Welcome to the Quilting Board!
not sure if you have to go the route of the more expensive machine, but I do believe it is in your best interests to have some kind of backup machine, even if it is another older machine. Just in case if your primary machine needs servicing.Originally Posted by Rubesgirl
The 550 QE is a great machine. It has the same oscillating hook (bobbin) system that your 1130 has. If you go higher than the 550, you'll get a rotary hook system, that you might not be as happy with. However, if you don't need the BSR (Bernina Stitch Regulator) and bigger throat area, you'd probably be just as happy with the 350 Patchwork Edition, which is around $1,300. The 350 PE comes with a walking foot and Free Hand System, and a very nice selection of stitches. The 550 QE has a sturdier motor and internal shafts, but the 350 will last as long as your 1130. I have the 230 PE, which is the equivelant of the 350, and it has been my best friend for the past 9 years.
Annette in Utah
Thanks for all of your great replies and insights.
Sewmany: it will be going on sale for what I would consider a reasonable price during the quilt show in a couple weeks, that's why I would like to make up my mind.
Slbram17: I do have a backup. My little Brother 7700. Not nearly the workhorse or powerhouse the Bernina is, but dependable.
Quiltedsunshine: I love the rotary hook on my 1130 and that's one reason I'm leanings toward the 550. I also love the powerful motor that needs so little maintenance. :-)
Wendy in VA
If I had a dollar for every time I got distracted I wish I had some ice cream.
My Bernina is a 1999 "virtusa 150" which I purchased new after taking one quilting lesson, hand stitched, and just knew I wanted to become a "quilter". My sewing machine was a royal pain with it's Cams, and stuff. That should have been my clue, but no.
I bought the Bernina in Texas, and now reside in Maine. With multiple moves, the Bernina resided in my motor home for a fere years. By the time I got settled in Maine and back to quilting, the Bernina was ailing. I was VERY lucky to have found a service tech who works on Berninas from a fabric shop. Bottom Line: She goes in about every 6 months for a "tune up". A few parts were replaced. Since I only use cotton material and thread, lint removal is an issue (an artist's paint brush is excellent for removing that lint), and the quick refresher the shop owner gave me was very helpful.
Mine doesn't like plastic bobbins. Use only 100% cotton threads and material. Follow the machine's directions, and have a fantastic service tech at the ready, also and have it professionally cleaned every 6 months, depending upon usage. I have 2 backup mqchines, but don't use them.
Good luck!
I have had my 830 for 30 plus years and love it. My husband gave me a new 780 for Christmas two years ago and I argued with him in the store that it was way more machine than I would probably ever use. He informed me it was a gift and that was what he wanted to give. He is a cowboy/farmer what did he know! Well, I love it! The embroidery unit that I thought I would never use, I use a lot. The decorative stitches, I've used and am surprised how often. I am so glad he took the initiative to buy this machine because I love all the bells and whistles. The needle threader, scissors, needle up, needle down and other features made the money spent worth it! We have a great dealer in our area and Bernina has great classes.
I also have an old 830, I think from the late 1960's and it still runs like a charm, but...... I understand that the factory had a problem and they are unable to still make parts for it. But it runs great. I still have it, but wanted the 440QE when it came out because of the stitch regulator. Mine doesn't do embroidery and I don't need it, but it does have quite a few decorative stitches and last week, I learned some new ideas to use them when making quilts.
What I just LOVE about it is the needle down or up feature, the one stitch at a time and the needle threader and it runs great. However, I just don't use the stitch regulator when quilting. I have taken classes from several teachers that only use Bernina and they all told me I didn't really need it. AND they are right. I just lower the feed dogs, loosen my thread tension and use the darning foot and go to town. I really love this machine and am so glad I bought it. I did find out one thing that some others here have mentioned. The lint builds up in this machine where I can't reach it when I use cotton thread and have found that I have to have it serviced more often. But someone recommended Superior thread to me which is polyester , I have had no problems since. I know it is more expensive, but I use mostly Bottom Line in the bobbin and have quilted two bed sized quilts using that in the bobbin and still have some left on their smaller spool, so I felt it was worth it. I use the Superior thread now all they time and it is great to work with.
I know nothing about Bernina's 5xx line, but if you have been using a Bernina, you might be disappointed in another brand. Good luck to you. I know it is a lot of money.
Let peace begin with me and you.
I had a 350, for about 1 month. For one thing it's a 3/4 size machine, so not much space between the needle and the post. And the biggest thing is that it has no presser foot pressure adjustment. I always felt that the top fabric "scootched" forward.
I traded it in on a 530, which had every feature I wanted, plus the ability to add the BSR, for FMQ, if you ever want it. It's a 5.5 machine. I "think" the 550 is 9mm, which IMHO, limits what can be done. Bernina makes 5.5 plates for some/all??? of their 9mm machines, so that helps with the fabric eating problem.
I traded my 530 in on a 710, which I do not like. I was able to buy a 440QE, that I LOVE. If you can find one of those, I suggest you seriously consider it.
I have 440 QE , the 550 QE is just slightly updated version. It is a work horse. It has a small throat if you want to do free motion. For your needs look at a juki. There basic model only goes backwards and forwards with side bobbin case and a slightly larger throat. Goes like a rocket.
if you are thinking of replacing have a look at shows where deals are available.nice sit down while you play.
Finished is better than a UFO
Hello,
I have a Bernina 550QE and I wish that I had not bought it. I also have an older Bernina 930 which I love. I much prefer the feed on the older Bernina which takes the fabric through evenly, unlike my 550. I got so fed up with the 550 that I bought Juki 98 which I love.
I have a Bernina 1530 and I hope it out lasts me. I don't use all the stitches on it. I bought it because it was the only one with a buttonhole stitch that I use for appliques. I had to only replace the bobbin case unit since I had used can air for cleaning in the 90s without knowing I should NOT have because there is moisture in those cans.
A Good Friend, like an old quilt, is both a Treasure and a Comfort
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
