Bernina Activa 130 Sewing Machine Manual

The Bernina Activa 130 is a versatile electronic sewing machine featuring 23 built-in stitches, one-step buttonhole, adjustable stitch length and width, automatic needle threader, drop feed for free-motion sewing, built-in needle plate thread cutter, LED lighting, and easy stitch selection dial. 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. Advanced Functions 8. Maintenance & Cleaning 9. Accessories 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Electronic stitch selection dial, automatic needle threader, drop feed lever, stitch width/length controls, reverse stitch button, bobbin winder, LED work light.

FeatureDescription
Stitch selection dialSelects from 23 built-in stitches including decorative and utility
Automatic needle threaderEasy threading with push-pull mechanism
Drop feed leverLowers feed dogs for free-motion sewing and quilting
Stitch width controlAdjusts stitch width from 0-5mm
Stitch length controlAdjusts stitch length from 0-4mm
Reverse stitch buttonSecures stitches at beginning and end of sewing
Bobbin winderAutomatic bobbin winding with thread cutter
LED work lightBright illumination of sewing area
One-step buttonholeAutomatic buttonhole creation
Power and speed controlFoot pedal with variable speed control

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable sewing table.

  1. Remove protective covers and packaging materials from machine.
  2. Attach power cord to machine and plug into electrical outlet.
  3. Install foot controller into designated port.
  4. Wind and insert bobbin following threading diagram.
  5. Thread upper thread using automatic needle threader.

WARNING! Keep fingers away from needle area during operation. Always turn off machine when threading or changing needles.

First-Time Operation

Power on machine; test basic functions.

  1. Select straight stitch using stitch dial.
  2. Place fabric under presser foot and lower foot lever.
  3. Gently press foot controller to begin sewing.
  4. Practice basic stitches on scrap fabric.
  5. Test reverse stitch function for securing seams.

CAUTION! Always start with needle in highest position. Keep work area clean and well-lit.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Main controls located on front and side of machine. Stitch selection dial for choosing stitches, stitch width/length dials for adjustments.

Front Panel: Stitch selection dial, stitch width control, stitch length control, reverse stitch button, bobbin winder, thread cutter.

Basic Settings: Stitch selection (1-23 on dial), stitch width (0-5mm), stitch length (0-4mm), reverse stitching, needle position, feed dog position. Advanced: Buttonhole settings, tension adjustment (2-6 recommended), presser foot pressure.

Stitch Selection

23 built-in stitches for various sewing applications.

  1. Straight Stitch (1-3): Basic sewing, topstitching, basting
  2. Zigzag Stitch (4-6): Seam finishing, appliqué, decorative work
  3. Stretch Stitches (7-9): Knits and stretch fabrics
  4. Decorative Stitches (10-23): Embroidery-style patterns
  5. Buttonhole (B): Automatic one-step buttonhole

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

Advanced Functions

One-step buttonhole: Position fabric, select buttonhole stitch, machine sews complete buttonhole automatically.

  1. Free-motion sewing: Lower feed dogs for quilting and embroidery.
  2. Automatic needle threader: Push lever forward and pull back to thread needle.
  3. Built-in thread cutter: Cut threads quickly without scissors.
  4. Reverse stitching: Secure seams at beginning and end.
  5. Variable speed control: Control sewing speed with foot pedal.

WARNING! Always use correct presser foot for each function. Never force controls.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

  1. Clean lint from bobbin area after each project.
  2. Oil machine as directed in maintenance section.
  3. Change needles regularly (every 8-10 hours of sewing).
  4. Keep machine covered when not in use.
  5. Use only Bernina recommended supplies.

CAUTION! Unplug machine before cleaning or maintenance. Use only recommended oils.

Accessories

Standard accessories included: Various presser feet, bobbins, needles, screwdriver, lint brush, seam ripper, spool caps.

AccessoryUse
All-purpose footGeneral sewing
Zigzag footZigzag and decorative stitches
Buttonhole footAutomatic buttonholes
Zipper footInstalling zippers
Blind hem footInvisible hemming

Warranty Information

Bernina limited warranty: 20 years on mechanical parts, 2 years on electrical components. Registration required within 30 days of purchase. For service, contact authorized Bernina dealer. Keep receipt for warranty claims. Warranty does not cover damage from misuse, improper maintenance, or unauthorized repairs.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Machine won't startPower connectionCheck power cord; ensure foot controller plugged in; check outlet.
Thread breakingTension/thread qualityRethread machine; adjust tension; use quality thread.
Skip stitchesNeedle/thread mismatchChange needle; ensure correct needle for fabric; check threading.
Fabric not feedingFeed dogsCheck feed dog position; clean feed dogs; adjust pressure.
Uneven stitchesTension issuesRethread both upper and bobbin threads; clean tension disks.

Service: Contact authorized Bernina dealer for professional service.

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

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