Bernina Record Sewing Machine Manual

The Bernina Record is a high-quality mechanical sewing machine known for its precision stitching, durability, and Swiss engineering. This manual covers the Bernina Record 730, 740, 750, 830, and 931 models, featuring straight stitch, zigzag capabilities, built-in buttonholer, free arm design, and various presser feet. Below are key sections for operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and accessories.

1. Machine Overview 2. Getting Started 3. Basic Operations 4. Stitch Settings 5. Presser Feet Guide 6. Threading Instructions 7. Maintenance & Oil Points 8. Troubleshooting Common Issues 9. Accessories & Parts 10. Warranty & Service

Machine Overview

Key components: Main body with free arm, stitch length dial, stitch width dial, reverse lever, bobbin winder, presser foot lifter, handwheel, and built-in light.

Component	Description
Stitch length dial	Controls stitch length (0-4 mm)
Stitch width dial	Adjusts zigzag width (0-5 mm)
Reverse lever	For reverse stitching to secure seams
Bobbin winder	Automatically winds bobbin with thread
Presser foot lifter	Raises/lowers presser foot
Handwheel	Manual control of needle position
Tension dial	Adjusts upper thread tension (0-9)
Built-in light	Illuminates sewing area
Free arm	For sewing sleeves and cuffs
Buttonhole lever	For automatic buttonhole stitching

Getting Started

Unpack machine and accessories. Place on stable surface at comfortable height.

Power connection: Plug into standard electrical outlet (120V).
Foot pedal: Connect to machine and place on floor.
Needle installation: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side to back, tighten screw.
Bobbin winding: Place thread spool on pin, guide thread through bobbin winder tension, press bobbin onto winder shaft.

WARNING! Always unplug machine when changing needles or performing maintenance. Keep fingers away from needle during operation.

Basic Operations

Power on machine; adjust settings for your project.

Threading: Follow numbered guides from spool to needle.
Bobbin insertion: Drop bobbin into case with thread pulling counterclockwise.
Fabric placement: Lower presser foot before sewing.
Speed control: Use foot pedal - light pressure for slow, firm for fast.
Reverse stitching: Hold reverse lever for backstitching at beginning/end of seams.

CAUTION! Always start with needle in highest position. Never pull fabric while sewing.

Stitch Settings

Straight Stitch: Set stitch width to 0, length 1.5-4 mm for general sewing.
Zigzag Stitch: Width 1-5 mm, length 0.5-4 mm for finishing edges.
Buttonhole: Use buttonhole foot and lever for automatic one-step buttonholes.
Blind Hem: Special setting with blind hem foot for invisible hems.
Decorative Stitches: Available on Record 830 and 931 models.
Stretch Stitches: Zigzag variations for knit fabrics.

Presser Feet Guide

Various presser feet available for different functions. Snap-on design for easy changing.

Standard Foot: General sewing. Zigzag Foot: For zigzag and decorative stitches. Buttonhole Foot: Automatic buttonholes. Zipper Foot: Installing zippers. Blind Hem Foot: For invisible hemming. Overedge Foot: Prevents fabric curling. Button Sewing Foot: Attaching buttons.

Threading Instructions

Proper threading is essential for quality stitches.

Raise presser foot and needle to highest position.
Place thread spool on pin at top of machine.
Follow numbered guides: Through first thread guide, around tension discs, up take-up lever, down to needle.
Thread needle from front to back.
Pull up bobbin thread by holding upper thread and turning handwheel toward you.

Tip: Always thread with presser foot raised to open tension discs.

Maintenance & Oil Points

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance.

Cleaning: Remove lint from bobbin area and feed dogs after each project.
Oiling: Use Bernina oil only. Apply 1-2 drops at marked oil points monthly.
Needle replacement: Change needle after 8-10 hours of sewing or for each new project.
Storage: Cover machine when not in use to prevent dust accumulation.

WARNING! Use only Bernina-approved oil. Never use household oils.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Thread breaking	Incorrect threading/tension	Rethread completely; adjust tension; check for burrs on needle.
Skip stitches	Wrong needle/bent needle	Replace needle; ensure correct needle for fabric type.
Bobbin thread bunching	Incorrect bobbin threading	Rethread bobbin; check bobbin case tension.
Machine jams	Thread caught in hook race	Remove bobbin case; clean hook race; rethread.
Uneven stitches	Poor quality thread/dirty machine	Use quality thread; clean machine; check tension settings.

Reset: Turn machine off and restart if electronic issues occur.

Accessories & Parts

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

Optional accessories: Extension table, knee lifter, additional specialty feet, carrying case, dust cover.

Replacement parts: Needles (system 130/5), bobbins (class 15), bulbs, belts, motor brushes.

Warranty & Service

Bernina Record machines come with limited warranty covering manufacturing defects. For service, contact authorized Bernina dealers only. Genuine Bernina parts recommended for replacements. Serial number located on machine bed. For support, visit www.bernina.com or contact your local authorized Bernina dealer.