I need to ask about a machine
 

I am not a Bernina owner, I have used some Bernina machines but have never owned one. I hear lots of people that have them and they seem to be diehard owners. Here's my problem my machine broke and because I own so many vintage machines I really am only interested in something that does more than just straight stitch. So I heard about a Bernina Bernette and of course I had to come to those I trust because someone always has the low down.
Question then is does anyone own this machine, it's not expensive only $200 but I also don't want to waste my money. Am I correct in that you can only use Bernina presser feet on their machines? I would appreciate any information on this machine and should I maybe look at something else. Thanks everyone for your help.

I won a Bernette at our LQS, just started using it so have no information but will be interested in answers!!!

I don't believe the berne ties are the same as bernina but I could be wrong

I'm confused so you mean even though the machine says Bernina on it, that it may not be a Bernina??

Bernettes are made by Bernina, but they were introduced as an entry level machine and don't have the same reputation as other machines in the line. I love my Bernina 440, but if I were looking for a machine in the $200 range I would probably look at a different brand, like Brother.

Bernette machines are not built by Bernina. They are badged machines built by Janome or Brother.

Cari

I love my 20-year old Bernina but would never buy a Bernette. Completely different quality. These days only the highest end Berninas are made in Switzerland. Bernettes never were.

I agree with Dunster. And as you so well know, being a vintage machine enthusiast, they ain't what they used to be. My Bernina is rapidly approaching "vintage" status. I think I bought it darn close to 20 years ago (my how time flies!) I have the 153 Virtuoso QE which was their mid-range machine, not top of the line but not the basic machine either, most likely comparable to the 570 without embroidery. Point of purchase, with a table I believe I spent between 3 and 4 thousand for the setup.

At that time the mid-line machines were still manufactured in Switzerland. It is my understanding that Bernina has farmed out all manufacturing to Taiwan and only the long arms and the top of the line 800 series are still manufactured in Switzerland. Everything else is made in Taiwan.

Several years ago the Bernette was not getting rave reviews. I just did a quick search on review on line now and they seem more positive.

Regarding who makes them.... That is a bit more murky. Here is a link to a 2017 press release where it states Bernette is "Marketed and sold" by Bernina, and some of the models are "Swiss Designed". So that sounds to me like Bernina is putting their name behind the product but is not involved in the manufacture except to provide designs and specs. http://www.marketwired.com/press-rel...es-2204388.htm

I have heard all of these comments also and I would not go there either.

Every Bernina dealer I have been to sells the Bernina Bernette models too. They are good machines but the low end of the models are very basic with no frills.


Check out the Eversewn 30. I have one and love it. Most of my guild members have one too. It has every feature you want in a domestic machine. Even an auto thread cutter which is a must if you paper piece and it saves so much thread. It's about $400 and comes with an extension table and extra feet. You won't have a lot of money invested for a great machine. It is designed by a Bernina engineer and sold exclusively through Brewster to machine dealers.