Bernina 1008 Sewing Machine Manual

The Bernina 1008 is a mechanical sewing machine known for its durability, reliability, and ease of use. It features straight and zigzag stitches, built-in buttonholer, reverse stitching, adjustable stitch length and width, free arm capability, built-in LED light, foot pedal control, and various presser feet. 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. Maintenance & Cleaning 8. Accessories 9. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Mechanical sewing head, stitch selection dial, stitch length/width controls, reverse lever, bobbin winder, free arm, LED work light, foot pedal.

Feature	Description
Stitch Selection Dial	Selects straight, 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
Bobbin Winder	Automatically winds bobbin with thread
Free Arm	Removable accessory compartment for tubular sewing
LED Work Light	Illuminates sewing area
Foot Pedal	Controls sewing speed
Buttonhole Foot	Creates perfect buttonholes in one step
Power Switch	Turns machine on/off

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable surface.

Remove machine from packaging: Lift carefully from carrying case.
Position machine: Place on sturdy table or sewing cabinet.
Connect power: Plug foot pedal into machine, then plug power cord into outlet.
Install needle: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side to back.
Wind bobbin: Place bobbin on winder, thread through tension disc, press pedal.

WARNING! Keep fingers away from needle area during operation. Unplug when not in use.

First-Time Operation

Power on machine; follow setup steps.

Thread machine: Follow numbered threading path from spool to needle.
Insert bobbin: Place bobbin in case with thread winding counterclockwise.
Select stitch: Turn dial to desired stitch pattern.
Adjust settings: Set stitch length and width as needed.
Test sew: Use scrap fabric to check tension and stitch quality.

CAUTION! Always start with needle in highest position. Use correct needle for fabric type.

Specifications

Machine Type: Mechanical sewing machine
Stitches: Straight, zigzag, stretch, decorative patterns
Stitch Length: 0-4mm adjustable
Stitch Width: 0-5mm adjustable
Buttonhole: One-step automatic
Presser Feet: Standard, zipper, buttonhole, blind hem
Free Arm: Yes, with removable accessory compartment
Lighting: Built-in LED work light
Power Source: 110-120V AC, 60Hz
Weight: Approximately 22 lbs (10 kg)

Controls and Settings

Main controls located on front and side of machine.

Front Panel: Stitch selection dial, stitch length control, stitch width control, reverse lever, bobbin winder, power switch.

Stitch Selection: Turn dial to select straight, zigzag, or decorative stitches. Stitch Length: Adjust for shorter/longer stitches (0-4mm). Stitch Width: Adjust zigzag width (0-5mm). Reverse: Hold lever for backward stitching. Bobbin Winder: Automatically stops when full. Tension: Upper tension dial (0-9), lower tension via bobbin case.

Stitch Selection

Available stitches: straight, zigzag, stretch, blind hem, decorative.

Straight Stitch: For basic sewing, topstitching, basting
Zigzag Stitch: For finishing edges, appliqué, stretch fabrics
Blind Hem: For nearly invisible hemming
Stretch Stitch: For knit fabrics and elastic
Decorative: For embellishment and creative sewing
Buttonhole: One-step automatic buttonholes

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

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

Daily: Brush out lint from bobbin area and feed dogs
Weekly: Oil moving parts as indicated in manual
Monthly: Clean race hook and surrounding areas
As needed: Replace needle after 8-10 hours of sewing

CAUTION! Always unplug machine before cleaning or maintenance.

Accessories

Standard accessories included: assorted presser feet, bobbins, needles, screwdriver, lint brush, seam ripper.

Accessory	Use
Standard Foot	General sewing
Zipper Foot	Installing zippers
Buttonhole Foot	Creating buttonholes
Blind Hem Foot	Hemming garments
Bobbins (4)	Lower thread supply
Needles (assorted)	Different fabric types

Regulatory Information

UL Listed: Complies with safety standards for household sewing machines. Copyright © Bernina International AG. All rights reserved. For support, visit www.bernina.com or contact authorized Bernina dealer. Made in Switzerland.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Thread breaking	Incorrect threading/tension	Rethread machine; adjust tension; check for burrs on needle
Needle breaking	Bent needle/wrong size	Replace needle; ensure correct size for fabric
Uneven stitches	Tension issues	Adjust upper/lower tension; rethread
Machine jams	Lint buildup/thread tangled	Clean bobbin area; remove tangled thread
No power	Power connection	Check power cord; ensure foot pedal connected
Skip stitches	Dull needle/wrong type	Replace needle; use correct needle for fabric

Service: Contact authorized Bernina dealer for repairs. Do not attempt internal repairs.