---
title: "\"Bernina Embroidery Machine Troubleshooting: Error Messages,"
description: "Bernina and bernette embroidery troubleshooting: 7, 8, 9 and 5 Series messages, error"
url: https://easydigitizer.com/troubleshooter/bernina
updated: 2026-10-14
brand: Bernina
class: both
origin: Switzerland
formats: EXP (native, with BMP and INF), ART (software); B 990 and E 16 also read DST, PES, JEF and others
data: https://easydigitizer.com/troubleshooter/data.json
agent_playbook: https://easydigitizer.com/troubleshooter/agent.md
publisher: EasyDigitizer (https://easydigitizer.com/)
---

# Bernina embroidery machine troubleshooting

Bernina and bernette embroidery troubleshooting: 7, 8, 9 and 5 Series messages, error

> **Short answer:** On Bernina home machines most stops are cured by cleaning and lightly oiling the hook (and checking its magnetic back for broken needle tips), rethreading the upper thread with the presser foot up, and recalibrating the hoop when designs land off-centre. The message owners see most is **"The main motor isn't running"** or a numbered **#1010**, which in practice usually means thread or lint is jamming the hook area. Bernina home machines show icon messages, not short codes; only the #1000-series numbers and the E 16 software messages are text codes.

## Model families
### BERNINA 7 Series (B 700, B 790 PLUS, B 790 PRO)
- **Type:** Home/prosumer sewing and embroidery combination (B 700 is embroidery-only)
- **Years:** B 790 from 2014, B 790 PLUS from 2018, B 790 PRO later
- **Field:** Large Oval hoop 145 × 255 mm included; optional Maxi and Mega hoops for bigger work
- **Max speed:** 1,000 spm
- **Panel:** Colour touch screen with Setup Program
- **Formats:** EXP (with BMP and INF files)
- **Manual:** [BERNINA 790 PLUS user manual (PDF)](https://www.bernina.com/BERNINA/media/Support/Sewing_Quilting_Embroidery/7_Serie/BERNINA_790PLUS/Documents/EN/0359645_20A_04_print_manual_B790Plus_2018-11_EN.pdf)
- **Tags:** combo, hook-system-9, embroidery-module, usb
The 7 Series uses the large B9 hook, which is removable and held by a magnet. Typical failure points are a hook that is dry or has needle fragments stuck to its magnetic back, a thread catcher that needs cleaning every 1,000 cuts, an embroidery module that loses contact on a wobbly table, and firmware updates that fail because the files are left zipped or in a folder.

### BERNINA 880 PLUS (8 Series)
- **Type:** Home/prosumer sewing and embroidery combination
- **Years:** 880 from about 2014, 880 PLUS later
- **Field:** Large embroidery module (see the manual for hoop sizes)
- **Max speed:** See the manual for your model
- **Panel:** Large colour touch screen
- **Formats:** EXP
- **Manual:** Available from the BERNINA support page for your model
- **Tags:** combo, flagship, embroidery-module
The 8 Series shares the 7 Series' screen messages, hook design and maintenance prompts. Treat its messages like those listed for the 7 Series below and check the support page for the current firmware.

### BERNINA 990 (9 Series)
- **Type:** Home/prosumer sewing and embroidery combination
- **Years:** 2023–present
- **Field:** Large embroidery module with camera and laser positioning
- **Max speed:** 1,200 spm sewing, 1,000 spm embroidery
- **Panel:** Large colour touch screen
- **Formats:** EXP plus BQM, HQF, PAT, PLT, QLI, TAP, SEW, PES, PEC, XXX, PCS, JEF and DST
- **Manual:** [BERNINA 990 user manual (PDF)](https://www.bernina.com/bernina/media/Support/Sewing_Quilting_Embroidery/9_Serie/BERNINA_990/Documents/EN/1038925_00A_04_web_manual_B990_2024-05_EN.pdf)
- **Tags:** combo, flagship, camera, laser, multi-format
The 990 tracks service and lubrication intervals as a percentage and warns at 100 %. It needs a stitch plate with a sensor, reads only FAT32 USB sticks, and its upper thread indicator trips often if the thread is not in the take-up lever. The camera lens and laser are dealer-cleaned items.

### BERNINA 5 Series (B 500, B 540, B 590)
- **Type:** Home sewing and embroidery combination (B 500 is embroidery-only)
- **Years:** 2019 generation
- **Field:** Embroidery module; optional Mega Hoop used in top, centre and bottom positions
- **Max speed:** 1,000 spm
- **Panel:** Colour touch screen
- **Formats:** EXP
- **Manual:** [BERNINA 590 user manual (PDF)](https://www.bernina.com/Bernina/media/Support/Sewing_Quilting_Embroidery/5_Serie_NEW/BERNINA_590/Documents/EN/1026725_10A_04_web_manual_B590_2019-09_EN.pdf)
- **Tags:** combo, mid-range, mega-hoop
The 5 Series uses the same message set as the 7 Series plus Mega Hoop position prompts. Most "faults" are a Mega Hoop in the wrong position, a module that is not fully pushed on, or the thread catcher reminder.

### BERNINA E 16 / E 16 PRO / E 16 PLUS (multi-needle)
- **Type:** Commercial single-head, 16 needles
- **Years:** about 2014–present
- **Field:** About 410 × 350 mm flats; wide-angle cap frame 362 × 82 mm; conventional cap frame 152 × 70 mm
- **Max speed:** 1,400 spm flats, 1,200 spm caps
- **Panel:** BERNINA User Interface software on a PC or tablet, machine keypad, status LED
- **Formats:** ART, EXP, DST, PES, JEF, OFM, CND, FDR, ZSK, PCS and more
- **Manual:** [BERNINA E 16 user interface manual (PDF)](https://www.bernina.com/bernina/media/Support/Multi-needle-Embroidery/E16/Documents/EN/BUI-Manual-040918.pdf)
- **Tags:** multi-needle, 16-needle, cap, commercial, active-feed
The E 16 is built with Melco technology: no tension knobs, an automatic thread feed set by a "material thickness" value, and software error messages instead of codes. Typical issues are wrong material thickness (loops or breaks), speed too high for caps, presser foot too high, E-Stop left pressed, and lubrication skipped on the hook and needle bars.

### bernette 79 and bernette 70 DECO
- **Type:** Home combination (b79) and embroidery-only (b70 DECO)
- **Years:** about 2018–present
- **Field:** Largest included hoop 160 × 260 mm (b70 DECO)
- **Max speed:** 850 spm embroidery (b70 DECO)
- **Panel:** Colour touch screen
- **Formats:** EXP
- **Manual:** [bernette b79 online manual](https://manuals.bernette.com/b79/en/index.html) and [b70 DECO online manual](https://manuals.bernette.com/b70/en/index.html)
- **Tags:** home, embroidery-module, bernette
bernette is BERNINA's value brand. These machines recognise the hoop by contacts on the frame, cap a design at 120,000 stitches, and remind you to clean at 500,000 stitches and service at 4,000,000. On the b79 the embroidery program asks you to swap in the high-tension embroidery bobbin case.

## Error codes
| Code | Message | Meaning | Fix | Models | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1000 | Needle threader jammed | The automatic needle threader is stuck. | Switch off, press the threader lever down and let it spring back, then switch on. Call a dealer if it repeats. | B 790 PLUS, 7 Series | B 790 PLUS user manual |
| #1001 | Thread cutter button stuck | The thread cutter button is stuck or faulty. | Make sure the button moves freely and is not held down by fabric or a case. Call a dealer if it repeats. | B 790 PLUS, 7 Series | B 790 PLUS user manual |
| #1002 | Needle up/down button stuck | The needle position button is stuck or faulty. | Free the button so it presses and returns normally. Call a dealer if it repeats. | B 790 PLUS, 7 Series | B 790 PLUS user manual |
| #1003 | Start/stop button stuck | The start/stop button is stuck or faulty. | Free the button. Call a dealer if it repeats. | B 790 PLUS, 7 Series | B 790 PLUS user manual |
| #1004 | Undetermined malfunction | The machine cannot identify the exact cause. | Switch off and restart. Call a dealer if it repeats. | B 790 PLUS, 7 Series | B 790 PLUS user manual |
| #1005 | Undetermined malfunction | The machine cannot identify the exact cause. | Switch off and restart. Call a dealer if it repeats. | B 790 PLUS, 7 Series | B 790 PLUS user manual |
| #1010 | Main drive sync failed | Listed by BERNINA as an undetermined fault; in the field it usually means thread, lint or a needle fragment is stopping the hook. | Switch off. Remove needle, foot, stitch plate, bobbin case and hook, clear lint and thread, check the hook's magnetic back for needle tips, reassemble and restart. Call a dealer if it returns. | 7 Series, 8 Series | B 790 PLUS user manual; Pintuck & Purl owner FAQ (dealer) |
| — | The main motor isn't running | The hook or needle is blocked. | Turn the handwheel until the needle is up, lift out the work without pulling, remove the stitch plate, clear thread, clean the hook and check its magnetic back for broken needle points. On older 7 Series, turning off the thread catcher in setup can help. | 5, 7, 8 Series, bernette | B 790, B 790 PLUS, B 590 manuals; bernette b79 manual |
| — | Upper thread used up or broken | The upper thread sensor sees no thread. | Rethread with the presser foot up; replace the spool if empty. | All home models | B 790 PLUS user manual |
| — | Bobbin thread used up or broken | The bobbin sensor sees no thread. | Clean the hook area, wind or replace the bobbin, rethread. | All home models | B 790 PLUS user manual |
| — | The needle is not at its top end | The needle is down when the machine needs it up. | Turn the handwheel until the needle is at its highest point. | 5, 7 Series | B 790 PLUS user manual |
| — | Needle and stitch plate cannot be used together | The needle or plate selected does not match what is fitted. | Fit the right needle and stitch plate and select them on screen. | 5, 7, 9 Series, bernette | B 790 PLUS user manual; bernette b79 manual |
| — | Incorrect presser foot for Dual Feed | A foot without the D marking is fitted while Dual Feed is engaged. | Fit a presser foot marked D, or disengage Dual Feed. | 7 Series | B 790 PLUS user manual |
| — | Fabric under the presser foot too thick | The fabric stack exceeds what the foot can clear. | Reduce the fabric thickness. | 7 Series | B 790 PLUS user manual |
| — | Contact with embroidery module interrupted by vibration | The module connection dropped out while running. | Put the machine and module on a firm, level table and push the module fully onto the machine. | 5, 7 Series | B 790 PLUS and B 590 manuals |
| — | Needle position does not match hoop centre | Hoop calibration is off. | Calibrate the hoop in the embroidery settings with the template fitted. | 5, 7 Series | B 790 PLUS and B 590 manuals |
| — | The embroidery module is not attached | The machine cannot detect the module. | Connect the module; if it is connected and the message stays, have a dealer check it. | 5, 7 Series, bernette | B 790 PLUS user manual; bernette b79 manual |
| — | The embroidery module must be removed | Sewing mode was selected with the module still on. | Hold the module, press its release button and slide it off. | bernette b79, b70 DECO | bernette b79 and b70 DECO manuals |
| — | The hoop is not attached | Embroidery was started without a hoop. | Attach the hoop until it locks. | 5, 7 Series, bernette | B 790 PLUS user manual; bernette b79 manual |
| — | The hoop is attached | The hoop must come off for this step. | Remove the hoop, then continue. | 5, 7 Series, bernette | B 790 PLUS user manual; bernette b79 manual |
| — | The hoop will move | Warning before the module moves. | Clear hands and objects from the hoop path, then confirm. | 5, 7 Series, bernette | B 790 PLUS user manual; bernette b79 manual |
| — | Mega Hoop top / centre / bottom | The Mega Hoop must be moved to the position shown. | Release the hoop and move it to the position named on screen. | 5 Series | B 590 user manual |
| — | Design partly outside the hoop | The design is positioned past the hoop's sewing area. | Move the design back inside the hoop and restart. | 5, 7 Series, bernette | B 790 PLUS user manual; bernette b79 manual |
| — | Design too large | The design is larger than the hoop. | Scale the design down or fit a larger hoop. | 5, 7 Series, bernette | B 790 PLUS user manual |
| — | Maximum stitch count of 120,000 reached | The design exceeds the machine's stitch limit. | Split the design or choose one with fewer stitches. | bernette b79, b70 DECO | bernette b79 manual |
| — | Insert the high-tension bobbin case | Embroidery program selected on a machine with separate bobbin cases. | Swap in the embroidery (high-tension) bobbin case; switch back to the standard case for sewing. | bernette b79 | bernette b79 manual |
| — | Thread cutter adjusted after embroidery start | The cutter setting was changed mid-design. | Cut the thread by hand for this stop. | bernette b79, b70 DECO | bernette b79 manual |
| — | Automatic thread cutter malfunctioning | The cutter did not complete its cycle. | Confirm, then clean the thread catcher. Call a dealer if it keeps happening. | bernette b79, b70 DECO | bernette b79 manual |
| — | Thread catcher needs cleaning | Appears every start-up after 1,000 cutting cycles. | Confirm and follow the on-screen thread catcher cleaning; the counter resets. | 5, 7 Series | B 790 PLUS and B 590 manuals |
| — | Machine needs cleaning / lubricating | The cleaning or oiling interval has run out. | Clean and oil the hook, then sew a test piece so excess oil does not mark the work. | 5, 7, 9 Series | B 790 PLUS user manual; B 990 user manual |
| — | Time for regular maintenance | The programmed service interval has expired. | Book a dealer service. You can dismiss the message temporarily; after the third dismissal it waits until the next interval. | 5, 7 Series | B 790 PLUS user manual |
| — | 500,000 stitches since last cleaning | Cleaning reminder. | Clean the hook and feed area; cancel to be reminded at next start-up. | bernette | bernette b79 manual |
| — | 4,000,000 stitches since last service | Maintenance reminder. | Book a bernette dealer service. | bernette | bernette b79 manual |
| — | Not enough free capacity on USB stick | The stick is full. | Delete files or use a BERNINA USB stick with free space. | 5, 7 Series, bernette | B 790 PLUS user manual; bernette b79 manual |
| — | Firmware update failed | Update files not found on the stick. | Unzip the update and copy the files to the root of the stick, not into a folder, then update again. | 5, 7, 9 Series | B 790 PLUS user manual; B 990 user manual |
| — | No BERNINA USB stick inserted | The stick was removed during the automatic update. | Reinsert the same stick and keep it in for the whole update. | 5, 7 Series | B 790 PLUS user manual |
| — | E-Stop Engaged | The emergency stop is pressed, or the machine falsely reports it. | Release the red E-Stop button. If it was not pressed, reseat the user interface harness at both ends; if it persists call technical support. | E 16 | E 16 technical manual |
| — | XY home not set | The X and Y home positions are not synchronised. | Run the X/Y home adjustment before sewing. | E 16 | E 16 technical manual |
| — | HOOP CENTER error | Centre hoop was requested while a design is in progress. | Finish or clear the design, then centre the hoop. | E 16 | E 16 technical manual |
| — | GOTO func error | A move was requested while the machine is busy. | Wait for the current function to finish, then repeat the command. | E 16 | E 16 technical manual |
| — | No trace data | Trace was pressed with no design loaded. | Load a design, then trace. | E 16 | E 16 technical manual |
| — | Can't init color / grabber, Z not in SAFE ZONE | The colour change or grabber is not at home, so the head cannot move safely. | Make sure the needle case and grabber are at home; check for obstructions. If the motor will not home, call support. | E 16 | E 16 technical manual |
| — | COLOR CHANGE timeout / seek error | The needle case did not reach the needle in time. | Look for a bind or obstruction at the needle case, check connectors, then retry. Recurring errors need a technician. | E 16 | E 16 technical manual |
| — | GRABBER / FEEDER timeout or index error | The grabber or thread feeder did not reach its sensor. | Clear thread or lint at the grabber and feeder, check harness connections, retry. | E 16 | E 16 technical manual |
| — | X / Y timeout, tracking or over current error | The hoop drive could not move as commanded. | Remove anything blocking the hoop arm, check the hoop is not dragging, restart. Recurring errors point to belt, bearing or rail lubrication problems. | E 16 | E 16 technical manual |
| — | Z-Motor not at HEADUP / Missed headup while sewing | The main shaft did not stop in the head-up position. | Clear thread jams at the hook, restart. Recurring errors need a technician. | E 16 | E 16 technical manual |
| — | TI-DSP / DSP timeout / checksum errors | The motor controller received an invalid command and halted. | Note the design, stitch number and what the machine was doing, restart, and send the details and design file to technical support. | E 16 | E 16 technical manual |

## Common problems and fixes
### Error #1010 or "main motor isn't running"
**Symptoms:** motor, birdnest, noise
**Likely causes:** thread wrapped in the hook, lint packed under the stitch plate, broken needle tip stuck on the magnetic hook
1. Switch off. Raise the needle with the handwheel and lift the work out without pulling threads.
2. Remove the needle, foot, stitch plate and bobbin case, then take out the hook.
3. Brush out the hook race; never use pointed tools. Wipe the magnetic back of the hook clean of any metal fragments.
4. Refit the hook so its two lugs meet the openings and the coloured mark shows, then turn the handwheel by hand to check.
5. Oil the hook felts lightly, reassemble and restart.
**Call a technician if:** the handwheel is stiff or locked, or #1010 returns after a full clean.

### Upper thread keeps breaking
**Symptoms:** thread, tension, needle
**Likely causes:** wrong needle for the thread, tension too high, thread caught at the take-up lever, damaged stitch plate or hook tip
1. Rethread the whole path with the presser foot up.
2. Fit a new embroidery needle sized for the thread.
3. Lower the upper tension a little; for metallic thread also reduce speed.
4. If thread is trapped near the take-up lever, remove the headframe cover (one Torx screw on 7 Series; slide-off cover on the 990) and clear it.
5. Floss the tension discs with a folded piece of thin fabric to remove thread scraps.
**Call a technician if:** the stitch plate hole or hook tip is nicked.

### Design lands off-centre or outlines do not line up
**Symptoms:** registration, hoop
**Likely causes:** hoop calibration out, fabric loose, module on an uneven table
1. Fit the hoop with its template and run "Calibrating the embroidery hoop" in the embroidery settings; centre the needle with the arrows.
2. Put the machine and module on a firm, level surface.
3. Rehoop tightly with a suitable stabilizer.
4. Keep resizing on the machine within about 20 % to preserve density.
**Call a technician if:** calibration does not hold or the module will not move smoothly.

### Embroidery module not recognised
**Symptoms:** frame, sensor, power
**Likely causes:** module not fully pushed on, vibration on a soft table, dirty connector
1. Switch off, slide the module off and back on until it seats fully.
2. Move the setup to a firm, level table.
3. Switch on with the module attached.
**Call a technician if:** the machine still reports no module.

### Wrong hoop detected (bernette)
**Symptoms:** hoop, sensor
**Likely causes:** dirty contacts on the hoop frame
1. Clean the hoop's contacts with a microfibre cloth and contact cleaner.
2. If needed, turn off hoop recognition in the monitoring settings and select the hoop by hand.
**Call a technician if:** no hoop is ever recognised.

### Bobbin shows on top or looping (home machines)
**Symptoms:** bobbin, tension, looping
**Likely causes:** wrong bobbin case, lint under the bobbin case spring, upper tension wrong
1. Use the bobbin case supplied for embroidery (the b79 needs its high-tension embroidery case).
2. Remove thread scraps from under the bobbin case spring.
3. Rethread top and bottom and test on scrap.
**Call a technician if:** the bobbin tension itself needs setting.

### Loops on top or thread breaks on the E 16
**Symptoms:** looping, tension, thread
**Likely causes:** material thickness value wrong, presser foot too high, speed too high
1. If satins loop or fills loop and break, lower the material thickness value.
2. If bobbin shows on top or satins break, raise the material thickness value.
3. Set the presser foot just above the fabric; too high causes breaks, too low causes registration loss.
4. Slow down: 850–1,000 spm for caps and pocket clamps, 1,000–1,200 for metallic thread.
**Call a technician if:** breaks continue at sensible settings with a fresh needle and clean hook.

### E 16 false bobbin break stops
**Symptoms:** sensor, bobbin
**Likely causes:** material thickness set too high
1. Reduce the material thickness value and test.
2. Clean and re-tension the bobbin case at the daily hook service.
**Call a technician if:** false stops continue with correct settings.

### USB stick or design not read
**Symptoms:** usb, file
**Likely causes:** stick not FAT32, files in a folder or zipped, unsupported format on older models
1. Use a BERNINA USB stick or a FAT32-formatted stick.
2. Save EXP files with their BMP and INF companions so colours and previews show.
3. On 5, 7 and 8 Series, convert other formats to EXP in your software; the 990 also reads DST, PES and JEF.
**Call a technician if:** no stick is detected at all.

### Firmware update stuck or fails
**Symptoms:** display, usb
**Likely causes:** files still zipped, files in a folder, stick removed
1. Unzip the update and copy it to the top level of the stick.
2. If the update freezes, remove the stick, switch off, switch on and follow the screen.
3. On bernette, rename the firmware file ending from .fw to .auto and power on with the stick inserted.
**Call a technician if:** the machine will not start after an update.

### Touch screen does not respond accurately
**Symptoms:** display
**Likely causes:** screen calibration lost, eco mode on, screen locked
1. Recalibrate the display in setup.
2. If you cannot reach setup, switch on while holding the needle position left/right buttons (7 Series) and tap the targets.
3. Tap the eco icon if eco mode is active; on the 990 unlock the screen.
**Call a technician if:** the screen stays dark or dead.

### Thread cutter does not trim
**Symptoms:** trimmer
**Likely causes:** lint and thread in the thread catcher
1. Run the thread catcher cleaning from the screen prompt.
2. Brush out the area under the stitch plate.
3. For metallic threads, switch off the automatic cutter and trim by hand.
**Call a technician if:** the cutter still fails after cleaning.

## Maintenance schedule
| Interval | Task | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Every bobbin change | Brush lint from the hook and bobbin area | No pointed tools in the hook race. |
| Every 3–4 bobbins (home) | Clean and oil the hook | BERNINA's 990 guidance; use BERNINA oil, felts damp only. |
| Before a new project or after storage | Oil the hook and sew a test piece | Excess oil can mark fabric. |
| At 1,000 cuts | Clean the thread catcher | The machine prompts you. |
| Every 6 months (bernette, heavy use) | Oil the needle bar mechanism under the headframe cover | One drop per point, wipe excess. |
| Every 4–5 running hours (E 16) | Clean and oil the rotary hook, one drop | Clean and check bobbin case tension at the same time. |
| Weekly (E 16) | Oil needle drive, upper V-rails and all 16 needle bars | Follow the on-screen maintenance steps. |
| Monthly (E 16) | Clean and grease X-drive rails and Y-bearing blocks; check X-cable tension | Remove hoops and clamps first. |
| Quarterly (E 16) | Grease take-up lever cam, presser foot cam and needle bar guides; grease thread feed rollers | Never lubricate the colour change lead screw. |
| Yearly to 2-yearly | Dealer service | Yearly with heavy use, every two years with normal use (990). |

## Settings that cause stitch problems
- **Fabric thickness (home machines):** the embroidery setting resets to 4 mm at power-off. For towels and thick fleece choose 7.5 or 10 mm, or the foot drags and stitches skip.
- **Material thickness (E 16):** this drives the automatic thread feed. Too high gives loops and false bobbin breaks; too low gives breaks and bobbin on top.
- **Maximum embroidery speed:** a speed set low in setup makes the machine seem slow; a speed set high causes breaks on metallic thread and caps. On the E 16, run caps at 850–1,000 spm.
- **Thread indicators switched off:** the machine keeps sewing after a break. Turn the upper and bobbin indicators back on in setup.
- **Hoop recognition off (bernette):** the machine trusts your hoop selection, so a wrong choice lets the needle hit the frame.
- **Thread catcher / automatic cutter:** turn the cutter off for metallic threads, and keep the catcher clean or trims fail.
- **Eco mode:** a dark, unresponsive screen is often just eco mode.
- **Short stitch filter (E 16):** filtering too aggressively drops detail in small lettering.

## Official manuals, FAQs and support
- [BERNINA support (US)](https://www.bernina.com/en-US/Support-US) — model list with manuals, firmware updates and support information
- [BERNINA 790 PLUS user manual (PDF)](https://www.bernina.com/BERNINA/media/Support/Sewing_Quilting_Embroidery/7_Serie/BERNINA_790PLUS/Documents/EN/0359645_20A_04_print_manual_B790Plus_2018-11_EN.pdf) — error messages including #1000–#1010, troubleshooting, hoop calibration
- [BERNINA 790 user manual (PDF)](https://www.BERNINA.com/Bernina/media/Support/Sewing_Quilting_Embroidery/7_Serie/BERNINA_790/Documents/EN/User-Manual-B790.pdf) — messages, hook cleaning and oiling, included hoops
- [BERNINA 990 user manual (PDF)](https://www.bernina.com/bernina/media/Support/Sewing_Quilting_Embroidery/9_Serie/BERNINA_990/Documents/EN/1038925_00A_04_web_manual_B990_2024-05_EN.pdf) — troubleshooting, maintenance intervals, supported file formats
- [BERNINA 590 user manual (PDF)](https://www.bernina.com/Bernina/media/Support/Sewing_Quilting_Embroidery/5_Serie_NEW/BERNINA_590/Documents/EN/1026725_10A_04_web_manual_B590_2019-09_EN.pdf) — 5 Series messages including Mega Hoop prompts
- [BERNINA E 16 user interface manual (PDF)](https://www.bernina.com/bernina/media/Support/Multi-needle-Embroidery/E16/Documents/EN/BUI-Manual-040918.pdf) — file types, material thickness, speeds, status LED, cap frames
- [BERNINA E 16 technical manual (PDF, Melco service site)](http://www.melco-service.com/e16/E16_Tech_Manual.pdf) — software error messages, lubrication schedule, specifications
- [bernette b79 online manual](https://manuals.bernette.com/b79/en/index.html) — error messages, troubleshooting, hoop calibration, EXP format
- [bernette b70 DECO online manual](https://manuals.bernette.com/b70/en/index.html) — error messages, troubleshooting, technical data

## Frequently asked questions
### What does error #1010 mean on a Bernina?
BERNINA's 790 PLUS manual groups #1004, #1005 and #1010 as faults it cannot pin down and says to restart. Dealers report it most often shows as "main drive sync failed" when thread, lint or a needle fragment is stopping the hook. Remove and clean the hook, check its magnetic back, and call a dealer if it comes back.

### How do I calibrate the hoop on a Bernina?
Attach the module and the hoop with its plastic template. In the Setup Program open the embroidery settings, choose hoop calibration, and centre the needle on the template mark with the arrow keys.

### What embroidery file format does Bernina use?
BERNINA home machines read EXP files exported from BERNINA Embroidery Software, together with a BMP preview and an INF colour file. The BERNINA 990 also reads DST, PES, JEF and several other formats, and the E 16 reads ART, EXP, DST, PES, JEF and more.

### Why does my Bernina say the embroidery module is not attached?
Usually the module is not fully seated or the table is uneven and vibration broke the contact. Switch off, push the module fully on, set everything on a firm level surface and switch on again. If the message stays, the connector needs a dealer check.

### Which USB stick works with a Bernina?
BERNINA recommends its own USB stick. The 990 needs FAT32. For firmware updates, unzip the files and place them at the top level of the stick, not in a folder.

### How often should I oil my Bernina hook?
BERNINA suggests cleaning and oiling the hook about every three to four full bobbins on the 990, before a new project, after storage, and whenever the machine asks. Use only a little BERNINA oil and sew a test piece afterwards.

### Does the Bernina E 16 have tension knobs?
No. The E 16 feeds thread automatically, and you tune it with the material thickness value in the software. Raise it if bobbin shows on top; lower it if stitches loop.

## Diagrams

- [Five-minute diagnosis](https://easydigitizer.com/troubleshooter/img/diagnose-flow.svg): Where to start when the machine stops or sews badly.
- [Upper thread path](https://easydigitizer.com/troubleshooter/img/thread-path.svg): Every guide from the cone to the needle eye — the fix for most breaks and nests.
- [Why birdnests happen](https://easydigitizer.com/troubleshooter/img/birdnest.svg): What a nest is, the usual causes in order, and how to clear one safely.
- [The I-test for tension](https://easydigitizer.com/troubleshooter/img/tension-test.svg): Read the back of a satin column to balance top and bobbin tension.
- [Bobbin drop test](https://easydigitizer.com/troubleshooter/img/bobbin-drop-test.svg): Set bobbin tension before you touch the top tension.
- [Needle orientation](https://easydigitizer.com/troubleshooter/img/needle-orientation.svg): Long groove to the front, scarf to the hook, pushed fully up.
- [Hook timing](https://easydigitizer.com/troubleshooter/img/hook-timing.svg): What correct hook-to-needle timing and clearance look like.
- [Presser foot height](https://easydigitizer.com/troubleshooter/img/presser-foot-height.svg): Too high causes flagging and loops; too low drags and breaks thread.
- [Hooping layers](https://easydigitizer.com/troubleshooter/img/hooping.svg): Firm, flat and square — the root of most puckering and registration faults.
- [Caps: frame and sequence](https://easydigitizer.com/troubleshooter/img/cap-frame.svg): Cap frame set-up, centre-out sewing and safe sew height.
- [Cleaning and oiling points](https://easydigitizer.com/troubleshooter/img/maintenance-points.svg): Daily and weekly care points on a multi-needle head.

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Part of the EasyDigitizer embroidery machine troubleshooter: https://easydigitizer.com/troubleshooter/ · Agent playbook: https://easydigitizer.com/troubleshooter/agent.md · Not affiliated with any machine maker; the machine's own manual takes priority. Design-related sew-out problems (density, underlay, pull compensation): https://easydigitizer.com/help