BERNINA Sewing machine upper thread breaking problems

Sewing machines are a valuable tool for sewists of all skill levels. However, as with any mechanical device, they can experience problems that can be frustrating and even cause delays in the sewing process. One of the most common problems that sewists encounter is the upper thread breaking while sewing.

This problem is particularly common with BERNINA sewing machines. In this article, we will explore the various causes of upper thread breakage and provide practical solutions to help you resolve the issue.

List of the 10 common causes of upper thread breaking problems for BERNINA Sewing Machines

Here is a list of the main causes of upper thread breaking problems for the BERNINA Sewing Machine:

Improper threading of the upper thread.
Incorrect tension settings on the machine.
Damaged or incorrectly installed needles.

Using the wrong needle size for the fabric being sewn.
Rough spots on the needle plate or bobbin case, causing friction and damaging the thread.
Thread jams or tangles in the bobbin case or shuttle area.

Dirty or worn-out machine parts, such as the tension discs or thread guides.
Poor quality or old thread that is more prone to breaking.
Sewing too fast or with too much pressure, causing excessive tension on the thread.

Sewing over pins, which can cause the needle to bend and break the thread.

Causes of BERNINA Sewing machine Upper Thread Breaking

BERNINA sewing machines are known for their high quality and precision in sewing. However, sewists often encounter upper thread breaking problems while using their BERNINA machines. This issue can be frustrating and cause delays in the sewing process.

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The main causes of upper thread breaking include improper threading, incorrect tension settings, damaged or incorrectly installed needles, using the wrong needle size, rough spots on the needle plate or bobbin case, thread jams or tangles, dirty or worn-out machine parts, poor quality or old thread, sewing too fast or with too much pressure, and sewing over pins.

In the following sections, we will explore each of these causes in detail and provide practical solutions to help resolve the problem of upper thread breaking on BERNINA sewing machines.

Upper thread breaking when starting to sew on BERNINA sewing machines

Cause: The upper thread is not properly threaded.

How to Fix Upper thread breaking when starting to sew on BERNINA sewing machines

Solution: The first step to solving this problem is to ensure that the upper thread is properly threaded through the machine. Here are the steps to follow:

Raise the presser foot and turn the handwheel towards you to raise the needle to its highest position.
Place the spool of thread on the spool pin and feed the thread through the thread guide located at the top of the machine.
Next, take the thread through the tension discs and down through the take-up lever.

Bring the thread down through the needle bar thread guide and thread the needle from front to back.

Once you have re-threaded the machine, try sewing again to see if the problem has been resolved.

Upper thread breaking during sewing on BERNINA sewing machines

Cause: The upper thread tension is too tight.

How to Fix Upper thread breaking during sewing on BERNINA sewing machines

Solution: When the upper thread tension is too tight, it puts excessive stress on the thread, causing it to break. Here are the steps to adjust the upper thread tension:

Turn off the machine and raise the presser foot.
Turn the tension dial to the zero position to release the tension on the thread.

Using a piece of scrap fabric, test the tension by sewing a few stitches.
If the stitches are loose, tighten the tension by turning the dial slightly to the right.
If the stitches are tight, loosen the tension by turning the dial slightly to the left.

Test the tension again on a piece of scrap fabric until you achieve the desired tension.

Upper thread breaking at the needle on BERNINA sewing machines

Cause: The needle is damaged or incorrectly installed.

How to Fix Upper thread breaking at the needle on BERNINA sewing machines

Solution: A damaged or incorrectly installed needle can cause the upper thread to break. Here are the steps to replace the needle:

Turn off the machine and raise the presser foot.
Loosen the needle clamp screw with a screwdriver and remove the needle.
Insert a new needle with the flat side facing the back of the machine.

Push the needle up as far as it will go and tighten the needle clamp screw.
Lower the presser foot and test the machine on a piece of scrap fabric to ensure the needle is correctly installed.

Upper thread breaking due to incorrect needle size on BERNINA sewing machines

Cause: The needle size is too small or too large for the fabric being sewn.

How to Fix Upper thread breaking due to incorrect needle size on BERNINA sewing machines

Solution: Using the wrong needle size can cause the upper thread to break. Here are the steps to select the correct needle size:

Check the fabric type and weight to determine the appropriate needle size.
Choose a needle size that matches the fabric type and weight.

Insert the needle into the machine and test on a piece of scrap fabric to ensure the correct needle size has been selected.

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Advanced techniques for preventing BERNINA upper thread breakage

BERNINA sewing machines are known for their high-quality stitching and reliability, but even these machines can experience upper thread breakage from time to time. Here are some advanced techniques for preventing BERNINA upper thread breakage:

Check and adjust the tension: BERNINA sewing machines have a tension adjustment feature that allows users to adjust the tension of the upper thread. It is essential to ensure that the tension is set correctly to prevent thread breakage. If the tension is too tight, the upper thread can break as it pulls too hard against the lower thread. If the tension is too loose, the upper thread can become too slack and lead to looping and tangling. Start with the recommended tension setting for your fabric and adjust as needed.

Use high-quality thread: The quality of thread used can also impact the occurrence of thread breakage. Cheap or low-quality threads can cause the upper thread to break more frequently. Investing in high-quality thread can help prevent thread breakage and improve the overall quality of the stitching.
Change the needle regularly: A dull or damaged needle can cause the upper thread to break as it struggles to penetrate the fabric. It is recommended to change the needle after every project or after sewing through thick or tough fabrics. Use the right needle size for the fabric being used.
Properly thread the machine: Improper threading of the machine can cause tension problems and lead to thread breakage. Take the time to read the machine’s manual and ensure that the thread is threaded correctly through all the guides and tension disks.

Check the bobbin: Make sure the bobbin is inserted correctly and that the thread is threaded correctly through the bobbin case. If the bobbin is worn or damaged, it can cause tension problems and lead to thread breakage.
Clean the machine regularly: Dirt and dust can accumulate in the machine over time, causing it to malfunction and increase the likelihood of thread breakage. Clean the machine regularly, especially the bobbin area and the tension disks, to prevent buildup.

By following these advanced techniques, BERNINA sewing machine users can minimize the occurrence of upper thread breakage and enjoy a smoother and more productive sewing experience.

10 Common Problems with BERNINA Sewing Machines

In addition to the problems already mentioned in this article, there are a few other issues that can arise with BERNINA sewing machines.

Stitch Problems
Sewing Machine Parts Problems

Tension problems
Sewing machine not feeding fabric

These are just a few of the potential problems that can arise with BERNINA sewing machines. If you experience any of these issues, it is important to contact a qualified technician for assistance.

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FAQ

Why does my BERNINA sewing machine upper thread keep breaking?

Upper thread breakage can be caused by a variety of factors, including incorrect tension, dull or damaged needle, improper threading, using the wrong thread, or sewing too fast. Check these factors to identify and solve the issue.

What is the recommended thread tension for BERNINA sewing machines?

The recommended thread tension for BERNINA sewing machines can vary depending on the fabric and thread being used. Start with the recommended tension setting for your fabric and adjust as needed.

Can using low-quality thread cause upper thread breakage on BERNINA sewing machines?

Yes, using low-quality thread can cause upper thread breakage on BERNINA sewing machines. Investing in high-quality thread can help prevent thread breakage and improve the overall quality of the stitching.

How often should I change the needle on my BERNINA sewing machine?

It is recommended to change the needle after every project or after sewing through thick or tough fabrics. Using a dull or damaged needle can cause upper thread breakage and impact the overall quality of the stitching.

Why is it important to clean my BERNINA sewing machine regularly?

Dirt and dust can accumulate in the machine over time, causing it to malfunction and increase the likelihood of thread breakage. Regular cleaning of the machine, especially the bobbin area and the tension disks, can prevent buildup and ensure the machine runs smoothly.

Conclusion. BERNINA Sewing machine upper thread breaking

BERNINA sewing machines are high-quality machines that can provide years of trouble-free sewing. However, upper thread breakage can be a frustrating and time-consuming problem. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can quickly diagnose and solve upper thread breakage issues, allowing you to get back to sewing with confidence. Remember, always refer to your machine’s manual for specific instructions and guidance.