Machine advice
 

Hello, I am new again to sewing and interested in quilting and embroidery. I have sewn years ago. I’ve been checking out all of the features on the new machines and am amazed by all the new features. Instead of jumping in way too deep, I’m thinking of buying a used Bernina 640 for under $600. I’m looking for opinions on this and hoping one of you can help. Thanks

Great machine , and that is a good price, opens a whole new field of sewing for you.
:):):):)

You didn't say if software is included in the deal: some of the editing programs are quite pricey. Yearly maintenance on the Berninas is a cost, and the 640 is a discontinued model. You may not get much support from a Bernina dealer because they will try to sell you a bigger/better model. Having said that, I think $600 is a good price on that and if you get hooked on machine embroidery, you've got a good machine for learning. It will open a whole new world of sewing fun.

Welcome to the QB from SE Michigan USA. I do not have any helpful information on a Bernina sewing machine but the good news is there are many here that do. Jump right in and i am sure that from more than one source you will get some helpful ideas.

The software price is the thing that really turns me off to the Bernina. I’m not sure if software is included, but she is giving me the original USB that came with it. I’m hoping that I can use different design software. On quick look, I think I can. Right now Bernina has trade up offers and if they do that again, I’d make a little off this machine. Are there different machines with the same price that may be a better option?

I was recently gifted a modern but used Bernina by a friend who loves Berninas but who did not click with that machine she replaced it with a 770 which she loves. She also has separate embroidery machines so deliberately did not get the embroidery module.

There are some drawbacks and issues to consider. Bernina is very proprietary (which also translates into expensive), feet or other accessories typically don't transfer from machine to machine. Recently I've been looking at bobbin threads, the machine I have has a proprietary large bobbin and I can't use prewounds. For example I wanted to try Glide thread but have only seen it as a prewound bobbin (bought a cone of Superior Sew Fine instead). I'd look into your model and see if you can get prewound bobbins -- you go through a ton of them doing embroidery and usually they run out at the worst possible time.

If $600 is a serious but not huge hit to your budget, I'd say go for it. I think most people learn a lot from their first embroidery machine in what they want in their next machine! Whether it is a space or specific patterns/designer downloads or whatever.

I would try it first bernina are not the most user friendly and like someone said their accessories are expensive compared to other brand. Just make sure you are investing your money on something you are gonna bond with

Have you looked at the EverSewn line of machines. Last year I was looking at buying a machine for both quilting and embroidery and EverSewn had just come out with the Hero model and I was impressed. I didn't buy because I decided that I wouldn't use the embroidery feature that much and purchased a Pfaff Passport 2.0 that I take to classes.

Thanks for the info. I’ve run across Eversew on some of the boards and seems like it might be a good starter. I think I’m going with the BERNINA. It comes with a lot of accessories so hoping I won’t need to buy too many more. With this one I can decide if I want another newer higher end in the future.

Love my Husqvarna Viking Epic. Had the Diamond Deluxe Royale prior to the Epic. Love these machines and Pfaff makes equivalent machines but with variations as far as features go.

Many Bernina owners wouldn't use anything else. I find them pricey compared to other comparable machines...especially the attachments... as already mentioned. If you are willing to spend $600 as you mentioned, usually there are a number of good gently used machines of very high quality offered by the companies who took them in on upgrades or even from an individual. That's a little more risky to buy from an individual you don't know. I think you're doing your homework which is a very good thing!

Just another thought...most people buy a machine and then find out later that they wish it had a larger embroidery hoop..go for the largest hoop you can find in your price range.

I have a Bernina 640 and it is an excellent machine. You will love it! $600 is a very good price!

I have a number of Berninas, 930, 150, 160, 430, 200 and just traded an 830 for a 790. It was my understanding that none of the Berninas work with prewounds. I know the 830 and 790 are specialty bobbins. Are you using a prewound on a Bernina?, if so, what model do you have? Yes, I am a Bernina freak. I am sewing machine poor!

Not familiar with this machine, but be aware, if the software is old enough it may not work very well on the latest Windows. Many programs need to be constantly updated nearly as often as the computers are.

Thank you for all of the responses. I did buy this machine and am very happy with it. I did find that the software is older and, in fact, will only work with lower Windows versions. I think I can find other software to generate the exp files. I guess I need to start looking into which is best for that too.
Not to go too much off topic but I’m thinking of attacking a T-shirt quilt as my first big project with lots of little ones as practice before that. I’m looking forward to using this forum for help.

Thank you all !!