Bernina Sewing Machine? Yes?
 

I have always just had a cheap walmart sewing machine... well it is on it's last leg and I am needing a new one. Went to my local Quilt shop just to look around and she was showing me the Bernina 215... I watched her sew on it and wow, I was amazed! Question.. is it really worth all that money??? and does anyone have this model and what do you think? Thanks everyone in advance!

I don't have that model but I have two Berninas and I can without hesitation tell you that they are a joy to sew on. I got my first one about 17 years ago and it has never given me a minutes trouble. I still have it and it works great but I wanted the BSR and bought a 440QE a few years ago. They are very high quality machines that always perform well. Only you can decide if it's worth it for you but you will be buying a machine that will last for many years and make sewing a pleasure.

I do not have that particular model but I do have a Bernina. I have seed all my life and never had a nice machine. A year before I knew I was going to retire, I bought mine. I love it!! Best purchase I ever made!

Berninas are expensive, but many owners LOVE them. I got one second hand and while I love the machine, I'm disappointed in the service/support by shops that sell them (and I'm really lucky to have two stores within reasonable driving distance.) If I had it to do over again, I think I'd invest in something else. Sad, but true!!

Janome's have always been great machines also. I have a Bernina and a Janome and love them both.:)

I have had my Bernina 1230 for over 20 years and would never give it up. I would love to get a newer one, but at this time, it isn't in my budget, so I just keep sewing on the one I have.

I am def open to suggestions.. I don't want to spend a killing, but yet I want a machine that sews good! I just need a basic sewing machine.

I also have the Bernina 440QE and a vintage Bernina 910. I absolutely love them. After 25 years struggling with the tension on a 1978 Kenmore, it is SEW nice! I love the many vintage machines I have now but sewing on the Bernina is a joy! (Although now, I can adjust the tension on that Kenmore and it works much better).

I got them all used. The 440 was one year old and the seller worked at the store and got every new model that came out so she could teach it. I got a great deal with all the extras she included. My dealer has a package deal to be "adopted" by her dealership. $250 gets servicing and all the mastery classes you want to take for a year. She'd still like me to buy a machine from her but it worked for me. Then I bought a Bernina serger that was 18 months old and used once in a class, and did the adoption package again. The lessons and a good dealer matter!

I love my Bernina, which I've had for 7 years. It is a sensitive sewing machine, at least mine is. I have to clean it every 6 bobbins which have to be made by Bernina. I can't use any cheap thread as well as any Coats and Clark. Other than those few issues, which have not been an issue now that I know it, I love my machine. My LQS wanted to sell me the machine for $2800 used and I bought the same machine off ebay for $1400. Never have regretted it.

I have sewn on nothing but a Bernina for 26 years. They ask top dollar for their machines and they get it. It has to be the quality and the satisfied customers, or they would be out of business. It comes down to what you can afford, and what features you want. Bernina has several features that I like, some are exclusive, and others are found on other brands, also. The knee lift for the presser foot is one of my favorite features, as it frees up my hands. Their machines are also known for the tension.

Berninas are the Rolls Royces of sewing machines. I own 3 of them. I love them, but love my other machines too. Parts and feet are uber expensive. They retain their resale value and are worth the expense. But, do you need a Rolls Royce?

I just sewed on one a week ago that cost more than my last machine and did not sew as well IMHO with as much as their accessories cost i feel they are too overpriced and you can get machines that sew just as nice and pay thousands less in the long run. I am a brother babylock lover by far and after a week ago will remain so

Be sure to find out if that model is made in Switzerland. I heard that only the top models are made there now. Those are the best quality machines. If the model is not made in Switzerland, I'm not sure it is worth the extra money over other brands. (I have had a Bernina 1230 for 15 years or so, and still love it. This was a classic Bernina model, though.)

I have a Husqvarna Ruby and it is well worth the money.

You'll get many differing opinions...those with Bernina's and those without. For me, I wasn't willing to part with the $$ for the name. As I've said many times here - I am the spreadsheet queen. I determined my needs; wants; desires. Let my fingers walk the internet for machines that had those features. Went to dealers to test drive and get pricing. Made appropriate notes. Sat back and looked at the s/s and did an 'unbiaised' assessment based on MY personal needs/wants and factored in the $$ I wanted to spend. I ended up with a Viking and am very happy. Your, as well as others, assessment may be far different. Me....I wouldn't buy a machine just because others say it's the 'best'. Best for you may be far different than 'best' for someone else.

The Bernina 215 is a sweet machine. The price covers a great warranty and mastery classes.

I have the Activa 210. Like you, I tried inexpensive machines but they didn't hold up. I do a LOT of sewing and needed a machine with a good motor. I was told all Berninas have the same motor. I got less expensive Berninas as I know I would never use options on more expensive models. I LOVE it!! It is so nice to have a good machine and worth every penny. My store offered free cleaning for three years, too.

I have 2 Bernina's and like them very much. I get great service from my dealer in Cedar Rapids IA. Pine Needles Sewing Center. Good service is also vital and almost as important as which brand. I also enjoy piecing on my vintage Singer 15-91. But I would not be without my Bernina and a walking foot for attaching binding.

My Bernina is activa 135. Patchwork edition that I got at a quilt show.with free financing.Cost was $1000. then.Very basic stitches which is all I wanted especially the blanket stitch.....I would never be able to afford the newer ones but it is a great investment.The only thing I don't like about them is that they weigh alot.....Good metal parts......Good luck.

Starbucks, Harley Davidson, Mercedes Benz (or Rolls Royce) and Bernina. Buy the best you'll always have the best! I have the 440 QE also and LOVE it. Now I'm wanting the newest 710. yum

but i'm going to throw this thought out. i believe the 200 series is not swiss made. it's made in china or taiwan...can't remember. so you are buying a swiss designed machine, but not a swiss made one. and, if you are on a budget...those bernina feet can be spendy. i would look at other machines which might offer a bigger harp space. i have a viking 140c, which i love. I would, in hindsight, also look seriously at the janomes.

Harley Davidson-all depends on what year! quality control has gotten better in recent years, but there was a run when the saying was "more time polishing than riding"! same can be said for high end items of every type-guitars-martin had a run of bad years, starbucks,,,,well, i'm a wawa fan myself <g>.

go shopping and find your likes/dislikes. but enjoy the process!

A LQS owner that sells Berninas just got back from a tour of the Bernina factory in Thailand.

I have an older Bernina, a 1260, very happy with it. I have a Brother 1500, Singer Quantum and Janome and several vintage Singers. The Quantum makes the best stitch of them all so I use that for any decorative stitching.

I have two Berninas and love them both. They are expensive and I did a lot of research on them prior to getting them. I have a wonderful dealer and had some one on one training on the 440 QE. They've been great about talking me through problems over the phone when possible. There are several great machines out there and one of your considerations should definitely be the local dealer. You can have the best machine ever but if the dealer isn't 'user friendly' it's not worth it. Good luck on your purchase, whatever brand works best for you.

Mimmy...Berninas are great machines and it would last a long while but in the case of the 210...you are paying top dollar for 11 stitches, no adjustable foot pressure (requires purchase of expensive walking foot), no blanket stitch, and a small harp. This might be ok if you don't do applique and if you piece a lot but don't machine quilt. I'd prefer the mechancal 1008 but I think it costs even more than the 210. For what the 210 costs, your dollar can go much further in another brand. but if you LOVED that one..understand its limitations, don't intend to machine quilt and can get a walking foot...it will be very capable, reliable and one you can keep for a very long time. What is the cost at the lqs? I think they normally go for $700-ish...some dealers charge more. I'd definitely shop around if your dealer is one who is charging $1000 for that machine.

I don't have a 215 but I have the older 125 (I think they are very much alike) I think it is a very good machine and have not had any issues with it. I have several machines so normally use this as my take with (I got it at a very good price when a store was closing) and love the way it sews.

I have had a Bernina 430 for 6 years and love it. I can use any thread including Coates and Clark and have had no issues with it needing cleaning although I always clean my machines fairly frequently. I have only had it serviced once and I use it almost every day. My dealer is great and had a good class for me when it was new.
It is the Rolls Royce!

I would suggest that you try a few different machines from different companies. I did that when I was looking for a new machine. It really helped me get a feel for various machines. I ended up with a Janome and couldn't be happier. I've had it for 10 years and have never had a problem. I'm glad I took the time to scope out my options because I was able to find a good machine in my price range with the options I wanted. Good Luck.

Thank you everyone.. now I am looking into Janome machines too... HSN has some great ones with payment plans... also comes with all the extra feet and such! ... I did love how the bernina sewed... BUT.. if there is something out there cheaper and works great then I want to go for that... I have never bought the best.. but yet want it to last me. Would hate to get a machine and not like it! :(

i had an old 1963 kenmore that sounded like a tractor... i got a bernina 440QE for my birthday one year ( i would never have spent that much on myself)... but this is the best machine i've ever owned! you will be amazed at the things you don't have to think about anymore! tension, stitch regulation,... i don't know if your model has a stitch regulator or an embroidery attachment... if you're gonna spend the $$$ get a cadillac! i love my little beauty! she's smarter than i am.

II had a Bernina 730 Record I just sold because I didn't enjoy it like I thought I would. Definitely more modern machines for me, except I LOVE my 201 Singer! I have a new Pfaff Ambition Essential. Has the built in walking foot as well as multiple quilting stitches. Over 120 decorative stitches in all. It has been a good machine so far. Still trying to get used to it though. May want to check it out too. I looked at the new Berninas too, but I couldn't justify the cost.

I would not a buy a sewing machine from HSN ... I regardless of which brand you buy, it is always smart to have a local dealer for education, service, and community. I bought a new near top of the line Brother machine from eBay, as it turned out, it was a lemon. The brother dealer refused to service it under warranty since I did not buy the machine from him. He complained about people who buy from Walmart and online and then go crying to him for service or to teach them how to use it ... I guess he has a point. But I would suggest you visit the SM dealers in your area, get a feel for how they could treat you as a customer and do try several brands ... for the most part, they all have good features. My Brother is in the closet and I bought a Bernina which I love. My friend has a Janome and she wins State Fair medals all the time and I have liked several Janomes that I have tried (especially their little 12 pounder , QC something or other, it had all the features I would consider necessary and had a good solid feel to it (I think it runs in the 600-700 range) but my DH put his foot down about collecting machines after having spent several thousand on my Bernina. Good luck.

try sewvac direct.com and get a janome , and they have lay way

I love my used Bernina 430.

Bernina all the way!! I have 2 Bernina sewing machines and 1 sewing/embroidery machine. I have had Bernina machines for 14 yrs. and have never regretted buying them.

I was where you are about a month ago. I was looking to upgrade my 30-something Kenmore machine. I was convinced a Bernina was the way to go. They are high quality machines, however I couldn't justify the high price tag. I tried out several machines by different manufacturers, did my internet research and talked to quilters I know. I ended up with something else that gave me more bang for my buck and does everything I want/need it to do.

My suggestion would be to know what you need in a machine and test drive several before making your purchase.

Happy machine shopping!

I love, love my Bernina -- have had it for years, and its wonderful!

I find it interesting that so many Bernina owners have more than one. I too own two, my original Bernina 830 Record that I bought 40 years ago for $329 (a lot of money for a nursing student in 1972), she still purrs like a kitten. I also have a 440QE with embroidery, she is my regular machine for daily use. Some of the lower priced models are not made in Switzerland any more, I would be careful about buying one of them. It is easy to be star-struck in the dealership, watching someone show you the glories of a new machine. My advice would be to make sure the machine does what you need it to do, and to take all the lessons available, so you understand how to use the machine to it's best advantage. Good Luck and have fun.

Go for it ! I have two Berninas, 180 E for embroidery and 150 QE for sewing. LOVE my BERNINAS !
Best machine available today. I would never buy anything else. These machines last for 50 years.
You'll never need to buy another machine. :)
You can always look for a used Bernina...

I have 2 Berninas and love them both. The older one is a 1630 and is a real workhorse and always gives great stitches. The other is a 180 sewing/embroidery machine and an awesome machine. I don't think I will ever consider another brand even if they are pricey, you can always count on them to perform well.