Bernina Q 20 User Manual
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Bernina Q 20 User Manual

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  • Page 1 BERNINA Q 20 User manual...
  • Page 3 After all we sell our products to creative people like you, who do not only appreciate high quality but also form and design. Enjoy creative quilting with your new BERNINA Q 20 and find out about the variety of accessories at www.bernina.com. On our homepage, you can also find many inspiring sewing and quilting ideas.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    My BERNINA ............10 Inserting the bobbin case ..........36 Introduction ............10 Fill level of bobbin thread ..........36 Welcome to the world of BERNINA ......10 Upper thread ............37 Threading preparation ..........37 Machine ..............12 Threading the upper thread ......... 37 Overview, front left .............
  • Page 5 Table of Contents Preparing to work on a quilt ......60 Loading the frame ..........60 Basting quilt layers ..........61 Sewing sample ............61 Practical quilting ..........62 Standard procedure for quilting ......62 Starting and stopping the machine ......62 Controlling the speed ..........

  • Page 6: Important Safety Instructions

    Do not use this machine if cables or plugs are damaged, or if the machine is not working properly, has been dropped or damaged or has fallen into a pool of water. Get in touch with the nearest BERNINA specialist and agree how you will proceed further.
  • Page 7 • Do not insert any objects into the openings of the machine. • Always use the type LV1 foot control with the BERNINA Q 20. • Do not use the machine anywhere that oxygen or propellant products (sprays) are being used.

  • Page 8: Important Information

    • If you pass the machine to a third party, always include the instruction manual. Proper use Your BERNINA machine is conceived and designed for private household use. It is intended for quilting fabrics and other materials as described in this instruction manual. Any other use is not considered proper.
  • Page 9 Designates a low-risk hazard which can lead to minor or moderate injuries if not avoided. CAUTION Designates a hazard which can lead to material damage if not avoided. NOTICE Tips from BERNINA quilt experts can be found next to this symbol.

  • Page 10: My Bernina

    Because of its size, your BERNINA Q 20 must be used on a quilt frame or a special quilt table. Assembly instructions for the machine on the quilt frame or sit down table can also be found on our website www.bernina.com.
  • Page 11 Follow us on the social networking to learn more about events, thrilling projects as well as tips and tricks all about sewing, quilting and embroidering. We will keep you informed and we are looking forward to presenting you the one or the other highlight from the world of BERNINA. http://www.bernina.com/social-media...

  • Page 12: Machine

    My BERNINA 1.3 Machine Overview, front left Hook cover Sewing light Stitch plate Thread guide, top, left Air vents Thread guide rod, with eyelets Thread cutter Thread stand Thread guide, bottom Thread guide, top, right Thread guide slot...

  • Page 13: Overview, Front Right

    My BERNINA Overview, front right Presser foot Thread guide Needle threader Screen Thread guide Thread pre-tension Thread regulator Thread cutter Handwheel, front Bobbin winding unit Thread take-up lever...

  • Page 14: Overview, Rear Right

    My BERNINA Overview, rear right Handle (Q 20 frame model only) Connection, automation Locking lever, Handle (frame model only) Connection, control unit Handwheel, rear Connection, USB cable Air vents Connection, handle, rear Power switch Connection, laser pointer Connection, power cable...

  • Page 15: Provided Accessories

    My BERNINA 1.4 Provided accessories Illustration Name Purpose Accessories box To store the supplied accessories as well as the optional accessories. Darning Foot #9 For free motion quilting and repairing holes. For free motion embroidery and contour quilting. Thread lubrication unit...

  • Page 16: Software

    My BERNINA Illustration Name Purpose Manual therader To thread the double needle. Screwdriver, red To adjust the thread tension of the bobbin. Screwdriver, hexagon To change the needle. Torx T25 screwdriver For installing the spool pin. Screwdriver set, Torx For fitting the machine to the quilt frame.
  • Page 17 My BERNINA Draw: Tap the screen and slowly move in one direction, eg. for scrolling up and down. Navigation Illustration Name Purpose «Home» Switch between «Home screen» and «Sewing screen». Navigation path Show a previous menu level. «Close» Close the window.
  • Page 18 My BERNINA Enter text and numbers To enter numerical values or text, a corresponding keyboard is shown. Illustration Name Purpose Entry field Display of the entry. Delete all characters entered with a single tap. «Deleting» Delete the last character. «Lower case Show the available letters in lower case letters.

  • Page 19: Home Screen

    My BERNINA Home screen «Sewing screen» «Tutorial» «Setup Pogram» «Calculator» «eco-mode» «Stitch counter» Sewing screen Sewing screen (Frame model) «Upper thread tension» «Needle stop up/down» «Raising/lowering the presser foot» «Stitches» «User profile» «Idle speed» «Bobbin filling» «Programmable functions» «BSR» «Quilting modes»...

  • Page 20: Calling Up The Help

    My BERNINA Sewing screen (Sit down model) «Upper thread tension» «Stitches» «Raising/lowering the presser foot» «Idle speed» «User profile» «Programmable functions» «Bobbin filling» «KickStart»function «BSR» «Quilting modes» «Needle stop up/down» Calling up the Help The help contains information about a selected object on the screen.

  • Page 21: Using The Calculator

    My BERNINA > Tap «eco-mode». – The screen and sewing light will switch off. > To exit energy-saving mode, tap «Home». – The machine is ready for use. Using the calculator The calculator can be used for various calculations. > Tap «Home».

  • Page 22: Setting Up The Machine

    Setting up the machine Setting up the machine 2.1 Connection and Switching on Connecting the machine > Insert the device connector of the power cable into the machine's power cable connection. > Insert the power plug of the power cable into the socket. For USA/Canada only The machine has a polarized power plug (one contact is wider than the other).
  • Page 23 Setting up the machine > Place the spool holder on the machine such that both spool pins (1) are positioned in front of the thread guide (2). > Slide the spool pin forward until it lies against the machine housing. >...

  • Page 24: Foot Control

    Setting up the machine 2.3 Foot control NOTICE! For sit down model only Attaching the foot control > Unwind the cable of the foot control to the desired length. > Insert the cable of the foot control into the connection (1). >...

  • Page 25: Using The Single Stitch/Securing Function With The Foot Control

    Setting up the machine > Select the required function for the back kick. «No function» «Raising/lowering the needle» «Single stitch/securing» «Raising/lowering the presser foot» > Close the window. – The function will be programmed. With each back kick on the foot control, the selected function will be carried out.

  • Page 26: Programming The Handle Buttons

    Setting up the machine > To activate the KickSstart function, tap. «KickStart» – The KickSstart screen appears. The selected quilting mode will be displayed. > To start the machine, press the foot control briefly with your heel. – If a BSR mode has been selected, the machine will start sewing using the selected settings as soon as the fabric is moved.
  • Page 27 Setting up the machine > Tap one of the 4 programmable buttons on the sewing screen. Button I, left handle Button II, right handle Button II, left handle Button I, right handle > Select the desired function for the button. «No function»...

  • Page 28: Using The Single Stitch/Securing Function With The Handles

    Setting up the machine Using the single stitch/securing function with the handles The «Single stitch/securing» funciton combines the following functions: • Pull the bobbin thread upward with a single stitch. • Sew a programmed number of securing stitches. Prerequisite: • A button of the handles is programmed with «Single stitch/securing».

  • Page 29: Needle And Stitch Plate

    Setting up the machine 2.6 Needle and stitch plate Adjusting the needle stop up/down You can adjust the position in which the needle should be when the machine stops with «Needle stop up/ down». > To alter the needle stop position, tap «Needle stop up/down». Display Needle stop position Needle stops up.

  • Page 30: Changing The Stitch Plate

    Setting up the machine > Loosen the fixing screw. > Pull the needle away in a downward direction. > Insert the new needle with the flat side to the rear. > Slide the needle upwards as far as it will go. >...

  • Page 31: Bobbin Thread

    2.7 Bobbin thread Winding the bobbin > Place the empty bobbin on the spool axis such that the BERNINA label on the bobbin is not visible. > Place the spool on the right spool pin. > Insert the thread first in the eyelet positioned vertically above the spool and then in the right rear eyelet of the thread guide.
  • Page 32 Setting up the machine > Press the lever down. – The machine winds. Simultaneously, the display window «Set winding speed» will appear. > If required, adjust the winding speed. – The value set will be displayed. – As soon as the bobbin is full, the machine will stop. >...

  • Page 33: Threading The Bobbin Thread

    Setting up the machine Threading the bobbin thread > Open the hook cover. > Hold the latch of the bobbin case. > Remove the bobbin case. > Remove the bobbin from the bobbin case. > Insert a new bobbin such that the label on the bobbin is visible. >...

  • Page 34: Setting The Bobbin Thread Tension

    Setting up the machine > Pull the thread to ensure that the bobbin is rotating clockwise. Setting the bobbin thread tension To achieve good quilting results, the correct bobbin thread tension is important. Each time you replace the bobbin thread, check whether the bobbin thread tension is 220 mN. Required parts and tools: •...
  • Page 35 Setting up the machine > Pull on the thread steadily and read the thread tension. > To reduce the thread tension, turn the larger screw on the bobbin counterclockwise. > To increase the thread tension, turn the larger screw on the bobbin clockwise. >...

  • Page 36: Inserting The Bobbin Case

    > If you are using pre-wound bobbins, enter and confirm the indicated thread quantity in yards. > If you are using self-wound BERNINA bobbins, take the thread quantity of a full bobbin from the table in the appendix, and enter and confirm the value. (see page 79).

  • Page 37: Upper Thread

    Setting up the machine 2.8 Upper thread Threading preparation > Raise the needle. > IMPORTANT: Raise the presser foot. – The thread tension is released. The thread can be inserted without resistance. Threading the upper thread Place cross-wound spools and cones on the vertical spool pin. For smaller spools or parralel-wound spools, use the horizontal spool pin (optional accessory).
  • Page 38 Setting up the machine > Hold the thread above the lower thread guide with your left hand, pull it with your right hand in the direction of the arrow through the thread guide (4) and guide it through the slot (5) above the service door to the right-hand side of the machine.
  • Page 39 Setting up the machine > Guide the thread up and thread into the take-up lever (8) from the back to the front. > Guide the thread down, first into the slot of the thread guide (9) underneath the service door, then from the right into the thread guide on the needle bar (10).
  • Page 40 Setting up the machine > Pull the thread from left to right in front of the hook (12) and the needle and through the thread guide until it catches on the wire hook. > Slowly release the lever and the thread simultaneously. –...

  • Page 41: Threading The Twin Needle

    Setting up the machine > Pull the thread over the thread cutter (13) from the back to the front, then cut. Check whether the thread is correctly positioned in the thread tension unit. > Lower the presser foot. > Pull the end of the thread. –...
  • Page 42 Setting up the machine Required parts and tools: • Manual therader Threading the left thread Prerequisite: • The twin needle is inserted. • Needle ist raised. • Presser foot is raised. IMPORTANT: The thread can be inserted between the thread tension discs. >...
  • Page 43 Setting up the machine > Insert the thread first in the eyelet positioned vertically above the spool and then in the front left eyelet of the thread guide. > First, guide the thread on the left-hand side of the machine through the upper right thread guide, then pull in the direction of the arrow through the lower thread guide.
  • Page 44 Setting up the machine > Guide the thread straight to the thread guide and down. > Open the service door and check whether the thread is positioned between the two front thread tension discs. If not, repeat the previous step. >...
  • Page 45 Setting up the machine > Place the thread into the slot of the manual threader. > Thread it into the right needle using the needle threader.

  • Page 46: Settings

    Settings Settings 3.1 Overview Setup-Program > Tap «Home». > Tap «Setup Pogram». «Securing stitches» «Setting Sound» «Personal settings» «Machine settings» «Monitoring functions» «Needle laser pointer» 3.2 Selecting the language > Tap «Home». > Tap «Setup Pogram». > Tap «Machine settings».

  • Page 47: Setting Up The Screen

    > Tap «Home». > Tap «Setup Pogram». > Tap «Personal settings». > Select the desired color (2) and pattern (3) for the screen background. The welcome message (1) is displayed above the BERNINA logo while the machine is starting up.

  • Page 48: Adjusting The Screen Brightness

    Settings > Tap «Welcome text». – The current welcome message will be displayed. > To completely delete the welcome message, tap the text field. > Enter the text of your choice and confirm your entry. Adjusting the screen brightness > Tap «Home». >...

  • Page 49: Setting Sounds

    Settings > Tap «Machine settings». > Tap «Screen settings». > Switch the sewing light on or off and adjust the brightness in the bottom section of the screen (2). 3.5 Setting sounds The machine can emit different sounds: Sounds to indicate when functions are selected and a warning sound when sewing too fast in BSR mode.

  • Page 50: Adjusting The Needle Laser Pointer

    Settings 3.6 Adjusting the needle laser pointer Please note: The needle laser pointer is available as optional accessory. The settings for the needle laser pointer only apply if the needle laser pointer is installed. Refer to the needle laser pointer manual for more information.

  • Page 51: Setting The Securing Stitches

    Settings > Switch the bobbin thread monitor (2) on or off. 3.8 Setting the securing stitches > Tap «Home». > Tap «Setup Pogram». > Tap «Securing stitches». > Set the desired number of securing stitches. 3.9 Adjusting the upper thread tension >...
  • Page 52 Settings Creating a user profile > Tap «User profile» on the sewing screen. > To create a new user profile, tap «Plus». > Adjust the upper thread tension. > Set the number of stitches per inch. – Setting will be used in BSR1 and BSR2 modes. >...

  • Page 53: Selecting A User Profile

    3.12 Quilting modes Your quilting machine has three BSR quilting modes and a manual mode available. BSR stands for BERNINA Stitch Regulator. The BSR ensures uniform stitch lengths, no matter how quickly you move the fabric or the machine. To achieve uniform stitch lengths, two optical sensors in the stitch plate measure the movement of the fabric in relation to the stitch plate.

  • Page 54: Displaying The Total Number Of Stitches

    Settings Manual mode (MAN) In manual mode, the BSR is switched off. The stitch lengths depend on how fast the fabric or the machine is being moved. With manual mode, you can set only the idle speed. 3.13 Displaying the total number of stitches >...

  • Page 55: Saving Service Data

    > To enter the telephone number for your specialist BERNINA dealer, tap «Phone number». > Enter and confirm the telephone number of the dealer. > To enter the website or the e-mail address of your specialist BERNINA dealer, tap «E-mail address». > Enter and confirm the IP address of the dealer.
  • Page 56 Settings > Tap «Setup Pogram». > Tap «Machine settings». > Tap «Factory setting». > To restore the factory settings, tap «Confirm».

  • Page 57: Tips For Problem-Free Quilting

    High quilting quality is not achievable with embroidery threads or other threads. These threads can break often. Several thread types are suitable for quilting with your BERNINA Q 20: • High-quality cotton threads that can withstand the high speeds of longarm quilting are made from Egyptian cotton.

  • Page 58: Using A Spool Disc

    Tips for problem-free quilting 130 = Shank length (1) 705 = Flat shank (2) H = Needle scarf (3) Q = Point type (here, for instance, a thin point) (4) 70 = Needle size (shank diameter) (5) Needle selection Needle and thread must be ideally matched. Select the appropriate needle thickness for the thread size. You can find recommended needle and thread combinations in the following table.

  • Page 59: Using A Spool Net

    Tips for problem-free quilting On the horizontal spool holder The horizontal spool holder is available as optional accessory. > Place a spool disc on the horizontal spool holder. > Place the spool on the spool holder. > Place the second spool disc on the horizontal spool holder such that there is a little clearance between the spool discs and the spool.

  • Page 60: Preparing To Work On A Quilt

    Preparing to work on a quilt Preparing to work on a quilt 5.1 Loading the frame For Frame model only. Requirements for good quilting results The preparation of the fabric is extremely important for a beautiful quilting result. • All corners must be exactly rectangular. •...

  • Page 61: Basting Quilt Layers

    Preparing to work on a quilt 5.2 Basting quilt layers For Sit down model only. Fix the quilt layers before quilting with safety pins, spray glue or with basting stitches. For Frame model only. To prevent the quilt from shifting during quilting, it must be basted on the top edge and on both sides. Baste the quilt as close to the edge as possible so that the basting stitches are not visible after the quilt is bordered.

  • Page 62: Practical Quilting

    Practical quilting Practical quilting 6.1 Standard procedure for quilting To start quilting > Place the starting point under the needle. > To pull the bobbin thread up, sew one stitch. (see page 25) Move the machine or the fabric a little to the side and pull on the upper thread until the bobbin thread comes up.

  • Page 63: Controlling The Speed

    Practical quilting 6.3 Controlling the speed Frame model In the three BSR modes, you can specify the required stitch length in the settings. Using the BSR sensors in the stitch plate, the machine measures the speed at which you are moving the the machine, and adjusts the speed of the needle such that stitches of the required length are sewn.

  • Page 64: Care And Maintenance

    The current version of the machine software will be displayed. Updating firmware Downloading an update You can download the latest firmware version from www.bernina.com and set it up according to the firmware update installation instructions, which you can likewise find on the website. Perform firmware update Prerequisite: •...

  • Page 65: Starting The Service Programm

    The Service Program allows the service technician to fix errors and to readjust individual functions. Along with the diagnostic instructions in the service manual, the service program is accessible and usable for diagnosis by the user and remote diagnosis. The BERNINA specialist dealer can check the functions and give support for troubleshooting.

  • Page 66: Machine

    Care and maintenance > Touch the icon «Service Program». > Settings in the service program can be carried out according to the service manual. 7.2 Machine Cleaning the screen > Wipe the screen with a soft, slightly damp microfiber cloth. Calibrating the screen Damage to the screen caused by a sharp object NOTICE...

  • Page 67: Cleaning The Bobbin Case

    Care and maintenance > To calibrate the front screen, tap «Calibrating the front screen» (1). – A cross will be displayed on the screen. > Tap the middle of the cross with a blunt object. – Further crosses will be shown on the screen one by one in different positions. >...

  • Page 68: Cleaning The Hook

    Care and maintenance > The brake spring must be inserted into the bobbin case as illustrated. – The inner loop of the brake spring (1) must be higher than the outside. – The opening (2) of the brake spring must face in the same direction as the opening of the bobbin case.

  • Page 69: Lubricating The Machine

    > Remove the stitch plate. > Turn the handwheel until the hook race is visible and accessible. > Add one drop of BERNINA oil to the hook race. > Turn the handwheel two to three times, so that the oil can spread.

  • Page 70: Quilting Frame

    Care and maintenance 7.3 Quilting frame Checking and cleaning the frame Over time the frame may settle and the structure should be checked periodically for proper leveling. > Using a spirit level, make sure the frame is level front to back and left to right. >...
  • Page 71 Care and maintenance > To lift the table, hold the table only by the lower section (foot and/or base of the tabletop), not by the extension elements.

  • Page 72: Errors And Faults

    Errors and faults Errors and faults 8.1 Error messages Error messages Explanation Remedy The needle is not in top position. > Press the handwheel inward and turn counterclockwise. Upper thread used up. > Fit and thread a new upper thread cone. Response from bobbin thread >...
  • Page 73 > Clean/lubricate the machine according to instructions. lubricating. Insufficient free space on the There is not enough free capacity > Make sure that the BERNINA USB stick (optional BERNINA USB stick (optional on the BERNINA USB stick accessory) is used.

  • Page 74: Troubleshooting

    > Reduce/increase the upper thread tension. loose. > Check the bobbin thread tension with the Bobbin thread tension gauge. Needle blunt or bent. > Use a new BERNINA quality needle. Needle substandard. > Use a new BERNINA quality needle. Thread substandard. > Use quality thread.
  • Page 75 Substandard or old thread. > Use quality thread. Stitch hole or hook tip damaged. > Get in contact with the specialist BERNINA dealer. Bobbin thread tension too high. > Increase the upper thread tension, or adjust the bobbin Lower thread breaks thread tension with the bobbin thread tension gauge.
  • Page 76 Power switch to «0». > Set the power switch to «I». Machine not running > Get in contact with the specialist BERNINA dealer. Light switched off in the Setup > Switch on the sewing light. (see page 48) Neither the sewing light nor Program.

  • Page 77: Technical Specifications

    Technical specifications Technical specifications For Frame and Sit down model. Designation Value Unit Throat space 20 (508) mm (inch Maximum sewing speed 2200 spm / rpm Weight of the machine Input voltage 100-240 Protection class (electrical engineering)

  • Page 78: Storage And Disposal

    If the machine is no longer required, dispose of it in an environmentally friendly way in accordance with the national guidelines or take it to the nearest BERNINA specialist shop. Do not dispose of the machine in the household waste.

  • Page 79: Appendix

    Appendix 11 Appendix 11.1 Amount of bobbin thread Thread Thread type Thread weight Thread quantity of a full BERNINA bobbin (yards) Superior Bottom Line 100 % polyester So Fine 50 100 % polyester So Fine 40 100 % polyester So Fine 30 100 % polyester Fantastico 100 % polyester...
  • Page 80 Appendix Thread Thread type Thread weight Thread quantity of a full BERNINA bobbin (yards) Mettler Silk Finish #50 100 % cotton Silk Finish #60 100 % cotton Seracor 100 % polyester dtex 139/2 FilTec Glide 100 % polyester Cairo quilt 100 % cotton Cairo quilt 100 % cotton...

  • Page 81: Index

    Index Index Foot control ................  24 Connecting ..............  24 Accessories ................  15 Programming the back kick ..........  24 Activate/deactivate function..........  17 Handles Bobbin case ..............  36,  67 Programming the handle buttons ........  26 Cleaning .................   67 Inserting................  36 Bobbin thread...............   31 Lubricating the machine............
  • Page 82 Index Setting the sewing light ............  48 Setting values ...............   17 Setup program..............  46 Software version ..............  64 Sound settings ..............  49 Spool disc ................  58 Spool net ................  59 Stitch counter ...............   21 Storing the machine..............   78 Thread selection..............  57 Threading ...............
  • Page 84 In partnership with  BERNINA International AG | CH-8266 Steckborn Switzerland | www.bernina.com | © Copyright by BERNINA International AG 1048005.00A.04 2020-11...

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