New machine debate...help!!
 

Ok so I'm planning to get a new machine in the bear future and there are 2 different ones I've been looking at. One is the Bernina Aurora 440qe with the embroidery module, the other is the Bernina bernette Chicago 7. I know the 440 was a more expensive model when it was new and now they no longer make it. Right now I'm able to get it used of course for 1600. Went to my local quilt shop today and looked at the Chicago 7. I was told after thanksgiving they were going to have a great deal and offer them for 799. It as well has the embroidery module. Which do you guys believe is a better model and why? I like the fact that the 440 plugs straight into the computer for the embroidery feature vs having to download it on a usb and plug the usb into the machine like on the Chicago 7. I'm torn on which to get and which really is a better overall machine....opinions are much needed!! :confused:

Um, no... the 440 is outdated, and we haven't sold them as embroidery machines for a long time. It's a fabulous machine for sewing, but it's much nicer to be able to download to at usb stick. Really, you don't want to have to be hooked up to a laptop computer to do embroidery. You'd be better off getting a 560. The price on that is around $3,000 with the embroidery module. I would avoid the Bernette Chicago 7 like the plague. A Bernette is not a Bernina. Quality on a Bernette is not any where near what a Bernina's quality is. My Dream machine is a Bernina 630. It takes the usb stick, has an oscillating hook system, and is a very solid, well-built machine.

Good Luck in your search!

My dealer does not recomend the Chicago .....it is NOT really a Bernina. The 440 is outdated but can be repaired if need be. What do you plan to do with the machine? If you are only going to straight sew and do a few fancy stitches, then I say go for the 440. Do you want an embroidery machine? Look into the newer models, but be prepared to pay more. IF you want to embroidery.....do LOTS of homework.

I have a Bernina 440 without the emb unit and a Bernina 880 with embroidery. The 880 has had some issues, being that it is brand new and somewhat finicky so I use the 440 whenever the 880 (Diva) is having her issues. I really believe the 440 would work under water! That is the best machine, great to take to classes. She's a little heavy but that is because she has all metal parts. The Chicago 7 is a Bernette, it is not a Bernina and there is a world of difference! If I had to choose between just those two, it would be the 440 hands down. If you want a machine that is still being manufactured by Bernina, look at the 500 series. Remember, quality is not cheap but it will save you money and grief in the long run. If you sew a lot, get the very best you can afford, even if it means financing your machine. I've seen more potential seamstresses and quilters throw up their hands and quit because they had machines that constantly broke down or had tension issues, etc. With today's technology that is just not necessary. Go for quality, and yes, it always costs more. Just my opinion.

Thanks for the replys. I will mainly be using it for quilting and just little sewing projects. I want the embroidery attachment so I can add little embroidery designs to the quilt if I wanted to. I will defiantly look into to 560. Quiltedsunshine when you say your dream machine is the 630 are you talking about the artista 630? Right now using an old brother vx-930 and it does what I want it to for the most part but I'm
Limited on what I can do. I had not even considered to Chicago 7 until I went to my local quilt shop and the dealer there was praising it. I'm glad you guys told me to avoid it. It really did sound to good to be true so I should of known lol.

My wife has a Bernette...I don't like it at all....I'll stick with my Brother's

The shop will praise the Chicago because they want to sell them. I've heard of many people buying them and then having problems and calling Bernina just to be told its not thier machine and offer no support. Check you area and look around you may find a good deal else where. Make sure it has a good warranty and good customer support is so important.

I would also check into where the DSM was manufactured. I have an old Bernina 1530 made in Switzerland and I STILL LOVE IT !! NO problems at all !!

I bought a 780 and when I had it in for an update, my dealer waited on another customer since I wasn't in a hurry. While he was busy I sat down to play with the Bernette's. After he was done with the other customer, he came over to me and said he hated to hear me sewing on the Bernette's. They said they will never sell me a Bernette. They sounded very rough and you could tell the quality just wasn't there. Save your money and invest in a Bernina, you don't have to go high end, just what you can afford.
Chris

Or you can look at the Brother/Babylocks. Very easy to learn and operate - if you are going to be a once in a while embroiderer that is important. The Brother/Babylocks should be having some good sales since they just came out with their latest and greatest.
I agree about the frustration of sewing on a machine that isn't fun or reliable. Get the best you can for your money.

Thanks guys for all the input! I have the opportunity to buy a bernina 630 for 1500. It has about a 100 hours on it and has embroidery software with it. The lady that has it for sale is in a financial bind so she is trying to offload it fast. Do you guys think this is a good deal?

I'd still make sure the software is up to date and if the bernina uses cards, usb, etc. I'm not familiar with Bernina's but no matter what the machine, the older they get and the older the software its not easy to get the software working with the newer operating systems. I'd even call a dealer and ask thier opinion, you can tell them you wanted their opinion because if it needed service you would want to take it to them. Some shops will only service the newer ones because its too hard to find the parts. Just check it out and go on ebay and see what the going price up there is. I've seen some emb machines with small hoops for alot less than that.

Bernina DOES support their current and past models. The shop should have no problem supporting the Chicago 7, which they sell to you. That said, I'd rather have the 440 for all types of sewing including quilting. It does require being connected to a computer for embroidery, which is a hassle for some. The Artista 630 can embroider with designs from a USB stick. I have both actually, bought used. They are both solid, wonderful sewing machines. The 630 has some niceties I've come to prefer: the larger, color screen, the smooth-action knobs to adjust stitch length and width, and the security setting, to disable zig-zag stitches when the straight stitch plate is on.

The newer models have improved lighting, but there's currently no 5.5mm stitch width model which does embroidery. IMO, the 630 is the ultimate Bernina, with the most features they ever put on a 5.5mm/CB hook machine. I love it, and wouldn't trade it for any new model.

DISCLAIMER: I don't do machine embroidery. Best of luck in your shopping.

Thanks for the reply, I actually ended up getting a bernina 630 with the embroidery attachment a few months ago at a really good price. I absolutely LOVE the machine. I'm almost finished with my first quilt top with the machine. No issues what so ever and no regrets. I would buy it again in a heart beat. The machine can do anything I'll ever need it to do and more.

Oh, CONGRATS! Isn't the 630 fabulous?

It has been fantastic, we had an instant connection lol

Bernettes are manufactured in Hong Kong according to Bernina spec for this machine. Berninas are made in Switzerland at the Bernina manufacturing plant.

Maniac, I hear that the Bernina 1530 is the BEST machine they have made. Hold on to it. I own a Singer 401A and I will never gt rid of it as it has been a super machine and only been in hospital once since 1959.

Hi Quilted Sunshine,

I just wanted to say that I have the Bernina 630 and it is a lovely machine. I got a great deal on it here..... I got the machine, the embroidery module and the Bernina Stitch Regulator for the grand price of £2300 (brand new). You are right about the quality of Berninas now... I believe (though I could be wrong) that only models from the 630 up are made in Switzerland any more and I think they have stopped making the 630 completely.

Hugs

Caroline