Bernette b38 User Manual (English)

Questions and Answers:

M
Michael KelleyAug 16, 2025
How to fix skipped stitches on my Bernette Sewing Machine?
- B
  Barbara Bryant DVMAug 16, 2025
  Skipped stitches can occur for several reasons: * The needle may be incorrectly inserted, bent, or blunt. * The needle and/or threads may not be suitable for the work being sewn. * A blue shank needle may not be used for sewing stretch, very fine fabrics, and synthetics; try using stretch stitch needles. * Threads may not be threaded properly. * A poor quality needle may be in use; consider changing the needle.
C
Colleen RodriguezAug 18, 2025
Why does the needle thread keep breaking on my Bernette b38 Sewing Machine?
- T
  Troy GonzalezAug 18, 2025
  The needle thread may break due to several reasons: * The thread might not be threaded properly. * The thread tension could be too tight. * The needle might be bent or blunt, or incorrectly inserted. * The needle thread and the bobbin thread might not be set under the presser foot when starting to sew. * The threads might not have been drawn to the rear after sewing. * The thread could be too heavy or too fine for the needle.
J
Jennifer WellsAug 22, 2025
What to do if the needle breaks on my Bernette b38 Sewing Machine?
- D
  Deborah HarrisonAug 22, 2025
  If the needle breaks, consider the following possible causes: * The needle may be incorrectly inserted. * The needle clamp screw may be loose. * The threads might not have been drawn to the rear after sewing. * The needle may be too fine for the fabric being used. * An unsuitable presser foot may be in use; ensure you are using the proper foot.
C
catherine20Aug 25, 2025
Why does the bobbin thread keep breaking on my Bernette b38 Sewing Machine?
- E
  Emily AdamsAug 26, 2025
  The bobbin thread may break because: * The bobbin thread is not threaded properly in the bobbin holder. * Lint has collected in the bobbin holder. * The bobbin is damaged and doesn’t turn smoothly; replace the bobbin if this is the case. * The thread is wound loosely on a bobbin.
D
David McdowellAug 27, 2025
What causes seam puckering on my Bernette b38 Sewing Machine?
- L
  laurie40Aug 27, 2025
  Seam puckering can be caused by: * The thread tension being too tight. * The thread not being threaded properly. * The needle being too heavy for the fabric being sewn. * The stitch length being too long for the fabric; make the stitches shorter. * A stabilizer not being used when sewing very fine fabrics; apply a stabilizer.
A
amy02Aug 30, 2025
What to do if the fabric is not feeding smoothly on my Bernette b38?
- M
  Marvin ChenAug 31, 2025
  If the fabric isn't feeding smoothly, it could be due to: * The feed dog being packed with lint; try making the stitches longer. * The stitches being too fine. * The feed dog not being raised after “drop feed” sewing.
V
valerie70Sep 2, 2025
Why is my Bernette b38 Sewing Machine so noisy?
- B
  Barbara NelsonSep 3, 2025
  Your machine may be noisy because: * Thread has been caught in the hook race. * Lint has built up in the hook race or bobbin holder.
K
Kyle LoveSep 5, 2025
What causes loops on the seams with my Bernette b38 Sewing Machine?
- T
  Tyler MarksSep 6, 2025
  Loops on the seams can be caused by: * The needle thread tension being too loose. * The needle being too thick or too fine for the fabric being used.
V
Victor FisherSep 8, 2025
What to do if my Bernette b38 does not work?
- R
  rthompsonSep 9, 2025
  If your machine isn't working, check: * The machine is not plugged in. * Thread has been caught in the hook race. * The bobbin winder spindle is not returned to the left after bobbin winding.
P
paulagonzalezSep 12, 2025
Why is buttonhole sewing not sewn properly on my Bernette b38 Sewing Machine?
- J
  Justin FieldsSep 12, 2025
  Buttonhole sewing issues can arise because: * The stitch density is not suitable for the fabric being sewn; consider using an interfacing. * Suitable interface material has not been used for the stretch or synthetic fabric. * The buttonhole lever is not lowered.

Bernette b38 Specifications

General

Stitch Patterns	394
Maximum Sewing Speed	820 stitches/minute
Presser Foot Pressure	Adjustable
Display	LCD
Needle Positions	15
Maximum Stitch Width	7 mm
Maximum Stitch Length	5 mm
Feed Dog Drop	Yes
Start/Stop Button	Yes
Speed Control	Yes
Needle Stop Up/Down	Yes
Type	Computerized
Presser Feet Included	8
Automatic Needle Threader	Yes
USB Port	No
Buttonholes	8 (1-step)

Summary

Important Safety Instructions

DANGER! Reduce the risk of electric shock

Essential safety precautions to prevent electric shock, including unplugging and LED precautions.

WARNING! To reduce the risk of burns, fire, electric shock or injury

General safety guidelines for operation, handling, and maintenance to prevent injuries and hazards.

Names of Parts

Sewing Machine Components

Identification and description of the various external and internal parts of the sewing machine.

Connecting the Power Supply

Using the Foot Control Connection

Steps to connect the foot control to the machine for power and operation.

Using the Start/Stop Button

Instructions for connecting the power supply and using the start/stop button for machine operation.

Controlling Sewing Speed

Slide Speed Control Adjustment

How to adjust sewing speed using the slide control on the machine.

Foot Control for Speed Variation

Using the foot pedal to start, stop, and control the sewing machine's speed.

Machine Operating Buttons

Start/Stop Button Operation

Detailed explanation of the start/stop button function and its limitations.

Additional Machine Controls

Needle Stop Up/Down Button

Controlling the needle's position (up or down) with a dedicated button.

Thread Cutter Button Operation

Using the thread cutter button to trim threads after sewing.

Touch Panel and LCD Display

Touch Panel Functions Overview

Navigating through different modes and selecting stitch patterns using the touch panel.

LCD Display Information

Presser Foot Holder and Foot Changing

Attaching and Removing the Presser Foot Holder

Procedure for installing and removing the presser foot holder assembly.

Changing the Presser Foot

Step-by-step guide on how to safely remove and attach different presser feet.

Presser Foot and Feed Dog Controls

Presser Foot Lever Operation

How to use the presser foot lever to raise and lower the presser foot for fabric placement.

Presser Foot Pressure Adjustment

Dropping and Raising the Feed Dog

Needle Installation and Fabric/Needle Chart

Changing the Sewing Machine Needle

Detailed steps for removing and inserting a new needle correctly.

Fabric and Needle Selection Guide

Bobbin Winding and Insertion Preparation

Removing the Bobbin and Cover Plate

Steps to remove the bobbin and its cover plate for access.

Setting the Spool of Thread

Instructions for placing the thread spool on the horizontal and second spool pins.

Bobbin Winding Procedure

Winding the Bobbin

Step-by-step guide for winding thread onto the bobbin correctly.

Inserting the Bobbin into the Holder

Threading the Bobbin Holder

Detailed steps for inserting the wound bobbin into the bobbin holder and threading it.

Threading the Sewing Machine

Upper Thread Path and Guides

Guide for threading the upper thread through the machine's guides and tension discs.

Using the Needle Threader

Automatic Needle Threading

Step-by-step instructions for using the automatic needle threader.

Drawing Up the Bobbin Thread

Retrieving the Bobbin Thread

Procedure to bring the bobbin thread up to the needle area for sewing.

Key Position and Thread Tension Adjustments

Adjusting Thread Tension for Straight Stitch

How to achieve balanced thread tension for a perfect straight stitch.

Thread Tension for Zigzag Stitch

Correct Tension for Zigzag Stitch

Ensuring proper thread tension for ideal zigzag stitch appearance.

Basic Sewing: Straight Stitch Techniques

Starting and Finishing Straight Stitch Seams

Instructions for initiating and completing a straight stitch seam, including backstitching.

Zipper Sewing

Attaching the Zipper Foot

How to correctly attach the zipper foot for sewing zippers.

Preparing Fabric for Zipper Insertion

Zipper Sewing Procedure

Sewing Zippers with the Zipper Foot

Detailed steps for sewing zippers, including handling sliders and basting stitches.

Blindstitch Techniques

Performing a Blindstitch

How to create a blindstitch for hems, with fabric folding and needle positioning.

Adjusting Needle Position for Blindstitch

Specialty Stitches: Bridge and Button Sewing

Bridge Stitch Application

Sewing Buttons onto Fabric

Step-by-step guide for sewing buttons onto fabric using the button-sew-on foot.

Buttonhole Types and Uses

Overview of Buttonhole Styles

Description of different buttonhole types and their suitability for various fabrics and buttons.

Sewing a Standard Buttonhole

Preparing for Standard Buttonhole

Steps to prepare the machine and fabric for sewing a standard buttonhole.

Standard Buttonhole Sewing Process

Executing the Buttonhole Stitch

The automatic sewing process for a standard buttonhole, including bartacks and thread trimming.

Darning Stitch

Performing Darning Stitch

Steps for sewing darning stitches to repair fabric or create decorative patterns.

Machine Care and Maintenance

Cleaning Hook Race and Feed Dog

Detailed steps for cleaning lint and debris from the hook race and feed dog.

Installing the Bobbin Holder

Troubleshooting: Warning Signs and Errors

Interpreting LCD Display Warnings

Understanding error codes and warning signs displayed on the LCD screen.

Audible Signal Meanings

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Needle Thread Breakage Causes

Identifying reasons for needle thread breakage and their remedies.

Bobbin Thread Breakage Causes

Troubleshooting bobbin thread breakage and related issues.

Skipped Stitches and Seam Puckering

Resolving problems like skipped stitches, seam puckering, and fabric feeding issues.

Machine Not Working or Noisy

Diagnosing and fixing common machine malfunctions like not working or excessive noise.

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