Update on the Bernina 8 series seam guide

I had to resort to playing with this seam guide to get my answers.  My dealer was swamped yesterday and the tech had no idea about this new seam guide, but he did manage to put the guide rod all the way into the presser foot.  

I am positive it should go like this, but mine is such a tight fit that I can’t do it with my hands alone, I need a pair of pliers.  My hubby will take care of that for me by adjusting the diameter of the fit.

It’s a perfect fit lengthwise, the smaller portion of the guide shank is the exact size of the presser foot width, and now the guide that rides along the fabric can be moved close enough to be useful.

There is no interference from the dual feed lever.  The purple arrow here is pointing to the dual feed lever, and as you can see there is plenty of space between it and the seam guide rod.  Yes, I checked it while sewing!

I would be interested in hearing if the fit is too snug on other’s presser feet as well.  I will have to see if I can get an official response from Bernina on this.

I was pleased to hear that my 830 was exceptionally clean inside, given that I have 3.8 million stitches on it since February… that’s more stitches than I have on my much adored 630 period, which I’ve had for 3 years!  The 830 sure inspires me to sew!

The Bernina 8 series seam guide

Tomorrow I am making the 190 mile trip to my Bernina dealer, the Quilt Sampler in Springfield Missouri.  I am having my BSR foot upgraded with the heavier spring kit.  Mine works fine on a sample sandwich, which is all one fabric.  However, it skips when I used it on a pieced sample, even when I move the needle over 2 clicks.

I’m also having my machines serviced since I’m going up.  I’m taking along the new seam guide that comes with the 8 series machines, as I’m not entirely clear on how it should fit.  Mine at least, does not fit like the older style for the Artista machines.

See the yellow arrow?  I am sure that the guide should slide all the way through to the other side of the foot, but it doesn’t fit.  

Fortunately I was able to make it work for my curtain project, but I am going to see if mine was machined wrong.

Bernina seam guide

Someone recently asked about the Bernina presser foot seam guide.  Nearly all Bernina presser feet have a hole at the back for the seam guide to slide into, and a set screw to tighten it into place.

A nifty device!  Bernina has some of the best presser feet on the market!

After you slide the guide in, adjust it to the length needed between your rows of stitching, then simply tighten it down with the set screw.

Easy Peasy!  And most functional to boot!