Well Barbara, it sure does swing out. When my dealer delivered the 830 and demonstrated the top threading and the bobbin threading, he didn't swing it out. I didn't look at that part of the manual.

It is better but I'm having issues with using Superior metallic thread. This is my analysis of the situation. Because the thread is "springier" it seems to snap out of the needle when the thread is automatically cut. Also it seems to shread much more easily than it did in my 630. I do not have these problems while using standard embroidery threads. What I am doing to learn more about the 830 is to construct the Series 8 tote project that appears on the Bernina USA website. Any suggestions?

Did I forget? I didn't know! I better recheck my manual.

The titianium needles I use are from the manufacturer that Superior get their supply from. I just did some research before Superior came out with theirs and bought a BIG supply. I love them.

Libbi,
Did you remember to swing the thread caddy out. Sometimes I forget & that message comes up too. I tend to use the outside vertical holder & the top wider thread guide. It seems to like this best. I do agree that when you have a good fit of needle stick with it. This is why I am using up my other needles & going with the Superior ones. The 830 loves them.

I just received my 830 and am dealing with all its "alert" features. I was using Superior metallic thread with a Bernina metafil needle but kept getting a screen indicating that the top thread was broken when it wasn't. I changed my needle to a titanium embroidery 90/14 and it works like a dream. Why? I do not know. I did not rethread the upper thread when I changed the needle so it wasn't the threading.

I too have switched to the new Superior needles. They are really great & do last longer. Go on the Superior website for recommended needles for the thread that you are using. I keep their guide posted above my machine and have saved myself hours of grief & frustration. If I don't use Superior I will only use Schmetz.

I use the Organ titanium needles for all embroidery - they were recommended by my Bernina dealer and that's where I bought them. They last longer than regular needles. I have used Schmetz, but now buy only topstitch needles from Superior Threads for piecing quilts. I think they have titanium needles for quilting now and will look into that next time I need needles.

Thank you all for your replies.

I will let my friend know and I'm sure she will be happy about it. She wasn't too thrilled with the place she bought the machine from, and I did remind her that High Country Quilts sells Berninas as well, so she may talk to them about lessons to learn the machine.

I found the manual for her machine, and will find out if she has a copy of it herself. If not, I will give her the link, and she may find other useful information on that site.

Diane in Colorado Springs

I use Schmetz needles in my Berninas. A 75/11 embroidery needle is my most used size for embroidery.

I also use the Organ titanium needles as wells as the Bernina and the Schmetz meedles in my 630. I really like the titanium for longer wear and smoother operation. I believe that the Superior company is associated with Organ, a Japanese company, to produce the needles Superior sells. What is important is the shank length, that it is a flat shank on one side, and the needles scarf. There are other designations for optional characteristics such as shank diameter and type of point, and size of eye, number of eyes, number of needles on one shank, etc. More stuff to collect!
PS. The document on It's A Stitch Online referenced in a previous post provides a great diagram.

The only Bernina needles I use are the ones that came with the machines. Other than that I always use Schmetz. Singer needles are definitely too long. Maggi

I've been using the Schmetz needles since I bought my Bernina a year ago without problems. I recently bought the Superior needles and love them! Sandi in FL

It's a Stitch Online has the manuals that you can download. I'm not sure how you add a link but cut/paste or just search online for the site.

http://www.itsastitchonline.com/machine_mastery.htm

Diane - My Bernina is almost three years old and I have only used Schmetz needles. They are readily available. High Country Quilts in Colorado Springs is a Bernina Dealer. The ladies are super nice and would be more than happy to help your friend. Good luck. Carolyn in Kerrville, TX

I don't have a 630 but use other brands interchangably with Bernina brand. The Bernina dealer near me sells non-Bernina brand needles and sells the 620 through 830 so she is fine. I have not been able to find Bernina manuals online.