Bernina 200E owner's manual: Selecting the Most Appropriate Hoop for Adjusted Motif Size

Selecting the Most Appropriate Hoop for Adjusted Motif Size

The best embroidery results are achieved by selecting the most appropriate hoop for the motif size.

• for more information on Selecting the Most Appropriate Hoop see pages 196/199

Calculating New Embroidery Data

After changing from Design Menu Edit 2 to Embroidery menu (Ready) the new embroidery data is recalculated according to the changes made.

• for more information on Calculating New Embroidery Data see page 220
• for more information on Saving Altered Lettering see pages 240-242

Combining Lettering

Letters (for example words) can be combined with other letters or motifs.

Combining Different Words

The words (for example Nothing Sews Like A Bernina. Nothing.) are put together by the line and positioned individually:

Putting Together the First Text Line

• select desired alphabet type from the Selection menu
  • a special screen with a keyboard appears
• enter for example «Nothing Sews»
  • select letters by using the Upper Case/Lower Case button and touch space bar to insert spaces where needed
• confirm combined letters with «OK» and the letters appear in the Design Menu Edit 1
• use the «To Next Page» symbol to change to Design Menu Edit 2

Embroidery - Alphabets, Lettering 229

Positioning First Text Line

• select large hoop (Large Oval) with the function «Hoop Select»
• rotate text by 90° (more space for text in hoop) with the Rotate Motif function
• position text with the function «Move Motif»

Combining and Positioning Further Text Lines

• select «Add Motif» in the Design Menu Edit 1
  • further text lines will also be combined and positioned individually as described above
• to determine equal spacing between lines, pay attention to the numbers in the purple knob icon function «Move Motif» when positioning text lines

Combining Motifs and Lettering After selecting a motif the lettering is added according to the work at hand (e.g. text in a motif). Or the lettering is created first and the motif added afterwards (e.g. embellished text).

Combining Example (Creating Text in an Ornament)

• select desired motif in the embroidery computer
  • the motif appears in the Design Menu Edit 1
• select «Add Motif» in the Design Menu Edit 1
• select desired alphabet type from the Selection menu
  • a special screen with keyboard appears
• enter text (e.g. «Flowers»)
• select lettering using Upper Case/Lower Case button
• confirm combined lettering with «OK» and the lettering is displayed in the Design Menu Edit 1 slightly offset above the motif (ornament)

230 Embroidery - Alphabets, Lettering

Altering Text to Suit Motif

• "use the «To Next Page» symbol to change to Design Menu Edit 2

• position the text as desired with the function «Move Motif»

• "alter text size to suit motif with the functions «Rescale Motif Proportionally» or «Rescale Motif Height or Width»

Calculating New Embroidery Data

After changing from Design Menu Edit 2 to Embroidery menu (Ready) the new embroidery data is recalculated according to the changes made.

Motif Colors

The motif colors can be changed as well as embroidered in different ways.

Preparation

• select desired motif from the Selection menu
• the motif is displayed in the Design Menu Edit 1

Adjustments

Reallocating Motif Colors

• touch the function «Color Number» in the Design Menu Edit 1 or Edit 2
• the Color Motif display opens
• following information on color is available: display of current color, current color position (first number), number of all colors (second number) and color number of chosen thread brand
• scroll with the arrows until the color to be changed appears
• touch Color Information bar

• a special screen for changing the current thread color appears
• to change the thread brand scroll with the arrows next to the color brand, until the desired brand appears
• to change the thread color scroll with the arrows next to the thread color, until the desired color appears, then touch Color bar
• touched Color bar is active (highlighted in blue)

Note: For a quick selection of a certain color number, use the function «Color Selection by Number».

• touch «OK», selected thread color and changed thread brand are displayed in the Color Information bar

232 Embroidery - Adjustments

Embroidering Motifs in One Color

• touch the brush symbol in the Embroidery menu (Ready)
• brush symbol is activated (highlighted in blue)
• embroidery computer stops only when motif is complete

Embroidering Lettering in Multi Colors

• lettering is embroidered in one color and the brush symbol is not visible
• to embroider each letter of a word or each word of a word combination in a different color, each letter or word must be programmed and placed separately
• the embroidery computer stops after each letter or word, the thread color can be changed
• the Embroidery Time is displayed for each color
• to embroider the complete lettering combination in one color, touch the brush symbol now visible

• for more information on Combining Motifs see page 223 ••••••

Embroidering Individual Color Sections and Manual Adjustment of Color Sequence

• special effects can be acquired according to the motif, only when individual color sections are embroidered (e.g. embroider only the outlines of the motif)
• scroll Embroidery menu (Ready) for color sequence until desired color area is displayed
• to confirm touch the Color Information bar (the cursor symbol appears). This positions the needle in the start of the color sequence selected
• embroider color (embroidery computer stops automatically at the end of color)

Embroidery - Adjustments 233

Adjusting Motifs

Special fabrics (e.g. toweling, velvet, etc.), thinner or thicker threads can influence the embroidery result. If the embroidery test is not satisfactory, the motif can be adjusted accordingly with the Motif Properties function in the Design Menu Edit 2:

• touch Motif Properties function
• a special screen with the following functions appears:
  • Satin Density: altering stitch density of satin stitch
  • Step Density: altering stitch density of step stitch
  • Fancy Density: altering stitch density of Fancy-Fill
  • Pull Compensation: adjusting excessive spacing/overlap of motif
  • Run Length: altering outline length

Altering Stitch Density

• determining stitch type: satin stitch, step stitch or decorative stitches (Fancy-Fill)
• increase desired stitch density by touching «+»
• reduce desired stitch density by touching «-»
• confirm entry by touching «OK»
• the spinning spool shows that the new motif is being recalculated
• the spinning spool disappears and the Design Menu Edit 2 reappears

for more information on Stitch Types see pages 208-209

Adjusting Pull Compensation

• is used for example when the outline is not correct or the motif is distorted
• touching «+» increases the Pull Compensation value to decrease excessive spacing between objects and/or outlines caused by the push and pull effect of fill stitches
• touching «-» decreases the Pull Compensation value to eliminate excessive overlap of objects and/or outlines caused by the push and pull effect of fill stitches
• confirm entry by touching «OK»
• the spinning spool shows that the new motif is being recalculated
• the spinning spool disappears and the Design Menu Edit 2 reappears

Altering Run Length (Outline)

• lengthen Run Length by touching «+»
• shorten Run Length by touching «-»
• confirm entry by touching «OK»
• the spinning spool shows that the new motif is being recalculated
• the spinning spool disappears and the Design Menu Edit 2 reappears

234 Embroidery - Adjustments

Free Arm Embroidery

Free arm embroidery is suitable for lettering and small motifs (not larger than 72x50mm).

Application

• embroidering closed items such as sleeves, trousers, socks, etc.
• embroidering tubular items

for more information on Attaching Adapter see page 192 ●●●●●●●●●●

Preparation ❖ insert the adapter between the sewing computer and the embroidery module

Applications

Selecting Motif ❖ select motif, stitching field of small hoop is 72x50 mm ❖ rescale motif if necessary ❖ check motif size with the function «?» (Help) from the Selection menu if necessary

Note: Not only small motifs are suitable for free arm embroidery, but also lettering and letter combinations.

❖ select motif or letter

• the desired motif is displayed in the small hoop in Design Menu Edit 1 ❖ alter motif or lettering if desired ❖ when altering pay attention that maximum size does not exceed 72x50 mm

Embroidering ❖ when changing from Design Menu Edit 1 or Edit 2 to Embroidery menu (Ready) the «adapter recognition» takes place

• the embroidery computer recognizes that the adapter as well as the small hoop are attached ❖ embroider motif

Embroidery - Applications 235

Embroidering Lace

• lace motifs can be embroidered directly onto fabric. For a true lace effect, however, embroider the motif on water soluble stabilizer, and then use it as lace
• use fine thread for fine embroidery. Use thick thread for crochet style effects

Embroidering

• place two or three layers of water soluble stabilizer in embroidery hoop (depending on thickness of stabilizer)
• embroider motif
• rinse stabilizer away and place lace flat on paper towels to dry

Note: In the two lace motifs already programmed in the embroidery computer, only the Heart is suitable for the technique described above.

TIP

For lace motifs (e.g. Lace Border) place a piece of organza, netting or tulle underneath water soluble stabilizer when using one layer, and in between when using two layers. Trim excess organza or tulle closely along motif after rinsing and drying.

236 Embroidery - Applications

Embroidering Borders

• embroidered borders can be made either from several small motifs or from long rows of aligned motifs
• borders are perfect for decorative embellishment of table and bedlinen, drapery and skirt hems, etc.

Preparation

• use basting stitch (stitch No. 21) on sewing computer or an air or water soluble marker (test first on fabric remnant) to mark the center of the border
• sub-divide border: measure length of the whole border as well as of one single motif or repeat (the size of one motif is displayed on the embroidery computer)
• divide the whole length of border by the length of one motif or repeat to get the number of motifs or repeats that can be stitched on the border
• the remaining length is the distance between the individual motifs (divide length by one motif less than calculated, e.g. 8 motifs or repeats: divide total length by 7)
• for a wider distance between the individual motifs, stitch fewer motifs
• mark individual motif center
• in continuous motifs, the end point of one motif is often the start point of the next one, so the positioning of the individual motifs is done automatically

Embroidering

• use template to place fabric in hoop (use center point and marked center line as a guide)
• embroider motif, unhoop fabric and rehoop at next mark

TIP

Positioning motifs

Use BERNINA's software to print motif in original size for use as a template. Use print to arrange and place motif directly on fabric (mark center or start point of design).

Alternatively, use a scrap of original fabric to embroider motif. Use motif instead of print for placements.

TIP

Checking first stitch before completing embroidery

Touch the Color Information bar in Embroidery menu (Ready) to move the hoop to first stitch of current thread color (a cursor symbol appears in the Color Information bar).

TIP

Embroidery Mega-Hoop (special accessory)

Use the embroidery Mega-Hoop for particularly easy embroidering of borders: fabric need not be hooped as often as when using normal hoops.

Embroidery - Applications 237

Shadow Embroidery

A shadow effect is acquired if the same embroidered lettering or word in another color is placed slightly offset on top of an already embroidered lettering or word.

Creating Lettering

• create lettering

for more information on Lettering see page 226 ••••••••••••••••••

Reducing Stitch Density

• since the lettering is embroidered on top of each other, reduce the stitch density to obtain best possible embroidery results
• select Motif Properties function in Design Menu Edit 2
• a special screen with stitch types altering applications appears
• reduce stitch density of lettering stitch by touching «-» and confirm with «OK»
• according to the amount of reduction, embroidered lettering appears more airy

Duplicating Lettering

• copy lettering with the function «Duplicate» in Design Menu Edit 1
• the alteration of the stitch density remains in the lettering copy

Moving Copied Lettering

• move lettering copy to the desired position in Design Menu Edit 2
• the created lettering shadow can appear smaller or lager according to how the copied lettering was moved

Allocating Motif Colors

• allocate the desired lettering colors in the Design Menu Edit 1 or Edit 2

for more information on Allocating Motif Colors see page 232 •••••

Embroidering Lettering With Shadow

• embroider lettering

TIP For good embroidery results Reduce embroidery speed according to stitch density if necessary.

238 Embroidery - Applications

Saving Motifs 240 • Saving to the embroidery computer • Saving on Personal design card • Overwriting motifs

Deleting Saved Motifs 243 • Deleting one saved motif • Deleting all saved motifs

Saving and Deleting Motifs

In General

Motifs from the embroidery computer, personal design cards, CD-ROMs or the myartista Portal, as well as motifs created in the BERNINA artista software, can be combined, rearranged, and altered in different ways, then saved.

Motifs can either be saved to the embroidery computer or on a personal design card. Open desired motif from embroidery computer, personal design card or peripheral source. Alter or combine motif if desired.

The embroidery computer has a memory system, i.e. both the sewing stitch combinations and embroidery «My Designs» are saved in this system. Since the memory space is not sub-divided into fixed spaces, any desired number of motifs can be stored as long as enough free memory is still available. If there is not enough memory space, other motifs and/or stitch information must first be deleted.

Saving Motifs

Saving to the Embroidery Computer

Note: In a saved stitch combination, individual stitches can be altered after being selected.

Note: Motifs which have been altered in terms of size, stitch density, etc. and saved, will be regarded as a new motif when subsequently selected. (That is why all percentages say 100%, and the original alteration(s) is/are no longer visible.)

• open desired motif from embroidery computer, personal design card or peripheral source
• alter or combine motif if desired
• touch «Save» in the Design Menu Edit 1

• motif to be saved is displayed as «untitled» on left of screen
• the Embroidery Computer button from the Selection menu is activated
• the folder My Designs will open automatically
• the System Memory Capacity (Free Capacity) is shown in percentage (%) in a bar above the folders
• select motif to be saved

240 Saving and Deleting Motifs – Saving Motifs

• screen with keyboard appears ❖ name the motif folder ❖ touch «OK»
• the motif is now saved under this name in the My Designs folder (in alphabetical order)

Saving to a Personal Design Card

• personal design cards are available as optional accessories from your BERNINA dealer

❖ open desired motif from embroidery computer, personal design card or peripheral source ❖ alter or combine motif if desired ❖ touch «Save» in the Design Menu Edit 1

• for more information on Embroidery Cards see page 255

• motif to be saved is displayed as «untitled» on left side of screen ❖ insert personal design card ❖ select Design Card button from the Selection menu ❖ the System Memory Capacity (Free Capacity) is shown in percentage (%) in a bar above the folders ❖ select the motif to be saved

• screen with keyboard appears ❖ enter name of motif ❖ touch «OK»
• motif is now saved on personal design card in alphabetical order with this name

Saving and Deleting Motifs – Saving Motifs 241

Overwriting Motifs

• motifs saved in «My Designs» or on a personal design card can be directly overwritten with a new motif
  • open desired motif from embroidery computer, personal design card or peripheral source
  • alter or combine motif if desired
  • touch «Save» in the Design Menu Edit 1

• motif to be saved is displayed as «untitled» on left of screen
  • select Design Card button (personal design card inserted) or Embroidery Computer button from the Selection menu
  • touch the motif you wish to overwrite

• a message appears asking «Do you want to overwrite 3 quilts.ART?»
  • touch «Yes» to confirm
  • select the motif to be saved
  • the motif is now saved with the name of the overwritten one

242 Saving and Deleting Motifs – Saving Motifs

Deleting a Saved Motif

❖ select Design Card button (personal design card inserted) or Embroidery Computer button from the Selection menu, as well as appropriate folder ❖ touch the «?» (Help) button in the motif overview ❖ select appropriate motif

Deleting Saved Motifs

• a special screen opens which, in addition to information on the motif selected, displays the Delete button at the bottom left ❖ touch «Delete»

• special screen opens ❖ touch «I want to delete this design»
• message «Do you really want to delete this design?» appears ❖ confirm with «Yes»
• motif is deleted

Note: If factory set embroidery motifs are deleted or overwritten, they can be restored by downloading the enclosed CD-ROM onto the embroidery computer.

Saving and Deleting Motifs – Deleting Saved Motifs 243

Deleting All Saved Motifs

• it is possible to delete the content of a personal design card, or a folder that has been saved on the embroidery computer all at once
  • to delete the content of a personal design card, activate Design Card (personal design card inserted) in the menu
  • to delete the content of a folder in the embroidery computer, select Embroidery Computer in the menu, then the appropriate folder (Alphabets, Motif, My Designs)

• touch the «?» (Help) button
• select any desired motif

• a special screen opens which, in addition to information on the motif selected, displays the Delete button at the bottom left
• touch «Delete»

• special screen opens
• touch «I want to delete ALL designs»

• message «Do you really want to delete all designs in the folder/personal design card?» appears
• confirm with «Yes»
• all motifs which were in the appropriate folder or on the personal design card are now deleted

244 Saving and Deleting Motifs – Deleting Saved Motifs

Thread Breakage While Embroidering 246

Trouble Shooting 247 • Prevention and remedy of failures • Messages

Embroidery Support

It is possible that the upper or lower thread may run out or break while embroidering. In this case the embroidery computer stops automatically provided that the upper and lower thread sensors are activated.

• how to activate Upper and Lower Thread Sensors in Setup see page 167

Upper Thread Breaks

• the embroidery computer stops automatically when the upper thread runs out or has broken
• a message appears on the screen
  • check upper thread and rethread
  • touch «OK» to go back to the Embroidery screen

Thread Breakage While Embroidering

Lower Thread Runs Out

• the embroidery computer stops automatically when the lower thread runs out
• a message appears on the screen
  • check lower thread and refill if necessary
  • touch «OK» to go back to the Embroidery screen

Embroidery Sequence Control for Thread Breakage

• an Information Area for the use of the stitch width knob appears
  • turn the stitch width knob counter clockwise (or clockwise) to move the embroidery hoop backwards (or forwards) in the embroidery sequence
  • turn the stitch width knob slowly to move the hoop stitch by stitch
  • go back stitch by stitch to a position several stitches before thread breakage occurred to resume stitching

Resuming Embroidery

• press foot control or Quick Reverse button on head frame to resume stitching
• Embroidery screen reappears again
  • complete motif

246 Embroidery support – Thread Breakage While Embroidering

Prevention and Remedy of Failures

Note the following advice to recognize the causes of most of the operation failures in the embroidery computer that might occur.

Check First Whether:

• upper and lower threads are threaded correctly
• the needle is inserted correctly - flat part of the shank to the back
• the needle is the correct size (see Needle/Thread Chart on pages 17-19)
• the embroidery computer is clean - remove any thread lint
• the hook race is clean
• bits of thread are trapped between the tension disks and under the bobbin case spring

Upper Thread Breaks

• upper thread tension is too tight
• use of low quality needle. It is best to buy needles in a BERNINA store
• needle has been inserted incorrectly. The flat part of the shank must be to the back
• needle is blunt or bent
• use of poor quality thread, thread with knots, thread too old or dried out
• use appropriate spool disc
• use net for even unwinding of thread (pull over upper thread spool)
• stitch plate hole or hook tip is damaged: take the embroidery computer to an authorized BERNINA dealer
• reduce embroidery speed

Lower Thread Breaks

• lower thread tension is too tight
• lower thread is trapped in the embroidery bobbin case. Replace bobbin
• needle is blunt or bent
• the stitch plate hole has been damaged by the needle. It must be polished by a BERNINA Technician

Skipped Stitches

• incorrect needle used. Use only 130/705H needle system
• needle is bent or blunt or not correctly inserted. Push all the way to the top when inserting
• low quality, badly polished needle used

Needle Breaks

• needle clamp screw is too loose
• defective stitch plate

Unsatisfactory Stitch Formation

• remnants of thread between tension disks: pull folded thin fabric (use the fold, not an outer edge) back and forth between the tension disks to clean the left and right side of the thread tension

• remove any remnants of thread from under the bobbin case spring

• adjust thread tension

• used wrong or no stabilizer at all

• incorrectly threaded - check upper and lower thread

• when embroidering, thread pigtail tensioner with lower thread

• use appropriate spool disc

• clean and oil hook (use original oiler only. See Cleaning and Lubricating on page 179)

Embroidery Computer Fails to Run or Runs Slowly

• plug not fully inserted
• power switch in «0» (off) position
• embroidery computer has been standing in a cold room

Defective Sewing Light

• take the embroidery computer to an authorized BERNINA dealer

Lower Thread Indicator Sensor

• bobbin cover is not closed
• not activated in the Setup Program
• remove any thread lint and remnants from the bobbin case

Upper Thread Indicator Sensor

• not activated in the Setup Program

Embroidery Support – Trouble Shooting 247

Messages

In special cases messages may appear on the screen. They serve as a reminder, warning, or confirmation of selected applications and functions.

Below, the embroidery module messages are listed, together with the appropriate action to be taken in each case.

• Possible Messages regarding the sewing computer see page 181 ●●●●●●●●●●

Message

• The embroidery computer cannot change to sewing. Please finish the layer and press the «Edit» button to return to previous screen. You may now safely change to sewing.
• Hoop cannot be parked because the presser foot or needle is in the wrong position.
• Please lower the feed dog.
• Please use a larger embroidery hoop.
• Card exchange was not accepted. Possible loss of data! Please refer to your manual before exchanging cards.
• The point lies outside the embroidery area.
• The next stitch lies outside the embroidery area. Please rehoop fabric and relocate the design.
• Please reposition the Mega-Hoop to Upper (1) position, raise presser foot and press OK to start calibration.
• Please reposition the Mega-Hoop to Middle (2) position, raise presser foot and press OK to start calibration.
• Please reposition the Mega-Hoop to Lower (3) position, raise presser foot and press OK to start calibration.
• Please change the needle to the highest position.
• Please attach embroidery module.
• Embroidery module communication working properly.
• Embroidery module communication NOT working!
• Embroidery design card working properly.
• Embroidery design card NOT working.
• You have selected embroidery. Please attach the embroidery module and foot No. 15, raise the presser foot and lower the feed dog. Press OK to start module detection, the Module Arm will MOVE.

248 Embroidery Support – Messages