing over thick areas.

1. Once the highest point has been reached, lower the needle and raise the presser foot.
2. Level the height of the presser foot by placing one, two or three height compensation plates under the presser foot and behind the needle.

Sewing Corner

1. Activate the Needle stop down.
2. Stop the machine when the corner is reached.
3. Raise the presser foot.
4. Use the needle as a pivot and turn the fabric.
5. Lower the presser foot and continue sewing.

Sewing Difficult-to-Feed Fabrics
Materials that are difficult to slide such as leather, artificial leather, plastic or vinyl can be easily sewn using the straight stitch foot with non-stick sole (optional accessory).

1. Fit the straight stitch foot with non-stick sole.
2. Set the required stitch length.
3. Sew at a slow, constant speed. Adjust the presser foot pressure and the thread tension if necessary.

Sewing in a Zipper
As the fabric feed can be difficult when starting to sew, it is recommended to hold the threads firmly or to pull the fabric slightly to the back for a few stitches or to sew 0.5 – 1 in (1 – 2 cm) reverse first.

1. Set the stitch length to 0,5 – 4.
2. Set the thread tension to 4 – 5.
3. Set the presser foot pressure to 3 – 5.
4. Fit the adjustable zipper foot (optional accessory).
5. Loosen the screw, adjust the position of the zipper foot in relation to the needle and tighten the scre

Wide Edgestitching

1. Fit the seam guide and adjust the desired distance to the needle.
2. Set the required stitch length.
3. Guide the fabric edge along the seam guide.

Sewing hem edges

1. Set the required stitch length.
2. Attach the Straight Stitch Foot or the Narrow Straight Stitch Foot.
3. Guide the inner, upper hem edge on the right along the edge of the presser foot.

Sewing Basting Stitches
The basting stitch is suitable for basting several layers of fabric. When sewing basting stitches, it is recommended to use a fine darning thread. The darning thread is easier to remove.

1. Fit the straight stitch foot.
2. Set the maximum stitch length.

Tip
Pin the fabric layers at a right angle to basting direction to prevent the layers from slipping.

Gathering
Ideal for fine and medium-weight fabrics. To decorate clothes or decorative items.

1. Fit the straight stitch foot.
2. Set the stitch length to 4.
3. Set the thread tension to 2 or less.
4. Pull out the upper and bobbin threads by approx. 5 in (20 cm).
5. Sew along the fabric edge at the width of the foot. Sew with a few reverse stitches at the beginning. Leave the thread ends about 4 – 5 in (10 – 12 cm) long when finished.
6. Sew an additional line at a distance of approx. 1/4 in (5 mm). Sew with a few reverse stitches at the beginning. Leave the thread ends about 4 – 5 in (10 – 12 cm) long when finished.
7. Pull the bobbin threads and spread the little pleats evenly.

Free-Motion Quilting

• The quilting stitch plate (optional accessory) and the free-motion quilting foot (optional accessory) are used for quilting work.
• It is recommended to use the slide-on table. With free motion quilting, it is of advantage to quilt from the center outwards and to guide the fabric using smooth, round movements to form the design of your choice.
• With stipple quilting, entire surfaces of the fabric are filled with quilt stitches. The single lines of stitching are rounded and never cross one another.

Tip
Quilting gloves with rubber nubs make it easier to guide the fabric.

Prerequisite
The top layer, the batting and the backing are pinned together or basted.

1. Fit the quilting stitch plate.
2. Remove the presser foot and fit the free-motion quilting foot to the presser foot bar.
3. Tighten the free-motion quilting foot with the screw.
4. Set the stitch length 0.
5. If required, adjust the upper thread tension.
6. Press the foot control.
7. Hold both hands close to the presser foot like an embroidery hoop to guide the fabric.
8. If the thread is lying on top of the fabric, slow down the movement of the sewing project.
9. If there are knots on the wrong side of the fabric, move the sewing project faster.

Sewing Patchwork

Piecing

1. Fit the patchwork foot (optional accessory).
2. Set the stitch length to 0.5 – 4.
3. Set the thread tension to 4 – 5.
4. Set the presser foot pressure to 3 – 5.
5. Place 2 pieces right sides together.
6. Sew the pieces together with a seam allowance of 5 mm or guide them along the guide of the patchwork foot.
   
7. Press the seam allowances open.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Cleaning the Feed Dog and the Hook
Remaining threads under the stitch plate must occasionally be removed.

CAUTION

Electronically Driven Components
Risk of injury near the needle and the hook.

Switch off the machine and disconnect it from the power supply.

1. Remove the presser foot and the needle.
2. Open the bobbin cover and remove the top bobbin cover.
3. Loosen both screws and remove the stitch plate.

4. Remove the bobbin case and the bobbin.
5. Clean the feed dog and the hook with the brush.

6. Refit the stitch plate. Insert both screws and tighten them.
7. Attach the top bobbin cover and close the bobbin cover.
8. Insert a needle.
9. Attach the presser foot.

Cleaning the Bobbin Case

CAUTION

Electronically Driven Components
Risk of injury near the needle and the hook.

Switch the machine off and disconnect it from the power supply.

1. Remove the presser foot and the needle.
2. Open the bobbin cover and remove the top bobbin cover.
3. Remove the stitch plate.
4. Remove the bobbin from the bobbin case.
5. Clean the bobbin case with the brush.
6. Set needle to topmost position.
7. Clean the shuttle race with the brush.
8. Insert the bobbin into the bobbin case.
9. Fit the stitch plate.
10. Attach the top bobbin cover and close the bobbin cover.
11. Fit the needle and presser foot.

Lubricating the Machine
By oiling the machine, the occurrence of unwanted noises in the hook area can be prevented. bernette recommends using Klüber OY 100 sewing machine oil for this sewing machine. bernette recommends oiling the hook at the following times.

• Prior to the machine’s first use
• after a longer downtime of the machine
• in case of intensive use: daily before sewing
• in case of unwanted noises in the hook area

CAUTION

Electronically Driven Components
Risk of injury near the needle and the hook.

• Raise the presser foot.
• Switch the machine off and disconnect it from the power supply.

1. Lubricate the marked areas with 3 drops of oil each.
   
2. Remove the bobbin case.
3. Clean the hook race area with a brush and a soft cloth. Never use any sharp instruments.
4. Lubricate the marked areas with 1 drops of oil each on the felt.

5. Turn the handwheel counterclockwise a few times and remove any excess oil with a cloth.
6. Insert the bobbin case.
7. Sew on a test fabric.

Troubleshooting

Fault	Possible Cause	Troubleshooting
Uneven Stitch Formation	Upper thread too tight or too loose.	Adjust the upper thread tension. Adjusting the Upper Thread Tension
	Needle blunt or bent.	Replace the needle, make sure that a new BERNINA quality needle is used. Changing the Needle
	Poor quality needle.	Use a new needle.
	Poor quality thread.	Use quality thread.
	Incorrect needle/thread combination.	Match the needle with the thread size.
	Incorrectly threaded.	Rethread.
	Fabric was pulled.	Feed the fabric evenly.
	Dust or thread remnants under the tension spring of the bobbin case.	Cleaning the bobbin case. Cleaning the Bobbin Case
Skipped Stitches	Incorrect needle.	Use needles from the needle system HLx5. Overview Needles
	Needle blunt or bent.	Replace the needle. Changing the Needle
	Poor quality needle.	Use a new needle.
	The needle is incorrectly inserted.	Insert the needle with the flat side to the right as far up as it will go and tighten the screw.
	Incorrect needle point.	Match the needle point to the texture of the material.
Light on the button “Bobbin Winder” does not light up	Lighting Defective.	Contact your bernette dealer.
Light on the button “Needle Stop Up/Down” does not light up	Lighting Defective.	Contact your bernette dealer.
Needle Breaks	The needle is incorrectly inserted.	Insert the needle with the flat side to the right as far up as it will go and tighten the screw. Changing the Needle
	Fabric was pulled.	Feed the fabric evenly.
	Thick fabric has been pushed.	Use a suitable presser foot for thick fabric, e.g.  roller foot. Use the height compensation tool (optional accessory) when sewing over a thick seam. Sewing thick Areas using the Height Compensation Tool
	Knotted thread.	Use quality thread.
Upper Thread Breaks	Incorrect needle/thread combination.	Match the needle with the thread size.
	Upper thread is too tight.	Reduce the upper thread tension. Adjusting the Upper Thread Tension
	Incorrectly threaded.	Rethread.
	Poor quality thread.	Use quality thread.
	The hook tip or the stitch hole in the stitch plate is damaged.	Replace the stitch plate. Contact your bernette dealer.
Lower Thread Breaks	The bobbin is not inserted correctly.	Remove and reinsert the bobbin and pull on the thread. The thread should run easily.
	The bobbin is wound incorrectly.	Check the bobbin and wind it correctly. Winding the Bobbin Thread
	The stitch hole in the stitch plate is damaged.	Replace the stitch plate. Contact your bernette dealer.
	Needle blunt or bent.	Replace the needle.
Faulty Stitching	Thread remnants in the thread pretension.	Fold a piece of thin fabric (don’t use outer edges) and pull it through the thread tension discs several times.
	Incorrectly threaded.	Rethread.
	Thread is caught in the hook.	Remove the upper thread and the bobbin case, turn the handwheel backwards and forwards by hand and remove the thread remnants.
	Incorrect needle/thread combination.	Match the needle with the thread size.
Thread is not cut	Thread is too thick.	Cut the thread manually.
The Machine doesn’t Start	The machine is switched off.	Switch the machine on. Switching the Machine On
	The machine is not connected to the power supply.	Connect the machine or plug in the power cable. Connecting the Machine and Foot Control
	The machine is defective.	Contact the specialized bernette dealer.
	Unfavorable room temperature.	Place the machine in a warm room one hour before use. Connect the machine and switch it on.
	The presser foot is raised.	Lower the presser foot. Raising/Lowering the Presser Foot
	Foot control is not connected.	Connect the foot control. Connecting the Machine and Foot Control