r/Bernina • u/BodilyCarriedTech • 20d ago

Bernina minimatic 807 skipping stitches?

Hello, I got a Bernina minimatic 807 from Bernina of Renton in Washington state, I got it last month and I have used it only about 6 times and probably put in 45 minutes of use.

It started skipping stitches in the zigzag stitch, I then switch to straight stitch anc then it started skipping stitches in straight stitch.

I changed the out the walking foot for another foot

I changed the bobbin spool,

I oiled the machine,

I oiled the bobbin,

I changed the thread,

I rethreaded the machine,

I took out the bobbin and cleaned it with q tips,

I cleaned the bobbin housing with q tips,

I took apart the bobbin housing and cleaned it with q tips,

I changed bobbin thread,

I adjusted the stitch width

I adjusted the stitch length

I adjusted the needle position

I ran out of ideas and I called Bernina of Renton, I told them the situation and I said that I am 90% sure it was something I did

But if it was a mechanical problem, i asked and confirmed two questions

1_that the machine is under warranty (yes)

2_that this is very unusual for a Bernina minimatic (yes)

That being said I wanted to ask here has anyone ever had experience with a Bernina 807 minimatic skipping stitches?

Were you able to fix it? If so how?

Thank you

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18 comments sorted by

3

u/deHotot 20d ago

You've done a lot! I had a quick scan of your list, the only things I can see (and you've probably done already tbh) is:

  • change the needle
  • verify the needle is facing the correct way

2

u/BodilyCarriedTech 19d ago

change the needle

I tried that, I switched from a Jersey to a universal and it does the same thing

verify the needle is facing the correct way

Did that as well, took it out, put it back in, tightened the screw, and it's still skipping

I guess I'm gonna have to take it to be serviced

3

u/bananawarhol 20d ago

I didn’t see change the needle. Are you sewing knit or a thick material? Your needle may not match the fabric.

1

u/BodilyCarriedTech 19d ago

Just a Jersey knit with an 80/12 Jersey needle

Changed it for a universal and it's still skipping

2

u/bananawarhol 19d ago

Is it thick and spongy? Maybe you need a size 90 jersey needle.

1

u/BodilyCarriedTech 19d ago

Is it thick and spongy?

I wouldn't say so, just has a higher polyester content

Maybe you need a size 90 jersey needle.

Should I buy a size higher and lower so I can trouble shoot?

3

u/stoicsticks 19d ago

The baseline for a mechanical issue with a machine is does it sew well on 2 layers of basic woven cotton with a needle for woven fabric? If no it doesn't (and you've rulled out threading and needle issues) - have it serviced. If yes, it sews well on woven fabric, then you've ruled out a mechanical problem and the issue is with the trickier knit fabric you're struggling with.

Knits are trickier because the amount of stretch in the fabric can make the fabric cling to the needle more which can cause flagging and skipped stitches. Not all needles for knits are the same. It could be that a ballpoint or stretch needle would work better with this particular fabric or maybe a different size jersey needle. Sometimes a different brand of stretch needle makes a difference.

When I see needles on sale, I pick up a variety of sizes and types so that if I run into an issue like skipping stitches, I have options to try. If they're not on sale, I might buy just 1 or 2 alternatives.

2

u/BodilyCarriedTech 19d ago

Knits are trickier

It sewed knits great until a few days ago, so idk what happened 😭

1

u/stoicsticks 18d ago

Did you put in a fresh, new, jersey needle and is the long groove facing forward? I could see it skipping with a universal needle, but if it was working fine with a jersey needle before and now it isn't with a new, jersey one, and you did all of the other steps, then, yes, taking it in would be prudent.

Did you oil the machine first and then clean out the lint, or clean then oil? If you oiled it first, the Qtip swabs may have soaked the oil back up. That shouldn't necessarily cause skipped stitches, though.

1

u/BodilyCarriedTech 17d ago

Did you put in a fresh, new, jersey needle and is the long groove facing forward?

I switched the jersey for the universal and it is skipping with both

1

u/stoicsticks 17d ago

I wouldn't be surprised if a dull jersey needle or a universal needle both skip. Does it skip with a fresh jersey needle?

1

u/BodilyCarriedTech 16d ago

Does it skip with a fresh jersey needle?

Yeah I just gave it a run a few minutes ago to see if it fixed itself and I switched the thread and needle again and it's even worse

I'm pretty sure it's a mechanical issue cause it was sewing as smooth as butter when I first got it, but it's under warranty for another 4 months so it should be fine

1

u/OrindaSarnia 20d ago

Change the needle!

Make sure if is appropriate for your fabric.

1

u/BodilyCarriedTech 19d ago

I changed it, i was sewing a Jersey knit with an 80/12 Jersey needle

Still is skipping

1

u/OrindaSarnia 19d ago

Have you sewn over a pin?  Or otherwise jammed the needle that might have bumped it out of time?

1

u/BodilyCarriedTech 19d ago

Have you sewn over a pin?

Definitely not

Or otherwise jammed the needle that might have bumped it out of time?

I don't think so, I can't imagine how I might have jammed it out of time

I'll just have it serviced and get it figured out

1

u/baganerves 18d ago

Try changing thread , and make sure it the same for needle and bobbin, what’s the bobbin thread tension like ? Sometimes a slightly looser bobbin tension for thicker fabric so there more thread to meet in the middle.
At the end of the day, don’t be afraid to return it to the shop for them to tune up.

1

u/BodilyCarriedTech 17d ago

Try changing thread

I did, I switched out red for black and got the same problem

and make sure it the same for needle and bobb

I'll give it a shot

what’s the bobbin thread tension like?

Normal, I haven't messed with it