Tension issues Hi, I have an old machine--Bernina 807--and the stitching does not look right. When I change the tension dial to the farthest it can go on the minus (-) side, it almost looks right, but not quite. And every once in a while it skips a stitch. I oiled it and cleaned it, but that didn't solve it. What can you recommend? Thanks for your help.

If your Bernina 930 record sewing machine is experiencing issues with zigzag stitches and straight stitches, here are some troubleshooting steps you can try:

1. Check the needle: Ensure that the needle is properly inserted and not bent or dull. Replace the needle if necessary, making sure to use the correct needle type and size for the fabric you are sewing.
2. Adjust the stitch width and length: Verify that the stitch width and length settings are properly adjusted for the desired zigzag stitch. Refer to your machine's user manual for instructions on how to adjust these settings correctly.
3. Clean and lubricate the machine: A build-up of lint or lack of lubrication can affect the machine's performance. Clean the bobbin area and other accessible parts of the machine using a soft brush or lint brush. Apply a drop of sewing machine oil to the recommended areas as specified in the user manual.
4. Check the tension: Improper tension can lead to skipped stitches. Ensure that the upper thread tension is properly adjusted for the fabric and thread you are using. Consult the user manual for guidance on adjusting the tension correctly.
5. Test with different fabrics and threads: Try sewing on different fabrics using different types of thread to determine if the issue is specific to certain materials. This will help identify whether the problem lies with the machine or the materials being used.
6. Have the machine serviced: If the above steps do not resolve the issue, it may be necessary to have your Bernina 930 record serviced by a professional. There could be underlying mechanical issues that require expert attention.

It's important to note that the Bernina 930 record is a vintage sewing machine, and finding a qualified technician with experience working on older models may be beneficial if further repairs or adjustments are needed.

The manual for the Bernina Bernette 65 are available from the manufacturer here: https://www.bernina.com/getdoc/6d2754b8-af09-4edb-a6a6-7a4c57965b8d/bernette-55-65-80e-90e . The three dials, from left to right, are thread tension, stitch length, and stitch width (page 9, page 12 of the PDF). See page 24 (page 42 of th ePDF for the pictures of the appearance of the correct tension versus the incorrect top thread tension. For best tension testing, use different color top and bobbin threads. Do use the same thread type and needle appropriate for your fabric and use scrap from that same fabric. In general, if the top thread is visible on the under side of the stitched fabric, increase the tension (turn the dial to a higher number). If the bobbin thread is visible on the top of the fabric, reduce the tension (lower number). Make sure that the machine is properly threaded. (Make sure that the presser foot was up during threading and is raised when you adjust the tension dial.) Start with the tension at 4 and change the tension in small steps. (Do not turn the dial more by 0.5 before stitching a line to test the tension again. You want to avoid over-correcting.) When the tension is correct, the top and bobbin threads will meet between the two layers of fabric for a normal seam.

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells
(These steps are the same for any sewing machine with user tension adjustments.)

Most likely a Singer presser foot will not attach to your Bernina. They are not interchangeable.

You can also probably use something like this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOImaKwv4fU
but you need to purchase a snap-on shank adapter for your Bernina, like this:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/PRESSER-FOOT-SNAP-ON-SHANK-ADAPTER-BERNINA-OLD-STYLE-530-1630-0062617000/282290526069?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D40807%26meid%3D4fe9a7b6fca84bb3adef4f466cc8776f%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D401187382421

Or, are you talking about the presser foot? Bernina #033? You can usually find a replacement through eBay, or even purchase a snap-on shank and pick up a snap-on buttonhole foot. But, if you have another zig-zag foot or open-toe presser foot, you can probably get by with using it as long as you can see your marks on the fabric when you stitch.

If you are actually referring to a buttonhole attachment like what is available for new machines, you may be out of luck. Probably not any available for this older model. The automatic buttonhole attachment usually has a sensor that your machine does not accommodate and the buttonhole attachments have a different shank that will not work on the older machines.

However, the buttonhole dial on your machine should work just fine. You just need to do more pre-work, ie measuring the button and marking the buttonholes on the fabric before stitching them. Even if the machine is only a zig-zag, buttonholes can still be done on them. Just be sure to practice a few buttonholes on scrap fabric before trying them on your garment. Get the stitch length so the zig-zag stitch has no gaps between threads but also does not overlap the thread next to it. Also, check that the tension does not cause the fabric to pucker (be sure to use a stabilizer between the fabric to prevent the fabric from stretching or distorting).

Button hole MPG (good tutorial)

807 Manual:
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0ahUKEwidgJqA1rDRAhVU7WMKHbfsAfUQFggcMAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bernina.com%2Fen-US%2FSupportData%2FOut-of-Print%2FBERNINA_807_810_817_manual&usg=AFQjCNFNJyvVESPeSjAOPQT2cX5Z3rclbw&cad=rja (pg 27-28)

Tutorial how to sew buttonholes with the BERNINA presser feet no 3 3A 3B...

Genuine Vintage Bernina Old Style Presser Foot 033 Manual Buttonhole eBay

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The bottom dial on the right of your machine is the stitch length selector. The dial at the top right is the stitch width selector.

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If the bobbin thread is coming up to the top, then the thread is not under tension correctly. I think that this is a top loading bobbin so the bobbin will go into the bobbin holder, then you pull the thread back and press it into a tension device - should hear it click into tension. Now pull the thread back towards you and it should not come out of the tension. The bobbin should turn anticlockwise as the thread is pulled from it.

These bobbin holders usually will have a small adjustment dial on them and it should have the standard setting marked in red. It is very unusual that you would need to change this but check that it hasn't been messed with perhaps. If you have the machine manual check where they say the dial should be set. More likely that the thread is just not into tension fully or at all.

The manual may give you other troubleshooting tips too.

A good resouce is www.sewing.about.com for general machine tips, cleaning and threading issues.

Hope this helps.

There isn't an automatic button hole on this machine. You can do it manually. Thread the bobbin thread as usual, but put it through the little hole on the hook in the bobbin case. Set the stitch length between 0 and 1, like a nice satin stich. Set the needle position to the far left and the stitch width to 2. Sew down the left side. Center the needle, set the width to 4 and lower the feed dogs, stitch about 6 stitches across the bottom. Then reverse the direction, set the needle to the right, stitch width to 2 and go back up the right side. Lower the feed dogs again, set a wide stitch and finish the top.

Another good option is to buy a universal presser foot shank from Bernina and then attach an old cam type buttonhole attachment from Singer. They make beautiful buttonholes and you can even do a keyhole button hole.

Is there a stitch width setting and has to be set to a number greater than zero?

tighten top thread tension.

This is almost always indicative of an upper tension problem.
First, make sure you're using a good quality thread. If you're using thread that's not of European manufacture, you're probably filling your tension assemblies with little fuzzies. Coats and Clark Dual Duty is the most notorious thread for causing tension issues. If you have a bunch of this thread: throw it away or use it for hand sewing.
Turn your machine off, and use some canned air to blow out your upper tension assembly. (It looks like a couple of little cymbals inside the thread path.) Set your tension dial to 4.5.
When threading, right before you actually thread the needle itself, and with the presser foot up, "floss" the thread back and forth by holding the thread at the top by the spool with your right hand, and down by the needle with your left hand. This will ensure that you force the thread into the tension assembly.
Also ensure that your bobbin is oriented the right direction, but this would be a less common cause for your symptom.
If none of these fixes work, you probably need to have your tensions professionally calibrated.

-R

It could be that there is a loose piece of thread, or some fluff which is obstructing the tension gauge. Try blowing around the theading area (or even run the hoover pipe near it to see if you can **** it out). I cleared mine by folding a piece of non fluffy material and rubbing gently between the tension dial and machine.

Good luck