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Bernina Aurora 440 QE: Free-motion Quilting – Part 2 of 2 – The BSR!
See Part 1 of this series here: Bernina Aurora 440 QE: Free-motion Quilting – Part 1 of 2: Free-motion quilting basics without the BSR.
So yeah, I know… it’s taken me forEVER to finally post about the one part of the Bernina 440 QE that is probably the biggest selling point for this machine; the feature that makes people go nuts, shell out the big bucks; the feature that is apparently life-changing, amazing, and worth your first-born child, if not your entire precious quarter collection. I personally have neither a first-born child nor a quarter collection, but given my limited experience so far with this glowing-red accessory, I might just be tempted. Yes, I’m talking (finally!) about the Bernina Stitch Regulator, or BSR for short.
Of course, you can surely do free-motion quilting without this fancy little device… For basics on free-motion quilting and to see how it’s done without the BSR, see part one of this two-part series. For those of you interested in learning specifically about the BSR, I’ve documented my exploration of this clever little piece of machinery. I’m no pro yet, but hopefully my experience can help you if you’re considering this machine, the BSR, or just learning more about free-motion quilting! Let’s get started to see how to make it all work.
What is it?
The BSR is an attachment to your Bernina sewing machine that will automatically regulate the distance between stitches while free-motion quilting. It attaches just like any other presser foot, but plugs into the back of the machine for power. It senses the motion of the fabric underneath to know when to trigger the needle to go. Not sure what free-motion quilting is? To get some basics on the technique, see part 1 of this series.
The BSR comes standard on the Aurora 440 QE and the Artista 730. You can use it on the Aurora 430, and Artista models 630, 640, 200 as well, but you have to pay extra for it. All Artista models support zig-zag with the BSR, but the Auroras don’t.
Woah… it costs HOW much?
Yes, well, let’s just get this out of the way now. This guy is expensive! The going price for the BSR appears to be about 900 bucks/quid/greenbacks/big ones/buckeroos (yes, that much!) when not purchased with a machine. Yikes! That’s 3600 quarters, for those of you thinking about parting with your stash. If you’re already starting to rationalize this purchase in your head, come talk to me. I’ve got a lot of great reasons I can give you to convince yourself/your significant other about why you will deduct such funds from your bank account/your 401-K/your first-born’s second-born’s college fund, I’m a pro at such things. Maybe seeing it in action here will be enough to convince you it’s worth it.
How do you use it?
Step one: Remove from adorable foam housing.
Behold the BSR in its natural habitat:
This box is really useful from keeping wire-biting cats away from this treasured item...
The BSR comes with three soles. On the left is the open-toed sole. Looks just like the darning foot, but offers an unobstructed view of the needle. On the right is the transparent plastic sole that is good for smooth sailing over thicker quilts (the disc actually compresses the batting surrounding the needle and allows for smoother stitching in tough, bulkier projects). The sole that is currently on the BSR is the closed-toe metal sole . It looks just like the darning foot’s sole, but instead is attached to an insanely expensive white box + wire combo. We’ll see the magic of it in a moment!
Step two: Lower the feed dogs.
Lower the feed dogs by pressing the feed dog button on the side of the machine, like so:
This button will put the feed dogs down. Down boys!
You need to do this to ensure free movement of the fabric while quilting. It will feel hugely weird if this is your first time free-motioning, but once you get past the slippery slidey feeling, it’ll become old hat. If you forget to put the feed dogs down, the BSR will beep at you and you won’t be able to sew, so don’t forget!
Step three: Attach BSR to machine
This process might make you feel like you have really big hands at first... You'll get it!
It’s just like a normal Bernina foot, but with a bit of extra stuff in the way. It’s a bit on the wonky side to get it on the first time (though not as difficult to put on as the walking foot!), but once you get it on there, it looks like this:
Finally on!
But what to do with that dangly cord? Ah, no worries! There’s a spot for everything! Here is the underside of the machine, where the socket lives. For some perspective, at the bottom-left is the BSR’s body.
It's even got a green box around where the cord should be inserted. Bernina took no shortcuts in producing this machine!
Once you plug this bad boy in, you’ll see your display change. It will start blinking BSR in the middle, just below the needle up/down indicator:
Imagine this blinking...
Step 4: Press the BSR button.
Then you need to actually press the BSR button, with the little scales beneath it to get the BSR 1 to appear:
Pressing the BSR/scales button will automatically put the machine in BSR mode 1 as long as the BSR is plugged in.
The scales have nothing to do with the BSR. If you press this button when the BSR is not plugged in, it is supposed to provide stitch balancing – a feature even the woman that sold me this machine was not able to explain clearly or convince me that it did anything useful. That button, however, is your ticket into the world of BSR when this guy is plugged in. Once you press it, the BSR1 text comes up on the machine. This means you’ve entered into the exciting land of Mode 1. Now you can start BSRing!
Wait a Sec -What’s This About Modes? How Complex Is This Thing?
Mode 1: This mode lets you use the foot pedal to stitch. Also, if you leave the fabric in place but keep pressing the foot pedal, it will continue stitching. If you want to be able to stitch in place, you should use this mode.
Mode 2: This mode lets you sew feet-free! That is, without the feet attached to your legs, not the feet attached to the BSR. Stitching is triggered by the movement of the fabric. It’s pretty swanky! First, let’s finish exploring Mode 1, which I’ll call “traditional” mode, since most of us are used to sewing with both hands AND feet involved.
Start Quilting
OK, now you’re ready to start quilting! Take your fabric sandwich, place it under the foot, and press down on the foot pedal. You should see the red glowing light turn on while stitching, like so:
I love the gentle red glow!
Troubleshooting tip: If the red light isn’t on, the BSR is not active! Double-check to see that the BSR 1 is displaying on the machine, that the feed dogs are down, and that the device is properly plugged in to the back underside of the machine. If not, go back to step 1.
Now, if you’re playing along at home, you can see that if you press the foot pedal a certain amount and leave the fabric in place, the BSR will just slowly stitch in place. The fun starts, though, when you start moving the fabric around. Leaving the foot pedal speed the same, try moving the fabric around at different speeds. The needle speed will change based on the speed that the fabric underneath moves. I imagine the red glowing light has something to do with this. Either way, it’s a lot of fun!
Let’s move on to setting up mode 2 before we dive into results! If you are feeling impatient, you can jump down to the results section to see the difference between BSR and regular FMQ.
Setting up Mode Two
For those of you interested in using the fewest appendages possible while BSRing, this is the mode for you! Mode 2 is also quite useful if you have a large project (like a quilt) and you think you will be starting and stopping often. BSR mode 2 will not stitch in place when the fabric stops. Instead, it will just stop sewing. To get feet-free BSRing to work, here’s what you do:
Step 1: Unplug foot pedal
I feel like one of Barker's Beauties demoing a product on The Price Is Right. Ah, loved that show. "By guessing the price of these every day grocery store items, you can win this beautiful Bernina sewing machine and... A NEW CAR!" Anyway...
As I was trying for the first couple of times to get into Mode 2, I could never get it to work! Finally, I realized that I was forgetting to unplug the foot pedal. Apparently the 440 needs to make sure you’re committed to foot-free FMQ. Otherwise you’re not allowed to play!
Step 2: Press the BSR button, and then the “2″ button to enter into BSR Mode 2
"Rod, tell the contestants what they're bidding on today." "Bob, it's a beautiful new baker's rack!"
Once you press the BSR button, then the 2 button, the BSR 2 indicator will appear on the screen.
Step 3: Press the stop/start button
"Rod, tell Gina what she's won." "Bob, she's won a BRAND NEW BEDROOM SET!" Ok, ok, enough with the Price is Right. I just can't stop strolling down memory lane!
Pressing the stop/start button will tell the machine that you are ready to go! The minute you start moving the fabric, the BSR will take off.
Step 4: Behold the Running Guy
Running guy? YES! Aside from the amazing stitch quality, the running guy is my favorite part. Behold!
Running Guy! Go BSR, Go!
When the feet-free BSR mode is in progress (i.e., your stitching has begun!) the little running man appears on the screen. Someday we will all look at this little pixelated graphic and declare it “vintage” and “retro” and “full of awesomeness.” It already feels that way, but I have no doubt it will look even more old skool in several years.
So now what you’ve all been wondering. Does the BSR really make a difference? Here’s a picture of free-motion quilting without the BSR. Below that is a picture with the BSR so you can compare for yourself:
Free-motion quilting without the BSR. See the long stitches at the bottom and the tigher stitches in the middle and top? It looks quite inconsistent. It looks especially messy from far away.
Free-motion quilting with the BSR in traditional Mode 1. Muuuuch smoother, no? Look at how equally spaced the stitches are! It really works!
Wow! For my very first attempt, it looks pretty good, all thanks to the BSR! Notice how the stitches are equidistantly spaced and look clean. I love the puffy little pillows it makes between each area of stitching. Compared to my plain old darning foot stitches, I think it’s a big improvement. It feels as if there is much more control when using the BSR, but I can’t decide if that’s my rationalization superpowers talking. Here is a picture of my random squiggles in all different modes so you can compare No BSR, BSR mode 1 and BSR mode 2:
Top left: BSR 1; Bottom left: BSR 2; Right side: No BSR
And a closeup so you can see the stitches:
Top left: BSR 1; Bottom left: BSR 2; Right side: No BSR
I think this difference is hugely noticeable. Free-motion quilting with the BSR makes a much neater, more professional-looking finished product.
What’s the verdict? Should I get one?
Ahh, well, that’s for you to decide, isn’t it? My first foray into using it was fun and really produced noticeable results. I am happy I got it with my machine and I have no doubt that it will help me get the right finished look for quilts going forward. My crafty roots do not lie in quilting at all, never mind the free-motion variety, but I can tell you that if you’re not much of a free-motion quilter yet, being the proud owner of this shiny little number will make you want to be! The BSR was a major reason I decided on the 440 instead of the 430, and I plan to use this thing a ton!
So there you have it! Hope you enjoyed this post if you made it this far.
Please feel free to post any links to finished products you’ve made using the BSR! I’d love to see what else this baby can do!
Posted by robyn on August 15th, 2008 under bernina 440 qe, crafts, sewing, sewing machines71 Responses to “Bernina Aurora 440 QE: Free-motion Quilting – Part 2 of 2 – The BSR!”
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This is Banjo & I:
I'm Robyn. Thanks for stopping by! This is my craft blog.
Contact me at robyn [at] dognamedbanjo [dot] com.
August 15th, 2008 at 9:35 am
[...] Update: For part two of this series, go here: Bernina Aurora 440 QE: Free-motion Quilting – Part 2 of 2 – The BSR! [...]
August 15th, 2008 at 9:49 am
How cool! My Janome doesn’t come w/ a stitch regulator…I guess I have to do it the old fashion way. Assuming I get a table to put my machine on…
August 15th, 2008 at 10:48 am
This is so terrific — very informative and fun to read… thanks for posting! You helped convince me to place my order for the 440QE (upgrading from the 230). I couldn’t decide between the 430 or 440. Bernina should sponsor you (hear that Bernina marketing? ;p)
August 15th, 2008 at 11:40 am
Just ordered my 440QE yesterday after trying out the BSR mode 2 in the store and it should arrive in a few days, I can’t wait! I was really impressed with the stitch quality after just 10 minutes on the machine testing it. I felt so relaxed sitting at the machine not having to use the foot pedal. Thanks for your blog it’s great and reading about you and your machine helped me decide to get one.
August 16th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
@ Kristine:
The old-fashioned way works, too! Either way takes some practice, it seems. I ended up with this table from Ikea to put my sewing machine on – http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/30102455 It’s very sturdy (a quality not easy to find at Ikea!) and has room for a big cutting mat, my machine, and my computer monitor, with no overlap! If you’ve got the room, I’d recommend it! (I had to make the room – still worth it!)
August 16th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
@ Carrie:
Yay! Thanks for reading. Glad to see another 440er in the club!
August 16th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
@ Sofiya:
OK, let’s just pretend Bernina marketing is listening? I would LOVE a job. Please?
August 18th, 2008 at 6:06 am
Wonderfully done, Robyn! My machine’s graphics are a bit different, but you explained the BSR’s capabilities and process of operation perfectly. I did separately purchase the BSR foot when I bought my 630E. I became a bit deaf when the dealer listed the prices of my machine and extras. I just remember that my husband nearly fainted when I told him how much I paid for my Bernina and accessories! He now realizes just how much I love my machine, so I think he’s recovered from sticker shock!
August 26th, 2008 at 11:25 pm
already typed a long comment and it is lost in cyberspace.
THANK YOU for doing this pictorial. The one you did on the Walking Foot helped me immensely so I am sure this one will too. I thought your FMQ looked great without the BSR but now….WOWEEEE! Can you tell a difference between the Modes?? I don’t notice anything.
I think you should be getting paid by Bernina.
August 31st, 2008 at 1:23 pm
Great demo…I got one of the first 440’s in NW Penna and I’ve been using it for quilting and a little darning(Yes-darning a hole in work pants) My husband also was shocked at the price-but he told me to get ‘what I wanted’…I have a
gem of a husband, don’t I? It’s great to
get info from a regular sewer, sometimes the pros are too technical or have to say things the lawyers tell them.
September 1st, 2008 at 6:43 pm
Love your review and instructions with very helpful pictures. Just bought my QE on Friday. I have spent time exploring the BSR and all the other cool stuff this machine does. Started working a new quilt on it today (monday) I couldn’t wait to try it. For anyone who hasn’t made up their mind about getting a BSR, get one, it is all that and a bag a if chips.
September 1st, 2008 at 11:54 pm
Hi and thanks for your great BSR walk through! I cannot get the BSR to light up no matter what I do. I have tried now 4 times and no light. The actual BSR was never used by the lady I purchased it from. What could be my dilemma? Any ideas? People talk about “updating” what could that be? Any help is appreciated. Pam in chico
September 9th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
Hi Pam in chico,
I was having the same trouble also. I shut my machine off about a week ago, (out of frustration). I decided to check the internet this morning, looking for info. when I found this post. I turned my machine on and tried again. I was able to finish my project. Yeah! Thank you Robyn, a million times! Great tutorial.
I would go back through the steps again.
I think I understand this a little bit better now. When you plug the BSR unit in, the BSR light flashes on the lower left hand side of the display screen. That just means it is plugged in. The BSR isn’t active until you push the BSR button located under the display screen (it has the scale symbol next to it).Once you have pushed that button, then it is active. You won’t see the red light until you lower the presser foot and begin moving your fabric.
As far as the update goes, from what I have read if the machine was purchased before Dec. 2006, there is an update available which fixes some minor problems, but I don’t think it has anything to do with the problem you’re having. I purchased my machine in April of 07 and I was having the same problem as you.
I hope this helps you.
Colleen in Lake Forest, Ca.
September 17th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
Hi Robyn and Colleen. Thanks to both of you for your encouragement with the BSR issues I was having! Got her back yesterday and it was a little more complicated…the BSR receptacle (where it plugs in) was cracked inside. Who knows how that could happen. Also, the BSR and the 430 were not on the same wavelength at all and had to have their firmware updated. After that, the entire system had to be calibrated. All in all it cost just under $150.00 to make it all work. One interesting thing the dealer/repair engineer showed me was how to get the machine to alert you if you are moving too quickly while “learning” your BSR. Did you know that if you hold the “1″ or the “2″ in until it “beeps” when you begin moving the fabric around if you get going too fast it beeps at you! It really helps you learn to control your movements. When you get better at this, you can skip having the alert on. All in all she is working very well! Thanks again, Pam
September 27th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
[...] little while ago to try out my Bernina Stitch Regulator (BSR). A Dog Named Banjo has a really nice tutorial on how to attach it to your Bernina sewing machine and how it works. She’s even got a couple [...]
October 1st, 2008 at 12:32 pm
Hi Pam,
I’m so glad you got your machine fixed. I would never have dreamed it was that kind of problem. If you are like me, I tend to think I must be doing something wrong, but sometimes it is the machine. Thanks for sharing, and thank you for the tip. I will try it next time, cuz apparently I have a case of hands gone wild!
Happy Sewing,
Colleen
October 27th, 2008 at 11:46 am
Do you know how long I have been trying to figure out how to access BSR 2 … my sewing machine shop showed me but I couldn’t remember. So thanks for showing me I simply press #2 ! Your clear instructions have been immensely helpful. Do you have any advice for blanket stitch applique? It seems to pucker on the reverse.
October 28th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
Hi Robyn
Thanks so much for this very in depth tutorial. After much research and soul searching I’ve finally upgraded by Bernina 1130 for the artista 630+ the bsr. I’ve only had it a few days and am very nervous of breaking this highly expensive technological masterpiece, so i was really glad when i found your post on the google search.
I’m still trying to find the optimum thread combo for this little beauty and wondered what you’ve been using for your trials.
November 27th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
I too am looking at the 440QE with BSR for quilting. I have a D1, which is a fab machine, but for quilting…not so much. The feed dogs are wide enough that your 1/4″ edge, critical in quilting, barely falls on the right feed dog. This causes pulling to the left. You can overcome that with concentration etc. but you are fighting to get that seam right.
Be aware that many of the Berninas ALSO have these wide, 9mm feed dogs. If you want to piece with the machine, choose the 5.5 mm feed dog models. All work well with the BSR, but in piecing where that 1/4″ seam is EVERYTHING, go for the narrow feed dogs.
I just wish they had a narrow feed dog machine with an auto thread, thread cutter, touch screen etc. I love those in my D1 and will miss them.
December 20th, 2008 at 10:15 am
Thanks for the spectacular demo! I’m on vacation and hadn’t used the BSR in a few years and was stuck. I Googled and found your article and realized the step I’d forgotten!
Your descriptions are more detailed than the Bernina manual.
Thanks for taking the time to help others!
December 29th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
Info is incorrect on yr webstie re BSR 1 & 2. I have used both BSR 1 & 2 modes WITH and WITHOUT the pedal – simply substitute the stop/start button if removing the pedal. BSR 2 is NOT only available without the pedal.
Lovely pics – but info incorrect.
December 29th, 2008 at 7:33 pm
I love my Aurora 450 w/ BSR, but often I have two problems. Help! 1)My machine skips some stitches. 2) My upper thread tends to “skin” out and break quite often. I’ve tried various needles but that doesn’t seem to solve either problem. Any suggestions?
January 6th, 2009 at 11:32 am
Gina, I am also having the same problem. For some reason the bobbin thread doesn’t get picked up for several stitiches in a row, making it look like one giant stitch. I have also tried changing needles, checking the bobbin, etc, but nothing helps. It also doesn’t matter what speed I am going at. It only happens when I’m using the BSR.
February 6th, 2009 at 6:46 pm
Thanks for this wonderful explanation. I just test drove this today, and CANNOT STOP THINKING ABOUT IT! It was jsut amazing!
JoAnnas last blog post..365: Day 7
March 14th, 2009 at 4:42 am
I’m having the same problem as Gina and Lisa. Does anyone have any suggestions?
March 19th, 2009 at 2:54 pm
Hi, I have the Bernina 440 QE with the BSR. I like using the BSR but is it only for free motion? I have tried twice now to follow a pattern on paper and it won’t sew. does it not like paper to sew over or what is the problem?. I would like to quilt on big patterns and not just squiggles.
thanks if you can help me with paper patterns.
Laura
March 19th, 2009 at 4:13 pm
I’ve never tried to sew over paper. Anyone have any ideas for Laura?
March 19th, 2009 at 4:22 pm
I am considering the same machine- does anyone have experience (good or bad)using this machine on larger (queen) sized quilts?
March 20th, 2009 at 7:50 am
does anyone know what to use to transfer a large pattern to fabric without using paper to sew over?
March 25th, 2009 at 8:59 am
Okay… you are amazing to do this blog! I love it! I have had my Bernina Aurora 440 for 4 years and have never quite figured out how to use my BSR foot, although I have tried SO many times! Thank you so much for publishing this information. You are awesome!
April 9th, 2009 at 8:16 am
I bought the Bernina 440 QE on a whim at a sewing festival last fall. I was afraid to use the BSR and didn’t try it until this week I have not been successful with my stitches. I am having trouble getting rounded curves and making the stitches small enough. It also seems to me that the machine is going too fast. However, my machine will work with the foot pedal or the start/stop button in either mode one ormode two. See page 45 of your manuel.
April 30th, 2009 at 10:05 am
Hi ~ Love the tutorial on the BSR. One other thing that I’ve found super important in playing with mine is to *lower the presser foot pressure* ! It makes a world of difference. I think I read about it in some Bernina literature – it says to lower it all the way to zero from the default of 47.
Crazy, eh?
Happy sewing!!!
Sallys last blog post..Photo Challenge
May 18th, 2009 at 8:08 pm
Hi I searched for help with my bsr that I pulled out of my box that I have had for a year. I have not had any experience in the free motion quilting. I had problems getting the thing to work until I found your help. Thanks again. The pictures are great! I can’t thank you enough. Now help with this motion quilting please.
May 18th, 2009 at 8:18 pm
I forgot to ask this question do I thread the bobbin thread through the eye thing on top of the bobbin case?
May 29th, 2009 at 1:42 am
the bsr uses a sensor to check your speed and therefore adjust the machines speed which makes the stitches even. its because of this sensor that you cant use paper on top for patterns. the surface of the paper confuses the sensor and stops the bsr working properly, at least thats what iwas told.
June 5th, 2009 at 2:05 pm
I finally decided to give the BSR a try today. The book is pretty much useless, your tutorial is much better. I hate the stitches I am getting on top of the fabric but the bottom looks GREAT!! Any tips?
CJs last blog post..SEWN Giveaway Update
June 19th, 2009 at 1:47 pm
OH MY GOSH!! I forgot to unplug the foot petal!! I even took the “know your machine” class too. Thanks for the great tutorial!
Susans last blog post..Set of 8 – All Knit Reusable/Washable Produce Bags
June 22nd, 2009 at 7:08 am
Hi CJ, Did you try threading the bobbin through the little eye in the “finger?” (If that makes no sense whatsoever, check out the button hole tutorial for detailed pictures… Button Hole Tutorial)
July 9th, 2009 at 5:37 am
I have used paper quilt motifs for a long time with my 440 using the BSR. I have not had a problem with that. I use a very thin light weight paper, either onionskin, pattern paper or exam table paper.
July 12th, 2009 at 5:55 am
Thank you sooooo much for your wonderful and informative tutorial. I owen a bernina 440 quilters addition for 3 years and have the BSR foot and never managed to use it, I thought it was broken =0(
After reading your blog I set up my machine and followed what u described and what do u know… it works!!!! After so many years I can finally do some nice quilting….cant thank you enough even the Bernina site didnt really inform me how to use the foot. Thank you again!!! Hugs Alex
Alexandr Witteveens last blog post..Grated Apple &Potato Crepe
July 12th, 2009 at 6:07 am
Hi I read some of the comments and some of you are asking about a way of tracing quilt patterns on the fabric without using paper…I bought this amazing quilting chalk marking tool on the International Quilt festival in Houston 3 years ago. It is really an amazing tool worth the money…have a look:
http://www.ericas.com/quilting/tools/pounce.htm
Hugs Alex
Alexandr Witteveens last blog post..Grated Apple &Potato Crepe
July 14th, 2009 at 12:04 am
Thanks so much for your tutorial. Like others, I’ve been having trouble with my BSR and it seems it’s entirely my fault, in forgetting one step.
Also want to ask is anyone has trouble with tension? I tried to quilt with red thread on the top and white on the back, but the red thread was pulled through no matter what setting in put the upper tension on, and whether or not the bobbin thread was through the finger hole or not.
Thanks again! Alison
July 22nd, 2009 at 4:28 pm
Alison if you use the same type and weight of thread in the top and the bottom you shouldn’t have too many problems adjusting the tension. When you use a thicker thread in either the top or the bottom and a thinner thread in combination with that, you will have to make more adjustments.
I’ve also seen some brands vary from one spool to the other with the so-called same thread weight and type of thread…different colours can vary in some brands. It all comes down to the quality and grade of the cotton that is used before dyeing. For the easiest time in quilting these days its easy to match the thread in the top to the same thread in the bottom and you really shouldn’t have problems…and you get a pretty back to your quilt as when you change colours on top, and bottom to match, the designs build up in different colours across the quilt. Far more interesting than matching thread colour to the backing.
August 2nd, 2009 at 7:12 am
Thanks for your tutorial. I just bought a bernina 630 because I wanted an updated sewing machine and a bsr foot! I had originally thought that i’d get the 440 but 630 was just a couple hundred dollars more. I’m so happy I did. I love this machine!
Can’t wait to try the bsr foot. It came free with my 630.
August 8th, 2009 at 10:58 am
Thank you for very helpful info! My husband just surprised me with a new 430, and already I am shopping for a BSR. Does anyone have experience using one with the 430? I just checked to see if it has the little green input, it’s there, waiting!
August 19th, 2009 at 8:30 pm
I just bought a “previously purchased” 630E and am trying to teach myself how to use it. The manual is somewhat lacking, at least for me it is. My question is does the start/stop button only work with BSR or should it work with any foot?
October 3rd, 2009 at 11:13 am
Thank you so much for saving the day. I friend of mine is on vacation with her machine and calls me 850 miles away to help her with her BSR issue. I found your site and was able to get her up and running. Great job. Now if you could set up a cheat sheet with the settings for all these functions that would make the world a wonderful place. Thank you!!
October 11th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
I too am wanting to purchase the BSR to use with my 430. Does anyone know if it works as well with the 430. Thanks in advance.
October 13th, 2009 at 10:04 am
Hi JoAnn,
Yes, I believe that the BSR works with the 430. Happy shopping! -Robyn
October 27th, 2009 at 3:49 am
I have just bought a new Bernina 440 but am having trouble with the BSR since the stitches are even more uneven than without it! Sometimes there is a gap of 1/2 inch between stitches. What needle should I be using? Should I put the thread through the arm on the bobbin? What might I be doing wrong. Thanks for a brilliant tutorial
October 31st, 2009 at 8:06 pm
I, too, am not successful in balancing the tension when using the BSR function/attachment. The top thread is pulled to the bottom and “loops”. If tightened it breaks. Have just taken the machine in to have bobbin casing readjusted but the problem persists. Am using 50 weight thread (from same spool) top and bottom. Will be contacting my dealer again next week for servicing if problem cannot be overcome.
November 14th, 2009 at 7:08 am
Follow-up: Problem solved. Appeared that the thread was the culprit..and one particular spool! Have purchased quilting thread from “Connecting Threads” for quite a while and never a problem, but this time 1 spool out of the lot of country colors has more stretch to it (as Dave, the repairman, determined). Anytime THAT thread was used as the top thread the “looping” on the bottom returned. Problem did not exist when used on older Bernina.
November 23rd, 2009 at 7:25 am
To quilt a pattern without paper…
With caution, I suggest “press n seal” — the glad wrap thing. Mark the design on the stuff with a sharpy, then just pat it onto the quilt.
This works really nicely. It’s easy to put the pattern onto the press n seal because it’s clear, and it’s easy to place the press n seal onto the quilt because you can see just where your motif is going to land.
My only caution is that eventually, some film/gunk built up on the BSR and the little red light couldn’t see the fabric anymore. Just have to make sure you clean the foot with some regularity; you can’t quilt a whole quilt without cleaning it.
December 5th, 2009 at 4:52 pm
Aloha Robyn,
I have had my Bernina 440QE for 3 years and always thought the BSR was too complicated. The manual doesn’t help at all. Your tutorial is great! Just in time for me to try it on my latest project! I will add your site as a favorite.
Mahalo
December 21st, 2009 at 12:01 pm
Every now and then, when working with my BSR in mode 2, it just stops. The light stays on, but it stops stitching. The sensor plate looks clean. Moving the fabric doesn’t help, or else I have to move it a lot and then I get one huge stitch. Anybody?
December 21st, 2009 at 12:42 pm
I think I may have figured it out: the problem seems to occur when I’m at an edge (quilting a table runner) and the sensor is shining on the plate instead of on the fabric. Has anybody else had this experience? — Ann
December 21st, 2009 at 12:47 pm
Yup, I’ve definitely experienced this, aosiewert! Hope that’s the only issue. Edges are certainly a difficult part of the BSR.
December 27th, 2009 at 7:22 pm
Robyn, can’t find the IKEA table in new catalog. Could you describe, give dimensions or email a picture? I am hopefully getting a 440QEE this week and need a new sewing table desperately. Thanks!
Sharon
mamakiwi@yahoo.com
January 1st, 2010 at 11:45 am
Hi Sharon,
Hmmm… It looks like they just don’t sell my table anymore! It’s called the Markor. Its dimensions are:
37″ D x 74.5″ W x 29.5 H
Hope you find what you’re looking for! I noticed that a lot of the Ikea tables are not one solid top, but have breaks in it where you can insert a leaf. I like this table because it’s all one solid top (but! It’s pine and thus really soft wood and gets easily marked…)
Good luck! -Robyn
January 1st, 2010 at 5:47 pm
Does anyone know why when sewing with my bsr it will be sewing fine and then skip several stitches making it look like one long stitch. I just had my 440 cleaned, the bobbin adjusted and the BSR updated. It worked fine in the shop but when I brought it home and started sewing on my quilt, it started skipping stitches. I think I saw the same question in previous posts but no answers. Thanks for any help!
January 3rd, 2010 at 9:15 am
Thank you so much for this BRILLIANTLY clear explanation of the BSR- I was really struggling with my lovely new machine.
January 5th, 2010 at 9:05 pm
I had the problem with the skipped stitches….Finally, I remembered this jewel has more ways to adjust fabric thickness then my other machines…all I did was lower the presser foot tension – the dial on the side.. then we sewed like a dream. The tension improved and no skipped stitiches. I was using flannel for the batting so didn’t need much room between machine bed and presser foot.
January 14th, 2010 at 7:37 am
Can anyone tell me why my BSR tends to go really fast (almost as if demented)? I have just bought the 820 specifically because of the BSR – wanting to quilt my own quilts as opposed to having them professionally quilted. Beginning to think I have made a HUGE mistake. I use BSR Mode 2 and am NOT moving the fabric fast but this still happens!! Driving me dilly. Any suggestions??
January 14th, 2010 at 3:22 pm
Hi Vicky,
Hmm, that’s odd! I haven’t experienced it going super fast, unless I move the fabric super fast, at which point it will certainly kick into high gear! Have you wiped any dust or dirt off the BSR? Perhaps something else (like an errant piece of dust) is causing it to think that something’s moving, when it isn’t? Let us know what you find out! -Robyn
January 14th, 2010 at 4:24 pm
Aloha Robyn,
After some practice, I found that it is easier for me to use the BSR on mode 1 as it gave me a little more control. I used it on the borders of a baby quilt. Your tutorial made me gave me the confidence to try and it came out great. I will try the mode 2 again later.
Mahalo, Corliss
January 16th, 2010 at 9:54 pm
Corliss, I have found the same thing over time. Mode 1 is easier for me to control, so I end up doing that more often than Mode 2. I’m so glad you found my tutorial helpful and were successful in your baby quilt quilting! –Robyn
January 28th, 2010 at 3:20 am
This post was super helpful! I’ve been quilting a quilt since 10 pm (it’s now a little past 2!!!) and had problems with the BSR skipping stitches (I’m using an 820). I ended up switching to the disc foot, as you mentioned it helping over thicker fabric. It totally helped, but I’m still having problems, towards the end I was skipping so much I had to rip out every inch or so! Annoying! The odd thing is, I’ve used BSR 1 on several occasions now with no problem. I cleaned the sensor and still, no such luck. I’m not sure I’m brave enough to adjust any tension! After you change the tension, is it easy to go back to the original settings? Thanks so so much for creating such an informative post!!!
January 28th, 2010 at 6:52 am
Thanks Amanda! I’m so sorry you had a tough time with the BSR… Tension is super-easy to adjust and it’s no big deal to put it back to what it was (just remember what number it was at to begin with). Just turn the dial either forward or back. It helps to test out the new tension on some scrap that’s close to what you’ll be quilting (i.e. a little quilt sandwich for test sewing) to see how it goes. When you’re all done, just roll the dial back to where you started. Hope that helps! -Robyn
January 29th, 2010 at 4:04 pm
I just bought a Bernina 440QE and am getting used to it. I put the BSR on. I must have installed it correctly because the light came one. But I cannot get it to go into BSR 1 only BSR 2. Any suggestions.
You site is great.
February 1st, 2010 at 4:17 pm
Hi Robyn
Thanks so much for the wonderful info on the bsr. I would like to know if this attachment works on older machines. I have a 1630 and an even older 831. Love them both but this bsr has me very intereted.
thanks
Mary Lou
February 1st, 2010 at 6:16 pm
Amanda:
I tried adjusting the tension and mine is still skipping stitches. I am as frustrated as it skips stitches frequently and like you I end up ripping lots of stitching out. It doesn’t skip on my practice quilt sandwich but when I start on my quilt, it skips. I’d welcome any other ideas or suggestions on how to correct. Thanks for this great discussion. Claudia