Library Makerspace

Our sewing machine is a Bernina 1008. It is Bernina's classical, mechanical powerhouse. With 17 stitches, including a buttonhole and two decorative stitches, this machine will help you complete most projects. The Bernina also includes darning and free-motion sewing settings, which enables free motion embroidery (the appropriate foot is included). You can find the user manual here - a hard copy is also provided with your loan pack. The manual includes instructions on how to use the machine for particular sewing techniques. such as buttonholes, darning and hemming.

To use this machine, ALL users will need to undergo an induction. To sign up for an induction, please email c.gent(@gold.ac.uk).

After you have completed your induction, you will be able to borrow the loan pack, which includes the pedal and accessories, from the Library Helpdesk. The machine is located on the benches in the Makerspace. You will be able to book a time slot to use the machine. Staff will be around to help with any troubleshooting issues with the machine, however we are unable to offer guidance on sewing techniques.

Please note we only supply the basic accessories, such as spare needles, bobbins and feet. You will need to bring your own sewing accessories, such as pins, scissors and thread.

Report any broken tools or machinery to c.gent@gold.ac.uk or n.mclaren@gold.ac.uk immediately, or please let someone at the helpdesk know.

​Please refer to the full safety guidelines in the LibGuide first.

• Make sure the cord is out of the way and the pedal is securely under the table.
• Always turn off the machine while changing the bobbin, threading the machine, or otherwise working near the sewing plate.
• Make sure you are using the appropriate needle for your fabric, particularly for heavy fabric. A needle that is the incorrect size/thickness, can break.
• Do not sew over pins. It can cause the needle to break.
• Do NOT sew with a broken needle. If the needle breaks, please change it according to the manual with the needles and tools provided. 
• Make sure you are sewing with enough light. If it is dark, turn the machine to the further setting which includes the integrated light.
• Do not have any food near the machinery. Only bottled/closed lid drinks are allowed.

 1. Fill your bobbin.

First, hold the handwheel with the left hand, turn the handwheel release forward with the right hand. This disengages the sewing machine.

Place the empty bobbin on the spindle at the top of the machine and push it to the right. Insert the spool of thread in the thread holder behind the top of the machine and pass the thread, clockwise, around the stud on the left, and then through one of the slots in the empty bobbin. Keeping the thread taught, press on the foot control to start winding. Let go of the thread after it has done a few turns. Make sure the thread looks tight on the bobbin, otherwise remove and start again. When the bobbin is full, the winder will stop automatically. Push the bobbin to the left and remove, cutting the thread in the thread cutter by the bobbin winder stop.

2. Placing the bobbin.

Set the power switch to 0 (off). Raise the needle to the maximum position. Open the front cover on the arm.

Insert the bobbin into the case so that thread is running in a clockwise direction. Take the thread anticlockwise and pull it through the slot, through the spring until it is in the T-shaped gap. If it is correct, when pulled the thread should turn clockwise.

Hoding the bobbin case by the latch, insert it into the slot, with the finger of the bobbin case pointing upwards, engaging in the notch of the hook race cover. Ensure it is placed correctly by trying to rotate it (it should not move) and pulling the thread (thread should come easily).

3. Threading the upper thread.

Turn the handwheel so that the needle is in the raised position. Raise the presser foot by turning the lever. Place the spool of thread on one of the thread holders. Clip the thread through the thread guide (1.) at the top and pull through the long slot (2.)

Take the thread down through the hook at the front of the machine (3). Then loop through the lever and thread it through the handle bar (4.)

Finally, push the thread through the small hook at the top of the shank and then thread it through the needle. Always thread the needle from front to back.

Turn the handwheel towards you to fish out the bobbin thread. One the needle returns upwards, pull the upper thread to bring up the bobbin thread. 

• Never sew with a broken needle. There are spares available in the loan pack. Please see the instructions below on how to change the needle.
• Different presser feet and a spare shank are also included in the loan pack. 
• The machine is by default fitted with the normal presser foot and shank. To use one of the spare feet, you will need to attach the spare shank and clip on the spare feet.

Pictured above is our spare shank (left) and the spare feet that clip on to it. 

1. The spare shank.       2. Overlock foot.     3. Buttonhole foot.      4. Zip foot.     5. Blind stitch foot.

Refer to the user manual included in the loan pack for instructions on how to use these. The manual also includes a stitch guide and a needle guide. If you need more information on which needle to use, try this blog post. We have some spare needles available with the loan pack, but please bring your own if you need something specific. The Bernina uses 130/705 H needles.

HOW TO CHANGE THE NEEDLE

Please make sure you are using the correct needle for your thread and fabric. Refer to the user manual or the link above for guidance. To change the needle, you will need the small plastic screwdriver included in the loan pack. It is inside the accessory box.

1. Turn off the machine. Check that the needle is in the raised position by turning the handwheel.

2. Locate the small plastic screwdriver. Insert it into the screw on top of the shank on the right hand side. Loosen the screw.

3. Using your free hand, slide out the needle. 

4. To insert the new needle, make sure the flat side of the needle is inserted facing the back of the machine. Insert the new needle, making sure it reaches the top. Tighten the screw.

CHANGING PRESSER FEET

The default foot on the machine is the reverse pattern foot, for green and red practical stitches, and also the embroidery stitches. To change presser foot, you will also need to remove the shank and use the spare shank pictured above.

1.Turn off the machine. Check that the needle is in the raised position by turning the handwheel.

2. Locate the small lever just behind the shaft. Lift it.

3. Remove the shank.

4. Slot the new shank in and secure the lever. 

All the spare feet are snap on. It is easier to snap them on when the shank is free.