Bernina Needle Timing Adjustments, Part I 

Thanks, David. We are happy you had a successful repair! I am so sorry to tell you that our chief mechanic, Neal Iund, passed away earlier this year. But anytime we can help, we will be happy to.

So sorry to hear that Neal Lund passed. Are some of the tools he talks about still available?

Hello Johan Ohrvik: My congratulations for your success with your 530-2 Bernina. In your case I can see that loop lift was off as your machine was a second hand purchase. It sounds like you have done an excellent job resolving your problem. I'd like to add to my reply to your post a note for others regarding loop lift settings on 530 and 730 Bernina sewing machines. As follows: "Do not assume that loop lift is out of adjustment on a 530-2 as it is very likely not. I suggest that one look for other simpler problems. For example, look at the needle you are using. A slightly warped needle can cause skipped stitches. If the clamp screw has repeatedly been over-tightened by the use of a screwdriver, the needle may not hold it's position. If the needle height had been changed by a neophyte of sorts, this will also cause skipped stitched especially on the right side. Go to the needle height explanation and see what the hook point looks like. Loop lift will only be faulty if the setting had been changed or the fixing screws loosened at some point. It is nearly an impossibility for loop lift to come out of time under normal conditions. Thank you for your inquiry and best wishes, Neal

i realize I'm quite off topic but do anybody know a good place to stream newly released movies online ?

You are welcome

@@nealiund7284 im from morocco i learn a lot from you thanks again

@@habarhabar3464 Thanks... You have a great day...

730, 830, or 930?

Video is planned for buttonhole mechanisms 730, 830, 930.

Indeed.

Yes, the principles are the same.

The 540 machine is much the same as the 530 but differ as noted: Double transverse rotary hook whereas the 530 uses the CB type of oscillating hook, 540 has a flat bed, and associated components. Pretty big differences. Tools can be made for adjusting all Bernina machines.

OK, here we go: 1. Engage the small buttonhole buttonhole lever. (This little lever is one of two levers that are located on the front right corner just below the hand-wheel). The little lever has a buttonhole symbol on it. 2. Pull down the toggle lever of the stitch width dial and swing the lever against the frame stop on the right. (stop=little brass eccentrics on the machine face.) 3. Lift the stitch length lever up until the lever stops. You are now ready to begin sewing a reverse bead (first bead). 4. Begin sewing the first bead to your desired length. 5. Stop sewing with the needle up to your desired length. 6. To bartack, swing the toggle lever all the way to the left hand stop and then hold down the material tight to the needle plate to prevent the material from feeding. Tack no more than four times. 7. Second bead: Swing the toggle lever back to the right hand stop and sew an equal length of the previous bead. 8. Bartack: Repeat #6. 9. Tack left: To tack or lock the bead end to prevent the bead from unraveling, pull the toggle lever out and away from the stops and then swing to the far left position (straight stitch position). Lift the stitch length lever up to its stop. Tack two or three times. *Always use a new 705H needle size 80 or 90. You should use the following needle brands. F&L Bachmann Swiss made for Bernina, Schmetz, Groz Beckert. Needle quality is paramount for sewing buttonholes in Bernina machines. A used, slightly warped needle will typically counteract bead densities. This may seem confusing so perhaps I should make a video for 730 buttonholes.

Video is planned for buttonhole mechanisms 730, 830, 930.

This one takes a little finesse along with a strong solvent like lacquer thinner or even acetone. Great care must be applied so as to prevent the solvents from attacking one's skin and avoiding vapors.Also, do allow the solvents to spill over onto the dials, knobs, Do not use pliers on the knob to prevent damage to the knob. 1. Remove the top cover 2. Use a 6mm wrench to loosen the 6mm hex head screw on the needle position detent block found on the end of the needle position shaft just inside of the machine. Add some solvent and try and work the needle position knob left and right until the shaft is loosened enough to slide out of the machine. Clean off the shaft so that no sticky residues remain.. Clean out the 6mm bore using a q-tip with solvent until clean. insert the shaft back in place and check for any remaining stickiness. Repeat the process until clean. Reassemble and make sure that only the slightest axial play can be felt when detent block is tightened. Make sure that the hex screw is tightened on the flat on the shaft end.

Neal passed away in August 2022. So even though his guidance and generosity live on through his RU-vid videos, he is not still here to respond or help us with our new questions.

This is a Bernina tool. I can send you a part drawing if you want to make on yourself.

Stitch width @ zero, ...needle position right, ....loosen the fixing screw in the main frame just below the pivot support, ....lift the pivot support pin out from the top of the frame but do not force up. With one's hand on the handwheel and turning the needle bar down a bit so as not to prevent the needle bar from hanging up in the clearance hole in the top of the frame, you will find the sweet spot for lifting up and swing away the needle bar support to the left. Caution: do not allow the needle bar support frame to be forced out of position as the alignment could be compromised (a technical adjustment).... Loosen the small set collar on the pivot axle and remove the pivot support. Loosen the pivot axle screw and carefully drive out the axle. Clean with lacquer thinner, brake cleaner, etc to remove the oil varnishes. Reassemble and follow the instructions for setting needle position front to back in the needle plate.

Sorry to get back so late... I don't know what guide you are describing. Is this the guide attached to the needle bar just behind the clamp? If so, I have about 100 on hand.

Did you accidentally leave the hat pin engaged? If so, you would not be able to move the knob.