Adjusting the bobbin tension on the Bernina 830/820

It’s so easy!  Although the tension on my 830 is beautiful and rarely needs tweaking no matter what I am sewing on, there are occasions, like when sewing with monofilament thread, or doing bobbin play, where you absolutely have to adjust the bobbin tension.

No more guessing like with the old style bobbins and a set screw, with the 8 series machines, the bobbin tension moves a click at a time using the multifunction tool that comes with the machine.

First, you need to turn your hand wheel away from you (clockwise) just as you do to oil the machine, until you can easily see and access the little silver nub that adjusts the tension as shown in the picture below.

That’s about 2 quarter turns of the hand wheel, or just try it while looking at the picture, and when it looks the same, you’re there!

Grab your multifunction tool, and placed the notched end over the little silver nub (the one furthest away from you).  It will move 6 clicks in either direction.

Right is tigherLeft is looser

Your bobbin door cover is marked with the default settings for your machine, so don’t worry about forgetting where it should be set at.  The default on my machine is one click to the left.

I’m so happy I decided to post this today, because I had my 830 serviced yesterday, and the technician left the bobbin tension set on one click to the right… I would have started sewing and not have thought to check it!