Bernette 320 Sewing Machine Manual

The Bernette 320 is a versatile electronic sewing machine designed for home use, featuring 23 built-in stitches, one-step buttonhole, adjustable stitch length and width, free arm capability, built-in needle threader, LED lighting, and easy stitch selection dial. Powered by standard household electrical outlet. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Unpacking and Setup 3. First-Time Operation 4. Technical Specifications 5. Controls and Functions 6. Stitch Selection Guide 7. Threading and Bobbin 8. Maintenance and Care 9. Accessories Included 10. Safety Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Electronic stitch selection, free arm, built-in needle threader, LED work area light, drop feed for darning, reverse stitch function.

FeatureDescription
Built-in stitches23 stitches including utility, decorative, and stretch
One-step buttonholeAutomatic buttonhole creation
Stitch length adjustment0-4mm adjustable length
Stitch width adjustment0-5mm adjustable width
Free armFor sewing sleeves and cuffs
Built-in needle threaderEasy needle threading assistance
LED lightingBright illumination of work area
Reverse stitchReinforces seam beginnings and ends
Drop feedFor darning and free-motion sewing
Powerful motorSmooth operation at various speeds

Unpacking and Setup

Remove all packaging materials and inspect contents carefully.

  1. Place machine on stable, flat surface at comfortable working height.
  2. Attach power cord to machine and plug into electrical outlet.
  3. Install foot controller and connect to machine.
  4. Remove protective covers and transport locks.
  5. Install needle following proper orientation.
  6. Wind and install bobbin in bobbin case.

WARNING! Remove all transport locks before operating. Keep fingers away from needle area during operation.

First-Time Operation

Prepare machine for initial use following these steps.

  1. Thread upper thread through guides and needle using built-in threader.
  2. Insert bobbin into bobbin case with thread unwinding counterclockwise.
  3. Bring bobbin thread up through needle plate.
  4. Select straight stitch using stitch selection dial.
  5. Place fabric under presser foot and lower foot lever.
  6. Press foot controller gently to begin sewing.

CAUTION! Always turn off power when threading needle or changing accessories.

Technical Specifications

Controls and Functions

Main controls located on front and side of machine.

Front Panel: Stitch selection dial, stitch length dial, stitch width dial, reverse stitch button.

Side Controls: Handwheel, bobbin winder, power switch, presser foot lever.

Stitch Selection: Turn dial to select desired stitch pattern. Stitch Length: Adjust for shorter or longer stitches. Stitch Width: Adjust for narrow or wide zigzag. Reverse: Hold button to sew backwards. Tension: Upper thread tension dial for balanced stitches.

Stitch Selection Guide

Comprehensive guide to available stitches and their applications.

  1. Straight Stitch (1-4): Basic sewing, topstitching
  2. Zigzag Stitch (5): Overcasting, appliqué
  3. Three-step Zigzag (6): Stretch fabrics, mending
  4. Blind Hem Stitch (7): Nearly invisible hems
  5. Elastic Stitch (8): Knits and stretch fabrics
  6. Decorative Stitches (9-23): Embellishment and creative sewing
  7. Buttonhole (B): Automatic one-step buttonholes

Tip: Test stitches on scrap fabric before sewing your project.

Threading and Bobbin

Proper threading ensures smooth operation and quality stitches.

  1. Raise needle to highest position using handwheel.
  2. Place spool on spool pin and thread through guides.
  3. Use built-in needle threader for easy needle threading.
  4. Wind bobbin with matching thread using bobbin winder.
  5. Insert bobbin into case with thread unwinding counterclockwise.
  6. Bring bobbin thread up through needle plate.
  7. Hold both thread ends behind presser foot when starting.

WARNING! Always disconnect power when threading needle.

Maintenance and Care

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Daily: Brush out lint from bobbin area and feed dogs. Weekly: Oil moving parts with sewing machine oil. Monthly: Clean tension discs and check needle plate for burrs. Storage: Cover machine when not in use, store in dry area.

CAUTION! Unplug machine before cleaning or maintenance. Use only recommended sewing machine oil.

Accessories Included

Standard accessories provided with Bernette 320.

AccessoryPurpose
All-purpose footGeneral sewing
Zigzag footZigzag and decorative stitches
Buttonhole footAutomatic buttonholes
Button sewing footAttaching buttons
Blind hem footNearly invisible hems
Bobbin (4)Extra bobbins for different threads
Needles (3)Assorted needle sizes
Seam ripperRemoving stitches
BrushCleaning lint
ScrewdriverMinor adjustments

Safety Information

Important safety precautions for safe operation.

Electrical Safety: Use proper voltage, avoid water exposure. Operation: Keep fingers away from moving needle, never pull fabric while sewing. Maintenance: Unplug before cleaning or changing needles. Storage: Keep out of reach of children when not in use.

WARNING! Never operate with damaged power cord. Always disconnect power when not in use.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Thread breakingIncorrect threading/tensionRe-thread machine, check tension, replace needle
Skipped stitchesWrong needle/damaged needleReplace needle, ensure correct needle type
Uneven stitchesIncorrect tensionAdjust upper and bobbin tension
Machine not runningPower/pedal issuesCheck power connection, test foot controller
Fabric not feedingFeed dogs loweredRaise feed dogs, clean feed dog area
Noisy operationLint buildupClean and oil machine, check for obstructions

Service: Contact authorized Bernette service center for repairs. Customer support: 1-800-BERNETTE

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