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-   -   Overwelmed...looking at new machines...help from Bernina owners, please! (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/overwelmed-looking-new-machines-help-bernina-owners-please-t163025.html)

roselady 10-24-2011 09:28 PM

I really never thought this day would come....for my birthday, Oct. 22, my DH suggested that I look for a new machine. I now have a 25 year old Bernina 910, that I love, love, love, but if you have sewn for very long you will know that it does nothing like most of the newer machines do. For a couple of years now I have read all the posts here about all the different machines, I have gone to patternreview.com and I thought I knew what my "dream" machine was, until now, when I really might get one! I went to the Bernina dealer today and I am totally confused. These machines do so much that I am so totally unfamilar with, I don't know if some of the features are something I will want or not, and I don't think I will know until I take the classes(offered after purchase). I don't think I am interested in embroidery, but some advise that I get a machine that it could be added later in case I change my mind. I looked at the 440, 450, 600 series(3 models), 730, and 820 and the new 550 and 580. Some do one thing and not another but the next machine is the opposite, yikes! Since I do love my old Bernina, that is where I started, but I did think(because of the price) that I would look at all the good brands before deciding, but if each brand is this confusing, it will take me a year to decide on a machine!! I guess my first question for any of you that own a Bernina less than the 820-830 is- do you regret not getting a machine with a larger throat space? Since several of the models come with the BSR for machine quilting, I wonder if many people really do much quilting on the machines with the smaller throats. Any advise will be so appreciated!

Maia B 10-25-2011 12:15 AM

First of all, KEEP the 910!!! Next, think about your budget and what you really want this machine to do now. While it's a good thought to choose a model to which embroidery can be added, that's a whole 'nuther (expensive and complex) pursuit. Many prefer separate machines anyway, in order to sew on one, while supervising the other embroider. If you don't yet do embroidery, make sure your choice meets your sewing and quilting needs first. Personally, I strongly prefer the 5.5mm stitch width machines for piecing and general sewing. I find it a challenge to make narrow hems and seams and do tiny, tight work, with the widely-spaced feed dogs of the 9mm machines. HOWEVER, only the 9mm machines have the auto thread cutter and of course the wider decorative stitches. If your 910 is in good health and you have the space, then you can always piece with it. The 820 and 830 are huge and heavy. You might need a new table or cabinet to handle the size and weight. They're also NOT portable. But, they have the 12" harps, built-in dual feed, larger bobbins, and the most advanced sewing and embroidery features Bernina has. The 820 (sewing only-can't add embroidery) isn't much more than than the 580, 6 series, or 730. I have the 820 and LOVE everything about it except the 9mm feed dogs, which I find challenging for piecing and narrow seams and hems. But the huge harp (you can even put it on a frame) and luxury sewing features are worth that one weakness. I use my 440 for precision piecing and tiny work (spaghetti straps, mini sock monkeys and all their outfits, narrow hems, etc). But I miss the auto cut, built-in dual feed, much larger bobbin, etc on the 440 sometimes. For me, multiple Berninas are the solution. The 6 series have a LOT to offer. I think the first decision is 5.5mm versus 9mm stitch width. Not everyone prefers the 5.5 as I do, so test drive both (and if course your final choices!) with your fabrics, threads, and sewing tasks, and go from there. If 9mm works well for you for your general sewing and piecing, that's great, because then you get the wider stitches and auto-cut. The 430, 440, 530, 550, 630/635 are 5.5mm machines. The 450, 580, 640, 730, 820, and 830 have 9mm stitch width. The 450 doesn't have auto cut, though. The 4 series need to be connected to a computer for embroidery. The 530, 550, and 820 can't embroider. I hope that helps. Take your time, test drive like crazy, but relax, because these are all superb machines. I have a 240, 440, 820, and (vintage mechanicals) 930 and 731. All excellent.

grannyrae 10-25-2011 12:16 AM

I have a Bernina 153 QE-10 years old now. Absolutely love it.Does not do embroidery but has dozens of fancy stitches.Do not have the BSR but does a great job freemotion.Having said all that,I do regret not having a larger throat space and am now looking for a mid arm to use on my Happy Jack frame

ecmoore 10-25-2011 02:20 AM

I have a 440. I love the BSR, even though I've now got a longarm. (Longarms are a wee bit of overkill for things like mugrugs, so I've got the flexibility for both.) It was a little tough, but I did manage to do a 108x108" lonestar wedding quilt with the 440 & BSR with few problems - just get the large extension table (the one that's 24x24".)

Keep in mind that they just ended the 440 production run - they've switched over to the 550, now, which is a very nice machine indeed. So if you're willing to go for something a little older, deals are ready to be had on used 440s.

sandyl 10-25-2011 02:41 AM

440 here and I'm in love. I also have the embroidery unit but haven't used it other than classes. I love the BSR and the walking foot that comes with this machine. I think this model is fast becoming sold out due to the newer 5 series. I was not aware that you can't embroider with the 5's. I would not trade my 440 for any machine! I have quilted baby quilts with the 440 and the smaller bed. Just recently ordered the larger bed. Anxious to get that. Enjoy the process-I call my Bernina the Harley of machines. Cause DH has his Harley and now I have mine! ha

OCQuilts 10-25-2011 03:00 AM

Of the machines you mentioned, my favorite has been the 640. I think its the most versatile choice. I like the 9mm stitch width. The 4 series is a fine choice. If I was buying today, and was not worried about price. I would be buying in the 5 series or the 830.

mpspeedy 10-25-2011 03:18 AM

I first discovered Berninas when I worked for a dealer who made her bread and butter doing custom dressmaking and alterations. I purchased a 1260 from her with a hefty employee discount. That was more than 20 years ago and I wore that machine out. Over the years I have had an opportunity to trade up but always went back to my 1260. I also have one of the first stand alone embroidery machines that Bernina sold. It still runs but I can no longer get software for it easily. I recently added a Brother embroidery machine to my colleciton as it uses the same software as the Bernina embroidery machine with the additional USB capacity that makes it possible to use the software from the older machine. When the wider stitch width became available on the Berninas I stuck with my 1260 because the straight stitch was more consistant without the wider stitch and the feed dogs worked better on narrow items like straps or binding etc. The only kind of machine quilting I do is on Linus quilts that are no bigger than twin bed size. On those I do simple grid pattern done with a decorative stitch at least 5 inches apart over all. ONe thing I don't like about the newer Berninas including the Artista 185 I purchased used from my local dealer when my 1260 finally gave up the ghost is the protective shield over the threading area. All of their machines have it now. When I asked the dealer why, they said someone got their hair caught in the older version without the shield. I still have trouble threading the machine because of that stupid thing.
If you plan to do mainly piecing with your sewing machine I recommend that you don't get the one with the wider stitch capacity. It is a lot less expensive. Another thing that burned me is the feet from my 1260 will not fit the newer machines because of the self threading feature. I had literaly a thousand + dollars tied up in specialty feet for my 1260 that won't fit the newer machines. Unless you plan on doing a lot of machine quilting of adult size bed quilts I wouldn't put the money into the larger harp either. Just my two cents.

jellybean14347 10-25-2011 04:03 AM

I have a friend who is a sewing machine dealer. I have bought several Berninas from her. But she says the new Berninas are not made as well as the old ones that were made of metal. The new ones are mostly plastic and there are a lot of problems with them. She advocates Pfaff now more than Berninas.

onthemove 10-25-2011 04:22 AM

I love, love, love my new 440QE. I have a 1031QE also which is 15 years old but my sweetie bought me an update this year so I could expand my horizons. I also have several old singers from the early 1900's. SO.... I have straight sewing and a touch of modern without getting too overwhelming.

SuzieQuilts 10-25-2011 04:27 AM

Twenty five years ago I bought my first Bernina, a 930. I still have it and still like to sew on it. Five years ago my husband surprised me at Christmas with a 440, BSR, and embroidery. Love the BSR, but do not use the embroidery enough to say get it. Five years later, if my 440 went away and only had the 930, I would miss the ease of appliquing with it. the ease of sewing, and the BSR. The throat space is limiting. My advice to you, if you have been sewing on a Bernina that long, don't waste your time looking at other brands, obviously there was something about a Bernina that kept you loyal all of this time, and you are not going to find it anyplace else. My reason was the customer service and the trouble free sewing. When my husband decided I needed a new machine, he went right to the Bernina dealer I dealt with for 20 years, never thought to look at another Brand, he knew he could not go wrong with a Bernina. Focus on what model and what features you are really going to use. There is a huge price difference between the 820 and 830 but you can not go back and add embrod. later. It will give you the space for quilting. They are closing out 440s, maybe you can get a good deal, that is how I got my 930. Are you going to use the embroidery? Huge added cost? Do you need all of the bells and whistles of the 800 series? Is free motion quilting in your future? Then get one with a BSR, Good luck.

1000projects 10-25-2011 04:34 AM

Keep the 910! You will cry if you don't.

I have one machine for sewing (a viking with fancy stitches) and one for FMQ (a straight stitch only Voyager on order)I am not sure about the pricing on these, but keep in mind a 17" throat machine is "only" $3000, or a 9" Juki is "only" about $600. I have one machine for each job, rather than one machine to do ALL the jobs.

QuiltnNan 10-25-2011 06:33 AM


Originally Posted by 1000projects
I have one machine for each job, rather than one machine to do ALL the jobs.

me too...

dunster 10-25-2011 06:44 AM

I bought the 440QE soon after I started quilting, and I love it. The BSR really helped me get started with FMQ. I bought the embroidery module - but I never use it!

Candace 10-25-2011 06:50 AM

I have the new 830 and my recommendation to you is to see if your dealer has some kind of classes or "make it and take it" seminars. My dealer has classes offered on different machine or to make projects(you pay for class and or supplies) but get to work on one of the models you're interested in buying. You can test drive the machine in a class setting and I would think your dealer has a similar program. You can't go wrong with a Bernina.

Oh...and my 830 must weigh 40 lbs...so not "plastic" as someone above stated, LOL!

mltquilt 10-25-2011 07:00 AM

I have had a 150QE for years and still take it to sewing bee and short retreats. I also had a 200/730 which I just sold as I now have the new 830. I agree with Candace the 830 is heavy and not just plastic. Have a friend who has the 440 with embroidery and she really likes it. As others have said, a trip to the Bernina dealer is definitely in order with time to spend checking out each machine. You can compare features on some of the machines at berninausa.com.

Good luck with your research and purchase.

mltquilt

catrancher 10-25-2011 07:04 AM


Originally Posted by sandyl
440 here and I'm in love. I also have the embroidery unit but haven't used it other than classes. I love the BSR and the walking foot that comes with this machine. I think this model is fast becoming sold out due to the newer 5 series. I was not aware that you can't embroider with the 5's. I would not trade my 440 for any machine! I have quilted baby quilts with the 440 and the smaller bed. Just recently ordered the larger bed. Anxious to get that. Enjoy the process-I call my Bernina the Harley of machines. Cause DH has his Harley and now I have mine! ha

I have this machine, and I love it. Found the embroidery module on eBay, but had to update the software. I've used it to make a few items, and i used it to quilt a baby quilt once. Also use it for quilt labels and made my husband a few t-shirts. It's a very versatile machine for the money. I've quilted a 60 x 60 quilt with no problems, but I highly recommend the large extension table.

romanojg 10-25-2011 07:43 AM

I totally understand where you are coming from. I have a kenmore/janome machine and a mega quilter; one has the cut thread option the other has the needle up/down and each has other features that I love so I knew when I got a new machine I wanted one machine that had all of the features that I wanted. I got the Ruby w/embroidery and love it. It has the needle up/down, the auto cut thread/the push button start where I don't have to use peddle (great for long seams) it automatically cuts the jump threads on the embroidery machine. Check out the new machine features and write down the ones you want and go from there. Good luck on your adventure.

Maia B 10-25-2011 08:40 AM

Because the boards can't tolerate too much heat, modern, computerized machines CANNOT be all metal like the glorious oldies (have 'em, love 'em, use 'em!). But Berninas have a LOT of metal, a very rigid frame. The lighest-the Activas and 3 series-are still about 18 lbs each. Janome uses a metal skeleton to achieve rigidity with less weight. The plastics are not the same as the cheaper machines.

Maia B 10-25-2011 08:43 AM

The embroidery units and BSRs are often available used or even second-hand but new and unused, at a substantial discount, from SewItsForSale, PatternReview.com classifieds, or eBay. So if you aren't sure if you want those things, keep in mind that you can add them later, from the dealer or another source.

Kas 10-25-2011 08:55 AM

I have the 640 and love it!I use it for piecing and quilting. The stitches are beautiful. Do keep your old one, though.

Jim's Gem 10-25-2011 02:45 PM

I have a 630 and love my machine. For me a 9 or 12 inch throat is not big enough. When I can get a long arm, it will be a long arm, not something just slightly larger.

roselady 10-25-2011 03:46 PM

I am definatly keeping my 910. Knowing how much I will machine quilt is the question. Justifying the huge cost of the 820. If I decide I can't spend that much, that is where it gets confusing... the 400's, 500's or 600's each series has 2 or 3 to consider, although I am fairly sure I don't want embroidery. I know that I should consider other brands, especially because they offer a large throat space for several thousand $ less than Bernina, but I am so crazy about my 910...it's hard. I know that one option is to buy 2 machines that will do what the 820 would do, for much less $$, but I don't have a huge amount of space for several machines. Keep advising, it does help, thanks.

OCQuilts 10-25-2011 07:23 PM


Originally Posted by Candace
I have the new 830 and my recommendation to you is to see if your dealer has some kind of classes or "make it and take it" seminars. My dealer has classes offered on different machine or to make projects(you pay for class and or supplies) but get to work on one of the models you're interested in buying. You can test drive the machine in a class setting and I would think your dealer has a similar program. You can't go wrong with a Bernina.

Oh...and my 830 must weigh 40 lbs...so not "plastic" as someone above stated, LOL!

Right! I was tempted to respond to that, but held my tongue.....until now!! The covers are plastic, but so are all of the brands. Bernina even still makes a metal machine. The 1008.

nursie76 10-25-2011 07:58 PM

My first Bernina was a 440QE, I bought it gently used and returned 3 weeks later and added the embroidery module. I loved it! Later, I decided I would like to upgrade to a machine with 9 mm decorative stitches, so looked at a 640, but then was offered a wonderful deal and traded it in on a 730, an awesome machine. Then for my B-day DH worked a trade and got me the 830 LE...my dream machine. I also had a 330 as a travel machine, but only 5 mm stitches and no BSR. So, on Saturday DH worked a trade and I now have a 450. It uses the BSR and has a 9mm stitch. Each time I traded, I got in trade value what I paid for the machine I was trading. So, if you settle on a 440 for instance and then later want more bells and whistles, you can trade up. I would say take some quilt sandwiches and got to your dealer and spend the afternoon and play with the various machines. Decide how much you want to spend...lowest and highest and work your way up. Good luck, please let us know what you decide.

soleegirl 10-25-2011 08:09 PM

get the 820.. with the larger throat.... I jjust bought one last week to go with the 440 i bought 2 years ago that has the embroidery module. LOVE them both..

Margie 10-25-2011 08:12 PM

I love my 830 it quilts beautiful and the embroidery is beautiful.

Kas 10-25-2011 08:18 PM


Originally Posted by nursie76
My first Bernina was a 440QE, I bought it gently used and returned 3 weeks later and added the embroidery module. I loved it! Later, I decided I would like to upgrade to a machine with 9 mm decorative stitches, so looked at a 640, but then was offered a wonderful deal and traded it in on a 730, an awesome machine. Then for my B-day DH worked a trade and got me the 830 LE...my dream machine. I also had a 330 as a travel machine, but only 5 mm stitches and no BSR. So, on Saturday DH worked a trade and I now have a 450. It uses the BSR and has a 9mm stitch. Each time I traded, I got in trade value what I paid for the machine I was trading. So, if you settle on a 440 for instance and then later want more bells and whistles, you can trade up. I would say take some quilt sandwiches and got to your dealer and spend the afternoon and play with the various machines. Decide how much you want to spend...lowest and highest and work your way up. Good luck, please let us know what you decide.

Very true. Sort of like the BMW of the sewing world. You get full value on a trade in unless it is ridiculously old. So far, I can't justify the 820. I am able to quilt a big quilt in my 640. The trick is to go slow and use the "puddle" method. It can be a workout, though. But I need a new van and those suckers cost almost $40,000!

RST 10-25-2011 08:23 PM

I have the 440 QE, and I do quilt full sized, Queen, and even one King quilt on it, free motion.

The features I wish I had (but won't upgrade because I can't justify the cost) -- larger bobbin, low bobbin warning, thread snip, and larger throat.

RST

slk350 10-25-2011 08:28 PM

Good luck with your puchase. This is very interesting to me, I may be getting another machine. I would like one that does FMQ. My Viking #1 died and not sure I want to have it fixed again.

nursie76 10-26-2011 10:57 AM


Originally Posted by RST
I have the 440 QE, and I do quilt full sized, Queen, and even one King quilt on it, free motion.

The features I wish I had (but won't upgrade because I can't justify the cost) -- larger bobbin, low bobbin warning, thread snip, and larger throat.

RST

Oh yes!!! I forgot to mention the larger bobbin. After having to stop quite frequently to put in a new bobbin on my Juki when I used it on the frame and my 440 and 730 when I FMQ with out the frame, the larger bobbin is heaven!!! I also love that it will tell you the percentage of the bobbin left when it reaches 20% and then does a % countdown. I usually refill at 8%. Sweet!

roselady 10-29-2011 10:03 PM

Have you had any issues with the 820? It seems as though, when they first came out, there were some bad problems with them, hopefully they have all been resolved by now.

Maia B 10-30-2011 07:36 AM

I'm not aware of issues with the 820, only with the 830 when it first came out. Mine has been fabulous.

Jwquilts 05-02-2014 02:02 PM

First let met say....keep your 910. I am a Bernina Girl. I have a 1090, 440QE and an 830. I love them all for different reasons. My 1090 is a work horse. I have embroidery modules for the other 2. I love to embroider on the 440 and LOVE to quilt and piece quilts on my 830. The 830 does have the larger throat for quilting which is great and just sews like a dream. And really is better for embroidery because of all the features, but I just love sewing with it. BUT....with that said, I do have more issues with the 830 than the others. More computer stuff, sensors and seems like every time I take it for service and updates something new goes wrong. I get all my machines cleaned yearly and the other two don't have many issues. My 830 is back at the dealer for the second time this month. New issues from the first time. I just feel the more bells and whistles the more problems. I thinks if you don't think you will used all that an 830 has to offer than the 5 or 6 series or the 440 with embroidery capabilities is better. Just my thoughts......

Originally Posted by roselady (Post 4547043)
I really never thought this day would come....for my birthday, Oct. 22, my DH suggested that I look for a new machine. I now have a 25 year old Bernina 910, that I love, love, love, but if you have sewn for very long you will know that it does nothing like most of the newer machines do. For a couple of years now I have read all the posts here about all the different machines, I have gone to patternreview.com and I thought I knew what my "dream" machine was, until now, when I really might get one! I went to the Bernina dealer today and I am totally confused. These machines do so much that I am so totally unfamilar with, I don't know if some of the features are something I will want or not, and I don't think I will know until I take the classes(offered after purchase). I don't think I am interested in embroidery, but some advise that I get a machine that it could be added later in case I change my mind. I looked at the 440, 450, 600 series(3 models), 730, and 820 and the new 550 and 580. Some do one thing and not another but the next machine is the opposite, yikes! Since I do love my old Bernina, that is where I started, but I did think(because of the price) that I would look at all the good brands before deciding, but if each brand is this confusing, it will take me a year to decide on a machine!! I guess my first question for any of you that own a Bernina less than the 820-830 is- do you regret not getting a machine with a larger throat space? Since several of the models come with the BSR for machine quilting, I wonder if many people really do much quilting on the machines with the smaller throats. Any advise will be so appreciated!


sewingsuz 05-02-2014 09:31 PM

I have the 440 QE and it never quits and never gives me any problems. I have had it for 8 years. May of 2006. Before that I bought a Viking and It is still a very good machine.

feline fanatic 05-03-2014 04:32 AM

As you have no intention of getting rid of your 910 and she is still going strong, maybe instead of another sewing machine that does fancy stitches you may want to consider looking at a longarm setup. The cost is comparable to the high end Berninas. I also have the 150QE and she is over 10 YO now and I dread the day she gives up. But I invested in a LA 3 years ago and love it.

LynnVT 05-03-2014 04:48 AM

I'm a Janome girl and love my 15 year old Memory Craft 9000. Among the reasons I chose it over others was that it is VERY quiet. I sew in the living room and hubby, who helped me choose and paid for it with money he inherited when his mom died, really preferred it so we can watch TV as I sew. I got the embroidery model and really don't use it all that much. Recently, at a guild workshop, I found myself listening to the various machines people had while we all sewed, and sure enough, the one that had a low, not unpleasant tone was another Janome. Their machines are solid, reliable, quiet, and have that easy to handle drop-in bobbin. Mine has a clear cover so you can see how the bobbin is doing, and it also has a low bobbin sensor. It also was half price because they were discontinuing the model, so we got a really good deal. Do consider whether there is a good dealer who services your brand close enough to get to. Lots to consider.

ManiacQuilter2 05-03-2014 04:57 AM

I LOVE my old Bernina 1530. I would be in your shoes if I ever need to upgrade. My backup is from the same series so they share feet. Yes, I would like that automatic thread cutter but I quilted my avatar quilt on my Bernina and never needed a wider throat. What makes machine quilting easier is support for a quilt. Good Luck. I HOPE that I never have to make this type of decision.

running1 05-03-2014 09:42 AM

Definitely keep your old machine! My DH gave me the 750QE last year for my birthday. I, too, am not particularly interested in the embroidery add-on... but that could change if my children decide to give me grandchildren!! I love my 750QE... large throat space, the BSR really works, too!!! And the dealer in OKC gives as many mastery classes as you need! very helpful. I kept my old 850 Record (the mechanical 830) and love it, but this new machine is pretty nifty!!!

debbiemarie 05-03-2014 10:05 AM

I bought my new Bernina 750QE last October, prior to that I owned a Elna SU for 38 years, and a Pfaff serger for 20 years. When my Elna needed an overhaul, I was just thinking about looking into quilting as a new hobby. I LOVE LOVE LOVE my new Bernina 750QE the larger throat, BSR, walking foot, and larger bobbin are absolutely wonderful. The seam binding attachment and foot does a great job and is easy to use! I compare having the larger throat to a good location when buying a house, it's a fundamental decision that makes a big difference. I have not regretted my decision to spend extra money to get it.

SewExtremeSeams 05-03-2014 10:05 AM

Definitely keep your 930. I still sew with my '70s Bernina 830. I added a Bernina Artista 200E about 4 years ago which I bought used. I spent a lot of $$ taking embroidery classes and 4 years later the features I love the best are a. needle up/down choice b. automatic threader. It FMQs nicely but so does my old 830 model. What a nice birthday present your DH gave you. Do take your time though.


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