Bernina Sport Sewing Machine Manual

The Bernina Sport is a high-performance sewing machine designed for athletic and technical fabrics, featuring advanced stitching capabilities, durable construction, and specialized functions for sportswear applications. 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. Technical Specifications 5. Controls and Functions 6. Stitch Selection & Applications 7. Threading & Bobbin Winding 8. Maintenance & Cleaning 9. Accessories 10. Safety Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Heavy-duty motor, advanced feed system, specialized sport stitches, LED lighting, automatic needle threader, built-in stitch patterns.

Feature	Description
Heavy-duty motor	High-torque performance for thick fabrics
Advanced feed system	Precise fabric handling for technical materials
Sport-specific stitches	Specialized patterns for athletic wear
LED work area lighting	Bright illumination for detailed work
Automatic needle threader	Easy threading with push-button operation
Built-in stitch patterns	Over 50 stitches including stretch and decorative
Speed control	Adjustable sewing speed for precision work
Buttonhole functions	Automatic and manual buttonhole options
Reverse stitch	Secure stitching at beginning and end
Drop feed	Free-motion sewing capability

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable sewing table.

Remove packaging materials and protective covers
Position machine on flat, stable surface at comfortable height
Connect foot pedal to machine and power outlet
Install needle according to fabric type
Thread upper thread and wind bobbin

WARNING! Machine is heavy; lift with care to avoid injury. Ensure power cord is undamaged before use.

First-Time Operation

Power on machine; familiarize with basic controls.

Select straight stitch for initial testing
Practice on scrap fabric to adjust tension
Test different stitch lengths and widths
Experiment with speed control settings
Practice reverse stitching for seam security

CAUTION! Keep fingers away from moving needle. Always use proper lighting.

Technical Specifications

Machine Type: Computerized sewing machine
Stitches: 50+ built-in patterns
Stitch Length: 0-5mm adjustable
Stitch Width: 0-7mm adjustable
Speed: Up to 1000 stitches per minute
Needle System: HAx1 standard
Bobbin: Class 15 transparent
Presser Feet: 5 included standard feet
Power Requirements: 120V AC, 60Hz
Weight: 15.4 lbs (7 kg)

Controls and Functions

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

Control Panel: Power button, stitch pattern selector, length/width adjustment, reverse stitch, needle up/down, speed control slider.

Stitch Settings: Straight stitch, zigzag, stretch stitches, decorative patterns, buttonholes. Tension: Automatic adjustment with manual override. Feed: Drop feed lever for free-motion work. Lighting: On/off switch for LED work light.

Stitch Selection & Applications

Specialized stitches for sportswear and technical fabrics.

Straight Stitch: General sewing, seams (length 2.0-2.5mm)
Zigzag Stitch: Finishing edges, stretch fabrics (width 3-5mm)
Stretch Stitches: For knit and elastic fabrics
Overcast Stitch: Seam finishing without serger
Decorative Stitches: Embellishment and topstitching
Buttonhole: Automatic one-step buttonholes
Blind Hem: Nearly invisible hemming

Tip: Test stitches on fabric scrap before starting project.

Threading & Bobbin Winding

Proper threading ensures optimal stitch quality.

Raise presser foot and needle to highest position
Follow numbered threading path on machine
Use automatic needle threader for easy threading
Wind bobbin with same thread as upper thread
Insert bobbin with thread rotating clockwise
Pull bobbin thread up through needle plate

WARNING! Always thread with power off to prevent accidental starts.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures long machine life.

Clean lint from bobbin area after each project
Oil moving parts as specified in maintenance schedule
Wipe exterior with soft, dry cloth
Replace needle regularly (every 8-10 hours of sewing)
Check belt tension periodically

CAUTION! Unplug machine before cleaning or maintenance.

Accessories

Standard accessories included with Bernina Sport.

Accessory	Use
All-purpose foot	General sewing
Zipper foot	Installing zippers
Buttonhole foot	Automatic buttonholes
Blind hem foot	Invisible hemming
Overedge foot	Seam finishing
Additional needles	Various fabric types
Bobbins (4)	Thread storage
Seam ripper	Error correction
Brush	Lint cleaning
Screwdrivers	Adjustments

Safety Information

Important safety precautions for machine operation.

Always disconnect power when not in use
Keep fingers away from moving needle
Use proper needle for fabric type
Do not force machine through thick layers
Keep work area well-lit and organized
Store machine in dry, dust-free environment
Follow maintenance schedule precisely

EMERGENCY: Use power switch to immediately stop machine.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Thread breaking	Incorrect threading/tension	Re-thread completely; adjust tension
Skip stitches	Wrong needle/damaged needle	Replace needle; check needle size
Uneven stitches	Tension issues	Clean machine; re-thread; adjust tension
Machine jams	Thread buildup	Remove bobbin; clean area; re-thread
No power	Power connection	Check outlet; verify power switch on
Poor buttonholes	Stabilizer missing	Use stabilizer; check foot attachment

Service: Contact authorized Bernina service center for repairs.

Support: 1-800-BERNINA; www.bernina.com