Bernette 56 Sewing Machine Manual

The Bernette 56 is a versatile electronic sewing machine designed for home use, featuring 56 built-in stitches, one-step buttonhole, automatic needle threader, adjustable stitch length and width, free arm capability, built-in LED light, drop feed for free-motion sewing, and multiple presser feet. Powered by 120V AC, 60Hz. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting Accessories 7. Basic Sewing Operations 8. Special Functions 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Electronic stitch selection panel, built-in LED light, free arm, automatic needle threader, accessory compartment, power connector, foot pedal connector.

Feature	Description
Stitch selection dial	For selecting from 56 built-in stitches
Stitch length control	Adjusts stitch length from 0-4mm
Stitch width control	Adjusts stitch width from 0-5mm
Automatic needle threader	Assists with threading needle
Built-in LED light	Illuminates sewing area
Free arm	For sewing sleeves and cuffs
Drop feed lever	For free-motion sewing and darning
Reverse stitch button	For reinforcing stitches
Bobbin winder	For winding bobbin automatically
Presser foot pressure dial	Adjusts pressure for different fabrics

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable sewing table.

Remove machine from packaging: Lift machine carefully from box.
Attach accessories: Install standard presser foot, needle, and bobbin.
Connect foot pedal: Plug into machine and place on floor.
Connect power: Plug power cord into machine and wall outlet.
Install needle: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side to back.

WARNING! Machine is heavy; lift with care to avoid injury. Ensure all connections are secure.

First-Time Setup

Power on machine; follow setup procedures.

Thread machine: Follow threading guide printed on machine.
Wind bobbin: Place thread on spool pin, guide through bobbin winder.
Insert bobbin: Open bobbin case, insert bobbin with thread counterclockwise.
Test stitches: Select straight stitch and test on fabric scrap.
Adjust tension: Check stitch formation and adjust tension if needed.

CAUTION! Ensure stable surface; keep fingers away from needle during operation.

Specifications

Stitches: 56 built-in stitches including utility, decorative, and stretch.
Stitch Length: Adjustable 0-4mm.
Stitch Width: Adjustable 0-5mm.
Buttonhole: One-step automatic buttonhole.
Needle Positions: Multiple needle positions available.
Max Sewing Speed: 820 stitches per minute.
Presser Feet: Includes standard, zipper, buttonhole, and blind hem feet.
Power Source: 120V AC, 60Hz.
Machine Weight: 15.4 lbs (7 kg).

Controls and Settings

Access functions via stitch selection dial and control buttons. Front Panel: Power switch, stitch selection dial, stitch length dial, stitch width dial, reverse stitch button.

Additional Controls: Bobbin winder stop, drop feed lever, presser foot lifter, hand wheel, automatic needle threader.

Stitch Selection: Turn dial to select from 56 stitches. Stitch Length: Adjust for fabric type (shorter for fine fabrics, longer for heavy fabrics). Stitch Width: Adjust zigzag and decorative stitches. Tension: Adjust upper thread tension dial (4-6 for normal sewing).

Connecting Accessories

Presser Feet: Snap-on system for easy changes. Bobbin: Class 15 transparent bobbin. Needles: Standard domestic needles size 11/80 to 16/100.

Turn off machine before changing accessories.
Raise presser foot lifter to highest position.
Align presser foot with ankle and lower into place until it clicks.
Ensure needle is in highest position when changing presser feet.

Tip: Always use correct presser foot for selected stitch type.

Basic Sewing Operations

Supports straight stitch, zigzag, decorative stitches, and buttonholes.

Thread machine: Follow numbered threading guide.
Select stitch: Turn stitch selection dial to desired pattern.
Adjust settings: Set stitch length and width as needed.
Position fabric: Lower presser foot onto fabric.
Start sewing: Press foot pedal gently to begin.
Reverse stitching: Press reverse button to secure beginning and end.
Finishing: Raise needle to highest position, lift presser foot, remove fabric.

WARNING! Never pull fabric while sewing; let feed dogs move fabric.

Special Functions

Automatic Needle Threader: Lower lever to thread needle automatically. One-Step Buttonhole: Select buttonhole stitch, place fabric under buttonhole foot. Free-Motion Sewing: Lower feed dogs for quilting and darning. Mirror Imaging: Available for selected decorative stitches.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug before cleaning. Clean lint from bobbin area regularly. Oil moving parts as specified in manual.

CAUTION! Use only sewing machine oil; do not spray lubricants. Keep machine covered when not in use.

Regulatory Information

UL Listed: Complies with safety standards for household sewing machines. Copyright © 2025 Bernette; trademarks of BERNINA International AG. For support, visit www.bernette.com or contact 1-800-405-2575.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Machine not running	Power connection	Check power cord connection; ensure foot pedal is plugged in.
Thread breaking	Tension/thread quality	Check threading path; adjust tension; use quality thread.
Uneven stitches	Needle/tension issues	Replace needle; rethread machine; adjust tension.
Fabric not feeding	Feed dogs lowered	Raise feed dogs; check presser foot pressure.
Needle threader not working	Position/timing	Ensure needle is in highest position; check threader alignment.

Reset: Turn machine off and on to reset electronic functions.

Service: 1-800-405-2575; www.bernette.com