Bernette 680 Sewing Machine Manual

The Bernette 680 is a versatile electronic sewing machine featuring 70 built-in stitches, automatic needle threader, one-step buttonhole, drop feed for free-motion sewing, adjustable stitch length and width, speed control slider, LED lighting, built-in thread cutter, and multiple presser feet. Powered by 120V AC, 60Hz. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

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

Features at a Glance

Key components: Electronic control panel, automatic needle threader, LED work area lighting, drop feed mechanism, built-in thread cutter, accessory compartment.

FeatureDescription
Built-in stitches70 stitches including utility, decorative, and stretch stitches
Automatic needle threaderEasy threading with push-button mechanism
One-step buttonholeAutomatically creates perfect buttonholes
Drop feedLower feed dogs for free-motion sewing and quilting
Speed control sliderAdjustable sewing speed from slow to fast
LED lightingBright illumination of work area
Built-in thread cutterConvenient thread cutting at front of machine
Stitch length/width adjustmentDigital controls for precise stitch customization
Reverse stitch buttonReinforce seams with reverse stitching
Presser foot pressure adjustmentAdapt to different fabric thicknesses

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable surface at comfortable working height.

  1. Remove packaging materials and protective covers from machine.
  2. Attack foot controller to machine and plug into power outlet.
  3. Install needle: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side to back, tighten screw.
  4. Wind bobbin: Place empty bobbin on winder, thread through tension disc, press foot controller.
  5. Insert bobbin: Open bobbin cover, place bobbin with thread unwinding counterclockwise.

WARNING! Always disconnect power when changing needles or performing maintenance.

First-Time Operation

Power on machine; follow basic threading procedure.

  1. Thread upper thread: Follow numbered threading path from spool to needle.
  2. Use automatic needle threader: Push lever down and forward to thread needle.
  3. Pull up bobbin thread: Hold upper thread, turn handwheel toward you to bring up bobbin thread.
  4. Select basic straight stitch for initial testing.
  5. Practice on scrap fabric to adjust tension and stitch settings.

CAUTION! Keep fingers away from moving needle during operation.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Access functions via electronic control panel. Main controls: Power switch, stitch selection dial, stitch length/width buttons, reverse stitch button, thread cutter button.

Control Panel: Stitch selection dial, LCD display, stitch length adjustment (+/-), stitch width adjustment (+/-), reverse button, automatic needle threader button.

Stitch Settings: Select stitch pattern with dial, adjust length (0-4mm) and width (0-5mm) as needed. Tension: Upper thread tension dial (0-9), automatic bobbin tension. Speed Control: Slider on front panel for slow to fast sewing speed. Special Functions: Mirror image, memory function for stitch combinations.

Stitch Selection

70 built-in stitches organized by function and fabric type.

  1. Utility Stitches: Straight stitch, zigzag, stretch stitches, blind hem, overcast
  2. Decorative Stitches: Scallops, waves, leaves, flowers, geometric patterns
  3. Buttonholes: One-step automatic buttonhole in multiple styles
  4. Stretch Stitches: For knit fabrics and elastic materials
  5. Quilting Stitches: Decorative patterns suitable for quilt projects

Tip: Always test stitch on scrap fabric before sewing your project.

Basic Sewing Operations

Step-by-step instructions for common sewing tasks.

  1. Straight Stitching: Select stitch 1, adjust length as needed, guide fabric evenly
  2. Zigzag Stitching: Select stitch 2-4, adjust width for seam finishing or decorative work
  3. Buttonholes: Mark button position, select buttonhole stitch, place fabric under foot, start automatically
  4. Blind Hem: Use blind hem foot, fold fabric appropriately, select blind hem stitch
  5. Free Motion: Drop feed dogs, use darning foot, move fabric manually for quilting or darning
  6. Gathering: Use longer stitch length, pull bobbin thread to gather fabric evenly

WARNING! Always raise needle to highest position before removing fabric.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

  1. Daily: Brush out lint from bobbin area and feed dogs
  2. Weekly: Oil hook race and moving parts as indicated in manual
  3. Monthly: Clean tension discs with folded fabric or special thread
  4. Needle Replacement: Change needle after 8-10 hours of sewing or for each new project
  5. Bobbin Case: Remove and clean bobbin case periodically

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

Accessories

Standard accessories included with Bernette 680.

AccessoryFunction
All-purpose footGeneral sewing, straight and zigzag stitches
Zipper footInstalling zippers and piping
Buttonhole footAutomatic one-step buttonholes
Blind hem footNearly invisible hemming
Button sewing footAttaching buttons
Overedge footPreventing fabric edge curling
Quilting footEven feed for quilting layers
Darning/embroidery footFree-motion work with dropped feed dogs
Additional bobbinsExtra bobbins for thread colors
NeedlesAssorted needles for different fabrics
Seam ripper/brushBasic sewing tools
ScrewdriverNeedle plate and foot changes

Regulatory Information

UL Listed: Complies with safety standards for household sewing machines. Copyright © 2025 Bernette; trademarks of BERNINA International AG. For technical support and warranty service, contact authorized BERNINA dealers or visit www.bernette.com. Made for household use in accordance with international safety standards.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Thread breakingIncorrect threading/tensionRethread completely; check needle insertion; adjust tension
Skipped stitchesWrong needle/damaged needleReplace needle; ensure correct needle type for fabric
Uneven stitchesPoor quality thread/tensionUse quality thread; clean tension discs; check bobbin
Machine not runningPower connection/foot controllerCheck power cord; ensure foot controller is plugged in
Fabric not feedingFeed dogs lowered/dirtyRaise feed dogs; clean feed dog area of lint
Noisy operationLint buildup/needs oilingClean bobbin area; oil according to maintenance schedule
Buttonhole issuesImproper foot/stabilizerUse correct buttonhole foot; add stabilizer for delicate fabrics

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

Service: Contact authorized BERNINA dealer for technical service; www.bernette.com

Bernette 680 Sewing Machine Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025