Date: 11/21/09 12:03 PM

I need help, please! I am a new sewer and have a "new to me" Bernina 1230.
I have been having trouble with my feeddogs. When I turn the dial they will not lift. If I take the stitch plate off and manually lift them, they will stay in place. But they will not respond to the dial for lifting, only for dropping.

Has anyone had this problem? BTW, I do not know if it is related, but I have also had intermittent problems with the on/off switch.

Thank you all so much. You continue to be my constant source of help, inspiration, and encouragement!

Date: 11/21/09 12:23 PM

There is a square button on the right side of the machine that drops the feed dogs for free motion sewing. Is that button engaged? Push it and take a couple of stitches to see if the feed dogs will engage.

For the on/off switch, you may need to take it to the shop.

------
Visit my blog at http://sewingsaga.blogspot.com

If it's worth sewing, it's worth sewing well;
and if it's worth sewing well, it's worth FITTING FIRST! - TSL

Reply to 704betsy
Date: 11/21/09 3:02 PM

You might need to have your machine adjusted if the lever for the feed is in the up postion and after a few stitches the dogs do not rise.
Usually the dogs come up after being in the down postion by just turning the handwheel or by starting to sew again and stitching a few stitches as Sherril already posted.
-- Edited on 11/21/09 3:03 PM --

Reply to 704betsy
Date: 11/22/09 0:39 AM

I have had the same problem with the feed dogs not popping back up when I flip the switch -- not a big deal, I just gently put my tweezers under the feed dogs and give them a little boost and they snap right into place. You can reach the feed dogs without removing the stitch plate.

I hope you are enjoying your 1230 it is a great machine.

------
2009: bought 140 yards, used 184 yards, net increase in volunteer fabric 44 yards ... total stash 385

Reply to 704betsy
Date: 11/23/09 4:46 PM

After you press the button to raise the feed dogs, turn the machine on (if it is already off); or if it's on then turn it off and then back on. With my Bernina, my feed dogs don't raise up until the machine is turned back on after I have turned the dial to raise the dogs. I don't know if this will work but it's worth a try...

Date: 11/25/09 6:45 AM

That worked...thank you! Is the switch suppose to only lift the feed dogs after the handwheel is manually turned? This seems strange. Shouldn't they automatically rise and fall with the turning of the feed dog dial?

Reply to 704betsy
Date: 11/25/09 2:37 PM

Quote: 704betsy

Shouldn't they automatically rise and fall with the turning of the feed dog dial?

It would seem that way, but my Bernina 1130 (like your 1230 but no alphabet letters) is the same way. It might be a Bernina thing. You don't *have to* turn the hand wheel.... I often tap the pedal to bring them up.

Date: 11/25/09 4:55 PM

Thank you all...there is such a learning curve even with these great machines!