Bernina Sport 801 Sewing Machine Manual

The Bernina Sport 801 is a versatile mechanical sewing machine featuring straight and zigzag stitches, built-in buttonhole function, free arm capability, adjustable stitch length and width, reverse stitching, built-in needle threader, drop feed for free-motion sewing, and multiple presser feet options. Powered by standard household electrical outlet with foot pedal control. 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. Technical Specifications 5. Controls and Functions 6. Stitch Selection Guide 7. Threading and Bobbin 8. Maintenance & Cleaning 9. Accessories Included 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Mechanical sewing head, Foot pedal, Power cord, Accessory box with presser feet, Bobbins, Needles, Seam ripper, Screwdriver, Instruction manual.

Feature	Description
Stitch Selection Dial	Selects straight stitch, zigzag, and decorative patterns
Stitch Length Control	Adjusts stitch length from 0-4 mm
Stitch Width Control	Adjusts zigzag width from 0-5 mm
Reverse Stitch Lever	Reinforces stitching at beginning and end of seams
Built-in Buttonhole	4-step buttonhole function
Free Arm	Removable extension table for sewing sleeves and cuffs
Drop Feed	Lowers feed dogs for free-motion quilting and darning
Built-in Needle Threader	Assists with threading the needle
Presser Foot Pressure	Adjustable for different fabric types
Bobbin Winder	Built-in bobbin winding system

Unpacking and Setup

Remove all packaging materials and inspect contents for damage.

Place machine on stable, flat surface at comfortable working height.
Connect foot pedal to machine and plug into power outlet.
Install needle: Loosen needle clamp screw, insert needle with flat side to back, tighten screw.
Attach standard presser foot: Lower presser foot lever, align foot with bar, lower lever to lock.
Wind bobbin: Place empty bobbin on winder, thread through tension disc, engage winder.

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

First-Time Operation

Follow these steps to begin sewing with your Bernina Sport 801.

Thread upper thread: Follow numbered threading path on machine.
Insert bobbin: Place bobbin in case with thread unwinding counterclockwise.
Select straight stitch: Turn stitch selection dial to straight stitch position.
Set stitch length: Adjust to 2.5 mm for general sewing.
Practice on scrap fabric: Place fabric under presser foot, lower foot, and gently press pedal.

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

Technical Specifications

Machine Type: Mechanical sewing machine
Stitches: Straight, zigzag, blind hem, stretch, decorative
Stitch Length: 0-4 mm adjustable
Stitch Width: 0-5 mm adjustable
Buttonhole: 4-step manual buttonhole
Presser Feet: Standard, zipper, buttonhole, blind hem included
Bobbin: Class 15 transparent bobbin
Needles: Standard domestic needles size 80/12
Power Supply: 120V, 60Hz (or local voltage)
Weight: 11.5 lbs (5.2 kg)

Controls and Functions

Main controls located on front and right side of machine.

Stitch Selection Dial: Rotate to choose stitch pattern. Stitch Length Dial: Controls distance between stitches. Stitch Width Dial: Adjusts zigzag width. Reverse Stitch Lever: Hold down for backward stitching. Bobbin Winder: Right side of machine for winding bobbins. Feed Dog Control: Lever to lower/raise feed dogs. Presser Foot Lever: Raises and lowers presser foot.

Stitch Selection Guide

Recommended settings for common sewing tasks.

Straight Stitch: Length 2.5mm, Width 0mm - General sewing
Zigzag Stitch: Length 2.0mm, Width 3.0mm - Seam finishing
Blind Hem: Length 2.5mm, Width 2.5mm - Invisible hemming
Stretch Stitch: Length 2.5mm, Width 2.0mm - Knit fabrics
Buttonhole: Follow 4-step sequence marked on machine

Tip: Always test stitches on scrap fabric before sewing your project.

Threading and Bobbin

Proper threading is essential for good stitch quality.

Upper Threading: Raise presser foot and needle to highest position. Follow numbered path: spool pin → thread guides → tension discs → take-up lever → needle.
Bobbin Winding: Place spool on pin, thread through guide, wrap around tension disc, place empty bobbin on winder, push winder to engage, hold thread end, press pedal.
Bobbin Insertion: Open bobbin cover, place bobbin in case with thread unwinding counterclockwise, pull thread through slot, close cover.
Needle Threading: Use built-in threader or thread manually from front to back.

WARNING! Ensure machine is unplugged during threading to prevent accidental starting.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity.

Daily: Brush out lint from bobbin area and feed dogs. Weekly: Oil hook race and moving parts (use sewing machine oil only). Monthly: Clean tension discs with folded fabric strip. Yearly: Professional servicing recommended for thorough cleaning and adjustment.

CAUTION! Use only sewing machine oil. Never use household oils or lubricants.

Accessories Included

Accessory	Purpose
Standard Presser Foot	General sewing
Zipper Foot	Installing zippers
Buttonhole Foot	Creating buttonholes
Blind Hem Foot	Invisible hemming
Seam Ripper	Removing stitches
Brush	Cleaning lint
Screwdriver	Needle and foot changes
Spool Caps	Holding spools in place
Empty Bobbins (4)	Thread winding
Needles (assorted)	Different fabric types

Warranty Information

Bernina Sport 801 comes with 2-year limited warranty covering manufacturing defects. Warranty does not cover damage from misuse, improper maintenance, or unauthorized repairs. Keep original receipt as proof of purchase. For warranty service, contact authorized Bernina dealer or service center.

Troubleshooting

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 type for fabric
Bobbin thread bunching	Incorrect bobbin insertion	Remove and reinsert bobbin; check threading path
Machine not running	Power/pedal issues	Check power connection; ensure pedal is plugged in securely
Uneven stitches	Tension problems	Clean tension discs; rethread upper and lower threads
Needle hitting presser foot	Wrong foot installed	Ensure correct presser foot for selected stitch

Service: Contact authorized Bernina dealer for professional repairs. Visit www.bernina.com for dealer locator.