How to fix a bernina machine froze up - Bernina Sewing Machines

If it's a mechanical machine, it most likely needs cleaning and oiling. The old oil has solidified and stuck things together so you need to loosen it up and get things moving again.

Pick up some Bernina oil for "mechanical" sewing machines, or for a quick fix, a bottle of Tri-Flow Synthetic Oil at the hardware store. Following the diagram in your manual, put one or two drops of oil every place indicated (be sure to oil both the upper and lower internal mechanisms of your machine). However, do NOT oil the two plastic gears or the CAMS in the top of your machine. Pay particular attention to the oil holes located nearest the handwheel. That is probably where the problem is worst. In addition, you can gently wiggle the handwheel and watch where metal rubs against metal and put a drop or two oil in those joints. To help loosen things up, you can direct heat from a hand-held hair dryer into the internal mechanics of the machine. Try gently wiggling things (handwheel, knobs/levers) to get things loosened up and moving again. If it's not working, repeat the oil/hair dryer process (it's taken me a few days to work out the kinks on some machines in poor condition).

To prevent this from happening In the future, be sure to keep your machine cleaned and oiled on a regular basis. Bernina oil is not that expensive and can potentially save you a lot of headaches and money in the long run. I do not recommend 3-in-1 oil, WD-40, cooking oil, or cheap generic sewing machine oil from the fabric store. My policy is every time I change bobbins, after 8 hours of continuous sewing, or every six months if the machine has not been in use.