Bernina 350 Sewing Machine Manual

The Bernina 350 is a versatile electronic sewing machine featuring 107 built-in stitches, automatic buttonhole, needle stop up/down, automatic thread cutter, speed control slider, LED lighting, built-in needle threader, free arm capability, and multiple presser feet. Powered by standard household electricity with voltage compatibility for various regions. 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 Functions 6. Stitch Selection 7. Maintenance & Cleaning 8. Accessories Included 9. Safety Information 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Electronic control panel, LED work area lighting, automatic thread cutter, free arm, accessory compartment, foot pedal, power connector.

FeatureDescription
Stitch selection107 built-in stitches including utility, decorative, and quilting
Automatic buttonholeOne-step automatic buttonhole function
Needle stop up/downProgrammable needle position
Automatic thread cutterSingle-button thread cutting
Speed control sliderAdjustable sewing speed
LED lightingBright work area illumination
Built-in needle threaderEasy needle threading system
Free arm capabilityFor sewing sleeves and circular items
Reverse stitchReinforcement stitching function
Presser foot pressureAdjustable for different fabrics

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect all components. Place on stable, level surface.

  1. Remove protective covers and packaging materials from machine.
  2. Connect foot pedal to machine and power outlet.
  3. Install needle: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side to back, tighten screw.
  4. Wind bobbin: Place thread on spool pin, follow threading guide, wind bobbin.
  5. Insert bobbin: Open bobbin cover, insert bobbin with thread pulling counterclockwise.

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

First-Time Operation

Power on machine; familiarize with basic functions.

  1. Thread machine: Follow numbered threading path from spool to needle.
  2. Select basic stitch: Use stitch selection dial for straight stitch.
  3. Practice on scrap fabric: Test stitching on similar fabric to your project.
  4. Adjust tension: Start with default setting, adjust if needed for fabric.
  5. Experiment with speed: Use speed control slider to find comfortable pace.

CAUTION! Always start with needle in highest position. Keep work area clean and organized.

Specifications

Controls and Functions

Access functions via control panel and mechanical dials. Front Panel: Power switch, stitch selection dial, stitch width/length controls, reverse button.

Electronic Features: Start/stop button, speed control slider, needle up/down, thread cutter, stitch memory.

Stitch Adjustment: Width (0-7mm), length (0-5mm), tension (0-9). Special Functions: Mirror image, stitch elongation, automatic presser foot lift. Memory: Store frequently used stitch combinations.

Stitch Selection

107 built-in stitches organized by category.

  1. Utility Stitches: Straight, zigzag, stretch, overcast
  2. Decorative Stitches: Scallops, waves, leaves, flowers
  3. Quilting Stitches: Specialty stitches for quilt projects
  4. Buttonholes: 10 automatic styles in one step
  5. Alphabet: Built-in monogramming capability

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

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

  1. Daily: Remove lint from bobbin area and feed dogs
  2. Weekly: Oil hook race and moving parts (use sewing machine oil only)
  3. Monthly: Clean tension discs and thread path
  4. As needed: Replace needle after 8-10 hours of sewing
  5. Storage: Cover machine when not in use

WARNING! Always unplug machine before cleaning or maintenance.

Accessories Included

Standard accessories provided with Bernina 350.

AccessoryPurpose
Standard Presser Foot AGeneral sewing
Zigzag Foot BZigzag and decorative stitches
Buttonhole Foot CAutomatic buttonholes
Zipper Foot EZipper installation
Blind Hem Foot GInvisible hemming
Overcasting Foot OSeam finishing
Quilting GuideEven quilting lines
Seam RipperStitch removal
BrushLint removal
Additional BobbinsExtra bobbins for different threads

Safety Information

Important safety precautions for machine operation.

CAUTION! Never operate with damaged cord or plug.

Warranty Information

Bernina limited warranty coverage and service information.

Standard warranty: 20 years on mechanical parts, 5 years on electronic components, 1 year labor. Registration required within 30 days of purchase. For service, contact authorized Bernina dealer. Keep original receipt for warranty claims. For support, visit www.bernina.com or contact your local Bernina dealer.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Machine not runningPower connectionCheck power cord; ensure foot pedal connected; check outlet.
Thread breakingTension/thread qualityReduce tension; check thread path; use quality thread.
Needle breakingInstallation/fabric pullEnsure needle inserted correctly; don't pull fabric; check for bent needle.
Uneven stitchesTension/threadingRethread both top and bobbin; adjust tension; clean machine.
Fabric not feedingFeed dogs/ presser footCheck feed dog position; ensure presser foot is down; clean feed dogs.
Skip stitchesNeedle/fabric matchChange needle; use correct needle type for fabric; check threading.
Bobbin issuesInsertion/windingEnsure bobbin inserted correctly; rewind bobbin evenly.

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

Service: Contact authorized Bernina dealer for technical support.

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