BERNINA Maintenance: So You Think You've Cleaned Your Machine

[@berniceburgess409]

Good morning! I live. in. PA and this is the best video for maintenance of my 880. Thank you, Gayle. I love all of your video.

[@milliecorcoran4663]

Thank you sooo much. I've STRUGGLED with rrplacing the racer. Tilting the machine änd laying it on the black holder is a godsend for this old gal.

[@donitawhelan9124]

I call myself a "Bernina Snob", in that I own 3 Bernina machines (QE 440, 740 and Q20 Sit Down). In all the years that I have had a Bernina, I have never been taught how to thoroughly clean and oil my machines, such is shown in this video. Thank you very much!!! I love your videos.

[@SandraFutrell-gf7on]

Thank you so much, I was sure that I would have to take my Bernina 500 in for repair. I thought I had cleaned it, but I followed your video exactly and it works perfectly now. Thank you!

[@evelynnorman2788]

Thank you so much for realizing there is a fear factor involved when it comes to opening the unknown black hole...... I learned so much about...how to--how often to--and most of all the WHY we need to do it !!!!!🥰. Much more than I realized THANK YOU 😊 PLEASE MAKE MORE VIDEOS "................I LOVE 💕 THEM ALL Thank you Gayle

[@elainefagin513]

Thank you for this. Personally, I LOVE cleaning out my machines and do it frequently. You are correct, cleaning out the machines and getting all the fuzzies out is massively satisfying! I've even cleaned out the machines of friends and have been asked about replacing the "felt pads" that I have pulled out of them. When I tell my friends what it is they are usually horrified. It's amazing how much more quiet and smooth a properly cleaned and oiled machine is. Thank you for the reminder!

[@julietcapp1533]

The trick you showed using the presser foot to tilt the machine slightly is ingenious! Thank you.

[@nancydebiasio5273]

Thank you so much. I bought a 8 series machine that was used from a quilt shop but because of Covid-19 I’ve not been able to utilize the training and I’m a visual learner so you answered SOOO many questions as to why my threader and cutter haven’t been working constantly. I very much appreciate it. I’ll be following you for sure! 👍

[@janetimberlake3302]

Me too! I never got to get the lessons on my B790. I was so frustrated. But now watching these tutorials has helped so much! I’m finally beginning to enjoy my machine. I’m Not so scared of breaking it now. I can actually work on it myself,

[@catheebresnahan3944]

Same here. Because of COVID, I never got lessons on my 570 QE. I got the thread cutter message last week and stumbled through it. Now I know I need to finish with the Martha Stewart method and oil it. Thank you for this video. You are fun to watch.

[@rvierra7235]

Great video, thank you. I have a Bernina 1000 Special made in Switzerland. I bought it new back in the early 90's. I have never had a single problem with it, it has never let me down. I mainly sew heavier materials. I make what I cant or dont want to buy (outdoor gear mainly). Over the years I have also made quite a few Halloween costumes for my kids and hemmed/ repaired a lot of my wifes clothes (back when I was married). So I sew a bit of canvas, nylon webbing (sometime tripled over!), performance nylon and denim. I believe I have put this machine through a life of heavy duty work. Sorry about that....what I started out saying is, I have a computer vacuum kit that attaches to my vacuum. It has all of the little attachments, including little brush nozzles. Works amazingly for cleaning out my machine. I recommend this to everyone who actually takes care of their machine. Thanks again!👍🧵

[@caroljacobs5310]

Wondered what that “fish gutter” tool was for. Thanks.

[@tracystrobel1065]

Just wanted to say THANK YOU, after watching this video i stopped my project and followed your steps. Not knowing about the dot on the plate that lifts it up and was shocked to see the “felt” i had in there.. used my tweezers to remove it. I would always do a quick swirly with the brush in the bobbin case area but forgot about under the throat plate... afterwards i swear it sewed better.. Thanks again Love my Bernina Activa 240

[@tattooedmomma]

I cannot believe that i have been oiling my machine too far back for the past 1.5 years because the book wasn't clear to me. I went and did it right, along with using the manual turn to set the hook on my 570qe (I've been so frustrated by putting it in manually this whole time) and it sounds like a well oiled machine again. 🤣 Thank you for your detailed and close up video. You have changed my machine!!

[@suesweeney5952]

Thank you Gayle. Interesting information about the change in the oiler for the jumbo bobbin machines. A clean machine is a happy machine.

[@joebaus]

Thank you so much for this video, I cleaned out and oiled up my Q 20 and my 350 and my 790 and today was the first time I actually successfully did the movements on the thread catcher for my 790. All my machines are so clean and it really has bumped up my confidence on being able to do it myself.

[@karenl1064]

Thank you so much. I have a 880 and was having issues with it I followed your steps and now I am back sewing again. Once again THANK YOU!!!

[@tatyanasurenyan-krech6372]

I just tried the second way you showed to put back the bobbin unit and it really worked well. Also, you’re right these machines get very thirsty.

[@gwynt909]

Great instruction video. Nothing much has changed in the design of sewing machines in 100 years. The two things I miss on my 1970 vintage 730 record are the thread cutter and needle threader. I inherited it 5 years ago and I cleaned it and oiled it. It runs so quietly in comparison to my other machines. Now I use a nylon typewriter brush to clean in all the bobbin area and the tweezers from my old dissecting kit. But getting in behind the bobbin section is nigh impossible so I pulled out all the movable bits and applied my vacuum cleaner to it. Amazing how many broken needles, pins and strands of thread and fluff was in there.

[@cathyfrancis1636]

I always start with my mini vacuum attachments before I start with the lint brush. I do not want lint where it shouldn't go.

[@solara278]

Thank you so much; I never knew about cleaning the thread cutter, yipes!!! Also I have numb fingers and the demo to put the hook on the black holder and snap in place is wonderful. You have given me a whole lot of less frustration every time I clean the machine! Again, thanks so much for the tutorial!!!

[@JenineBrothers]

Thank you for providing the detailed info on oiling the Q16. Your information was very helpful.

[@susiemoore1165]

I have had my 880 since 2015…I learned things in this video that was never taught in the classes that came with the machine!

[@chonkerbonkers5496]

You are so goofy and I love it!! Very fun to watch, great personality

[@janetimberlake3302]

Thank you so much for showing me how to really clean and oil my B790. After watching, I realized that I wasn’t cleaning my machine good enough. I hadn’t followed the tutorial on cleaning the thread cutter. Thanks for clearing that up for me. 🥰

[@lindasmalley4718]

Thanks for making cleaning my machine seem fun! I found dust bunnies that I never knew were there!

[@susanrodesky9872]

Great video Gayle, but personally, I never use ONLY a brush. I have a small keyboard attachment that goes onto my vacuum hose. Better to suck all that stuff out rather than brush it around because you will never get the micro particles with just a brush.

[@rosaliewynne8216]

I was wondering if there was any reason not to use a vacuum. It looks like the brush leaves a lot of lint behind.

[@christinamoody4941]

This is the BEST bernina cleaning video!!!!! Spot on with the close ups and thorough explanation! I’m so grateful - thank you! X

[@monasavko2071]

Thanks for the reminders. Great video! I have two Bernina machines. 180 Artista and 880. Wonderful machines indeed. I ‘dust/oil’ my machines before during and after each project. Besides the brush, I also have a Riccar handheld vacuum that I use to get ALL the little particles, in all the little crevices. It is amazing how much dust can be found when I am sewing with flannel.

[@dottielancaster9089]

Thank you! I especially liked the demonstration on putting the 590 bobbin back in after cleaning. 😊

[@kamalaalahan2064]

Love, love, love these videos! I own a wonderful 830 embroidery machine, 240 and a 570qe. You've managed to hit all three and they all thank you for the help. I thought I was cleaning my machines well but you've brought up areas I never ventured into.You are an awesome dealer!! I wish I lived near given we are lacking a dealer like you in the SF bay area.

[@melindaarivett4349]

I want to thank you so so much...I've clean it over and over took the bobbin in and out multiple times..but it kept stopping and warning..when you talked about the sensor eyes in the back..I cleaned mine (very fuzzy)..did what you said and today it's working beautiful.....thank you again I have a 820...❤❤❤

[@scotttaggart]

Great video. I'd suggest using some canned air to blow small stuff out of cleaning areas. I also use a mini-vac as I'm brushing to vac up everything and apply a pulling flow to help evacuate things.

[@BERNINAofNaperville]

Do not under any circumstances use compressed air on you machine. It only blows air into places you can’t get to. Resulting in a ruined motor. This is awful advice.

[@skirry48]

I’ve had my 880 for years and never knew that I could clean the threader! Lots of good tips! Thank you!

[@lonnieanderson4408]

Thank you so much for this video. You helped me to want to sew again. I have a 590 and the 830. Thank you so much!

[@mrlionel1965]

Fuzzy never bothered me until now..lol. Seriously though, I cleaned out my Bernina 440 after watching this. Thank you so much for this informative video.

[@dianemahoney3362]

I really enjoy your videos and your way of teaching and explaining all issues. I have a 820QE and really love it. Have a safe and happy 2021.

[@jeanhoffman-d6m]

Thank you for a fabulous demonstration! I always have trouble, lots of trouble. Putting in the bobbin hook😡😡😡

[@sandan2358]

Excellent cleaning video, I will be cleaning mine this afternoon.

[@welshwitch2126]

I’ve had my Tula 770 for a couple of weeks now, and I oil it every day. Today I worked on fuzzies, and did have to use my tweezers to get a nice piece of thread that was stuck in the hook. I’m enjoying my new machine thoroughly, but I haven’t tried any embroidery yet. I’m brand new to Bernina, having been a Janome and Baby Lock girl for over 20 years. Started with a mechanical Singer in the late 80s and hated it. Tension problems, clunky, ugh! It went in a garage sale as soon as I got my first computerized machine🤣

[@connieprince9718]

Laughed at your Martha Stewart reference - while watching a Bernina tutorial on maintenance - they started at the bottom - my mind instantly said - no top first - now I realize that was Martha speaking to me!

[@warpingaily]

Thanks Gayle - you're the best!

[@wyorose5965]

To avoid fuzz from a q-tip, I sometimes use a small piece of gauze around my finger to wipe things down.

[@klandersoncpa]

Thank you for the great information. I’m a clean freak. I always like a clean machine.

[@kassierandall2647]

Wow putting the bobbin case in that way was so easy- thank you!

[@barbbee5444]

On the iPhone, I use the magnifier light app to see the guts better. Found a ball of junk that was causing issues. Nice video!

[@moniquegroom2353]

I ALWAYS learn something from your videos! Today it was placing the bobbin race onto the black hinged thing to install it. Tried it yesterday and with one slight turn of the fly wheel BOOM it was in!!! I generally have long nails and getting that race in properly was tricky sometimes. LOVE THIS!!!

[@christineknight5072]

Thank you.Very helpful. I struggled to get the bobbin holder back in when cleaning/oiling my B435. I will try your helpful hint next time. Good to know the machine is thirsty, I was a bit surprised that my machine reminded me to clean/oil so soon after the last time!. Thank you. God bless.

[@janetsolarz931]

This is a great video! I love cleaning and oiling my machine! Cleaning the thread cutter was news to me so I really appreciate your expertise and willingness to help us all learn. I have a question about oiling my 750. The small reservoir/hole under the stitch plate. How many drops of oil and how often should it be done? Thanks!

[@pamelaschmeltzer9556]

Thank you; you made this so much fun!

[@deniselauffer8577]

Love the term ‘Thread Vomit’ Ha! Feels just right when it happens. Very informative video! I getting new tips😉

[@hartvenessa]

Love that foot raise up trick.

[@jaimeruiz7790]

How intaled the kni on machin Bernina 850 industrial

[@jshantie]

Hello, I just watched your cleaning video and it was helpfully. I have an 1010 and I never see any tutorials about that series, any idea why? Thank you for sharing your knowledge.😊

[@BERNINAofNaperville]

The 1010 came out in the mid 1990s. Before the rise of the internet, KZbin, and the like. BERNINA of Naperville supports new machines in the line with video tutorials, not vintage ones. If you need assistance the manual can be found on bernina.com www.bernina.com/en-US/Support-US/Out-of-Print-Manuals/BERNINA-manuals/BERNINA-Sewing-Systems

[@BrianJurries]

Thank you for sharing this! Could you create a similar video on cleaning the L890 and L850?

[@BERNINAofNaperville]

Hi Brian, We are always creating new videos. Overlockers are so much easier, but hang in there, we will.

[@tammyeaton4791]

This was so interesting. I don’t have a Bernina, but all good information.

[@dianathefiberfan]

Thank you for this great cleaning and oiling video. I have the 560, 590 and Sterling 880. .the 560 bobbin is different than the 590, can you please show how to clean and oil the 560?

[@BERNINAofNaperville]

Unfortunately the B 560 is no longer in the line and the rotary bobbin system is no longer on any of the new machines. However the Q 20 is similar so you can watch that video.

[@painiacs83]

Thank you this Bernina newbie thanks you

[@tickels]

any reason you why you don't use canned air to clean out. it seems that the dust would come out and not get shoved around.

[@middlechild6956]

Absolutely great video! Thank you so much for posting!

[@carollebriton8675]

Gayle do you have a video on cleaning the 850 sergers? Thank you for a very informative cleaning lesson.

[@BERNINAofNaperville]

Thanks for asking. Not yet because it is rather simple. Mini vacuum attachment does wonders after you remove the needle plate

[@donnab445]

Funny, there must be a dog chewing on a squeaky toy in the background, because when I watch this video, my dog reacts to the sounds every time! ;))

[@BERNINAofNaperville]

That was our precious little English Bulldog, Camilla Barker Bowles

[@BERNINAofNaperville]

She makes appearances in many of our videos and loved to get the squeek toy out when she saw me with the tri-pod.

[@BERNINAofNaperville]

@@donnab445 Camilla 100% English Bulldog in Everyway. She used to write our store blog: www.berninaofnaperville.com/blogs/news/my-bernina-of-naperville-love-story

[@cr2884]

I use computer swabs. They pick the lint up instead of pushing around and down below where you can’t get it.

[@sue8319]

I appreciate the visual for my 200 series

[@cr2884]

Your fingers look like mine. Love the bandaids! Hugs Girl!

[@agnescarr9226]

Thank, Gail!

[@susanhanna71]

Thank you! That was a amazing information!!!

[@kathyevens1408]

Wonderful information!

[@jayescreations489]

my 730 artista does not have the drop down bobbin holder you show.. I know this because my 830 record does have the system you show....

[@BERNINAofNaperville]

Your 730 has a rotary bobbin similar to the q20 we show in this video with the same oiling points. Unfortunately we could not show where to clean and oil a 730 because it has been out of the bernina lime for more than a decade.

[@puggirl415]

Thank you. I actually have an old Bernina 1090 from 1991. It's always been so reliable and except for accidentally breaking one of the pegs on the sewing table it has sustained no damage. It seems to be designed similarly to the first machine you showed. I have cleaned that area any number of times but was concerned that I hadn't taken it in in a long time so wondered if there was other maintenance that needed to be done. In my area they charge a flat 139.00 for maintenance and if all they would do is clean it I can do that myself.

[@BERNINAofNaperville]

For this service you really should have the local dealer service it. They check needle height clearance, balance, remove the covers and oil and grease where you can not get to.

[@megenwilson8158]

I have an aurora 450...not the CB hook...no one ever seems to cover upkeep. Even the owners manual doesn't cover much. Can you point me towards any online info? Your tut was awesome! Thx Megen

[@BERNINAofNaperville]

Unfortunately I cannot produce a video for this until I get one into the store. In the meantime you can follow oiling and cleaning on the Q20 as it has a similar system like I mentioned in the video. You can also search on the B 560, B 580 and very old artista 180-730 machines for help.

[@ashleybullmore]

I need the belts for my Bernina 730 record.

[@BERNINAofNaperville]

@@ashleybullmore please call the store on Tuesday 331-372-4231

[@vickichisholm931]

Thank you my 1230 is running better!

[@agnescarr9226]

Great job on cleaning!

[@elizabethoniri6525]

I have a Bernina 950 and it has seized up and I am not sure how to get it to work. I have cleaned and taken all the fluff. I need your help.

[@BERNINAofNaperville]

The bernina 950 has been out of production for years and unfortunately we do not have one at our store to show. Please contact your local BERNINA dealer for sales and service.

[@elizabethoniri6525]

Thank you.

[@leonakofoed289]

Can you use the cans of spray air (like for computers) on machines to help dust?

[@BERNINAofNaperville]

No. The canned air only blows the dust in places you can’t retrieve it. Not good to use compressed air.

[@theresabenson1059]

My race cover fell off (the black gasket piece in bobbin area)..how do I reinstall it? Thank you!

[@BERNINAofNaperville]

If it simply came out from the clip, the clip may need to be tightened. If it has literally come off of your machine you need to take it to your local Bernina dealer for repair.

[@tammyeaton4791]

That brush pulled more fuzz than the Dukes Of Hazard!!

[@jilliedillie]

Thanks!

[@sroberts4797]

I have a new 770 which is after an 1130, 1530 and 750 (the 750 was a piece of junk, never sewed right) and I have to oil it every 30 mins to an hour of sewing or it sounds like I'm sewing gravel, slight over exaggeration! I've just never had to oil my other machines like this one, does that sound normal?

[@BERNINAofNaperville]

Yes. The jumbo bobbin machines are very thirsty. Remember that the hooks spin way faster and the speed of the machine is a lot faster than your 1130. Also, you need to check for the threads and the little felt balls underneath. Makes a huge difference.

[@AngeleLeganchuk-v6b]

Mom took the back bolt out behind the bobbin. Anyone has a trick to put it back. The bolt won't tighten because it has gears not lining up.

[@BERNINAofNaperville]

@@AngeleLeganchuk-v6b that is not recent mended and you must bring to an authorized bernina service center.

[@AngeleLeganchuk-v6b]

@BERNINAofNaperville ok thanks.

[@lauralarios423]

Hi thank you for the video! Would that cleaning applied to cover stitch pro 2000 machine ? Thanks

[@BERNINAofNaperville]

The BERNINA 2000 is an overlocker. It does not apply to this video which is intended for BERNINA sewing machines models 130-880 plus abs Q Series

[@sandan2358]

Did Bernina stop making the white oil pen? I really liked it.

[@BERNINAofNaperville]

Yes. That pen had issues. But we found a pen we like and sell the same oil filled in it.

[@jori7398]

Thank you!

[@ellenbrechin3098]

I have a deco. Had it for years, I have used it very little. I wish I could sale it.

[@joystark7679]

Thank you for this video!

[@penman1289]

Hove you ever used a vacuum cleaner? with straws attached to the hover pipe, it will clean fantastically , I don't have a sewing machine, but your videos very interesting .

[@BERNINAofNaperville]

We use a rechargeable vacuum mini vacuum cleaner, but this video is to show using what the machine came with.

[@penman1289]

@@BERNINAofNaperville thanks

[@joannavery8233]

Screen tells me all the time that I need to clean the thread cutter….I have done that but screen comes up every time I turn on my machine.

[@BERNINAofNaperville]

It’s because you have to clean through the service screen like I show in the video. Go to you cog and wheel butting, select the wrench and then dust. Click on the blue link to activate the thread cutter then literally punch the actual thread cutter button. Then click the second blue link and touch the thread cutter button again. No the machine will know you have cleaned it.

[@joannavery8233]

@@BERNINAofNaperville thank you! I feel so much better now!

[@chisaomusician7752]

Wow bernina needs to make a vacuum cleaner

[@a.r.g.3144]

Invaluable info.

[@petedearden5219]

I think just using a brush just pushes the dust further in. Use a vacuum as you brush it has to be better

[@BERNINAofNaperville]

Use a mini vacuum but no compressed air.

[@danischaeferschaefer1730]

Very helpful!!

[@sue8319]

What does the term Artista signify?

[@BERNINAofNaperville]

It’s a okay on the word artist and at the time the artista line was the top of the range which means you could be a true artist with these machines because your imagination was your only limitation.

[@tatyanasurenyan-krech6372]

Thanks you

[@carolmorrison5173]

Great tutorial

[@crnewsteamcatchofthedayvid152]

How to open 730 record top

[@BERNINAofNaperville]

This machine has not been in the line for over 40 years.

[@crnewsteamcatchofthedayvid152]

@@BERNINAofNaperville I brought 68 used it up to 2 years ago. Got busy then it stopped told seized but parts moving just want to open top to clean

[@crnewsteamcatchofthedayvid152]

@@BERNINAofNaperville I ran upholstery business with it 5 years 90s have arthritis could not pull cloth anymore but machine is a gem even today just somehow cannot find the switch to pop top open. Can I force with screwdriver?

[@crnewsteamcatchofthedayvid152]

@@BERNINAofNaperville I used it for some mending last year so think a good cleaning will do it

[@BERNINAofNaperville]

@@crnewsteamcatchofthedayvid152 we do not make videos on the antique machines often, but there is a latch if you plop the head cover open and then you can release the top. Never pry anything with a screwdriver. If you need further assistance with this please visit your local bernina dealer for sales and service.

[@glowilk5377]

Honestly, those little Bernina brushes are not the bomb for me. I use the computer vacuum nozzle method and a soft, long art brush. And I do the vacuum thing every bobbin, my floors should get the attention my sewing machine gets.

[@lynnonions7985]

The segment on cleaning the thread cutter on the 880 was news to me! Does this apply to the 820 as well?

[@BERNINAofNaperville]

Yes. The 830, 880, 880 Plus and the 820 all need the thread catcher cleaned in this manner.

[@Str8eeth]

I have a Bernina 735 that I’ve had to take back into the store where it was purchased 4 times. I cannot even bind a lap size quilt without stopping to oil the machine. They tell me there is NOTHING wrong with my machine, but it sounds like a freight train within 15/20 minutes after oiling it. As soon as I oil it, it sounds OK for about 15 minutes and then it starts sounding horrible again. What in the world is wrong with my 735, my luck it’s a LEMON, but the technicians won’t admit there is anything wrong!

[@BERNINAofNaperville]

Not having seen your machine, or hearing it, or providing you in person instruction, we cannot comment on the diagnosis of your machine. If you aren’t happy with the servicing center, we recommend you go to a different service center.

[@wendymurdoch7369]

Good tutorial. haha you must sew a lot of fleece!

[@BERNINAofNaperville]

No. That is not in our project list.

[@donnadelahanty9903]

Q-tip to clean? I don’t agree - those fibers get caught very easily on feed dogs, etc.

[@evelynwerker9402]

What are the bandages for did you have a boo boo.

[@BERNINAofNaperville]

Hand washing. My fingers crack. It’s a pain.

[@james8905]

@@BERNINAofNaperville try CowGirl Magic on your hands- available at Amazon.

[@barhea1]

You need to moisturise every single time you have washed your hands.....no more cracked skin....honest!