Sounds like your dealers didn't properly educate you on your new machines or the update kits. The multifunction tool is used to tighten or loosen the bobbin tension, open the front cover, holds the needle to insert it and a few other things I can't think of right now. It's item #12 on page 8 of the final 830 manual.

The update kit has several items in it and a booklet to explain and should also have been reviewed with you by your dealer or tech. Enough machines have problems with metallic and other slippery type threads that they have added the little silver things and a couple other items to correct it. There was also a better designed oiler and I can't remember what else.

I really hadn't had the thread problems or the threader problems so can't really comment on those. Haven't tried the blogspot mentioned above, but have found the yahoo groups quite helpful. bernina_series8 on the yahoogroups plus a few others.

I had some issues with understanding the jargon in the book along with everything in the standing holder-kit. Then when I got error messages, I didn't know what they were talking about..."use the multipurpose tool"... "loosen the hook" .."??huh?? I also think Bernina assumes we have knowledge/expertise. But after a few days of my learning curve, my 1/4" has actually improved with the 820. I use the 37D foot, and the pressure of the foot (that holds the fabric down) is quite firm...I don't want to say "tight" but it's tighter than I normally had with my other machine. It's so firm I don't need to use the needle-down. Good luck getting the 1/4" right. I also am really enjoying my machine.

My new 820 came with an update kit that included everything EXCEPT the rectagular metal stickum piece you refer to. I was worried that I should have exactly the items in the kit, but I've been sewing along without it with no problems. Did you get the little booklet explaining the use of the items in the kit? I think Bernina assumes a level of knowledge, expertise for each machine model, and service that not all dealers are willing or able to provide. I'm still struggling to get 1/4" seams with the ease, accuracy, and consistency of my 440, 930, and BabyLock Quest Plus. I've tried the 37D and 34D feet and the ss, 5.5mm, and 9mm plates and various needle positions. While I can get an accurate 1/4", it requires much more guidance than I think it should based on my experience with my other machines. Otherwise, the 820 is light years ahead of anything else I've ever sewn on and I'm enjoying it immensely.

Thanks, Lori. Actually I'm the"reader" the article is referring to, although my question wasn't posted. I was being snarky. A virtual fit... Well not too bad - same as I posted here. Still, I'm just a tad bit embarrassed. In any case, I'm feeling more positive about things. Today at least...ha. Some days are like that, don't you know. Have a good one.

Mimibob - I found something about your "situation" on this blog I've been checking out since I got my 820. You can get more info at http://www.8seriesowners.blogspot.com. Just thought I'd share - there's a lot of tips on this "unofficial" Bernina blog site. Even my dealer seemed to know about his blog site. Lori

Thanks, ladies, for your replies. I already love my machine - it has self-threaded everytime - and I haven't had a bit of trouble with it. I will give it a mention next time I go into the Bernina store and see what's what. My old machine is a Bernina 801Sport. It's about 27 years old and is still going strong. I hope this one lasts as long and gives me as much pleasure. It made me a better sewer!!

Something doesn't sound right with that fix.
Contact the dealer and check it out. If you don't get any satisfaction send me a private message and I'll put you in touch with my boss and you can talk with him, he's an amazing tech as well as dealer!

Teri

oh how awful! You should be feeling happy about getitng such a nice new wonderful machine. Hopefully you can re-contact the dealer and have someone explain it to you - you're right. You shouldn't have to accept less than the best when you bought the best! I wonder if the automatic threaders still have some problems - I never got it work consistently on my previous Bernina 153. It worked right at the beginning, then stopped working without a lot of fussing around with it. I recently got an 820 and when I went to pick it up the dealer was demonstrating a few features for me, and the automatic threader didn't work. (Even though it apparently had worked earlier for him.) I tried to just take it "as is" because I never had a consistent threader before so thought I could just thread it myself - not a big deal. And I was so anxious to get it home to play on it myself! He insisted on getting it to work properly. Then when he contacted the regional Bernina dealer because he apparently couldn't fix it without ordering a whole new threader-thingy, she insisted I get a brand new machine (thank goodness). I actually wasn't so happy to think I hadn't even had the machine home yet and it would already have a "replaced part" on it. So best of luck to you getting your "situation" figured out! And I hope you'll end up loving your machine as much as I am loving mine. Lori

Have I been snookered? I just brought home a Bernina 830 LE. When I picked up my machine I was told to attach an adhesive backed rectangular strip "do-dad" with a hole in the top to the thread holder. In the manual on pg. 21, this hole is not shown not as an "add on," nor are there instructions anywhere in the manual for adding this piece. Did I get a defective thread holder?? What is up with this? This really disappoints me because I paid so much money for this "wonderful machine" only to find myself attaching a "cheap fix" for what is either a manufacturing error or a switch out somewhere along the line. Although the "cheap fix" will probably work, I should have received a pristine thread holder. Did I say I was disappointed...... Anyone else with this issue?