I have a Bernina 440QE, and I have used all kinds of thread in it successfully. If the dealer had told me I could only use Mettler I would have found another brand of sewing machine to buy. I love to use Bottom Line in the bobbin, and I mix threads top and bottom all the time. I no longer buy Star thread, because I've found that CT is better quality and cheaper too. But I'm still using up the Star brand, as well as the leftover Coats & Clark and some old spools that I had left over from sewing when I was in high school and college (and that was a very long time ago). I figure if it isn't rotten, I can use it for piecing. I do clean and oil the machine frequently.

I think it doesn't matter what brand machine you have. Test the different brands and see if your machine has issues with it or not. Also look at how you like the different brands of thread. If the less expensive brands work fine in the machine but you don't like how they look, don't use them. If you like them, then why spend more just because the dealer "insists"? Figure out what works for you.

The cheapest I've purchesed is Coats as well. I have a Bernina 440 and haven't had any type of thread problem.
I am using monofiliment to quilt my top and it's working like a dream. Love, Love!!!! Good Luck with yours ;-)

Thank you all. I just love hearing all the different opinions from everyone. So if there are more of you, don't be bashful, I'm listening.

Cheryl

I have 2 Bernina's...a 930 & a Artista 200E. I use all types of thread....regular/embroidery/metallic/heavy carpet/etc. I've bought cheap thread & expensive thread. Once in a while you'll get a spool that's junk/a lemon. If I get one that wants to fray/break I unwind some, change needle & try again. If it still gives me trouble I toss it. Thread is like anything else....now & then you get a lemon :(.

I love Superior thread.I buy it in a LQS on the cone & it seems to last & last.My Bernina likes it too & have never had a prob with the thread or machine.
http://www.superiorthreads.com/shop/

What thread do you use from Superior. I have a 640 Artista. I use Bottom line for the bobbin and love it. last forever.

I usa Mettler as well. Never had any problems with this thread, and it is reasonably priced.

I have used Mettler, Guttermann, Sulky, Mediera, Aurifil, and once I even used Coats and Clarks. I haven't have any issues with any of them in my Bernina 830 Embroidery Machine. However I hated Coats and Clarks because it was so linty. (I used that word, too, Mattee) I just recently got some Presencia 50 wt cotton that I used on my last quilt. I absolutely loved it and so did my Bernina.

I have used all threads in my Bernina. I haven't had a problem with any of them. I never move the tension. No problems here. Now I am using Superior threads, MasterPiece, a thinner thread for piecing, and I love it. It breaks on my older machines, but works great in my New 430.