Poor quality or the wrong type of thread can cause poor stitches on any machine. Thread passes through
the eye of the needle approximately 37 times in a “see-saw” action before it forms a single stitch. Poor
quality thread results in crooked and looped stitches, puckered seams, frayed thread, and/or needle
breakage. To achieve quality stitches, a sewing machine needs three things: correct thread, correct size
needle, and properly adjusted thread tensions.
Several factors such as the fiber, twist, ply, finish, and size of thread must be considered for use with today’s
fabrics for fine stitches.
Staple – refers to the length of fibers used to twist together to form a single ply. Domestic thread
fiber lengths are usually 1½” to 2½” long while European threads use 5½” to 6½” lengths.
Ply – the number of single strands twisted together to make a single thread.
Roll – the tendency of thread to roll to the right or left during stitching, causing the stitch to
appearslightly crooked. Poor quality threads are more likely to roll.
Twist – the crimping of fibers which causes them to interlock firmly into a single ply. Thread should
not untwist during stitching. This will cause skipped stitches, thread breakage, crooked stitches, and
weak spots in seams.
Right twist – most American threads are twisted to the right, causing some rolling.
This gives average stitch quality.
Left twist – Most commercial and imported threads are twisted to the left, giving better
than average stitch quality. Left twist resists rolling and makes a larger loop for the hook
point to enter, reducing skipped stitches.
Wearable art embellishment has necessitated the creation and marketing of many new thread types, such
as Sulky’s rayons and metallics. Made in West Germany, these are left twist threads; Mettler and Isacord
threads are also left twist. To test the twist of a thread: while holding the spool in the left hand, roll the strand
of thread towards you with one thumb. Left twist will tighten, right twist will loosen.
Fiber – refers to the typ eof material used to produce the thread. Some commonly used threads:
• Polyester 2 ply – such as Metrosene 100. Good for clothing construction on man-made,
natural or blended fabrics. Will tolerate heat up to 450° Fahrenheit. Also Isacord
embroidery thread – excellent for embroidery, very abrasion resistant.
• Polyester 3 ply cordonnet – topstitching or buttonhole twist – such as Mettler 30/3.
• Cotton 2 ply – such as Mettler 60/2 – excellent for French Machine Sewing, delicate
machine embroidery, and darning.
• Cotton 2 ply – such as Mettler 30/2 – loose twist for a soft, shiny look in machine
embroidery, applique, and buttonholes.
• Cotton 3 ply – such as Mettler 50/3 – excellent for clothing construction on natural fibers.
Tighter twist than embroidery cotton thread and less puckering on problem fabrics. Cotton
thread stretches less than polyester.
• Rayon – a lustrous embroidery thread. Weaker than cotton, it is used for decorative work only.
Along with thread, needles are very important to stitch formation. Many “mechanical” problems and damage
to fabrics can be traced to a bent, damages, or incorrect size or type needle. Approximately 60% of all
needles made are discarded at some stage of production. When selecting the correct needle for any sewing
project, three things must be considered:
Needle system – 130/705H
Needle point – to assure stitch formation and avoid fabric damage
Needle size – small size for lightweight fabrics; larger needle for heavier fabrics
If the needle is:
Too small – the thread can’t stay in the groove to form a loop to be picked up by the hook point
Bent – thread loop forms too far away from hook point; hook can’t enter loop to form stitch
Blunt – needle won’t pierce fabric so no thread loop forms to make a stitch
Need To Know
• Needle should be changed every 4-6
hours of sewing. The needle is the most
inexpensive part in your sewing machine
but is one of the most crucial for getting
good results and keeping your machine
running well. Don’t let false economy
keep you from doing what is best for
your sewing projects and your machine.
• European needles are chrome-plated
to glide in and out of fabric easily.
• The selected thread should fit in the
groove on the front of the needle. If it
isn’t protected by the groove, a needle
with a larger groove should be used.
• Always make sure the needle is fully
inserted as high as possible when
installing a new one.
Has a rounder point. 70 for
lingerie, nylon, jersey; 80 for
T-shirt; 90 for sweatshirt fleece.
A stretch needle has a more
rounded point and a blue anticling coating which helps to
prevent skipped stitches in knits
and elastic. Sometimes used on
Ultrasuede
Two ballpoint needles on one
shank; each needle has a large
scarf. Used for hemming and for
stitching on knit fabric.
A compromise between a sharp
and a ballpoint needle; can be
used on both wovens and knits.
60 – very fine batiste
70 – broadcloth
80 – trigger and gabardine
90 – denim and twill
100 & 1 10 – canvas
Two needles attached to one
shank. Used for pintucks, hems,
and decorative work. Note: The
170 QPE can use up to a 4.0mm
and a 180 can use up to an
8.0mm.
Three needles attached to one
shank. Used to create mock
smocking and other decorative
effects.
Has a sharp point and a shaft
that is less prone to flex. The
sharpness of the needles makes
it better for use on denim and
woven fabrics where a clean
stitch is desired.
Two Jeans needles attached to
one shank. For topstitching on
denim with heavy thread; can
also be used for decorative
®
, vinyl, and plastic.
Microtex
Sharp
(Schmetz)
Microfiber
(Lammertz)
Quilting
Topstitch
Embroidery
(Schmetz)
Metafil
(Lammertz)
Metafil
Double
Wing
Double
Wing
Leather
60-90
assort’d
(75 &
90)
80-100
75-90
3.0/75
100120
100
80-90
stitching with metallic thread.
A sharp point with a thin shaft.
60-90 corresponds to the weight
of the fabric; as the fabric gets
heavier, the number is higher.
The thin, tapers point of this
needle causes less damage to
fabric when seaming and cross
seaming.
A sharp point with a large eye
and deep groove. For use with
heavier fabrics – the large
groove cradles heavier threads.
Sharp needle with a large eye
and groove; also has a coating
and a larger scarf. For use with
embroidery thread – prevents
shredding of rayon or metallic
threads. Two threads may be
used through the eye of an 80
or 90 needle.
Two Metafil needles attached to
one shaft; for double needle
work with embroidery threads.
Sharp pointed needle with a noncutting wedge of metal on each
side. Needle makes a hole in the
fabric without cutting the threads
of the fabric. Used for decorative
and heirloom work, such as
hemstitching. Works best on
natural fibers or on the bias.
One regular needle and one wing
needle attached to a single shaft.
Use the same as a Wing; makes
one large and one regular hole.
Point is a sharp cutting wedge.
Used for sewing leather only. Not
for vinyl or simulated leathers.
• Select Straight Stitch. The basic settings are displayed
on the screen. The needle position indicator is just
below the stitch width scale; the needle should be in
center position.
• Position the fold of the fabric on the 1” mark on the
right side of the stitch plate.
• Select Pattern End 3x; sew until the machine stops.
• Move the needle one position to the left.
• Sew until the machine stops.
• Repeat until all six positions have been sewn.
• Leaving the fabric under the foot – move the needle
position back to center.
• Sew until the machine stops.
• Move the needle one position to the right.
• Sew until the machine stops.
• Move the needle one more position to the right – sew
until the machine stops.
Fabric:Firm fabric – 3 pieces, 3” x 6” each
Needle:90/14 Embroidery
Thread:30 wt. cotton embroidery
Presser Foot:Reverse Pattern Foot #1/1C
Owner’s manual pg.____
• Fold each fabric piece in half to 1½” x 6”.
• Find the
• The BERNINA® 170 QPE/180 secures in three ways:
5
/8” seam line on the guide plate.
1 – Select stitch #3 and sew a few stitches. Press the Quick Reverse button located on the front
of the sewing machine and the machine will sew in reverse until the button is released. Continue
stitching the seam and secure the end in the same manner.
2 – Select stitch #5 and stitch. The machine will automatically reverse after five stitches, then
continue in a forward motion. Stitch to the end of the seam, then press and release the Quick
Reverse button. The machine will stitch backward five stitches, and then continue forward again
five stitches and stop.
3 – Select stitch #332. Engage the Securing function to put a securing stitch at the beginning and the
end of each pattern repeat. In regular sewing, turn the Securing function off after the first stitch and
back on again after the last stitch is taken.
Fabric:Firm fabric – 3 pieces, 3” x 6” each
Needle:90/14 Embroidery
Thread:30 wt. Cotton Embroidery
Presser Foot:Reverse Pattern Foot #1/1C
Owner’s manual pg.____
• Fold fabric in half to 3” x 6”. Use stabilizer as needed.
• Select Stitch #2. Change the stitch length to satin stitch and the stitch width to the maximum setting.
• Thread the bobbin thread through the hole in the finger of the bobbin case (170 QPE only).
• Move the needle position all the way to the left.
• Position the raw edge of the fabric on the 3/8” line (on the right side of the stitch plate).
• Sew down this edge about 1”. While continuing to sew, turn the stitch width knob to taper the stitch to
0mm. Then widen the stitch back to maximum. Repeat until the stitching reaches the end of the fabric.
• Position the fold of the fabric on the 3/8” line (on the left side of the stitch plate).
• Move the needle position all the way to the right and stitch along the right side of the fabric, tapering
and widening the stitching while sewing.
• Move the needle position to the center and stitch down the center of the fabric, tapering and widening
the satin stitch while sewing.
• use to seam curved edges that receive a
lot of stress such as the crotch area of pants.
Vari-Overlock – SL1mmSW4mm NP right
Owner’s manual pg. ____
• Can be used with double needle for a
decorative hem on knits
• Overlock Foot #2 (optional for 170 QPE) or
#2A (included with 180) prevents the seam
from rolling as it is being sewn
• Engage the Needle Down function
SECTION B
Reinforced Overlock – SL2mm SW5mm
Owner’s manual pg. ____
• The artista has several seaming stitches
from which to choose, depending on the
type of fabric being used. With the Creative
Consultant, you can specify the type of fabric
you want to use, and the computer will
suggest the appropriate stitch.
Stitching Corners
• Utilize the FHS system to raise and lower
the presser foot when turning corners.
• Use the 5/8” markings on stitch plate
• Engage the Needle Down function
• Press heel on foot control to lower needle
Oversewing Edges
Blind Hem – Owner’s manual pg.____
• The Blind Hem Foot #5, along with the
blindstitch, produces a superior blind hem.
The zigzag part of the stitch is formed over
the guide on the foot, causing the stitch to
be slightly loose, so that the blind hem will
not pucker and does not form a tuck in the
fabric.
Hand Picked – Feet-ures, Unit B pg.____
Double Overlock – SL2mmSW5mm
Owner’s manual pg. ____
Knit Overlock – as programmed
Owner’s manual pg. ____
• Use Overlock Foot #2 (optional for 170 QPE)
or #2A (included with 180)
Stretch Overlock – SL2mmSW4mm
Owner’s manual pg. ____
Flat Joining – SL2mmSW4mm
Owner’s manual pg. ____
• Good for thick fabrics such as terry cloth
which would be stretched by a straight stitch