Thread: New machine debate...help!!

Um, no... the 440 is outdated, and we haven't sold them as embroidery machines for a long time. It's a fabulous machine for sewing, but it's much nicer to be able to download to at usb stick. Really, you don't want to have to be hooked up to a laptop computer to do embroidery. You'd be better off getting a 560. The price on that is around $3,000 with the embroidery module. I would avoid the Bernette Chicago 7 like the plague. A Bernette is not a Bernina. Quality on a Bernette is not any where near what a Bernina's quality is. My Dream machine is a Bernina 630. It takes the usb stick, has an oscillating hook system, and is a very solid, well-built machine.

Good Luck in your search!

Hi Quilted Sunshine,

I just wanted to say that I have the Bernina 630 and it is a lovely machine. I got a great deal on it here..... I got the machine, the embroidery module and the Bernina Stitch Regulator for the grand price of £2300 (brand new). You are right about the quality of Berninas now... I believe (though I could be wrong) that only models from the 630 up are made in Switzerland any more and I think they have stopped making the 630 completely.

Hugs

Caroline

Originally Posted by quiltedsunshine

Um, no... the 440 is outdated, and we haven't sold them as embroidery machines for a long time. It's a fabulous machine for sewing, but it's much nicer to be able to download to at usb stick. Really, you don't want to have to be hooked up to a laptop computer to do embroidery. You'd be better off getting a 560. The price on that is around $3,000 with the embroidery module. I would avoid the Bernette Chicago 7 like the plague. A Bernette is not a Bernina. Quality on a Bernette is not any where near what a Bernina's quality is. My Dream machine is a Bernina 630. It takes the usb stick, has an oscillating hook system, and is a very solid, well-built machine.

Good Luck in your search!

I have a Bernina 440 without the emb unit and a Bernina 880 with embroidery. The 880 has had some issues, being that it is brand new and somewhat finicky so I use the 440 whenever the 880 (Diva) is having her issues. I really believe the 440 would work under water! That is the best machine, great to take to classes. She's a little heavy but that is because she has all metal parts. The Chicago 7 is a Bernette, it is not a Bernina and there is a world of difference! If I had to choose between just those two, it would be the 440 hands down. If you want a machine that is still being manufactured by Bernina, look at the 500 series. Remember, quality is not cheap but it will save you money and grief in the long run. If you sew a lot, get the very best you can afford, even if it means financing your machine. I've seen more potential seamstresses and quilters throw up their hands and quit because they had machines that constantly broke down or had tension issues, etc. With today's technology that is just not necessary. Go for quality, and yes, it always costs more. Just my opinion.

The shop will praise the Chicago because they want to sell them. I've heard of many people buying them and then having problems and calling Bernina just to be told its not thier machine and offer no support. Check you area and look around you may find a good deal else where. Make sure it has a good warranty and good customer support is so important.

My wife has a Bernette...I don't like it at all....I'll stick with my Brother's

I would also check into where the DSM was manufactured. I have an old Bernina 1530 made in Switzerland and I STILL LOVE IT !! NO problems at all !!

I bought a 780 and when I had it in for an update, my dealer waited on another customer since I wasn't in a hurry. While he was busy I sat down to play with the Bernette's. After he was done with the other customer, he came over to me and said he hated to hear me sewing on the Bernette's. They said they will never sell me a Bernette. They sounded very rough and you could tell the quality just wasn't there. Save your money and invest in a Bernina, you don't have to go high end, just what you can afford.
Chris