Bernina 1010 Sewing Machine Manual

The Bernina 1010 is a high-quality mechanical sewing machine featuring straight stitch, zigzag stitch, buttonhole function, reverse stitching, free arm capability, built-in needle threader, stitch length and width adjustment, built-in light, and drop feed for free-motion sewing. Powered by standard household electrical outlet. 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. Safety Information 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Mechanical sewing head, built-in needle threader, stitch selection dial, free arm, bobbin winder, foot pedal, and accessory storage.

FeatureDescription
Stitch Selection DialSelects straight stitch, zigzag, and decorative stitches
Built-in Needle ThreaderAssists with easy needle threading
Free ArmRemovable extension table for sewing sleeves and cuffs
Reverse Stitch LeverReinforces seam beginnings and ends
Stitch Length ControlAdjusts stitch length from 0-4mm
Stitch Width ControlAdjusts zigzag width from 0-5mm
Bobbin WinderAutomatically winds bobbin
Drop FeedLowers feed dogs for free-motion sewing
Built-in LightIlluminates sewing area
Foot PedalControls sewing speed

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable sewing table.

  1. Position machine: Place on sturdy table with adequate workspace.
  2. Connect foot pedal: Plug into machine port.
  3. Connect power: Plug machine into electrical outlet.
  4. Install needle: Loosen needle clamp, insert needle with flat side to back.
  5. Wind bobbin: Place thread on spool pin, thread through bobbin winder tension.
  6. Thread machine: Follow threading diagram from spool to needle.

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

First-Time Operation

Power on machine; test basic functions.

  1. Select straight stitch: Turn dial to straight stitch position.
  2. Test stitch: Place fabric under presser foot, lower foot, press pedal gently.
  3. Adjust tension: Test on scrap fabric; adjust upper tension if needed.
  4. Practice reverse: Use reverse lever to reinforce stitches.
  5. Try zigzag: Select zigzag stitch; adjust width as desired.

CAUTION! Always turn handwheel toward you. Never force the machine.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Main controls located on front and side of machine.

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

Stitch Length: 0-4mm (0 for darning, 4 for basting). Stitch Width: 0-5mm (0 for straight stitch, 5 for wide zigzag). Tension: Adjust upper thread tension dial (4 for normal fabrics). Presser Foot Pressure: Adjustable for different fabric weights.

Stitch Selection

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

  1. Straight Stitch: For seams, topstitching, quilting.
  2. Zigzag Stitch: For finishing edges, appliqué, stretch fabrics.
  3. Blind Hem: For nearly invisible hems.
  4. Buttonhole: 4-step process for professional buttonholes.
  5. Decorative Stitches: Various patterns for embellishment.

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

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

  1. Daily: Brush out lint from bobbin area and feed dogs.
  2. Weekly: Oil machine according to oiling points diagram.
  3. Monthly: Clean race hook and surrounding mechanism.
  4. As needed: Replace needle after 8-10 hours of sewing.

CAUTION! Unplug machine before cleaning or maintenance.

Accessories

Standard accessories included with Bernina 1010.

AccessoryUse
Zigzag FootGeneral purpose sewing
Buttonhole FootCreating buttonholes
Zipper FootInstalling zippers
Blind Hem FootCreating blind hems
Seam RipperRemoving stitches
BrushCleaning lint
Additional BobbinsExtra bobbins for different threads
NeedlesAssorted needle sizes

Safety Information

Important safety precautions for machine operation.

Warranty Information

Bernina 1010 comes with limited warranty. Warranty covers manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship. Does not cover damage from misuse, improper maintenance, or unauthorized repairs. For warranty service, contact authorized Bernina dealer with proof of purchase. Warranty period: 20 years for mechanical parts, 2 years for electrical components.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Thread breakingIncorrect threading/tensionRethread machine; adjust tension; check for burrs on needle.
Needle breakingBent needle/wrong sizeReplace needle; ensure correct size for fabric.
Uneven stitchesTension issuesAdjust upper and bobbin tension; rethread.
Machine jamsThread jam in bobbinRemove bobbin case; clean out tangled thread.
Fabric not feedingFeed dogs loweredRaise feed dogs; check presser foot pressure.
Skip stitchesDull/bent needleReplace needle; check needle installation.
No powerPower connectionCheck power cord; outlet; foot pedal connection.

Service: Contact authorized Bernina dealer for professional service.

Support: Visit www.bernina.com or contact local dealer.

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