1980s–1990s Bernina 801Sport / 802 / 803 Sewing Machine Instruction Manual

My Bernina Guide covers operation, sewing applications, and routine maintenance for the 1980s–1990s Bernina 801Sport, 802, and 803. This Fritz Gegauf Ltd. publication from Steckborn, Switzerland, carries the printed code 87/1GB 390 302 030 and uses the designations 801S, 802S, and 803S in its instructions.

Text search and navigation: The instructional text is not searchable, and the PDF has no embedded bookmarks. A contents list and alphabetical index provide printed page references.

• Machine setup: Foot control connection, bobbin winding and installation, upper and lower threading, needle and presser foot changes, and feed-dog control.

• Stitch selection: Straight and zigzag sewing, practical-stitch settings, needle positions, thread tension adjustment, and needle-to-thread pairing for different fabrics.

• Buttonholes: Separate instructions for the 801S and 802S/803S, covering their respective buttonhole feet, control settings, and gimp-cord applications.

• Garment sewing and mending: Vari-overlock and flat joining seams, stretch stitching, blind hemming, jersey patching, woven-fabric repairs, and freehand darning.

• Decorative work: Edge finishing, scallop and shell edging, gathering, freehand monograms, and single- and multicolor appliqué.

• Routine maintenance: Hook removal and refitting, hook race cleaning and lubrication, stitch plate cleaning, bulb replacement, and troubleshooting by symptom.

The guide is suited to Bernina owners learning the controls and handling routine care, with illustrated setup instructions that explain basic machine use.

Setup and Operation

The View of Machine drawing identifies the controls, while the Presser Feet illustrations match foot numbers to sewing tasks. Foot control connection and electronic speed control are covered at the operating level.

Threading illustrations trace the upper thread through the tension system and take-up lever. Bobbin diagrams show winding, thread routing, and placement of the bobbin case in the hook.

The Needle and Thread chart connects needle choice to thread thickness. The special-needle section distinguishes ball-point, stretch, jeans, and leather needles within the 130/705H system, with additional handling advice for plastic and imitation leather.

Model-Specific Stitches and Buttonholes

The Applications of Practical Stitches charts for the 801S and 802S explain universal, running, stretch, vari-overlock, and scallop stitches. The 803S has separate zigzag patching instructions for jersey and woven fabrics.

Buttonhole instructions pair the 801S with foot 452 and the 802S/803S with foot 033. They explain the different controls and cord-handling methods used by these models, helping owners match the instructions to their machine before selecting a foot or setting.

Application pages bring together the presser foot, thread, needle, stitch selection, and feed-dog settings for each task. Zipper installation, narrow and wide edge stitching, and knitted-fabric hems receive individual treatment.

Freehand darning includes examples of stitch movement and common faults. The small darning ring section addresses work around the free arm, while the appliqué pages explain fabric support and handling around corners and small curves. Accessories marked as optional are distinguished from standard equipment.

Hook Care, Troubleshooting, and Repair Limits

Maintenance illustrations show access beneath the free-arm cover and around the hook race, including cleaning the feed-dog and underside of the stitch plate.

Prevention of Faults separates upper and lower thread breakage, faulty stitches, needle breakage, tension errors, and slow or stopped operation. Its checks help distinguish threading and cleaning problems from damaged hook tips or needle plates that need dealer repair.

The fault chart links needle breakage to pushing thick material while the needle remains in the fabric. It also identifies unsuitable oil as a cause of restricted machine movement requiring expert repair.

The guide does not contain internal motor repair procedures, hook-timing specifications, or electrical wiring diagrams. Disconnect power before cleaning, lubrication, or bulb replacement; the manual assigns repairs to the electronic section to Bernina service agencies.

English PDF and Included Pages

This printable English manual is supplied as one 46-page PDF. The total includes 39 pages of machine, sewing, and maintenance content, two cover pages, two contents/index pages, one introductory letter, one safety/accessories page, and one dealer notes page.