Thanks for the comments. I have already called my dealer who is about 150 miles from me, but there is now a new Bernina dealer in Springfield, MO, which is about 50 miles so I will probably take it up to them to see what the heck!!! My dealer told me it was probably a piece that had come loose.

I have been using it by gently holding it in place while I wind bobbins--may have to invest in a Bobbin winder!!

I agree, Judy, you should get your machine and that little thing to the dealer. However, if you need to wind bobbins before you can get to the dealer, the Wrights SideWinder Bobbin winder is worth every penny. It works very well and it's quick. I bought one when the bobbin winder on my Elna froze up and I was in the middle of a quilt. Keep us posted, lots of us have 440's. I do. That's what I came home with when I finally took my Elna in for service. Now I have two excellent machines.

JoAnne

is it the little piece that the thread loops around before heading over to the bobbin? Then head straight over to your dealer and don't fiddle with it - you may end up doing more harm to your machine.

Teri

The piece that the bobbin thread goes through before the bobbin winder has come loose and won't stay in place when winding the bobbin. Wondered if anyone else had the problem? I think the 440 manual calls it a bobbin tensioner.

Any ideas?