back to the AGW Sew A Long Lesson #1
Well I finished my Sew-a-long this AM and all went well. Only have one question for anyone who can answer: On the second machine setting it says Tension: Thread bobbin case finger. Am I correct in assuming that the bobbin case finger is at the right side of the bobbin case just behind the "flip finger"? If so how do you pull the thread around to it? I pulled the thread across the front of the bobbin case and caught it in the hook from bottom to top, then I inserted the bobbin case.
All went well and the stitch quality was good but I really would like to know if I am doing this correctly. There were no instructions in my Bernina 1630 manual re: this procedure.
Thanks for the help. I purchased my machine used, and not having lessons from a dealer is a definite handicap sometimes.
- Susan in High Springs,FL
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Susan,
The rotary bobbin machines do not have a bobbin case finger. Our 1630's have rotary bobbins. Since the AGW books were written for all Bernina's and all the oscillating bobbin machines have a bobbin case finger, that explains the direction.
“I pulled the thread across the front of the bobbin case and caught it in the hook from bottom to top, then I inserted the bobbin case. All went well and the stitch quality was good but I really would like to know if I am doing this correctly.”
I wouldn't do this! Fortunately nothing went wrong, and you didn't get a thread nest. To adjust bobbin tension (not advised!) there is a small screw on the bobbin case that can be turned slightly. Righty tighty and lefty loosey. If you do decide to try adjusting bobbin tension, suggest that you buy a second bobbin case to adjust and keep the other one set at factory tension. If you use different sized bobbin thread, it is quite handy to have the extra bobbin case to adjust. I marked mine with a permanent marker and keep it in a tiny plastic bag so I don't get them confused.
There is no black latch bobbin case for the rotary machines either. A permanent Sharpie marker works to mark the adjusting bobbin case. Suggest you not use nail polish as it has a tendency to flake off and leave a foreign substance in the bobbin area.
- Carol in the Redwoods
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I don't have an AGW, so am not sewing along, but can answer your question.
From what I know about it, the AGW was written for technique, not machine-specific. Our 1630's do not have that "finger", which is an additional tensioning device for some of the other machines, used for buttonholes and some other work. In other words, just disregard that part ... and loosen the upper tension a tad if the top threads aren't being slightly pulled to the underside of the fabric. HTH!
- Cyndi
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I, too, finished lesson one. The finger on the bobbin case it is talking about is not on the 1630s. I skipped that. That finger is on the 830. I used it on the 830.
My first lesson went well. Thank you Carol.
- Eileen from Camas
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Great news! Bernina is coming out with a bobbin case for the rotary bobbin that has a wire coil on top that serves the same purpose as the finger on the oscillating bobbins. They are going to sell it for the 180 to use with embroidery. I've been using one of these about a year. It makes my satin stitches as beautiful as my 930 satin stitch. I recomend everyone to go get on a list to get one of these. It will be the best money you ever spent on your 1630. I'll bring a picture of one to the La. retreat I'll also bring my bobbin in case anyone wants to try one before they buy.
- Faye
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I need some help here.....what do these bobbins do for you that proper adjustment on needle tension in the satin area won't do? I really have a super satin st. on my 1630 without touching the bobbin at all......
- bettyjean
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If you look at the back you'll see the top thread is showing a little more on side than the other. This is normal for a rotary bobbin. The finger on the older machines keep the bobbin thread exactly in the center. It seems to make more difference on bottonholes than on satin stitches. It also seems make the large designs easier to sew.
- Faye
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The new bobbin case will allow the bobbin thread to lay in the center of the satin stitch. The current bobbin thread lies slightly to the side - and this occasionally causes the bobbin thread to pull to the top on one side for some 1630 owners. This is not always noticeable, especially if you have matched your bobbin and needle thread. I normally use a fine white cotton in my bobbin and must make machine tension adjustments if this is "floating" to the top of my (dark thread) satin stitch. I think you will see an improvement in your buttonhole stitching with the new bobbin case. I have used an alternate bobbin case with a similar "stitch finger" (actually a "pig's tail coil") with great success - but I know I will be better pleased with a Genuine Bernina Bobbin Case ; )
Hooray! for Bernina for doing this for us!
Best stitches to you,
- gina Butler in OKC
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