What would cause my Bernina 1230 to only sew backwards?

You might try here. Not a 1230 but the 1260 manual may be helpful.

BERNINA Sewing Systems

Perhaps the manual for the 1260 will help (pg 5, item 18):


BERNINA Sewing Systems

You can probably use the manual for the 1260. Sewing machines basically thread alike from one model to the next.

One thing to remember: ALWAYS RAISE the presser foot when threading the top thread! This will help prevent those dreaded thread nests under the fabric.

BERNINA Sewing Systems (in the Out of Print section)

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According to this vendor, the 3A fits your machine. Of course, you may want to verify with them before purchasing:


http://www.sewingpartsonline.com/bernina-1230-sewing-machine-parts.aspx

The manual for the 1260 may be helpful:

BERNINA Sewing Systems

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Just checked on U-Tube there are several video's there for problems, otherwise there is a spring at the top of the needle shaft that can be loosened. Good Luck!

do you have a instruction manual for the machine?
if not sewingpartsonline.com does have one in hardcopy or
downloadable version
http://www.sewingpartsonline.com/instruction-manual-bernina-1230-download.aspx

http://www.sewingpartsonline.com/instruction-manual-bernina-1230.aspx

Did more research and found the answer on a FREE site.