Bernina 1000 Sewing Machine User Manual

The Bernina 1000 is a high-quality mechanical sewing machine designed for home use, featuring straight and zigzag stitches, built-in buttonholer, free arm capability, adjustable stitch length and width, reverse stitching, built-in needle threader, drop feed for free-motion sewing, and multiple presser feet options. Powered by standard household electrical outlet. 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. Maintenance Features 9. Care & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Mechanical sewing head, built-in light, free arm, stitch selection dial, tension control, bobbin winder, accessory storage compartment.

Feature	Description
Stitch selection dial	Selects straight stitch, zigzag, and decorative stitches
Stitch length control	Adjusts stitch length from 0-4mm
Stitch width control	Adjusts zigzag width from 0-5mm
Reverse stitch lever	Engages reverse stitching for seam reinforcement
Built-in buttonholer	Creates perfect buttonholes in 4 steps
Free arm	Removable accessory compartment for sewing sleeves and cuffs
Drop feed	Lowers feed dogs for free-motion quilting and darning
Built-in needle threader	Assists with threading the needle
Tension control dial	Adjusts upper thread tension
Presser foot pressure	Adjustable for different fabric types

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable sewing table.

Remove machine from packaging: Lift carefully from carrying case.
Position machine: Place on sturdy, level surface with adequate lighting.
Connect foot control: Plug foot pedal into machine port.
Connect power: Plug power cord into machine and electrical outlet.
Install accessories: Attach standard presser foot and thread machine.

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

First-Time Setup

Prepare machine for first use; follow setup procedures.

Thread the machine: Follow threading path marked on machine.
Wind bobbin: Use built-in bobbin winder with thread from spool.
Insert bobbin: Place bobbin in bobbin case following directional arrows.
Select stitch: Turn stitch selection dial to desired pattern.
Test sew: Use scrap fabric to test stitch formation and tension.

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

Specifications

Machine Type: Mechanical sewing machine
Stitches: Straight, zigzag, and decorative stitches
Stitch Length: 0-4mm adjustable
Stitch Width: 0-5mm adjustable for zigzag
Buttonholes: 4-step built-in buttonholer
Free Arm: Yes, removable accessory compartment
Feed Dogs: Drop feed capability
Needle System: Standard domestic 130/705 H
Bobbin: Class 15 transparent bobbin
Power Source: Standard household electrical outlet
Lighting: Built-in sewing light

Controls and Settings

Access controls via dials and levers on machine body.

Main Controls: Stitch selection dial, stitch length control, stitch width control, reverse stitch lever, tension control dial, presser foot lifter.

Stitch Selection: Turn dial to select straight, zigzag, or decorative stitches. Stitch Length: Adjust for shorter/longer stitches. Stitch Width: Controls zigzag width. Tension: Adjust upper thread tension (4-6 for normal sewing). Reverse: Hold lever for backward stitching. Presser Foot: Adjust pressure for fabric thickness.

Connecting Accessories

Presser feet: Snap-on system for quick changes. Additional accessories: Zipper foot, buttonhole foot, blind hem foot, darning plate.

Turn off machine before changing accessories.
Raise presser foot lifter to highest position.
Align accessory with presser foot bar and snap into place.
Lower presser foot and test movement.

Tip: Ensure machine is turned off and needle is in highest position when changing accessories.

Basic Sewing Operations

Supports various sewing techniques and fabric types.

Straight stitching: Select straight stitch, adjust length as needed.
Zigzag stitching: Select zigzag, adjust width for seam finishing.
Buttonholes: Use 4-step process with buttonhole foot.
Reverse stitching: Hold reverse lever to reinforce seams.
Free-motion sewing: Drop feed dogs for quilting and darning.
Gathering: Use longer stitch length and tightened upper tension.
Blind hem: Use blind hem foot and appropriate stitch.
Zipper installation: Use zipper foot for invisible application.

WARNING! Always turn handwheel toward you; never force machine operation.

Maintenance Features

Built-in maintenance: Bobbin winding system, needle threader, easy access bobbin case. Regular maintenance: Oil points marked on machine, brush cleaning of feed dogs and bobbin area.

Care & Cleaning

Unplug before cleaning. Brush lint from bobbin area and feed dogs regularly. Oil according to maintenance schedule using sewing machine oil only.

CAUTION! Use only sewing machine oil; no household oils. Keep machine covered when not in use.

Regulatory Information

UL Listed: Complies with safety standards for household sewing machines. Copyright © 2025 Bernina; trademarks of Bernina International AG. For support, visit www.bernina.com or contact authorized Bernina dealer.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Thread breaking	Incorrect threading/tension	Rethread machine; check tension settings; use quality thread.
Needle breaking	Bent needle/wrong size	Replace needle; ensure correct needle for fabric; check threading.
Uneven stitches	Tension issues	Adjust upper and bobbin tension; rethread completely.
Machine jams	Thread buildup	Remove bobbin case and clean; check for tangled thread.
Skip stitches	Dull needle/wrong type	Replace needle; use correct needle for fabric type.
No power	Power connection	Check power cord connections; ensure foot control is plugged in.

Maintenance: Regular oiling and cleaning as per manual instructions.

Service: Contact authorized Bernina dealer; www.bernina.com