How to Set Up the Bernette b08 for Quilting

bernette
Written By HollyAnne Knight

The bernette b08 sewing machine is a semi-industrial straight stitch machine. That means it has a lot of power and amazing stitch quality for quilting. However, it is not a computerized machine, so there are a few simple, specific steps for preparing this fabulous machine to be your FMQ partner in crime. Today, I’ll show you how to set up your bernette b08 sewing machine for free motion quilting and provide resources to help you stitch with confidence.

(This post may contain affiliate links)

 
 

As mentioned above, the bernette b08 sewing machine is a semi-industrial straight stitch machine. Specifically, during the design process the bernette team asked, “How can we have as few moving parts as possible on this machine to reduce the number of things that could break for malfunction?” That is a serious commitment to quality and durability. As a result, if you understand how to set up this mechanical machine to free motion quilt, you’ll have some of the highest quality stitches you’ve ever seen, plus the large throat space will make maneuvering your quilt a dream!

Video

Prepare Your Space

With any machine, preparing the space where you quilt will dramatically improve your quilting experience. This includes the obvious things– having a steady table, room for the quilt around the machine, and a comfortable chair– but we can get more specific with a few key elements to reduce the risks of pain and frustration:

1) Make your quilting surface level with the bottom of your rib cage. This is easiest if the machine sits flush in a table (like an Arrow Sewing Kangaroo table), but if your machine rests on top of a table, make sure the bottom of your rib cage is level with the machine table. This positions you up over your work with your arms at approximately a 90-degree angle. You will have much more control of the quilt and fatigue less easily.

2) Sit tall in your chair on your sitz bones (not back on your tailbone), stacking your shoulders and head tall over your hips, and engage the core muscles for stability (the Arrow Sewing Chair makes this position feel more natural without sacrificing comfort)

Set up the Machine

Now that you’re set up for success, let’s do the same to the b08. There are just two quick things you need to change on the machine: the sole plate and the foot. While you do this, I also strongly encourage you to clean the machine, oil it per the manual, change your needle and re-thread (Read The Sewing Doc’s tips for caring for your machine here and review the standard threading path for the b08 here). This way, all of the common “problem causers” have been solved before you begin to quilt.

In order to set up your bernette b08 sewing machine for free motion quilting, you’ll need the quilting foot set (available HERE). First, remove the current sole plate and foot. Then, replace the sole plate with the thicker one from the quilting foot set. This sole plate is taller than the feed dogs, effectively disengaging them so you can move fabric smoothly in any direction while quilting. Next, install the hopping foot. The hopping foot comes with several sole options, but I recommend the ruler foot (the round one with tall sides) because it will allow you to both free motion and ruler quilt without changing the foot again.

 
 

Adjust Your Tension

Once your machine is cleaned, oiled, threaded, and has the proper foot and sole plate, all that remains is adjusting your tension. As explained in the How to Thread the b08 video, there are several ways to thread and adjust tension on the bernette b08 straight stitch machine. We’re using the standard thread path for quilting and will adjust tension using the main tension knob. If you choose to use a significantly thicker or thinner thread, you may also wish to adjust the bobbin case tension with a TOWA gauge which you can learn about here.

Tension is a game of tug of war between the top thread and the bobbin thread. The goal is to adjust the top tension so that the twist of the threads lands in the batting of your quilt, creating crisp, well defined stitches on both the front and back of your quilt. When adjusting your tension, use a practice sandwich to test it and always raise your presser foot before turning the tension dial. You can find a full tutorial on adjusting tension here.

Quilt with Confidence

As mentioned above, the bernette b08 sewing machine is very powerful, making it ideal for quilting. Plus, the generous throat space makes it easier to position larger projects for even the most detailed quilting. Before long, switching your machine from “piecing mode” to “quilting mode” will be second nature, and you’ll be finishing up project after project. If you’re new to quilting your own projects, here’s a few of my favorite tips for quilting with confidence:

  1. Practice on Paper: Doodle the designs that you want to stitch onto your quilts so you can build muscle memory before you’re stitching on your precious project

  2. Practice on Panels: Use low risk projects like the Quilting Rockstar Panels to practice quilting without worrying about messing up a project you spend hours and hours piecing

  3. Practice Makes Progress: Don’t be discouraged if your stitches aren’t even right away. Your stitch length and the shape of your designs will become smoother with practice

 
 
HollyAnne Knight
Next

How To Organize Your Quilt Project