Originally Posted by stillclock

Hi! A friend dropped off a Bernina 831 she found at a thrift store. It's got the foot pedal blues so I'll have top either fix or repair but I am here to ask if anyone knows of a Bernina enthusiast site or can give me a general idea about the machine's needs.

It also needs a new bobbin case, but i don't even know if it takes a standard bobbin or whatever.

I am a janome girl through and through with a grudging love for a singer 401a. I would love to have a good zig zag machine. That singer is very finicky!

Is this 831 a more basic, less expensive version of the famous 830R? Tuned and card for will it be my satin stitch queen or should I regift it to someone else?

Thanks for your help!

aileen