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Bernina ACTIVA 135 S User Manual

Bernina sewing machine user manual
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Enlarged version
See appendix for differences in the
activa 135 S Patchwork Edition
030529.52.04_0303_a135 a145_EN

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Summary of Contents for Bernina ACTIVA 135 S

  • Page 1 See appendix for differences in the activa 135 S Patchwork Edition 030529.52.04_0303_a135 a145_EN...
  • Page 2 ”Welcome to technology and an after sales service second to none. The new BERNINA activa 135 S and 145 S are characterized by a youthful appeal which is combined the BERNINA with a range of added value features to give you, dear Customer, more sewing pleasure than ever before.

  • Page 3: Important Safety Instructions

    • Return the sewing computer to the nearest authorized BERNINA dealer or service center for examination, repair, electrical or mechanical adjustment. 4. Never operate the computer with any air openings blocked. Keep ventilation openings of the sewing computer and foot control free from accumulation of lint, dust and loose cloth.
  • Page 4 6. Always use the BERNINA original needle plate. The wrong plate can cause the needle to break. 7. Do not use bent needles. 8. Do not pull or push fabric while stitching. It may deflect the needle causing it to break.

  • Page 5: Details

    Details Details of the sewing computer Front view 030529.52.04_0303_a135 a145_EN...
  • Page 6 Right end 1 Bobbin cover 2 Stitch plate 3 Attachment base for special accessories 4 Sewing table socket 5 Presser foot 6 Needle clamp with fixation screw 7 Thread guide 8 Thread take up cover 9 Thread path 10 Thread tension adjustment 11 Bobbin pre-tension 12 Reverse button /quick and...
  • Page 7 Details Back view 030529.52.04_0303_a135 a145_EN...
  • Page 8 Left end 35 Carrying handle 36 Presser foot lifter (manual) 37 Thread cutter 38 Thread take up 39 Darning ring connection 40 Accessory box connection 41 Thread tension disc 42 Rear thread guide 43 Horizontal spool pin 44 Accessory box catch Sewing computer with Accessory box Accessory box 030529.52.04_0303_a135 a145_EN...
  • Page 9 • compartment for accessories • Lens Set: ** We recommend the use of the BERNINA Lens Set for more comfort when sewing. Caution! To avoid injury always attach the protective cover of the magnifying glass holder when the magnifying glass is not in use.

  • Page 10: Accessory Box

    Accessory box Free standing accessory box pull both feet out until they click into • place stand box in chosen position • Storing accessories Standard accessories are supplied in a plastic bag. The box is equipped with one small and one large drawer (B and C) as well as com- partments for bobbin holders D and presser feet E.
  • Page 11 Important! (USA/Canada only) Use only foot controller type SR-1 with sewing computers activa 135 S /145 S. Self storing cord wind the cord on the reel • insert the plug into the groo- •...

  • Page 12: Sewing Table

    Sewing table Increases the sewing surface. To attach raise the needle and presser • foot place the table over the free • arm and press firmly so that it engages on the fixing cam Free-Hand-System (FHS) presser foot lifter* (knee-operated) Attaching the presser foot lifter Insert into the opening in the...

  • Page 13: Winding The Bobbin

    Setting up the sewing computer Winding the bobbin Winding the bobbin turn power switch on following the direction of the arrow take thread through the rear • • place empty bobbin on guide and round the pre-tension stud • spindle wind it several times round the empty bobbin •...

  • Page 14: Bobbin Case

    Bobbin case To remove the bobbin case To insert the bobbin case raise the needle hold the bobbin case latch • • turn power switch to «0» the finger on the case should • • open the bobbin cover point upwards •...

  • Page 15: Inserting The Bobbin

    Setting up the sewing computer Inserting the bobbin Insert the bobbin Pull the thread counter clock- Insert the bobbin so that the wise into the slot. thread runs clockwise. Changing the needle Removing the needle raise the needle • turn power switch to «0» •...

  • Page 16: Changing The Presser Foot

    Changing the presser foot Presser foot with shank raise the needle and raise the clamping lever • • presser foot remove the presser foot • • turn power switch to «0» • Supplementary spool pin Collapsible vertical spool pin found on the back of the sewing computer •...

  • Page 17: Threading The Upper Thread

    Setting up the sewing computer Threading the upper thread raise the needle and presser foot • turn the power switch to «0» • place spool on pin and attach the appropriate • spool disc – diameter of spool = disc size take thread through rear guide A •...

  • Page 18: Needle Threader

    Needle Threader Thread in hook Lever down · lower the presser foot · press lever A down and · lay the thread behind simultaneously guide the hook B and hold lightly thread around hook B to the right to the needle Thread in front of needle ·...

  • Page 19: Bringing Up The Lower Thread

    Setting up the sewing computer Bringing up the lower thread hold the upper thread • sew one stitch • pull the upper thread until the bobbin thread appears • in the stitch plate hole pull bobbin thread out of the hole and insert both •...

  • Page 20: Stitch Plate

    Stitch plate Feed-dog Stitch plate markings the stitch plate is marked with seam guide lines in mm and inches • the millimetre markings are at the front • the inch markings are at the back • the measurements show the distance (with needle position centre) from •...

  • Page 21: Thread Tension

    Setting up the sewing computer Thread tension The basic setting is indicated when the red line on the tension • adjustment wheel is in line with the marking A the tension does not need adjusting for normal • sewing work for special sewing work, the tension can be •...
  • Page 22 General instructions Main switch to 1 the sewing sewing computer is ready to sew • The screen shows 1 stitch width basic setting blinks constantly 2 stitch length basic setting blinks constantly 3 needle position (9 positions) 4 needle stop up/down (generally up) 5 stitch number 1 (straight stitch) 6 presser foot number 1 indicator (recommended foot for selected stitch)
  • Page 23 11–30 (activa 135 S) or 11–50 (activa 145 S): • touch #-button and the appropriate number * see p. 30 for the complete stitch selection; for activa 135 S PE see appendix A1 Stitch width left button = narrow the stitch width •...
  • Page 24 Functions Functions are ... activated when the symbol appears on the screen. deactivated when the symbols no longer appear on the screen. Reverse sewing quick reverse: press button • Sewing computer sews reverse until button • is released (max. stitch length 3 mm) Applications: programming buttonholes •...
  • Page 25 Operating instructions #-button Stitch selection button (see p. 22) clr/del (clear/delete) press button = reverts to basic settings • other selected functions are cleared • Exceptions: needle stop down • 1/2 speed • altered basic settings for buttonholes = • press «clr/del»-button twice Letters, numbers and punctuation marks (only activa 145 S)
  • Page 26 Memory Any combination of 30 stitches, letters or numbers can be saved in Memory, which is long term. They remain saved until deleted by the user. Power failures or disconnection from the electricity Memory buttons press left button (<) to scroll •...
  • Page 27 Operating instructions Delete complete Memory press «clr/del» and «mem»- • button at the same time release both buttons • leave Memory by pressing the • mem button Memory is now completely • deleted Programming practical and decorative stitches open Memory (p. 25) •...
  • Page 28 Programming letters, numbers and punctuation marks (activa 145 S only) open Memory (p. 25) • press Alphabet button • select letter or number (p. 24) • press «mem • (save) the number of remaining • empty memories (here 29) and the cursor blink select next letter/number, •...
  • Page 29 Operating instructions Leave Memory press «mem»-button = • contents are saved Memory is closed • «mem»-symbol disappears from the screen The contents of the memory remain saved even when the sewing computer is dis- connected from the electricity supply. They can be recalled at any time.
  • Page 30 Balance Your sewing computer has been tested and factory set using a double layer of cretonne fabric and Metrosene 100/2 threads (Arova Mettler, Switzerland). Note: Normal position If the balance has been adjusted, return it to the normal setting once sewing is completed.

  • Page 31: Stitches

    16 Sewn-out zig-zag 17 Universal stitch 18 Gathering stitch 19 Honeycomb stitch activa 135 S 20–22 Quilting stitches 23–30 Decorative stitches activa 145 S 20–28 Quilting stitches 29–50 Decorative stitches *activa 135 S PE see appendix A1 activa 145 S 030529.52.04_0303_a135 a145_EN...
  • Page 32 7 Blind stitch 8 Double overlock 9 Super stretch *activa 135 S PE see appendix A All non-stretch fabrics. All straight stitch work Most fabric types; all simple zig-zag such as oversewing fine fabrics. Sewing on elastic and lace Primarily for fine jerseys, stretch overlock seams and hems Most types of fabric.
  • Page 33 Stitches 14 Darning program 19 Honeycomb stitch 20 Quilt/hand stitching 10 Standard buttonhole 11 Keyhole buttonhole 12 Straigth stitch buttonhole Automatic darning for fine and medium weight fabrics Most types of interlock and smooth fabrics; visible seams and hems Hand stitched effect: only the one stitch (lower thread) is visible; the other stitch (upper thread = monofilament) is invisible;...

  • Page 34: Presser Feet

    135 S = 6 feet (1, 2, 3A, 4, 5, 9) activa 135 S PE = 7 feet (1, 3A, 4, 5, 9, 20, 37) activa 145 S = 7 feet (1, 2, 3A, 4, 5, 9, 37)

  • Page 35: Securing Program

    Selected practical stitches: Straight stitch with securing program Securing program Stitch: Securing program No. 5* Needle: size and type suitable for the fabric selected (see p. 57) Thread: cotton/polyester Feed-dog: raised (sewing position) Presser foot: Reverse pattern foot No. 1 Securing program for all fabrics •...

  • Page 36: Basting Stitch

    Basting stitch Stitch: Basting stitch No. 15 (activa 135 S PE No. 14) Needle: size and type suitable for the fabric selected (see p. 57) Thread: cotton/polyester Feed-dog: lowered (darning position) Presser foot: No. 9 Basting stitch for all work which requires a very long stitch •...

  • Page 37: Blind Hem

    Selected practical stitches: Blind hem Blind hem Stitch: Blind stitch No. 7 Needle: size and type suitable for the fabric selected (see p. 57) Thread: cotton or polyester Feed-dog: up (sewing position) Presser foot: Blind stitch foot No. 5 Blind hem for «invisible»...

  • Page 38: Darning Program

    Darning program Stitch: Darning Program No. 14 (activa 135 S PE No. 13) Needle: size and type suitable for the fabric selected (see p. 57) Thread: darning thread Feed-dog: up (sewing position) Presser foot: Reverse pattern foot No. 1 Buttonhole foot No. 3A...

  • Page 39: Zippers

    Selected practical stitches: Zippers Zippers Stitch: Straight stitch No. 1 Needle: size and type suitable for the fabric selected (see p. 57) Thread: cotton or polyester Feed-dog: up (sewing position) Presser foot: Zipper foot No. 4 Needle position: far right or far left Preparation: baste in zipper •...

  • Page 40: Buttonholes

    Everything you need to know about buttonholes Thread tension thread the bobbin thread through the finger of the bobbin case = the bobbin tension is • a little tighter this gives the beads on the right side of the fabric a slightly rounded appearance •...
  • Page 41 Selected practical stitches: Buttonholes Test sewing always test sew on the fabric and stabilizer you intend to use • select the buttonhole type you intend to use • sew the buttonhole in the same direction on the fabric (with or •...
  • Page 42 Automatic standard buttonhole with auto length Both beads are sewn in the same direction. Note: The automatic buttonhole foot No. 3A must lie perfectly flat on the fabric. If the foot lies on a seam, the length cannot be measu- red accurately.
  • Page 43 Selected practical stitches: Buttonholes Programme the standard buttonhole 1 sew the first bead forwards, stop the sewing computer • • the buttonhole length is programmed 2 the sewing computer sews reverse straight stitch automatically 3 the first bar tack 4 the second bead forwards 5 the second bar tack and securing stitches sewing computer stops and returns automatically to buttonhole •...
  • Page 44 Automatic keyhole buttonhole with auto length Both beads are sewn in the same direction. Stitch: Keyhole buttonhole No. 11 Needle: size and type suitable for the fabric selected (see p. 57) Thread: cotton or polyester Feed-dog: up (sewing position) Presser foot: Automatic buttonhole foot No.
  • Page 45 Selected practical stitches: Buttonholes Note: When all buttonholes have been sewn, return balance to the normal setting! Programming the buttonhole 1 sew the straight stitch forward, stop the sewing computer, press the reverse button • auto and presser foot No. 3A are displayed on •...
  • Page 46 Manual buttonhole (all types) Manual buttonholes are particularly suitable for single buttonholes or for repairing existing buttonholes. Individual steps can be eliminated or repeated. The number of steps corresponds to the buttonhole type. Manual buttonholes cannot be saved. Stitch: any buttonhole Needle: size and type suitable for the fabric selected (see p.
  • Page 47 Selected practical stitches: Buttonholes Sewing a manual standard buttonhole Both beads are sewn in the same direction. The individual steps blink on the screen. 1 sew the first bead forward, stop the sewing computer press the reverse button • 2 sew reverse straight stitch, stop the sewing computer at the first stitch (buttonhole begin) press the reverse button •...
  • Page 48 Buttonhole with gimp Gimp Hooking the cord in the but- gimp cord reinforces button- tonhole foot with slide No. 3A • holes and enhances their insert the needle at the • appearance beginning of the buttonhole the loop of the cord should raise the presser foot •...
  • Page 49 Selected practical stitches: Buttonholes place both ends of the cord Securing the cord • in the grooves on the sole of pull the cord through the • the foot and pull them to the buttonhole back pull cords through to back of •...
  • Page 50 Programmed buttonholes Saving programmed buttonholes in long term memory after programming press the «mem • the buttonhole is now saved in long term memory • Opening saved buttonholes Programmed saved buttonholes can be opened for re-use even after the sewing computer has been disconnected.
  • Page 51 Selected practical stitches: Button sewing-on program Button sewing-on program Stitch: Button sewing-on program No. 13 (activa 135 S PE No. 12) Stitch width depends on distance between the holes Needle: size and type suitable for the fabric selected (see p. 57)
  • Page 52 Selected practical stitches: Button sewing-on program Sewing on buttons with foot No. 18 set the shank length with the screw on the foot • select Button sewing-on program and continue as • with foot No. 9 (p. 50) Beginning and ending threads the threads are secured and can be trimmed •...

  • Page 53: Vari-Overlock Seam

    Selected practical stitches: Overlock seams Vari-overlock seam Stitch: Vari-overlock No. 3 Needle: size and type suitable for the fabric selected (see p. 57) Thread: cotton or polyester Feed-dog: up (sewing position) Presser foot: Overlock foot No. 2 or Reverse pattern foot No. 1 Overlock foot No.
  • Page 54 Double overlock seam Stitch: Double overlock No. 8 Needle: size and type suitable for the fabric selected (see p. 57) Thread: cotton or polyester Feed-dog: up (sewing position) Presser foot: Overlock foot No. 2 or Reverse pattern foot No. 1 Overlock foot No.

  • Page 55: Ribbing With Overlock Seam

    Selected practical stitches: Overlock seams Ribbing with overlock seam Stitch: Vari-overlock No. 3 Needle: size and type suitable for the fabric selected (see p. 57) Thread: cotton or polyester Feed-dog: up (sewing position) Presser foot: Overlock foot No. 2 or Reverse pattern foot No.

  • Page 56: Self-Facing With Honeycomb Stitch

    Self-facing with Honeycomb stitch Stitch: Honeycomb No. 19 (activa 135 S PE No. 15) Needle: universal, ballpoint or stretch as needed Thread: cotton or polyester Feed-dog: up (sewing position) Presser foot: Presser foot: Reverse pattern foot No.1 Ribbing with visible seam...
  • Page 57 Needles, Threads Important facts about sewing computer needles Sewing computer, needle and thread Your BERNINA uses needle system 130/705H. Needle and thread The most commonly sold needles are nos. 70 –120. The finer the needle, the lower the number. The table shows which needle is suitable for which threads.
  • Page 58 Special materials are easier to sew if the appropriate needle is used. Special needles are available at your BERNINA dealer. Needle table Description Needle point Standard 130/705 H Normal point, needle slightly rounded Special 130/705-SES Fine ball point needles 130/705 H-SUK...
  • Page 59 Needle, thread, fabric feed Feed-dog and fabric feed Feed-dog and stitch length With each stitch the feed-dog moves forward by one step. The length of this step is determined by the stitch length selected. With an extremely short stitch length, the steps are also short. The fabric moves under the foot quite slowly, even at full sewing speed.
  • Page 60 Feed-dog and fabric feed with compensating plates The feed-dog can work If the foot is at an angle, e.g. normally when the foot is level. when sewing over thick to thin or vice-versa, the feed-dog cannot grip and feed the fabric and the fabric hangs up.
  • Page 61 Cleaning and maintenance Cleaning If the sewing computer is stored in a cold room, it should be brought to a warm room about one hour before use. Cleaning Clean the sewing computer after every use turn power switch to «0» •...

  • Page 62: Sewing Light

    Please note that a defective CFL sewing light must ONLY be replaced by an authorized technician. The sewing com- puter must be brought to an authorized BERNINA dealer! ** Available as a special accessory 030529.52.04_0303_a135 a145_EN Cleaning and maintenance CAUTION...

  • Page 63: Trouble Shooting

    Use the correct spool disc. The needle is blunt or bent. • • Stitch plate or hook tip • damaged. Take your sewing computer to your BERNINA dealer. Skipped stitches Wrong needles used. • Use only 130/705H system. The needle is blunt, bent or •...
  • Page 64 Index Accessory box 8, 9 Balance 29, 49, 55 Basting stitch 35 Blanket stitch A3 Blind hem 36 Bobbin 12 Bobbin case 13 Bobbin thread cutter 13 Bringing up the lower thread 18 Button sewing-on program 50 Buttonholes 39– 49 Altering buttonholes 49 •...

  • Page 65: Table Of Contents

    Index Programming letters, numbers and • punctuation marks 27 Programming practical and decorative • stitches 26 Scroll backwards/forwards 26 • Stitches 30, 31, 32 • Needle position 22 Needles, Threads, Fabric feed 56–59 Needle Threader 17 Overlock seam 54 Power cable 10 Presser feet 33 Presser foot lifter 11 Quilters securing program A2...
  • Page 66 Important safety Instructions Details Setting up the sewing computer Operating instructions Stitches Presser feet Selected practical stitches: • Securing program • Basting stitch • Blind hem • Darning program • Zippers • Buttonholes • Button sewing-on program • Overlock • Honeycomb Needle, Thread, Fabric Feed Cleaning, Maintenance, Troubleshooting Index...
  • Page 67 Impressum Typesetting, Layout, DTP: Silvia Bartholdi Graphics: Müller-Melzer ID, Kreuzlingen © copyright 2003 by Fritz Gegauf AG, Steckborn 030529.52.04_0303_a135 a145_EN...

  • Page 68: 12 Button Sewing-On Program

    Quilting stitches 19 Stipple stitch 20 Handlook Quilt stitch 21 Double blanket stitch 22 Feather stitch 23–30 Decorative stitches activa 135 S Patchwork Edition: Stitches activa 135 S PE 030529.52.04_0303_a135 a145_EN a 135 S 6 feet standard a 145 S...

  • Page 69: Quilters Securing Program

    135 S Patchwork Edition: Straight stitch with securing program Quilters securing program Stitch: Quilters securing program No. 5 Needle: 80 Quilting, Jeans, Sharp, or Microtex Thread: cotton/polyester or Monofilament for the upper thread and cotton or polyester for the lower thread...

  • Page 70: Blanket Stitch

    • activa 135 S Patchwork Edition: Blanket stitch 030529.52.04_0303_a135 a145_EN for a hand-stitched look, •...
  • Page 71 135 S Patchwork Edition: Stipple stitch Stipple stitch Stitch: Stipple stitch No. 19 Needle: Thread: machine thread Feed-dog: sewing Presser foot: Reverse pattern foot No. 1 Needle position: center Preparation prepare a «quilt sandwich» by placing a layer of batting •...

  • Page 72: Handlook Quilt Stitch

    • give the appearance of a hand-sewn running stitch activa 135 S Patchwork Edition: Handlook quilting 030529.52.04_0303_a135 a145_EN moderate speed for best •...

  • Page 73: Feather Stitch

    135 S Patchwork Edition: Feather stitch Feather stitch Stitch: Feather stitch No. 22 Needle: Thread: machine thread Feed-dog: sewing Presser foot: Reverse pattern foot No. 1 or Open Embroidery Foot No. 20 Needle position: center Use this delicate embroidery stitch to embellish fabric or to cover patchwork seams.

This manual is also suitable for:

Activa 145 s

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