Bernina Activa 131: buttonhole problem

Here you can download the manual:
https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1002243/Bernina-Activa-131.html#product-Patchwork%20Edition%20140
and go to pages 14-15 for buttonholes.

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

...

This question appeared for an Activa 131 elsewhere on Fixya, so I am simply copying and pasting the previous answer in hopes it will also solve your issue:

There are TWO buttons on the machine that have the little u-turn on them. Look for the other one. That is the one that makes the second half of the buttonhole. Look in the owner's manual, it may tell you where it is on your machine. I spent a long time swearing at my machine before I figured out that the reverse is not the only button with the u-turn arrow. The manual is not clear on this. Why they use the same symbol twice is beyond me. Mine is on the front of the machine, down by the needle. Hope this helps.

it's possible that the cam or gear that does the buttonhole may be worn and needs to be checked to see if part needs replacing..

If you go to http://www.bernina.com.au/webautor-data/888/0305295204_0303_a135-a145_EN.pdf you can download a manual for the Activa 145, I suspect that the instructions would be very similar for buttonholing.

you can download a manual for the Activa 145 here, buttonholing steps would probably be very similar for your model
http://www.bernina.com.au/webautor-data/888/0305295204_0303_a135-a145_EN.pdf

It says you sew one bar, then press the reverse button and the automatic function then sews the bar tacs, other side, bar tack and finishes.

go to the bernina website & click on the support tab,, you will see out of print manuals & will bring up several catagories to choose from

There are several videos for other brands thay may help you (see right side bar) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2D4wPqVg-A

Difficult to say whether your current foot can be repaired or even if a new foot is the answer. I believe the auto buttonhole needs to be calibrated to the machine, but not sure that is the issue with your machine.

You can sew a buttonhole without using a buttonhole foot--not really difficult as that's how it was done for many years before the manufacturers developed the specialty foot. (My machine came with a buttonhole foot but I still make mine the old-fashioned way because I determine how they will look rather than the machine making that choice for me.)

Practice a few times on scrap fabric and write down the stitch widths & lengths that work the best for you so you can replicate each stitch to look alike.

How to make button hole

l Until Wednesday Calls How To Manual Machine Buttonholes

Manual Buttonhole Settings

How to sew buttonhole with an old machine

How to Sew Button hole tutorial (this is my least favorite method)

Sew Buttonhole without Buttonhole Foot by Create Kids Couture
(also don't care for this type--don't like the look when the fabric is rotated and stitched across the end of the buttonhole--the bartacks on the other buttonholes is much more professional)

Sewing Buttonholes Without Buttonhole Foot

Buttonholes without using special feet or cams YouTube

How to Sew Buttonholes with Regular Foot Sewing Tutorial with Alison Smith (this creates a much more professional looking buttonhole)

I also have a Bernina Activa 125 w/o a manual. (is it contagious?)!
I figured it out by experimenting:
Use a #3 foot
Hit the "0" to make a buttonhole
On the LED you can see the left vertical blinking
Start stitching your first line, stop when you want
Now press the reverse pad
Start stitching
It will stitch in reverse w/ a straight stitch only
This provides you with a "guide line" next to your first one
When you stop at the end, push the reverse pad
Start stitching
It will make 2 small zig zags and then automatically make the end of the hole (wide)
Then it starts moving up your guide line in a mini zig zag
Stop at the end, then push the reverse pad, it will make the wide end of the hole.
Viola

Now a keyhole end ... haven't tried it yet, but I think this is the other one the Activa 125 makes