Bernina Aurora 430, Aurora 450, Aurora 440 QE User Manual

Dear «aurora» Customer

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BERNINA has added another great sewing and embroidery computer to the very successful aurora product line. The new aurora 450 has a new hook system which enables you dear BERNINA customer to make wider stitches.

Now BERNINA offers three different aurora models – the BERNINA customer can choose their perfect sewing and embroidery computer according to her needs and wishes. All aurora models have the capability to add the world famous BERNINA Stitch Regulator. The aurora 440 QE has this great presser foot included in the standard accessories.

The aurora 430 / 440 QE / 450 are designed to give you the best sewing features possible. If you choose to expand your creative possibilities by exploring the world of embroidery, you can connect your sewing computer to your home PC and purchase an embroidery module from your BERNINA Dealer, and you can become an embroidery virtuoso.

I wish you great satisfaction and a wonderful experience with your new aurora sewing and embroidery computer.

H.P. Ueltschi President

BERNINA International AG CH - 8266 Steckborn www.bernina.com

Safety instructions

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS !

When using an electrical appliance, basic safety precautions should always be followed, including the following: Read all instructions before using this sewing computer. When the sewing computer is not in use, it should be disconnected from the electricity supply by removing the plug from the outlet.

DANGER

To reduce the risk of electrical shock:

1. An appliance should never be left unattended when plugged in.

2. Always unplug this sewing computer from the electrical outlet immediately after using and before cleaning.

WARNING

To reduce the risk of burns, fire, electrical shock or injury to persons:

1. Do not allow to be used as a toy. Close attention is necessary when this sewing computer is used by or near children and infirm persons. This sewing computer is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduched physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the sewing computer by a person responsible for their safety. Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the sewing computer.

2. Use this sewing computer only for its inten ded use as described in this manual. Use only attachments recommended by the manu facturer as contained in this manual.

3. Never operate this sewing computer if:

• it has a damaged cord or plug,

• it is not working properly

• it has been dropped or damaged,

• it has fallen into water

Return the sewing computer to the nea-

rest authorized BERNINA dealer or service center for examination, repair, electrical or mechanical adjustment.

4. Never operate the sewing computer with any air vents blocked. Keep ventilation openings of the sewing computer and foot controller free from accumulation of lint, dust and fabric remnants and the like.

5. Keep fingers away from all moving parts. Special care is required around the sewing needle.

6. Always use the BERNINA original stitch plate. The wrong plate can cause needle breakage.

7. Do not use bent needles.

8. Do not pull or push fabric while stitching, this may deflect the needle, causing it to break.

9. Turn power switch to «0» (off) when making any adjust ments in the needle area, such as threading or changing the needle, threading the bobbin or changing the presser foot etc.

10. Always unplug the sewing computer from the electrical outlet when removing covers, lubricating or when making any other user servicing adjustments mentioned in this instruction manual.

11. Never drop or insert any object into any openings on the sewing computer.

12. Do not use the sewing computer outdoors.

13. Do not operate where aerosol (spray) products are being used or where oxygen is being administered.

14. To disconnect, turn all controls to the off («0») position then remove the plug from the outlet.

15. Do not unplug by pulling on the cord, instead, grasp the plug before pulling.

16. No responsibility will be taken on behalf of BERNINA for any possible damage as the result of misuse of the sewing computer.

17. Under no circumstances should the sewing computer be left unattended when using the embroidery module.

18. This sewing computer is provided with double insulation (except USA / Canada). Use only identical replacement parts. See instructions for servicing of double-insulated machines.

SERVICING DOUBLE-

INSULATED

PRODUCTS

In a double-insulated product, two systems of insulation are provided instead of grounding. No grounding means is provided on a double-insulated product nor should a means for grounding be added to the product. Servicing a double-insulated product requires extreme care and knowledge of the system and should only be done by qualified service personnel. Replacement parts for a double-insulated product must be identical to those parts in the product. A double insulated product is marked with the words «DOUBLE INSULATION» or «DOUBLE INSULATED».

The symbol may also be marked on the product.

This sewing and embroidery computer is intended for household use only.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!

Contents

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Your sewing computer 4 - 22

Accessories 4-7 Details aurora 430 / 440 QE / 450 8-9 Setting up the sewing computer 10-17 Thread tension 17 Important facts on threads and needles 18-19 Stitch plate, Feed dog and Fabric feed 20-21 Presser foot pressure, Balance 22

Cleaning / Trouble shooting 57-58

Display 23 - 29

Display 23

Function buttons 24-25

Memory 26-29

Applications 30 - 56

Stitch selection 430 / 440 QE / 450 30-32

Temporary altered stitch memory 33 Application of practical stitches, Quilt stitches, Decorative stitches 34-47 Buttonholes - Important information 48 Application of buttonholes / Eyelets / Button sew - on 49-56

All about embroidery 59 - 80

Details 59 Accessories 60-62 Setting up the embroidery computer 63-67 Important embroidery information 67-69 Embroidery operating requirements 70 Bernina embroidery software 70-71 Software - EC on PC 72-77 Starting to embroider 78 Mega-Hoop 79-80 Stitch summary 81-83

Index 84 - 85

Key to signs

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Key to signs

Supplementary information!

Helpful tips!

Please refer to the safety instructions! Risk of injury!

Very important! Risk of damage!

All rights reserved. In order to improve the product, and for our customers' benefit, all of the sewing and embroidery computer's features, parts, and accessories are subject to unannounced changes and alterations at any time.

Additional information on the corresponding subject you will find on the relevant page.

Text

Herbert Stolz

Drawings

Müller-Melzer ID, Kreuzlingen

Design concept

Susanne Ribi

2008 BERNINA International AG, Steckborn

Accessories

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Accessories

Presser feet*

Standard accessories:

3 4 8

1 5 bobbins (one in bobbin case) 2 Needle selection 130/705H 3 Seam ripper 4 Brush 5 Seam guide

6 Height compensating tool 7 3 spool discs 8 Small screwdriver

Accessories

• foot control

• instruction manual

• power cable

• warranty card

• Free Hand System presser foot lifter

• slide-on table

• seam guide for slide-on table

• Instructional presentation CD-ROM

9 Angular torx key 10 Foam pad 11 Oiler filled

aurora 430 / 440 QE

aurora 450

, 1C

430/440

450

Reverse pattern foot

Straight stitch Practical and decorative stitch Quilt stitch

•

Eyelets

•

Securing

, 20C

440

450

Open embroidery foot

Embroidery, Appliqué, Satin stitch seams, Monograms

, 2A

430

450

Overlock foot

Overlock seam, Overlock hem, Narrow satin stitch

•

For knits and wovens

•

Edge finishing

440

Patchwork foot 1/4” / 6mm

Patchwork with 1/4” or 1/8” (6mm/3mm) seam allowance

3A Automatic buttonhole foot with slide

4 Zipper foot

Sewing in zippers,

Straight stitch Buttonholes on smooth fabrics, Darning

440

BSR foot

Straight stitch, Freehand quilting

5 Blindstitch foot

Blind hem, Edge stitching, Straight stitch Blindstitch

for hems and

•

blindstitch applique

440

Walking foot

For fabrics which stick or tend to slip; Quilting,

Straight stitch, Quilt stitch

Decorative stitch

• sewing difficult fabrics, e.g.

velvets, matching plaids, squares, etc.

9 Darning foot

Darning, Monograms or freehand embroidery Straight stitch, Basting stitch

Darning

•

sewing on buttons

Compensation plate for sewing buttonholes**

Improves the fabric feed when sewing buttonholes in difficult fabrics

* can vary from country to country ** Optional accessories

Accessories

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Accessory box 430 / 440 QE Accessory box 450

H H

J J

Free standing accessory box

• On the back of the box, pull both feet out

until they click into place

• stand box in desired position

B B

C C

Storing accessories

Standard accessories are supplied in a plastic bag. The box is equipped with one small and one large drawer (B and C) as well as compartments for bobbin holders

D and presser feet E. (Additional compart-

ments and drawers are available as optional extras).

Attaching the accessory box to the sewing computer

• close the doors

• push feet back into position

• attach the box to the sewing computer

(catch A must engage); inserting the presser foot lifter into the opening J

Removing the accessory box

• press catch A on the top of the box

• remove box to the rear

• push the bobbins into the compartments

provided

• to remove a bobbin, press the compart-

ment holder F lightly

• insert presser foot into holder E

• Buttonhole foot with slide no. 3A can be

stored in compartment G

• the needle selection box can be stored in

compartment H

First lower the presser foot lifter!

Reinforced soft cover

• protects from dust and dirt

• protects sewing computer when

transporting

• compartments for accessories

The cover and accessory box come with the sewing computer. The cover should be used to protect the sewing computer when it is not in use. The foot control, power cable, sewing table and instruction manual can be stored in the cover.

Optional accessories

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BERNINA Specialty Presser Feet

The standard selection of presser feet covers most normal sewing requirements, but we recommend the use of BERNINA specialty presser feet for specific sewing tasks such as quilting, heirloom sewing, home decorating, tailoring, etc. They are available from your BERNINA dealer.

Optional accessories

3 Buttonhole foot

Buttonholes

32 Pintuck foot

Straight stitch

•

Sewing pintucks in fine fabrics

8 Jeans foot

Straight stitching in thick, firm fabrics

35 Invisible zipper foot

Sewing in zippers, Straight stitch

10C/10 Edge stitch foot

Straight stitch

Stitching edges

•

39 Embroidery foot

Zig-zag stitch, Decorative stitches

•

Buttonhole seams

•

sewing decorative stitches

14 Zipper foot with guide

Sewing in zippers, Straight stitch

43 Freemotion couching foot

Straight stitch

•

Attaching cords in a curved effect

18 Button sew-on foot

Sewing on buttons, hooks and eyes

57 Patchwork foot with guide 1/4” / 6mm

Patchwork with 1/4” or 1/8” (6mm/3mm) seam allowance

21 Braiding foot

Zig-zag stitch

Couching with

•

wool to 3mm or light cord

Punching-Kit only 430/440 QE

Straight stitch

•

felting

We recommend to use the BERNINA lens set for more sewing comfort (better view of needle area).

Straight Stitch Plate 450 Straight Stitch Plate 430 / 440 QELens set

Details

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Details

29 30 31

1824

Front view

3 4

Back view

Front view

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1 Bobbin cover 2 Stitch plate 3 Attachment base for special accessories 4 Darning hoop connection 5 Presser foot 6 Needle clamp 7 Thread guide 8 Needle threader 9 Thread take-up cover 10 Thread path 11 Thread take-up 12 Holder for stitch card 13 Bobbin winder with on/off switch and thread

cutter 14 Stitch selection buttons 15 «clr» (clear) button 16 #-button (hash) 17 Stitch width buttons 18 Stitch length buttons 19 «mem» (Memory / Operating buttons) 20 Alphabet / Motif scroll buttons 21 Balance / BSR button 22 Securing function button 23 Pattern begin button 24 Display 25 Needle position buttons 26 Needle stop up/down button 27 Mirror image button 28 Slide speed control 29 Start / Stop - button 30 Pattern end button 31 Quick reverse button 32 FHS (Free Hand System) connection

Side view (Head frame)

Details

Back view 33 Horizontal spool pin 34 Carrying handle 35 Rear thread guideng 36 CFL sewing light 37 Slide-on table socket 38 Bobbin pre-tension

Side view (Head frame) 39 Tension adjustment wheel 40 Presser foot pressure 41 Presser foot lifter 42 Thread cutter on head frame 43 Magnifying glass holder

Side view (handwheel) 44 Handwheel 45 Spool pin (vertical, collapsible) 46 Power switch on/off («0») 47 Power plug socket 48 PC connection 49 Embroidery module connection

(optional accessory) 50 Foot control socket 51 Drop feed dog

Side view (handwheel)

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Setting up the sewing computer

Power switch / Power cable

The power cable

• plug A into sewing computer

• plug B into wall socket

Foot control cable

• plug C into sewing computer

Foot control

Refer to the safety instructions

The power switch (D)

The switch is on the handwheel side

I the sewing computer is switched on («I») 0 the sewing computer is switched off («0»)

The sewing light is switched on and off with the power switch.

Important! (USA/Canada only) This sewing computer has a po la rized plug (one blade wider than the other). To re duce the risk of electrical shock, this plug is intended to fit in a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to install the proper outlet. Do not modify the plug in any way!

Sewing speed

• control the sewing speed by depressing

the foot control

• raise or lower the needle by tapping on

the foot control with your heel

Cable tidy

• wind the cable around the spool

• insert the plug into A

When sewing

• unwind the cable to the desired length

and slip into B or C

Important! (USA/Canada only) Use only foot controller type LV1 with sewing computer model aurora 430 / 440 QE / 450.

Setting up the sewing computer

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CFL Sewing Light

Contrary to an ordinary bulb, the CFL sewing light has a better illumination and a longer life.

Please note that a defec tive CFL sewing light must ONLY be replaced by an authorized technician. The sewing computer must be brought to an authorized BERNINA dealer!

Free Hand System (FHS) presser foot lifter

Your dealer can adjust the FHS if necessary.

Raising and lowering the presser foot

• knee-operated presser foot lever to raise

and lower the presser foot - your hands remain free to guide the fabric

• with your knee push lever to the right

• the feed dog is lowered simultaneously

• the feed dog is raised as soon as the

first stitch is sewn

Attaching the presser foot lifter

• insert the lever into respective opening

- you should be able to operate the FHS with your knee in your normal sitting position

Slide-on table

Larger sewing surface

• the slide-on table increases the sewing

surface

To attach

• raise needle and presser foot

• slide over free-arm to the right until it

engages

Always raise needle and presser foot when attaching or removing the slide-on table!

To remove

• raise needle and presser foot

• use slight pressure - with your thumb

against the housing and the index against the table - to slide it off to the left

Seam guide

• slide into extension table guides from left

or right

• can be moved over full table length

Scale

• «0» corresponds to the center needle

position

Setting up the sewing computer

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Threading the upper thread

• attach the appropriate spool disc; diameter of spool determines disc size. There must be no clearance between the disc and the spool

• take thread through rear guide A

• then into slit of upper thread tension

• pull thread down to the right of the

take-up cover to B

• take thread up to the left of the cover to C in the direction of the arrow, placing it in the take-up lever

• take thread down and through guides D and E

Attaching the thread spool

• raise the needle and presser foot

• turn the power switch to «0» (off)

• attach the foam pad

• place thread spool on spool holder in

such way that the thread unwinds clockwise

Refer to the safety instructions!

Threading the Double Needle

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Setting up the sewing computer

Threading the First Thread

• place thread spool on horizontal spool

pin and thread

• guide the thread to the front in the slit

and past the tension disc A on the right side

• thread sewing computer as usual and

thread the right needle

Threading the Second Thread

• when using the supplementary spool pin

(vertical) always attach the foam pad (prevents the thread from getting caught on the spool pin)

• place thread spool on the additional

spool pin and thread

• guide the thread to the front in the slit

and past the tension disc A on the left side

• thread the left needle

• threads must not be twisted together

By using the Supplementary thread guide (special accesso-

ries), thread winds off the spool much easier.

Threading the Triple Needle

• two thread spools and one full bobbin

are needed

• place one thread spool on horizontal

spool pin

• place second thread spool and the

bobbin, separated by a spool disc, on

additional spool pin (both spools have to turn in the same direction)

• thread as usual by guiding two threads

on the left side of the tension disc A and one thread on the right side of the disc

Setting up the sewing computer

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Needle threader

Press lever down

• Raise needle

• Lower presser foot

• Hold thread to the left and back

• Press down lever A, guiding the thread

around hook B to the right, to the needle

Thread cutter

Guide thread in front of the needle

• Pull thread from the front into the thread

guide until it catches (wire hook) and pull from the back forwards over the thread cutter on the right side of the CFL sewing light

• The thread is cut and at the same time

held in place

Thread cutter on head frame

• pull both threads from front to back over

the cutter

• the threads release automatically as

soon as the first stitch is sewn

Release lever

• Release lever A

• Put the thread under the foot and pull

the thread backwards or

• Put the thread under the foot, then pull it

from front to back over the thread cutter on left side of the head frame

Double and triple needles must be threaded by hand.

Supplementary spool pin

Collapsible vertical spool pin

• essential aid for sewing with more than

one thread, i.e. double needle work

• turn pin up to stop when sewing

• we recommend to use foam pad A for better stabilizing of the spool and even unwinding of the thread

Winding the bobbin

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Winding the bobbin

• turn power switch to «I» (on)

• place empty bobbin on spindle

Threading the bobbin

• place thread on spool pin

• attach appropriate spool disc - diameter

of thread spool determines disc size

• following the direction of the arrow, take

thread through the rear guide and around the pre-tension stud

Setting up the sewing computer

• wind the thread two to three times

around the empty bobbin and cut off any excess thread on the thread cutter

• push engaging lever against bobbin, the

winder works automatically

• the motor will stop automatically when

the bobbin is full

Thread cutter

• pull thread over thread cutter when removing the bobbin • then proceed as mentioned above

Winding the bobbin while sewing or embroidering

• place thread spool on vertical spool

then, following the direction of the arrow, take thread through the thread guide and around the pre-tension stud

Inserting the bobbin

Insert the bobbin so that the thread winds clockwise.

Pulling the thread under the spring

Pull the thread into the slit, then to the left under the spring.

Clockwise turning of the bobbin

The bobbin must turn clockwise.

The bobbins are inserted and threaded in the same way in the aurora models 430, 440 QE and 450.

Setting up the sewing computer

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Bobbin case*

To remove the bobbin case

• raise the needle

• turn power switch to «0» (off)

• open the bobbin cover

• grasp the latch of the bobbin case

• remove case

* pictures = aurora 450

Changing the needle

To insert the bobbin case

• hold the bobbin case latch

• aurora 430 / 440 QE: the finger on the

case should point upwards

• aurora 450: bobbin case opening points

• insert so that it clicks into place

• close the bobbin cover

Bobbin thread cutter

• insert the bobbin case

• take the thread over cutter A and cut it

• the bobbin thread does not have to be

brought up as the loose end is just the right length to start sewing

Refer to the safety instructions!

Removing the needle

• raise the needle

• turn power switch to «0» (off)

• lower the presser foot

• loosen the needle clamp screw

• pull the needle down to remove

Inserting the needle

• flat side of needle to the back

• insert the needle as far as it will go

• tighten the needle clamp screw

Refer to the safety instructions!

Changing the presser foot

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Setting up the sewing computer

Changing the presser foot

• raise the needle and presser foot

• turn power switch to «0» (off)

• raise the clamping lever

• remove the presser foot

Thread tension

For example:

The basic setting

• is indicated when the red line on the

tension adjustment wheel is in line with the marking A

Tension Needle

Metallic thread ca. 3 90 Monofilament ca. 2–4 80

Attaching the presser foot

• guide the foot upwards over the cone

• press the clamping lever down

• the tension does not need adjusting for

normal sewing work

For special sewing work, the thread tension can be adjusted to suit the selected fabric and stitch pattern.

Thread tension settings

Perfect stitch formation

• the stitch formation is in the fabric

Upper thread tension too tight

• the lower thread is pulled more to the

right side of the fabric

• to reduce the upper thread tension turn

tension adjustment wheel to 3 - 1

Upper thread tension too loose

• the upper thread is pulled more to the

wrong side of the fabric

• to increase the upper thread tension turn

tension adjustment wheel to 5 - 10

Important facts about thread and needles

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Important facts about thread and needle

With the right combination of thread and needle optimum sewing results are achieved. The following are the guidelines: replace needle when starting a new sewing project.

Thread

The thread is chosen according to use. For a perfect sewing result, thread and material quality play an important role. It is recommended to use quality brand threads.

Cotton thread

• cotton threads are particularly suitable for cotton fabrics

• mercerized cotton threads have a slight sheen

Polyester thread

• polyester thread is suitable for practically all sewing needs

• it has a high tensile strength and is particularly colorfast

• polyester thread is more flexible and is recommended where a

strong and elastic seam is required

Guidelines Needle No.

fine fabrics: fine thread (darning thread,

embroidery thread) 70–75

mediumweight fabrics: normal thread 80–90

heavyweight fabrics: heavier thread 100, 110, 120

Needle, thread and fabric

The correct needle size depends on the selected thread and fabric. Fabric type and structure determine which thread weight, needle size and needle tip should be used.

Needle summary

BERNINA requires needle system 130/705 H. This system number refers to shank shape as well as to length and form of the needle point.

Checking the needle condition

The needle condition should be checked and the needle replaced regularly. A defective needle not only damages the fabric but also the sewing computer.

130 / 705 H S 70

Shank diameter = 0.7 mm (needle size)

Needle point e.g. medium ball point

Needle scarf

Flat shank

Shank length

Needle/thread combination

In order to check the needle/thread compatibility, the correct size thread must correspond with the correct size needle.

Correct needle/thread combination

When sewing, the thread should travel smoothly down the long groove on the front of the needle.

Too thin thread or too thick needle

The sewing thread has too much play in the groove. This could lead to skipped stitches and damage to the thread.

Too thick thread or too fine needle

The thread rubs on the edges of the groove and can get jammed. This can break the thread.

Needle summary

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Many materials are easier to sew if the appropriate needle is used.

Important facts about thread and needles

Type of needle

Universal

130/705 H

Jersey/Stretch

130/705 H-S 130/705 H-SES 130/705 H-SUK

Leather

130/705 H-LL 130/705 H-LR

Jeans

130/705 H-J

Microtex

130/705 H-M

Quilting

130/705 H-Q

Model

Normal point, slightly rounded

Ball point

Cutting point

Very fine point

Especially fine point

Fine point

Suitable for

For nearly all natural and synthetic fabrics (woven and knitted)

Jersey, stretch fabrics

Natural and synthetic leather and plastic

Heavyweight fabrics such as denim, canvas, overalls

Micro fiber fabrics and silk

Straight and topstitching

Needle size

60 –100

70–90

90–100

80–110

60–90

75–90

Embroidery

130/705 H-E

Metafil

130/705 H-MET

Cordonnet/ Topstitching

130/705 H-N

Wing needle

130/705 HO

Double wing needle

130/705 H-ZWI-HO

Double needle

130/705 H-ZWI

Large eye, slight ball point

Large eye

Small ball point, long eye

Wide needle (wing)

Needle distances for 430 / 440 QE / 450: 1,0 / 1,6 / 2,0 / 2,5 / 3,0 / 4,0; plus 6,0 / 8,0 for 450

Embroidery on all natural and synthetic fabrics

Sewing with metallic threads

Topstitching with thick thread

Hemstitching

Special effects with hemstitch embroidery

Visible hems in stretch fabrics, pintucks, decorative sewing

75–90

75-90

80–100

100–120

100

70–100

Triple needle

130/705 H-DRI

Special needles are available at your BERNINA dealer.

Needle distance 3.0

Decorative sewing

Stitch plate, feed-dog and fabric feed

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Stitch plate

A A

9mm (inch- or mm-measurements) just aurora 450

Stitch plate markings

• the stitch plates are marked with vertical

lines in millimeters or inches

• mm measurements are at the front

• inch measurements are at the back

• the measurements correspond to the

distance from the needle to the line

Feed dog

5,5mm (inch- or mm-measurements)

• needle insertion point is position 0

(center needle position)

• the mm/inch measurements are marked

to the right and left

• the lines help to guide the fabric for

sewing seams and for topstitching

• the horizontal markings are helpful for

sewing corners and buttonholes, etc.

Button flush with housing = Sewing position

Removing the stitch plate

• turn power switch off («0»)

• raise the presser foot and needle

• lower the feed dog

• press the stitch plate down at the

back right corner until it flips up

• remove the stitch plate

Replacing the stitch plate

• place the stitch plate over the opening A

and press down until it clicks into place

Button depressed = Darning position

• for freehand sewing, e.g. darning,

freehand embroidery, freehand quilting

• for embroidery with the embroidery

module

Button on handwheel side

Feed dog and fabric feed

Let the fabric feed evenly.

Feed dog and stitch length

With each stitch the feed dog moves forward by one step. The length of this step is determined by the stitch length selected.

Pulling, pushing or holding back the fabric will result in uneven stitches.

With an extremely short stitch length, the steps are also very short. The fabric moves under the foot quite slow ly, even at full sewing speed.

Buttonholes, satin stitch and de co rative stitches are all sewn with a very short stitch length.

Stitch plate, feed-dog and fabric feed

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Feed dog and fabric feed with height compensating tool

The feed dog works accurately when the foot is level.

Uneven layers To solve this problem, place one, two or three compensating plates as required behind the needle under the presser foot to level it.

If the foot is at an angle, e.g. when sewing over thick to thin or vice-versa, the feed dog cannot grip and feed the fabric and the fabric might jam.

To correct the height in front of the foot, place one or more plates to the right of the foot close to the needle. Sew until the foot is level again and remove the plates.

Feed dog and sewing corners

The space between the two rows of the feed dog is relatively large due to the width of the stitch plate hole.

Place one or more plates as close as possible to the edge of the fabric on the right side of the presser foot. This allows for better feeding of the fabric when sewing corners.

Presser foot pressure and Balance

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Presser foot pressure

Dial on head frame

• the pressure is adjusted at the left side of the head frame

Standard pressure

• for normal sewing work

• default = 47

• the default setting is always visible, it

blinks

Increased pressure

• for firm fabrics

• improves fabric feed

Balance

Different fabrics, threads, stabilizers and interfacings can affect programmed stitches so, that sometimes they might not join or might overlap, i.e. the stitches that make up the pattern are too close together or too far apart. These effects can be corrected with the Balance so that the stitch formation can be adjusted where necessary to suit the fabric.

Balance for practical and decorative stitches

When sewing soft fabrics such as jersey or tricot, the fabric tends to stretch under the presser foot which also stretches the stitch being sewn. For example, the Honeycomb stitch opens up and is too long. Thicker fabrics might cause the stitch to overlap, making it too short. Correcting with the Balance is very easy. Test-sew first!

Reduced pressure

• for jerseys and loose knits

• to prevent fabric from stretching

• adjust pressure so that the fabric still

feeds correctly

Do not forget to reset the balance by pressing the

balance or clr button after sewing with adjusted balance values.

Stitch formation too long Stitch formation too close Desired stitch formation

• press the Balance button

• press the left Needle position button =

shorter stitch length (maximum 9 steps)

• press the Balance button

• press the right Needle position button =

longer stitch length (maximum 9 steps)

Display

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aurora 430 / 440 QE aurora 450

Screen display

16 17 18

11 12 13

1 Satin stitch: dense, short zig-zag stitch 2 Stitch length: basic setting blinks

constantly

3 Stitch length: actual value 4 Stitch width: basic setting blinks

constantly

5 Stitch width: actual value 6 Needle position: 11 positions 7 Presser foot pressure: basic setting

blinks

8 Arrow and presser foot symbol: blink

when presser foot is raised and the sewing computer is started

9 Feed dog symbol: blinks when feed

dog is not lowered in the BSR mode and embroidery mode

10 Triple digital display

a. Presser foot indicator: displays

matching foot for selected stitch

b. Presser foot pressure: displays

presserfoot pressure during adjusting

c. Balance: displays the balance

steps during balancing

11 Balance: visible when the

Balance button is pressed

12 Buttonhole: visible when

buttonhole is selected

13 «mem»: visible when Memory

is open

14 Stitch: graphic or numeric 15 Needle stop up / down: default stop

up/ in BSR mode down

16 17 18

11 12 13

16 Mirror image: left / right 17 Pattern begin/Pattern end 18 Continuous reverse sewing 19 Securing function 20 BSR: Bernina Stitch Regulator 21 Cleaning notification: visible when the

sewing computer must be cleaned/oiled

22 Service notification: visible when the

sewing computer must be taken for a service to the BERNINA dealer

23 Alphabet

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Functions

Function buttons

Stitch width

• left button = narrows the stitch width

• right button = widens the stitch width

• keep button pressed = quick steps

• the basic setting of the selected stitch

blinks constantly

Pattern begin

• press the button

• the needle moves to the beginning of a

stitch or stitch program

Securing function (with 4 stitches)

• press the button before starting to sew =

individual stitches or stitch combination will be secured at the beginning

• press the button during an individual

stitch = the stitch will be secured at the end

• the sewing computer stops

• press the button during stitching a stitch

combination = the stitch combination will be secured at the end

• the sewing computer stops

Stitch length

• left button = shortens the length

• right button = elongates the length

• keep button pressed = quick steps

• the basic setting of the selected stitch

blinks constantly

Mirror image (left/right)

• press the button

• mirror image of selected stitch will be

sewn

Needle up/down

In the basic setting the arrow points up.

• press the button briefly:

• the needle will go up or down (same as

tapping on the foot control)

• press the button longer:

• the needle will go down

• the arrow on the display points down

• the sewing computer stops with the

needle down

• press the button longer again:

• the needle will go up

• the arrow on the display points up

• the sewing computer stops with the

needle up

Needle position

• left button = needle to the left

• right button = needle to the right

• keep button pressed = quick steps

• total of 11 needle positions: 5 left,

5 right and 1 center

«clr» (clear)

• press the button

• stitch length, stitch width, needle

positions are returned to basic settings

• active functions are deleted

Exception:

needle stop down

Balance / BSR

Balance

• press the button

• the balance symbol on the display is

active

• press the left arrow of the needle

position = subtracts space between stitches

• press the right arrow of the needle

position = adds space between stitches

• press the button again = the balance is

turned off, the altered stitch returns to the basic settings

• altered needle position settings remain

during the balance process

Slide speed control

• the motor speed can be freely adjusted

from minimum to maximum with the slide control

• when winding the bobbin thread the

speed of the winder can be regulated, when the sewing computer is not sewing

BSR

• with the attached BSR foot the BSR

function is switched on and off by pressing the button

mem (Memory)

• press the -button

• «mem» will appear on the display

• the empty memory spaces (90) or (60)

and the cursor blink

• use the left arrow and the -button to scroll and program stitches, letters and numbers

Functions

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Reverse sewing quick reverse:

• press the button

• sews in reverse until the button is

released

• programs buttonholes

• programs darning length

• seam end in securing program no. 5

• manual securing at beginning and end of

seam

continuous reverse:

• press button until a beep is heard before

sewing and the symbol is visible on the display

• the sewing computer sews the chosen

stitch in reverse

• to cancel: press button until a beep is

heard before sewing and the symbol goes off

Pattern end / Pattern repeat

press the button while sewing

• the sewing computer stops at the end of

the active single stitch or the active stitch in a stitch combination (in Memory)

press and release button before sewing

• the Pattern end symbol appears on the

display

• a single stitch or the first stitch of a stitch

combination in the Memory will be sewn 1x, the sewing computer will stop

• when continuing to sew the Pattern end

function is turned off again and the

Pattern end symbol disappears press button until a beep is heard before sewing

• the Pattern end symbol appears on the

display

• a stitch or stitch combination in the

Memory will be sewn 1x

• the Pattern end function is active as long

as the button is pressed again until a

beep is heard before sewing

• the Pattern end symbol on the display

disappears

Start-Stop button

• starts and stops the sewing computer

when operating it without foot control

• starts and stops the sewing / embroidery

computer in the embroidery mode with attached embroidery module

• starts and stops the BSR function when

BSR foot is attached and plugged in;

without foot control

Stitches

• in single mode, press the arrow buttons

to scroll through all stitch patterns

Alphabets, numbers

• press the center-button

• one of the existing fonts will appear on

the display

• press the Alphabet button to select the

font

• press the right button to scroll letters,

numbers and special characters forwards (A B C...)

• press the left button to scroll special

characters backwards ( ] [ ) ...)

Letters/numbers/special characters A B C D E F G H I J K L M N

O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Ä Ö Ü Å Æ Œ Ø Ñ È É Ê À Â 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 _ - . ' ! + = & ÷ ? % ç @ ( ) [ ]

#-button Standard = graphic display

• press button and enter desired stitch

number

• the stitch will be displayed graphically

(image)

Alternative = numeric display

• press button until a short beep is heard

• the display of the active stitch will change

from graphic (image) to numeric (num-

ber)

• further stitches will now be displayed

numerically (number) switch again to standard display in the same manner

Entering 3 digit stitch numbers:

• press button until the number «1»

appears

• now enter the other two numbers

Functions - Memory

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Memory

Memory buttons

• use the left button to scroll the contents

backwards

• use the center button to open and close

the Memory

• use the

forward scroll

-button to save and

Programming practical and decorative stitches

Any combination of 90 (aurora 440 QE) or 60 (aurora 430 / 450) stitches, letters or numbers can be saved in Memory, which is long term-memory. They remain saved until deleted by the user. Power failures or disconnection from the electricity supply do

not affect the Memory. Alterations to the stitch length, width or needle position can be made at any time. Individual stitches, letters or numbers can be deleted or overwritten.

Open Memory

• press the

• the cursor on the left and the available

number of empty memory spaces (e.g.

60) start to blink, and «mem» appears

These stitch patterns and programs can not be programmed:

Buttonholes / securing stitch No. 5, No. 61 (450)

Eyelets No. 20, 21 (450), No. 18, 19 (440), No. 17 (430) Button sew-on program No. 19 (450), No. 17 (440), No. 16 (430) Darning program No. 22 (450), No. 20 (440), No. 18 (430) Large fly stitch No. 23 (450) Basting stitch No. 24 (450), No. 21 (440), No. 19 (430)

-button

• select desired stitch

• stitch image appears on the display

• press the -button

• the stitch is programmed

• the number of available Memory spaces

appears

• select the next stitch

• press the -button to save,

continue in the same manner

Sew begin

When the foot control or the Start - Stop - button is pressed, the sewing computer automatically starts sewing the stitch combination from the beginning.

+ 60 hidden pages