Threads do not form stitches - Lots of thread but no stitch really form. May do one stitch in an 8 inch trial. Rattling noise in bobbin area.
What you're describing is commonly called a 'bird's nest' for fairly obvious reasons. There are, unfortunately, a number of things that can cause it.
Troubleshooting steps:
1. Clean it! I've seen machines that haven't been properly cleaned for years. If there is lint, dust or dirt in the bobbin area especially, the looper won't work correctly and the stitch won't form. Be sure to take out the bobbin when you do this.
2. Oil it. Follow your manufacturer's instructions for this. If you don't have a book, contact Bernina and get one.
3. Change the needle and check the tensioning disks to be sure that no lint, old thread, etc. has got caught in it.
4. Adjust the tension. This can be tricky, so take it in small increments. Here, again, a manufacturer's book is a godsend.
5. If none of this avails, or it only partially fixes the problem, take it to a reputable service center (most fabric, quilting, etc. stores have or know someone) and have them adjust the timing. Most machines need this done every 1-5 years depending upon the usage.
Good luck with it. I wish I had an older Bernina, they're good machines.
Another thing you can do is bring the bobbin thread up and hold the bobbin and top threads in your left hand when you first begin to stitch. (To do that you have to first hand rotate the handwheel one full revolution so that the top thread will bring the bobbin thread to the top of your fabric. Raise the presser foot and while still holding the UPPER thread, run a stiletto, a fingernail file, or something similarly flat under the pressure foot to pull the rest of the bobbin thread above the fabric.) Lightly pull the two threads behind the presser foot, drop the presser foot and while continuing to hold the two threads, slowly begin sewing. A lot of quilters do this to prevent birds nests on their projects.
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