activa 125 (GB) 4.12.2002 14:15 Uhr Seite 1 In choosing BERNINA, you are assured of years of rewarding sewing. For over 100 years my family has concentrated on providing complete satisfaction to our customers. And it is my personal wish to continue this tradition of offering you ”Welcome to Swiss precision engineering combined with state of the art technology and an after sales service second to none.
activa 125 (GB) 4.12.2002 14:15 Uhr Seite 2 2 IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS When using an electrical machine, basic safety precautions should always be followed, including the following. WARNING Read all instructions before using this sewing computer. To reduce the risk of burns, fire, electric shock or injury to persons: When the sewing computer is not in use, it should be disconnected from the electricity supply by removing the plug from the outlet. DANGER 1. Do not allow to be used as a toy.
activa 125 (GB) 4.12.2002 14:15 Uhr Seite 3 Safety instructions 4. Never operate the computer with any air openings blocked. Keep ventilation openings of the sewing computer and foot control free from accumulation of lint, dust and loose cloth. 3 11. Never drop or insert any object into any opening. 12. Do not use outdoors. 5. Keep fingers away from all moving parts. Special care is required around the sewing needle. 13.
activa 125 (GB) 4 4.12.2002 14:15 Uhr Seite 4 Details Details of the sewing computer 14 11 10 15 16 13 9 23 17 18 8 19 20 12 31 7 21 22 6 5 2 3 4 1 24 Front view 030595.50.
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activa 125 (GB) 6 4.12.2002 14:16 Uhr Seite 6 Details 40 39 32 37 33 34 3 36 4 Back view 030595.50.
activa 125 (GB) 4.12.2002 14:16 Uhr Seite 7 Details 40 32 38 39 35 32 Carrying handle 33 Presser foot lifter (manual) 34 Thread cutter 35 Thread take up 36 Darning ring connection 37 Accessory box connection 38 Thread tension disc 39 Rear thread guide 40 Horizontal spool pin 33 34 Left end Sewing computer with Accessory box Accessory box 030595.50.
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activa 125 (GB) 4.12.2002 14:16 Uhr Seite 9 Setting up the sewing computer 9 Accessory box** D F A G H E B C Free standing accessory box • pull both feet out until they click into place • stand box in chosen position • • • Storing accessories Standard accessories are supplied in a plastic bag. The box is equipped with one small and one large drawer (B and C) as well as compartments for bobbin holders D and presser feet E. (Additional compartments and drawers are available as optional extras.
activa 125 (GB) 10 4.12.2002 14:16 Uhr Seite 10 Setting up the sewing computer Power cable Foot control C A Power switch The power cable • plug A into sewing computer • plug B into wall socket Foot control cable • plug C into sewing computer The foot control regulates the sewing speed Sewing speed is adjusted by applying more or less pressure to the foot control. Important! (USA/Canada only) This sewing computer has a polarized plug (one blade B wider than the other).
activa 125 (GB) 4.12.2002 14:16 Uhr Seite 11 Setting up the sewing computer 11 Sewing table* Increases the sewing surface.
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activa 125 (GB) 14 4.12.2002 14:16 Uhr Seite 14 Setting up the sewing computer Inserting the bobbin Insert the bobbin Insert the bobbin so that the thread runs clockwise. Pull the thread counter clockwise into the slot. Pull the thread to the left under the spring until ... ... it lies in the T-shaped slit at the end of the spring. The bobbin must turn clockwise when thread is pulled.
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activa 125 (GB) 4.12.2002 14:16 Uhr Seite 19 Setting up the sewing computer 19 Thread tension 3 A 5 The basic setting • is indicated when the red line on the tension adjustment wheel is in line with the marking A • the tension does not need adjusting for normal sewing work • for special sewing work, the tension can be adjusted to suit the fabric The tension is factory set for the best results. Metrosene 100/2 (Arova Mettler, Switzerland) is used to set both the upper and lower thread tension.
activa 125 (GB) 20 4.12.2002 14:16 Uhr Seite 20 Operating instructions General instructions Main switch to 1 • the sewing sewing computer is ready to sew 0 1 2 3 4 5 5 5.
activa 125 (GB) 4.12.2002 14:16 Uhr Seite 21 Operating instructions 1 2 3 4 5 6 Stitch* selection • stitches 1–10: touch the number of your choice; stitch number and basic width and length settings appear Note: touch 0 to select stitch number 10 (standard buttonhole) • stitches 11–20: touch #-button and the appropriate number * see p.
activa 125 (GB) 22 4.12.2002 14:16 Uhr Seite 22 Operating instructions Functions Functions are ... activated when the symbol appears on the screen. deactivated when the symbols no longer appear on the screen. Reverse sewing quick reverse: • press button • Sewing computer sews reverse until button is released (max. stitch length 3 mm) Applications: • programming buttonholes • programming darning program • switch to straight stitch securing program (stitch no.
activa 125 (GB) 4.12.2002 14:16 Uhr Seite 23 Operating instructions 23 Balance Your sewing computer has been tested and factory set using a double layer of cretonne fabric and Metrosene 100/2 threads (Arova Mettler, Switzerland). Different fabrics, threads and stabilisers can naturally affect the stitch balance so that they are sewn too close together or not close enough. Applications: Practical stitches, e.g.
activa 125 (GB) 24 4.12.2002 14:16 Uhr Seite 24 Presser feet Presser foot selection (snap-on system) 1 2 Presser foot shaft for snap-on soles 1 Reverse pattern sole Practical stitches Decorative stitches 2 Overlock sole Vari-overlock seam Vari-overlock hem Oversewing seam edges 5 4 3 3 Buttonhole sole Buttonholes 4 Zip sole Sewing in zips Sewing close along raised seam 5 Blind stitch sole Blind hemming Edge stitching 030595.50.
activa 125 (GB) 4.12.2002 14:16 Uhr Seite 25 Stiches Stitches activa 125 Practical and decorative 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Straight stitch Zig-zag Vari-overlock Running stitch Securing stitch Triple straight and zig-zag Blind stitch Double overlock Super stretch stitch Standard buttonhole Darning program Gathering stitch 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 # clr del 0 Quilting- and Decorative stitches 13–15 Quilting stitches 16–20 Decorative stitches 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 030595.50.
activa 125 (GB) 26 4.12.2002 14:16 Uhr Seite 26 Stitches Stitch selection 1 4 7 2 5 1 Straight stitch All non-stretch fabrics. All straight stitch work 2 Zig-zag Most fabric types; all simple zig-zag such as oversewing fine fabrics. Sewing on elastic and lace 3 Vari-overlock Primarily for fine jerseys, stretch overlock seams and hems 4 Running stitch Most types of fabric. Mending, patching, reinforcing seams 5 Securing stitch All types of fabric.
activa 125 (GB) 4.12.2002 14:16 Uhr Seite 27 Stitches 10 Standard buttonhole Fine to medium weight woven fabrics; blouses, shirts, trousers, bedlinens, etc. 11 Darning program Automatic darning for fine and medium weight fabrics 12 Gathering stitch Most types of fabric. Gahering with shirring elastic. Butted seams = butting two pressed edges and sewing together. 10 11 12 030595.50.
activa 125 (GB) 28 4.12.2002 14:16 Uhr Seite 28 Selected practical stitches: Straight stitch Straight stitch Stitch: Needle: Thread: Feed-dog: Presser foot: 0 1 2 3 4 5 5.5 5 4 3 2 1 0 Straight stitch No. 1 size and type suitable for the fabric selected (see p. 42) cotton/polyester up (sewing position) Reverse pattern foot No. 1 Straight stitch (A) The sewing computer is ready to sew as soon as you switch on The screen shows • Stitch No. 1 • Presser foot No.
activa 125 (GB) 4.12.2002 14:16 Uhr Seite 29 Selected practical stitches: Straight stitch with securing program Securing program Stitch: Needle: Thread: Feed-dog: Presser foot: Securing program No. 5 size and type suitable for the fabric selected (see p. 42) cotton/polyester up (sewing position) Reverse pattern foot No.
activa 125 (GB) 30 4.12.2002 14:16 Uhr Seite 30 Selected practical stitches: Zig-zag stitch Zig-zag stitch Stitch: Needle: Thread: Feed-dog: Presser foot: Zig-zag No. 2 size and type suitable for the fabric selected (see p. 42) cotton or polyester up (sewing position) Reverse pattern foot No.
activa 125 (GB) 4.12.2002 14:16 Uhr Seite 31 Selected practical stitches: Blind hem 31 Blind hem Stitch: Needle: Thread: Feed-dog: Presser foot: Blind hem No. 7 size and type suitable for the fabric selected (see p. 42) cotton or polyester up (sewing position) Blind stitch foot No.
activa 125 (GB) 32 4.12.2002 14:16 Uhr Seite 32 Selected practical stitches: Darning Darning program Stitch: Needle: Thread: Feed-dog: Presser foot: Darning Program No. 11 size and type suitable for the fabric selected (see p. 42) darning thread up (sewing position) Reverse pattern foot No. 1 Quick darning of holes or worn areas Replacement of damaged fibres/threads Darning with Reverse pattern foot No.
activa 125 (GB) 4.12.2002 14:16 Uhr Seite 33 Selected practical stitches: Zippers 33 Zippers Stitch: Needle: Thread: Feed-dog: Presser foot: Needle position: Straight stitch No. 1 size and type suitable for the fabric selected (see p. 42) cotton or polyester up (sewing position) Zipper foot No.
activa 125 (GB) 4.12.2002 14:16 Uhr Seite 34 Selected practical stitches: Buttonholes 34 Manual buttonhole Buttonholes are not only practical closures, they can also be used to decorative effect Select the buttonhole stitch No.
activa 125 (GB) 4.12.2002 14:16 Uhr Seite 35 Selected practical stitches: Buttonholes Stitch: Needle: Thread: Feed-dog: Presser foot: Buttonhole No. 10 size and type suitable for the fabric selected (see p. 42) cotton or polyester up (sewing position) Buttonhole foot No. 3 Preparation • select the buttonhole (stitch No. 10) • screen shows the buttonhole number (10), the presser foot No.
activa 125 (GB) 36 4.12.2002 14:16 Uhr Seite 36 Selected practical stitches: Buttonholes Buttonhole with gimp Gimp • gimp cord reinforces buttonholes and enhances their appearance • the loop of the cord should be at the end of the buttonhole most subject to wear cord loop = where button is sewn on • position the work accordingly Ideal cords • Perle yarn No. 8 • strong hand sewing thread • fine crochet yarn Hooking the cord onto presser foot No.
activa 125 (GB) 4.12.2002 14:16 Uhr Seite 37 Selected practical stitches: Buttonholes Securing the cord • pull the cord through the buttonhole • pull cords through to back of fabric • knot or secure with stitches Cutting buttonholes open with the seam ripper • use the back of the seam ripper to nick the stitches • cut from both ends towards the middle 030595.50.
activa 125 (GB) 38 4.12.2002 14:16 Uhr Seite 38 Selected practical stitches: Handlook quilt stitch Handlook quilt stitch Stitch: Needle: Upper thread: Bobbin thread: Feed-dog: Presser foot: Quilt stitch No. 13 size and type suitable for the fabric selected (see p. 42) monofilament 30/2 cotton thread up (sewing position) Reverse pattern foot No.
activa 125 (GB) 4.12.2002 14:16 Uhr Seite 39 Selected practical stitches: Overlock seams 39 Vari-overlock seam Stitch: Needle: Thread: Feed-dog: Presser foot: Vari-overlock No. 3 size and type suitable for the fabric selected (see p. 42) cotton or polyester up (sewing position) Overlock foot No. 2 or Reverse pattern foot No. 1 Overlock foot No. 2 is specially designed for overlock stitches. The pin on the foot produces more thread in each stitch so that the elasticity of the seam is maintained.
activa 125 (GB) 40 4.12.2002 14:16 Uhr Seite 40 Selected practical stitches: Overlock seams Double overlock seam Stitch: Needle: Thread: Feed-dog: Presser foot: Double overlock No. 8 size and type suitable for the fabric selected (see p. 42) cotton or polyester up (sewing position) Overlock foot No. 2 or Reverse pattern foot No. 1 Overlock foot No. 2 is specially designed for overlock stitches. The pin on the foot produces more thread in each stitch so that the elasticity of the seam is maintained.
activa 125 (GB) 4.12.2002 14:16 Uhr Seite 41 Selected practical stitches: Overlock seams 41 Ribbing with overlock seam Stitch: Needle: Thread: Feed-dog: Presser foot: Vari-overlock No. 3 size and type suitable for the fabric selected (see p. 42) cotton or polyester up (sewing position) Overlock foot No. 2 or Reverse pattern foot No. 1 Overlock foot No. 2 is specially designed for overlock stitches.
activa 125 (GB) 4.12.2002 14:16 Uhr Seite 42 42 Important facts about sewing computer needles Sewing computer, needle and thread Your BERNINA uses needle system 130/705H. Needle and thread The most commonly sold needles are nos. 70 –120. The finer the needle, the lower the number. The table shows which needle is suitable for which threads.
activa 125 (GB) 4.12.2002 14:16 Uhr Seite 43 Needles, Threads Needle and fabric Condition of needle The needle must be in perfect condition. Problems can occur with damaged needles. bent needle blunt needle hooked needle 030595.50.
activa 125 (GB) 44 4.12.2002 14:16 Uhr Seite 44 Needles Special materials are easier to sew if the appropriate needle is used. Special needles are available at your BERNINA dealer. Needle table Description Needle point Suitable for Standard needle 130/705 H Normal point, slightly rounded Universal needle for woven, needle synthetic and natural fibers, e.g.
activa 125 (GB) 4.12.2002 14:16 Uhr Seite 45 Needle, thread, fabric feed Feed-dog and fabric feed Feed-dog and stitch length With each stitch the feed-dog moves forward by one step. The length of this step is determined by the stitch length selected. With an extremely short stitch length, the steps are also short. The fabric moves under the foot quite slowly, even at full sewing speed. Buttonholes, satin stitch and decorative stitches are all sewn with a very short stitch length.
activa 125 (GB) 46 4.12.2002 14:16 Uhr Seite 46 Needle, thread, fabric feed Feed-dog and fabric feed with compensating plates The feed-dog can work normally when the foot is level. If the foot is at an angle, e.g. when sewing over thick to thin or vice-versa, the feed-dog cannot grip and feed the fabric and the fabric hangs up. Uneven layers To solve this problem, place one, two or three compensating plates as required behind the needle under the presser foot.
activa 125 (GB) 4.12.2002 14:16 Uhr Seite 47 Cleaning and maintenance 47 Cleaning If the sewing computer is stored in a cold room, it should be brought to a warm room about one hour before use.
activa 125 (GB) 48 4.12.2002 14:16 Uhr Seite 48 Cleaning and maintenance Sewing light CAUTION Disconnect plug from the socket before cleaning and servicing Note: Use bulb type 12 V 5 W. W 2.1 x 9.5 d. Replacing the bulb • turn power switch to «0» • loosen the screw • remove the cover by lifting it slightliy and detaching from the top • • • remove the bulb insert the new bulb replace cover and tighten screw Light bulbs get hot. Allow to cool down before removal.
activa 125 (GB) 4.12.2002 14:16 Uhr Seite 49 Faults 49 Trouble shooting In most cases you will be able to identify and remedy faults by checking the following. Check whether: the upper and lower threads are threaded correctly • the needle is inserted correctly • the needle size is correct – check the needle/thread table p.
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activa 125 (GB) 4.12.
activa 125 (GB) 4.12.
