Bernina 65 Sewing Machine Owners Manual

The Bernina 65 is a high-quality sewing machine featuring precision stitching, multiple stitch patterns, adjustable stitch length and width, built-in buttonholer, free arm capability, automatic needle threader, drop feed for free-motion sewing, and built-in LED lighting. Designed for both beginners and experienced sewers with durable construction and Swiss precision engineering. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Unpacking and Setup 3. First-Time Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Stitch Selection 7. Maintenance and Cleaning 8. Accessories 9. Safety Information 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Precision Swiss motor, stitch selection dial, stitch length/width controls, built-in buttonholer, free arm, automatic needle threader, LED work light, bobbin winding system, presser foot pressure adjustment.

Feature	Description
Stitch Selection Dial	Select from multiple built-in stitch patterns
Stitch Length Control	Adjust stitch length from 0-4mm
Stitch Width Control	Adjust stitch width from 0-5mm
Built-in Buttonholer	Automatic one-step buttonhole function
Free Arm	For sewing sleeves and hard-to-reach areas
Automatic Needle Threader	Easy needle threading system
LED Work Light	Bright illumination of sewing area
Bobbin Winding System	Built-in bobbin winding mechanism
Presser Foot Pressure	Adjustable for different fabric types
Drop Feed	For free-motion quilting and darning

Unpacking and Setup

Carefully unpack all components and place on stable surface.

Remove machine from packaging: Lift machine by base, not handwheel.
Attach power cord: Plug into machine and wall outlet.
Install foot control: Connect to machine port.
Thread machine: Follow threading diagram on machine.
Wind bobbin: Use built-in bobbin winding system.

WARNING! Machine is heavy; lift with care using both hands. Ensure stable work surface.

First-Time Operation

Power on machine; test basic functions.

Thread machine: Follow numbered threading path.
Insert bobbin: Place in bobbin case with thread unwinding counterclockwise.
Select straight stitch: Turn dial to straight stitch position.
Test stitch: Use scrap fabric to test stitching.
Adjust tension: Check stitch formation on both sides.

CAUTION! Keep fingers away from needle area during operation.

Specifications

Stitch Patterns: 23 built-in stitches including utility, decorative, and stretch
Stitch Length: 0-4mm adjustable
Stitch Width: 0-5mm adjustable
Buttonholes: One-step automatic buttonhole
Needle System: 130/705 H household needles
Bobbin: Class 15 transparent bobbin
Maximum Speed: 800 stitches per minute
Power Supply: 110-120V, 60Hz
Machine Weight: 18.5 lbs (8.4 kg)
Warranty: 20-year limited warranty

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 button, bobbin winder.

Stitch Selection: Turn dial to select desired stitch pattern. Stitch Length: Adjust for fabric type and purpose. Stitch Width: Adjust for zigzag and decorative stitches. Reverse: Hold for reinforcement stitching. Tension: Upper thread tension dial (4-6 for normal fabrics). Presser Foot Pressure: Adjust lever for thick or thin fabrics.

Stitch Selection

23 built-in stitches for various sewing applications.

Straight Stitch: Basic sewing (positions 1-2)
Zigzag Stitch: Overcasting and decorative (positions 3-5)
Blind Hem: Nearly invisible hemming (position 6)
Stretch Stitches: For knit fabrics (positions 7-9)
Decorative Stitches: Ornamental patterns (positions 10-18)
Buttonhole: One-step automatic (position 19)

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

Maintenance and Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

Daily: Brush out lint from bobbin area and feed dogs.
Weekly: Oil hook race and moving parts (use Bernina oil only).
Monthly: Clean tension discs with folded fabric strip.
As needed: Replace needle after 8 hours of sewing.

WARNING! Always unplug machine before cleaning or maintenance.

Accessories

Standard accessories included with Bernina 65.

Accessory	Purpose
All-purpose Foot	General sewing
Zipper Foot	Installing zippers
Buttonhole Foot	Automatic buttonholes
Blind Hem Foot	Nearly invisible hems
Seam Ripper	Removing stitches
Brush	Cleaning lint
Additional Bobbins	Extra bobbins
Screwdriver	Needle plate removal

Safety Information

Important safety precautions for machine operation.

Always unplug machine when not in use or during maintenance
Keep fingers away from moving needle
Do not place machine on unstable surface
Use proper needle for fabric type
Disconnect power during electrical storms
Keep work area well-lit and organized

CAUTION! Never operate with damaged power cord or foot control.

Warranty Information

Bernina 65 comes with 20-year limited warranty covering mechanical parts. Electronic components covered for 5 years. Warranty registration required within 30 days of purchase. For warranty service, contact authorized Bernina dealer. Keep original receipt as proof of purchase.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Thread breaking	Incorrect threading/tension	Rethread machine; adjust tension; check for burrs on needle.
Skip stitches	Wrong needle/damaged needle	Replace needle; ensure correct needle type for fabric.
Bobbin thread bunching	Incorrect bobbin threading	Remove and reinsert bobbin; check bobbin case.
Machine not running	Power connection/foot control	Check power cord; ensure foot control is plugged in properly.
Uneven stitches	Tension issues	Adjust upper and bobbin tension; clean tension discs.
Noisy operation	Lint buildup/needs oiling	Clean lint from bobbin area; oil moving parts.

Service: Contact authorized Bernina dealer for professional service.

Support: Visit www.bernina.com or contact 1-800-405-2579