Trouble shooting Why does my Bernina sewing machine no longer zigzag?

If your Bernina 930 record sewing machine is experiencing issues with zigzag stitches and straight stitches, here are some troubleshooting steps you can try:

1. Check the needle: Ensure that the needle is properly inserted and not bent or dull. Replace the needle if necessary, making sure to use the correct needle type and size for the fabric you are sewing.
2. Adjust the stitch width and length: Verify that the stitch width and length settings are properly adjusted for the desired zigzag stitch. Refer to your machine's user manual for instructions on how to adjust these settings correctly.
3. Clean and lubricate the machine: A build-up of lint or lack of lubrication can affect the machine's performance. Clean the bobbin area and other accessible parts of the machine using a soft brush or lint brush. Apply a drop of sewing machine oil to the recommended areas as specified in the user manual.
4. Check the tension: Improper tension can lead to skipped stitches. Ensure that the upper thread tension is properly adjusted for the fabric and thread you are using. Consult the user manual for guidance on adjusting the tension correctly.
5. Test with different fabrics and threads: Try sewing on different fabrics using different types of thread to determine if the issue is specific to certain materials. This will help identify whether the problem lies with the machine or the materials being used.
6. Have the machine serviced: If the above steps do not resolve the issue, it may be necessary to have your Bernina 930 record serviced by a professional. There could be underlying mechanical issues that require expert attention.

It's important to note that the Bernina 930 record is a vintage sewing machine, and finding a qualified technician with experience working on older models may be beneficial if further repairs or adjustments are needed.

hi Carol.
this link should help you out.
Bernina Sewing Machines How do make zigzag stitch Google Search

hi Carol.
this might help you out.
Zigzag Stitch iFixit
or this one.
Bernina Sewing Machines How do make zigzag stitch Google Search

If it's a mechanical Bernina, it could be some of the lever mechanics have seized from old, dry oil. You can try liquid Tri-Flow Synthetic Oil--a couple drops where metal rubs on metal to see if it loosens things up. Applying hot air from a handheld hairdryer will help speed it up. The other possible alternative is that something is no longer attached to the knob/lever.

If it is a computerized Bernina, you should probably take it for service.

...

Hmm, I'm wondering if it has been cleaned and oiled recently. Older mechanicals require frequent TLC. Consult your owner's manual for cleaning and maintenance instructions:

Is your sewing machine mechanical (ie, not computerized)??? CAUTION--if your machine is computerized, do NOT proceed with the following suggestions.

If it is mechanical, have you cleaned and oiled your machine recently? Most mechanical sewing machine failures are because they have not been adequately and routinely oiled, the old oil has solidified and frozen the mechanics. I recommend Bernina oil or liquid Tri-Flow Synthetic Lube (or similar good quality sewing machine oil) for mechanical machines--do NOT use 3-in-1, cooking oil, WD-40, or the sewing machine oil from your grandmother's sewing basket. (I am not associated with any Bernina dealer.)

If it is in fact frozen, pick up a bottle of liquid Tri-Flow Synthetic Oil at the hardware store. Oil one or two drops in every oil hole (see your manual) and also every place where metal rubs on metal. But DO NOT oil any plastic gears, rubber, or belts. If it is still stiff or frozen, direct a hot handheld hair dryer into the top and bottom mechanism of your machine. See if that loosens it up. You may have to repeat.

Once your machine is working again, place a drop or two of good sewing machine oil as directed above. Be sure to use a small brush to clean the lint and dirt out of your machine, especially around the feed dogs and bobbin area. (Caution: Compressed air will sometimes force the dirt and lint into areas that cannot be cleaned.) And continue to use good quality sewing machine oil to keep it running. Recommendation: every time you change a bobbin, after 8 hours of sewing, or every six months if it is not in regular use.

Take it all apart, and clean the machine. Then re-thread, re-thread bobbin, set to normal sewing and try it. Then set to zigzag and try again. Without knowing what machine you have it will be hard to trouble shoot for you

We are assuming that the zigzag width dial is at the widest position but the needle will not move laterally for zigzag... The following logic should be applied for Bernina machines 530, 730, 830, 930 machines with a guided motion zigzag cam.
----------------------
1. The switching pawl (lever on the top cover that switches from zigzag to cam patterns) may be engaged in the cam or automatic pattern side. Check that first.
For zigzag application, the lever must be engaged in the zigzag side (lever pulled back toward the operator). The stitch width dial is then used to provide your choice of width.
----------------------
2. It is common, due to oil varnishes, that the switching pawl that is actuated by this lever is stuck between the zigzag and the automatic position, thus preventing the transmission of power to either the zigzag cam or the automatic pattern cams and to the needle.
The best way to detect this is to remove the top cover. You can then switch the lever back and forth to observe if the switching pawl engages firmly into either of the receiving forks. If the switching pawl is sticking, a few drops of certain solvents are applied by a technician on the switching pawl support. The switch lever can be rapidly switched back and forth until you see the switching pawl engage into the receiving forks and you hear a crisp clicking during each engagement. This repair can be permanent or it may create only a temporary fix due to the amount of oil varnishes on the parts.
If the machine is heavily varnished, it suggested that the parts be disassembled and cleaned for flawless performance. If the machine had been sprayed with WD-40, petroleum based solvents like mineral spirits will not break down these varnishes.
A caution regarding solvents...DO NOT USE (WD-40) as your solvent. WD-40 is a marvelous product for its intended application as a water displacement device. It is not to be used for lubricating a sewing machine. Note: "Bernina Technical Information bulletin #1" issued in 1982, forbade the use of such spray lubricants and solvents. SewTechnical Home

Hook don't catch thread

Possible reasons:

• bent needle
• needle/thread combination is not correct. When sewing, the thread should travel smoothly down the long groove on the front of the needle. (see user manual, chapter "Threads and needles")
• stitch plate damaged
• wrong hook timing (sewing machine needs to be taken to a BERNINA dealer for servicing)