BERNINA 500 Quilting Machine

We recommend to use only BERNINA quality bobbins because using off-brand bobbins can cause unsatisfying thread tension and other problems.

The function "Virtual positioning" was not activated when selecting the hoop. Activate the function so the hoop moves during positioning.

This is a specially developed bobbin case with high thread tension for the BERNINA hook that is particularly suitable for embroidery and quilting.

The attached Embroidery foot #26 and the needle plate have to be selected.

Always use the smallest possible hoop the motif will allow.

Use the right kind of stabilizer and, if necessary, several layers depending on the fabric thickness.

A Jumbo Bobbin holds approximately 100 m, depending on the thread. The lower thread sensor notifies you when there is 10% of the thread remaining. This means that there is still approximately 10 m of thread on the bobbin.

Activate the Eco mode under "Home" and by touching the "Eco" icon. Deactivate Eco mode by touching the Eco icon on the screen.

There may be several reasons for this:
The door of the hook cover is open. Close it. The sensor of the lower thread indicator is dirty and needs cleaning.
The lower thread indicator has been deactivated in "Setup". Select "Setup", "Monitoring functions" and "Activating the lower thread indicator".

Touch the appropriate icon to see what changes have been made. Most changes can be undone with "clr".

Formats of various brands can be used: EXP, DST, PES, PEC, JEF, PCS, SEW, XXX

The frequency of oiling depends on the number of the sewn stitches. We recommend to place a drop of oil onto the hook race before sewing for a longer period, but at least when the machine prompts you. When sewing bigger projects, you can oil the machine once a day.

The purple or orange template is used, depending on the model.

The bobbin winder is activated.

Cut off the upper thread, raise the presser foot, carefully lift the fabric to cut off the lower thread and any twisted threads. Do not pull! Remove the fabric. Remove the bobbin case, open the hook to check whether any thread is tangled in the hook area and remove it. Also check whether there is any thread under the needle plate. Replace the hook, bobbin case, bobbin and needle plate. Check whether the upper thread is threaded correctly and rethread if necessary.

Click on "Setup", "Machine settings" and "Select language" and select the desired language.

It makes threading using the semi-automatic threader easier, since the end of the thread no longer needs to be held manually. Instead, the thread is pulled over the thread cutter after it has been laid into the hook of the threader. The threader is then released and the thread is pulled through the eye of the needle. The cutter is available as an optional accessory for models where it is not included as standard.

The embroidery motif should not be enlarged or reduced on the machine by more than 20%.

When the machine is used for the first time. If the center needle position does not match with the actual center of the motif.

Check the slide speed control on the front of the machine and move to the right. Here you can set the maximum speed setting when sewing with the foot control or use it to adjust the speed when working with the start/stop button.

The "Cut connecting stitches" icon in stitching mode is not active. The cut length of the connecting stitches is set too high. To change this, go to "Setup", "Embroidery settings", "Automatic cut" and reduce the value.

For bobbin winding when the machine is threaded for sewing. The thread stands on the horizontal spool pin and is threaded first through the eyelet and then the pre-tension stud.

Necessary when using a second thread for example sewing with the twin needle. For stacked (parallel wound) threads, use the vertical spool pin to allow the thread to evenly feed off the spool. Important: use the foam pad as base.

Check if there are any pieces of loose thread in the path of the upper thread and remove them.

The upper thread indicator has been deactivated in "Setup". Select "Setup", "Monitoring functions" and "Activating the upper thread indicator".