r/Bernina

I'm stoked to have found a third machine to add to my "collection". While the 217 can do everything I need and then some, I was looking for a lighter machine I can bring with me when I'm out and about, or use for simple domestic sewing, and found this beauty online.

She needs some light work, but mostly the usual things: cleaning and oiling, capacitor, .. the feed dog control was stuck but that was an easy fix as well. I'm still pondering on whether to keep the knee speed control (with a carbon stack regulator), replace it with a modern pedal but keeping the original motor, or swap the motor entirely.

I'll probably post about the 117L and 217 in the future but here's what I've done so far to make them usable:
- 117L got a 3D printed bracket with a small modern motor, will be mounted in a small box soon
- 217 is on its table but the clutch motor was replaced by a 750w servo with a small pulley for speed control. It has the cam attachment so I plan to 3D print custom cams for it.

I mostly use these for MYOG type of work (bag making, gear modification etc) and practicing towards a "parachute rigger" certification.

I live in Belgium so these type of machines are not that hard to find used online, yet they feel very precious to me ! To give a rough idea, I paid 30€ for the 125 (with a lot of original presser feet which also fit the 117L), 100€ for the 117L (bought from the first owner .. crazy right ?) and about 200€ for the 217 on its table with plenty of accessories.

Bernina 807 is skipping stitches. After having a look at the manual I think it is because the needle sits to high.

Manual says to unscrew the screw 70 in picture (red arrow in my photo) and than just put the needle in the right place.

I can‘t lower the needle even after unscrewing the screw. And I am not even sure if that‘s the problem… help 😅

Edit: sorry I only have the manual in german

Hi, I hope Bernette questions are ok here. I am setting up my B68 combo and the manual says the thread guide should be parallel to the machine when the pins are in place. Mine sits at an angle. Any thoughts on what I might be doing wrong or how I can troubleshoot? Thanks!

I purchased a Bernette B79 embroidery/sewing machine secondhand with the understanding that it needed repairs. The seller claimed that the screen needed replacing. I turned it on, and after the initial white screen pictured, the screen would go black like the second picture after about 1 minute. I found instructions on updating the firmware with a usb stick, and although the machine recognized the drive and the file, it won't advance past the 9% mark. Beyond taking it to a service center, does anyone know if there is a factory reset (or a way to delete and reinstall the OS) for the software? I can only find the latest update on Bernina's site, and can't find anyone else with this same issue.