Thread: Question about a Bernina

I have a questions for all you wonderful ladies that have a Bernina sewing machine. I have a chance to purchase a Bernina 1120 from my brother-in-law. It was his mother-in-laws and she's been gone about 7-8 years now. The machine has seen setting in storage since then. He does not have the manual or any of the extra feet or tools that usually come with a sewing machine. It does sew. I currently have a Janome but have always wanted a Bernina. How much should I be willing to pay for this? I've seen one out on Ebay with everything this one is missing for around $400-$450. Any and all ideas/suggestions would be welcome. I do realize I will need to get it serviced immediately (if I purchase it) and that is usually over $100. Thanks

I am not familiar with that model but I would be concerned about how it was stored. If it was kept in the heated house then it shouldn't have rusted parts. The grease will need to be replaced and have a good go over by a technician.
The first order of business would be to see if it sews. How many feet come with it? They can run about $50 each. What shape are the foot and cords in?

Originally Posted by shihtzulover

I have a questions for all you wonderful ladies that have a Bernina sewing machine. I have a chance to purchase a Bernina 1120 from my brother-in-law. It was his mother-in-laws and she's been gone about 7-8 years now. The machine has seen setting in storage since then. He does not have the manual or any of the extra feet or tools that usually come with a sewing machine. It does sew. I currently have a Janome but have always wanted a Bernina. How much should I be willing to pay for this? I've seen one out on Ebay with everything this one is missing for around $400-$450. Any and all ideas/suggestions would be welcome. I do realize I will need to get it serviced immediately (if I purchase it) and that is usually over $100. Thanks

I don't know if this will help you, but last year I bought an 1130 at a yard sale. It was her late mother's and had most of the feet, manual, and the case. The specialty stitches did not work (I tested the machine before I left there) so I was able to purchase for $150. Very nice machine. Bernina's are great machines (at least the ones I have used). I did have to have it serviced, but probably would have done that anyway just to get off to a good start.

To me, it is worth purchasing and having it serviced.

Originally Posted by shihtzulover

I have a questions for all you wonderful ladies that have a Bernina sewing machine. I have a chance to purchase a Bernina 1120 from my brother-in-law. It was his mother-in-laws and she's been gone about 7-8 years now. The machine has seen setting in storage since then. He does not have the manual or any of the extra feet or tools that usually come with a sewing machine. It does sew. I currently have a Janome but have always wanted a Bernina. How much should I be willing to pay for this? I've seen one out on Ebay with everything this one is missing for around $400-$450. Any and all ideas/suggestions would be welcome. I do realize I will need to get it serviced immediately (if I purchase it) and that is usually over $100. Thanks

I don't know if this will help you, but last year I bought an 1130 at a yard sale. It was her late mother's and had most of the feet, manual, and the case. The specialty stitches did not work (I tested the machine before I left there) so I was able to purchase for $150. Very nice machine. Bernina's are great machines (at least the ones I have used). I did have to have it serviced, but probably would have done that anyway just to get off to a good start.



To me, it is worth purchasing and having it serviced.

I have many vintage Berninas and they're wonderful machines. The feet are expensive because they're all metal and last a life time. I have Bernina feet that are 50 years old and still going strong. They're not plastic junk that's available now.

The 1120 is a coveted machine and Berninas retain their value over any other sewing manufacturer. I own 30 machines from many different makers and Berninas are the Rolls Royce of machines.

With that being said, your BIL should take it in to an authorized Bernina dealer and pay the $100 for servicing to make sure it's fully operational. Then you can consider an offer. If the board is out it could cost you upwards of $400 for repair, so it's important to know all the facts before you can make an educated decision.

Originally Posted by Candace

I have many vintage Berninas and they're wonderful machines. The feet are expensive because they're all metal and last a life time. I have Bernina feet that are 50 years old and still going strong. They're not plastic junk that's available now.

The 1120 is a coveted machine and Berninas retain their value over any other sewing manufacturer. I own 30 machines from many different makers and Berninas are the Rolls Royce of machines.

With that being said, your BIL should take it in to an authorized Bernina dealer and pay the $100 for servicing to make sure it's fully operational. Then you can consider an offer. If the board is out it could cost you upwards of $400 for repair, so it's important to know all the facts before you can make an educated decision.

I agree with every word she said!! I have had several machines over my life time from Kenmores to Riccars , Viking and Janome, and for the last several years my Bernina! Best machine i ever bought!!!!