This week I ran into a problem with my new Bernina jumbo bobbin, and I was not able to find photos that were helpful online. I fixed the problem with some help from my dealer, Gotham Quilts. It was an easy fix, and I want to share what happened so no one else has a little panic attack on a deadline.
To set the scene, I was sewing along on a super secret project, and there was a little rattle noise from my bobbin case, and all of the stitches I’d sewn suddenly puckered up. I stopped, cut the block off of the bobbin thread, and took the bobbin out. It was running out of thread, and it had tangled up. (I don’t have photos for this, because sometimes I live in the moment. I didn’t think of photos until I had fixed it.)
I wound a new bobbin and popped it into the case. It felt a little tight, and less bouncy than usual, but I didn’t think much of it. Then I tried sewing another block. Two inches in, and it was puckered. Sigh.
Out comes the bobbin case for an inspection. I see this. Now, I don’t remember this copper wire. I could have just not seen it, but I like copper, and it usually catches my eye.
So, I go searching for photos of the bobbin case in my manual. None of the images show the inside of the case. I go online. Same thing. No photos show the part I think is wrong. I start texting with Andrea from Gotham Quilts. She’s on a train, so not as responsive as Manic Panic Jen requires. Still really responsive, considering she’s on a train.
Since I’m a longarmer and fix my own machine, I’m pretty familiar with bobbin cases. The silver part at the back is a backlash spring. It’s job is to keep some tension on the bobbin during fast sewing, so that when you change speed, your bobbin doesn’t keep spinning and make messes, or backlash. That’s the bounce I feel when it is correct.
I noticed the hole in the spring at the top, and using my seam ripper, gave it a poke. (I’m fearless when the machine is already broken.) It is really flexible, and I was able to pull it down, and pop the copper wire under it. Then I snapped the spring back into position. I slid the bobbin back in, and it felt right!
Immediately after I did that, Andrea confirmed that the wire belongs under the spring. Perfect! Everything is fixed now, and no more puckering of my seams.
So, if you are having problems with your Bernina Jumbo Bobbin, check to be certain that all of the parts are in the right place. Be careful, because replacements are expensive.
I shot a little video to demonstrate the problem with the bobbin, and how to fix it. It really doesn’t take much to pull it out of place. I will not demonstrate the machine sewing with the bad bobbin case, because I’m concerned that I could cause further problems that way.
I’m still in love with my Bernina, but I’m also really, really grateful that I learned so much with my Gammill. Figuring out how to prevent the little tangle at the end of the bobbin is my next task. I don’t pay much attention when I wind them.
I’m glad it was an easy fix. I wonder if the backlash spring getting a bit of lint behind it is enough to move the copper wire?
That’s an interesting thought, Yvonne, as I recently worked on two velvet projects which were super linty. It seems really clean now, but I will keep an eye on it.
Thank you so much for posting this. I had this problem & you fixed it for me! I live 3 hours from a Bernina dealer so you really saved me!
Great save! I hate when those things we don’t notice until its not right. You solved it and I too believe in being fearless with “fixing” your machine as much as you can.
Hey! Any experience dealing with a top thread break error when the thread is not broken? This one just showed up on my Tula today. 😦
No. I haven’t seen that. I would give it a good dusting.
Thank you for posting this!! The same thing happened to me today and I couldn’t find anything about it anywhere until I found your website! Your video really helped! I was able to fix it on my own. Now I can get back to sewing face masks (and other fun things)!
I’m so glad it helped you, Liz!
THANK YOU!!!! I had something similar happen and was afraid I would have to buy another one. With your wonderful video on this I was able to fix mine too. Thank goodness I found you! Can’t go to the lqs right now so thrilled you shared this.
You are so welcome!
Thank you so much. I just had the same issue and with your photos and video I was able to get the wire back in place.
Hooray!
It just happened the same thing! Thanks to your video I could fix it in 10 seconds! I was thinking to buy a new one! 😎
Thanks a lot, Jen! Same thing occured here with my B740, I am so glad that I am joining a German Bernina group on facebook and that one of the girls has been so smart to post a link to your blog.
You saved my weekend, especially because I am sewing stuff for homeless people here in Hamburg, following an appeal to all sewist on instagram by Hanseatic Help and Gobanyo.
Sending you very best wishes for the christmas season.
Hilke
I’ve had my 535 for 4 months and have had the bobbin get thread jammed behind it twice now. Any fixes for that besides paying the repair man? I’m ready to trade it in.
Hi, Mary! That must be really frustrating. I’m not familiar with that model – I have the 570, and before that it was a 153. Have you called the shop where you purchased it? A lot of time the staff can be really helpful. I know that all of the employees at my shop work with Berninas, so we have quite a bit of experience with our specific models.
You are a life saver!!! Just got my machine yesterday and had this problem sewing today. I was about in tears!
I’m so glad I helped! It has happened to me a couple of times, now, and it is so nice to be able to fix it.
This was so helpful for me. I dislodged the copper wire by accident thinking it was a piece of brown thread! I remember seeing your post and was able to fix it. Thanks so much!
I’m so glad it was helpful for you, Barbara! I know I always find fixing things myself to be tremendously empowering.
You’ve just saved me $160NZD… thank’s so much!
You are so welcome! It’s so nice to hear that people are still finding this post useful.
Thank you so much!!!! This was perfect!!!
This just happened to me on a very cold day when I did not want to make a trip to my wonderful Bernina dealer. I’m going to try and tackle it myself! Thank you!
Thanks so much for sharing this fix!! My Bernina dealer is an hour away!