Bernina 740
 

I have the opportunity to purchase a Bernina 740 at the Chattanooga quilt show for $3279. I need feedback about the price and your experience with the 740. Thanks!

When I had my 580 I took a class with people who had 740s. The only thing I heard, which happened to be a problem for me as well, is that it was confusing having to go through so many screens to do what you wanted to do. No one complained about the stitch or anything else that I remember. It did drive me so crazy that I ended up returning the 580 and buying a different machine.

Patternreview.com has user reviews for every type of machine, including prices paid. They also have a couple of long running Bernina threads you can read. I'd try over there.

I don't know about the 740 specifically but I've had 2 Bernina. I"m sold on them. They're great machines.

The 740 is the remake of the 710. So, any problems they were having with the 710 should be worked out. The 7 Series machines are a different animal than the other Berninas -- whole different bobbin/hook system, and lots of bells and whistles. And you have to know all of the machine's rules. For example: The machine won't sew if you change the needle plate from straight stitch for embroidery to 9mm wide for decorative stitches, and forget to tell the machine you did that. Which is good. Because you'd break a needle if you tried to do decorative stitches with a straight stitch plate. You have to be comfortable with adjusting your tensions -- tensions are made adjustable, so you have control of it. There's really no such thing as "auto tension." It's hard to get used to the foot hovering instead of holding the fabric when you start. BUT, you can program it to hover OR to hold the fabric tight. It's also hard to get used to pushing a button to lift the presser foot, instead of reaching around to the back for the lever. But you'll get used to it. Those 7 Series Berninas are pretty awesome!

I have the 710 and I love it!! That seems like a very good price for the 740.

I also have the 710, great machine. My 1st Bernina & I do like it. That price is nearly the same as I paid for the 710
2 yrs ago. I think the 740 was about $400 more than the 710. I'd go for it.