Many BERNINA models have an USB port. For embroidery models, this port’s purpose seems obvious—it allows you to transfer designs to your machine. But even many sewing-only models have this feature. Why? It allows for easy firmware updates! From time to time, BERNINA releases firmware updates that improve the features of the machine. We recommend that you always keep your machine up to date with the newest firmware. You can find firmware updates on the support page for your model on bernina.com.
My mother had a Bernina she purchased in 1981 that I think was an 830 Record. I do have the serial number. Unfortunately, the machine was stolen (broke her heart) and now I am left with 10 feet, 1 adapter, an embroidery hoop and some other little things. I would like to sell them, but am not sure what machine they will fit. With the BERNINA Q 16 and Q 20 sit-down model free-motion quilting is child's play. The generous long arm depth and height provide ample space for managing your larger quilts. Enjoy big quilting art work even with smaller space.
- You will find the serial number on the back of your machine. Note: After having installed the latest firmware update, your machine will restart and will ask for your serial number. You have to enter your serial number twice. The serial number has eight characters and you will find it.
- The Bernina Thirty Somethings (or BTS) is a Yahoo! Group for owners of older, mechanical Berninas and the early computerized Berninas. Join in and discuss sewing, quilting, and Bernina sewing machines.
- If your sewing machine does not have a model number, but has a serial number similar in location to the image above, use the images below to help identify the sewing machine model number. The Singer 99k sewing machine is small in size measuring only 12-1/2' wide, this image shows an early version the 99K (99K21 - 26) made between 1924 to 1954.
BERNINA recently released a firmware update for the B 740, B 770, and B 700 machines that contains a number of improvements and some new embroidery features! Read on to learn more about these features and how to go about updating your machine.
New Sewing Functions for the BERNINA 740, BERINA 770 QE and BERNINA 700
Adjustable Ruler Foot
The new and popular Adjustable Ruler foot #72 is now available for selection from the foot selection menu. Have you tried rulerwork yet? Amanda Murphy’s Rulerwork Quilt-along is a great project to master this skill!
Serpentine Stitch
Who doesn’t love a new stitch? The B 740 now has the serpentine stitch—this is a great stitch for walking foot quilting. The serpentine stitch is number 1396, and is also available on the B 770 QE.
Thread Cutter Cleaning
The thread cutting feature is one of our favorites for good reason. If you use it a lot, lint and thread ends can build up in the cutter, causing it to not cut cleanly. Now, after every 1000 cuts, your machine will give you the following reminder to clean the cutter:
If you touch the “confirm” icon (the green check), a screen will open to walk you through the cleaning process step by step.
After you complete the cleaning process, the cutter’s count will be reset, and the machine will remind you after another 1000 cuts.
New Embroidery Functions for the BERNINA 770 QE and BERNINA 700
Midi Hoop Compatibility
The new BERNINA Midi Hoop gives you the benefits of the ergonomic twist-lock mechanism found in the BERNINA Maxi Hoop and the BERNINA Jumbo Hoop in a smaller size. The BERNINA Midi Hoop has an embroidery area of 10.4 inches by 6.5 inches.
Combining Embroidery Designs
Bernina Serial Number Lookup
B 770 QE owners rejoice! You can now combine multiple embroidery designs directly on your machine and add lettering, all on the same screen! This feature is already included with the B 700.
Group and Ungroup—B 700 only
This powerful feature allows you to combine multiple designs so you can edit them at the same time. It also allows you to break apart designs to do detailed editing right on your machine’s screen!
Undo / Redo—B 700 only
Now you can undo or redo steps while editing and combining designs with one touch.
Thread Away Mode
Bernina Serial Numbers
Thread Away Mode uses a swipe motion of the hoop to pull the tails of cut threads to the back of your embroidery so the top of your embroidery looks tidy and clean. This function can be turned on or off.
Thread-Up Function—B 770
The B 770 QE now has the Thread-Up function, which allows you to easily pull up the bobbin thread to the top of the hoop. This is particularly useful for projects where the back of the embroidery needs to look as good as the front, such as quilting in the hoop or stitching freestanding lace. This function keeps the bobbin tail from getting stitched into the back of the design.
Firmware Download Links
Here are the download links for this firmware update:
Scroll down to the “Firmware” section of the page to download the appropriate .zip file. You will also find documentation on this page, including the firmware release notes.
Important Notes
BERNINA recommends all customers always use the latest firmware for their model. BERNINA makes constant improvements to their products, and always running the latest firmware version will ensure the best sewing and embroidery experience.
Bernina Serial Numbers
Before you run an update, any saved data and settings should be saved on a BERNINA USB stick. Once the update is complete, this information can be transferred back to the machine.
How to Update Your Machine
This video will describe the process of updating your machine step by step. While the video refers to the B 880 and B 790 update, the process is the same for the B 770 QE, B 740 and B 700.
Important Note: After the update, the machine will restart, and you will be asked to enter the serial number twice. Once the serial number has been entered, it cannot be corrected—so be sure to enter it correctly. This process will only need to be done once, and will not be required for future updates.
Enjoy your Update!
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