Wobbling Bernina

I wonder if it has anything to do with tension? I'm just guessing, but my Kenmore is really picky sometimes. Depends on the cloth. Barbara, back in SC

Have you tried changing the needle?

Janner France

One of the things that my 430 did was choke if there was any fluff under the stitch plate. That is where I would start if all all of the tension settings are correct and you need to look for something else. John

There was a new needle in but just in case, I changed it anyway. Checked all areas for fluff. Stitches look a little better but I suspect there's a board, chip or something going wonky. Polly

"John" >

One of the things that my 430 did was choke if there was any fluff under the stitch plate. That is where I would start if all all of the tension settings are correct and you need to look for something else. John

That is why I love mechanical machines. No chip, No error. John

It may be time for a tune up. It could be a timing and/or balance issue. I have no idea. I hope you can get it treated easily. KJ

That is just what I was thinking. I am really trying to enjoy the Janome

6600 but I am with you on this John. You might be in trouble when we think alike. lol

Would a straight stitch plate help Polly? This is where the old straight stitch only vintage machines shine. Taria

That is why I love mechanical machines. No chip, No error. John

somtimes I have brushed the key pad and it has change the stitch to a slight zig. so now I lock the stich. Could it be that simple?? Ruby

Sounds like the needle bar assembly has worked/worn itself a bit loose. The reason the straight stitch only machines make a great straight stitch is that the needle bar assembly never moves from its position. With zigzag capability the needle bar assembly has to move from side to side. Eventually, from use, from hitting a pin or such or otherwise, the assembly gets to the point where it doesn't "hold" as tight as it should. So the needle can move a bit as it stitches. May just need an adjustment, but may need to have the needle bar assembly replaced. (ouch) When I had to have the assembly replaced a year or so ago the service tech told me that I "sewed too much" . Of course this was 20+ years after I bought the machine. sigh. (cost was about $400. but cheaper than a new machine.)

good luck with it,

Pati, in Phx

Because it was something that I could try - I swapped the bobbin case from the 155 to the 440QE. The stitch looks better. But - yes. I sew too much too. Polly

good luck with it,

Pati, in Phx

Rather than anything dire, it's probably just n=in need of a service. The modern electronic machines are very good and very precice, but that precision depends on a number of little servo motors all working and being properly aligned. It is the nature of the thing to need minor adjustments every so often and this indicates a servive. My Lily is due for a service: I can tell this when the buttonholes are not quite as they should be,

Polly,

Did you also try switching bobbins?

There may be a bit of fluff stick someplace that's hard to get at in the bobbin case , or perhaps a bit of residue on the bobbin case or bobbin case base.

I don't know if you ever stitch through anything sticky (basting adhesive, etc) and if so this stuff can get onto the bobbin case area and make the thread stick. Try cleaniing the bobbin case inside and out with alcohol dipped in a qtip; wipe and let the alcohol dissipate before testing on the machine. And don't forget to do the same to bobbin case base where the bobbin goes in (IF it's all metal), and the metal spindle the bobbin case sits on.

-Irene

How it warms my heart to see you feel like climbing in here, Irene. Welcome, welcome home. I don't stitch gummy stuff. When something says "won't gum up your needle" I always think "wanna bet?" But . . . it's probably well past time to find a dealer and get my favorite tool properly tended. The 440QE is only a year old but has been a million happy miles. Just because I trust you so much, I'll go get the alcohol and q-tips and give the bobbin case/area a cleaning and over-night drying. Might feel as good to Miss Bernina as taking off a longline bra. Anyone remember those? Polly

Another thing about my old mechanical Singers, if you crash, break a needle, etc., they keep on going without a trip to the hospital. I crashed my Bernina 160 and knocked it completely out of time, it was out of business until the hospital trip and $120. It's a good thing I had backup mechanical.

Bonnie, in Middletown, VA

I do believe in back-up. It surprises me that Steven doesn't have at least an old straight-stitch something. Polly

I have crashed the Lily in to pins, zipper stops, corset boning, metal collar stiffeners, and thick wodges of fabric. Doesn't seem to worry it at all. needle shrapnel everywhere, and nary a problem. But just time...18 months or so of LOTS of sewing of all sorts, and it needs a little TLC.

However, I was prepared for this when I bought the machine. It has already (I suddenly realized the other day!) done ten and a half years of serious slave labour. It's getting more of a rest these last few months with the test machines comming through. But any time I need something a little fancy or a good se;;-to-customer buttonhole, Lily is there and smiling. She needs her tune-up right now: last lot of buttonholes were getting a tad iffy towards the end...

Taria, love my Janome 6600, but I use it only for machine quilting and the occasional fancy stitch. All piecing gets done on my 1950's Singer

301, which has a fantastic stitch (and I can fix myself). Never was happy with piecing on the 6600, or on my Bernina 153QE. Modern machines have feed dogs that are too wide, which makes it hard to stay on that 1/4" seam.

I also love being able to sew on one project while I have the 6600 set up for quilting on another.