I just purchased a used Bernina embroidery module for my Aurora 440 QE and don't know what to do with it. It doesn't come with any software or directions. Anybody have one? What is the first step?

You need the software, because the 440QE embroidery unit operates from your laptop computer. You also need a dongle, which attaches to a computer port while you're using the software. It sounds like you should contact the seller to see if these items are available, and if not you should contact your local Bernina dealer to see if they can be purchased separately.

As far as learning to use the embroidery unit, the Bernina book for the 440QE gives some instruction, but not much. I took a class from the dealer when I bought mine. Your dealer may have someone who will give you a class even though you didn't purchase from him, or you could check with a local quilt store or guild.

Thank you so much Dunster for your help!

Hi Gayle ~ I have a Bernina Aurora 440 QE and have been contemplating getting the embroidery module (Maybe ask my "Santa" for it) I'd be very interested in hearling how you like yours, once you,ve had a chance to play with it. Let us know.
Nita

Hi Nita, as soon as I get acquainted with it, I will let you know. I have yet to purchase the software for it and I think I will see if lessons are available where I purchased my sewing machine. Hopefully it will do all I think it will. LOL

No dongle required - Artlink 6.0 was released earlier this year from Bernina and is a free download from their web site. Google "Artlink 6" and go to the Bernina usa web site. Click on the Artlink 6 link, then there should be a download button on the right of the screen. Download the zip file and unzip/install on your laptop or computer that you will be using with your machine.

This is a giant leap forward because it does not require the dongle that was originally supplied with the embroidery module, in order to send embroidery designs to the Aurora or Artista machines. As purchased, the Aurora embroidery module comes with a "Lite" version of their embroidery software which allows you to connect the machine to your computer, and that the blue dongle be attached to your computer. That is NOT the case when using Artlink 6.0 - you don't need a dongle.

I have an Artista QE440 and tested it out just using the new Artlink software and it worked great, on a Windows XP computer. I also used it with an older Artista 730 - no issues with either machine. If not for this new release I would not have been able to have sold my older machine with it's embroidery module because the older version of Artlink that came with it was not compatible with newer computers.

Thanks for the heads-up. I wasn't aware that 6.0 had been released. I have not been using my embroidery module at all.

If you would like me to send you a copy of the embroidery section of my manual, no charge and no strings attached, email your mailing address to [email protected] It's one of those things that can be extremely aggravating and still quite rewarding. In my opinion it's worth the trouble, there are some really pretty designs available.

I'm very pleased with the embroidery module. It's the first one I've ever owned so I can't compare it to anything else. I downloaded a free program from Bernina (thanks to info provided by my LQS) and it is about all I really need. The programs with a dongle are very expensive, even on EBay so I'm making do with the free one. It's really fun to use!

I purchased my bernina 440 qe with embroidery unit about 12 months ago. I have attended several classes and there seems to be a learning curve for individuals and dealers alike. The demonstrators had trouble getting the embroidery software to work with different computers, there was a difference of opinion between experts if a dongle was required or not, and whether or not it was necessary to purchase the expensive software or not. So, I have to say, I have been left feeling quite confused myself regarding my embroidery software. I was really excited when my dealers found an expert on my machine and called us all back in. She offered to have asleep over so that we could all get more comfortable. I am using my unit, but still confused about upgrading software options,what comes with software upgrade and how will it change my embroidery experience, will any embroidery CD work with my unit?? I have only an old singer to compare my bernina 440 qe and embroidery unit to, and will say there is no comparison. Prior to my bernina, I sewed only when necessary