VERY user friendly machine
 

Hi, I know (or at least hope) that I will get a lot of opinions, however, that is what I am looking for. Currently I own a Bernina 640 but I am not finding it very user friendly. It might be because I am a slow learner or that I never got my classes but for whatever reason I'm not sure that it is the machine for me. I had the opportunity to watch a friend using her Viking Diamond and everything about it seemed like a breeze. My question is: what machine is recommend for someone who is not THAT experienced and is mostly self taught with just a few classes under her belt. Really want to progress in skill level and number of quilts made. Thanks for any and all feedback.:thumbup:

I found the Janome 6600 to be very intuitive. The instruction book if you need it is short and sweet.

I just bought a Bernina 710 and am also having difficulties with it. I have had two demonstrations and one class so far. So easy at the store and get it home and it seems I get a block. I know I can do it, I figure if millions of other people can do it so can I. I am pretty good with the computer and taught myself to quilt so a little sewing machine computer isn't going to get me.:D I will keep with the lessons and hopefully.....
I sure can feel what you are feeling but I don't think learning from the manual is easy. If I were you I would invest in some lessons at a dealer. Well worth it and no more frustration. (Well, I still am but not for long.) Keep plugging away and be patient, but most of all have fun. Let us know later how you are doing.

Can you go back and take your classes? I have Bernina 440 and The classes made a TON of difference to me becoming comfortable with my machine. They are included in the cost of your machine and the dealer OWES them to you.

I bought my machine used, 1 year old, and it was shipped accross country to me. My local dealer has an "adoption" program if you did ot purchase from her. I paid to take the classes but it was worth every penny. If you do not live near the dealer you bought from (if you bought it new), perhaps the closest dealer to you would let you pay to take the classes from them. Berninas are great machines and I feel bad that you haven't been able to bond with yours. At the very least, download the My Bernina workbook and do the practice exercises.

http://www.keizerbernina.com/my-bernina-workbooks.htm

Go back and get your classes!

I agree see if you can't get some help with your Bernina! Also check out the Bernina website they have a lot of videos and information out there. You can do it! My mom got an 830 (the new one) and she mastered it although she still hasn't gotten on a computer

I agree. Take the classes and put the practice samples in the manual.

I second this!

I've never lived close enough to a shop to take classes of any kind. Are there videos or online classes available for these machines?

The classes are what let you really know your machine. This is true for most all machines. Granted some might work better for you and the way you think, but the rationale is the same.

Even the FW has some maintenance you should know.

I have had both bernina and Viking . It was also my experience that Bernina wasn't user friendly. My Viking I learned from manual as it is easy to use. Most joann stores has the husquavarnaviking dealership located within their store . They have models to fit all needs. Stop in and try some out. They have free classes also if you feel you need them. I gave my bernina away. I also have a Janome gem that I piece with and take to classes that is easy to use. It is very light weight. Try several out and see which one you like.

I'm so sorry that you haven't bonded with your Bernina. They really are super machines. The classes will help you so much. The Bernina workbook was a wonderful idea. Try that and see if you can get more at ease with it. The 640 is a real workhorse! Also, you might go to the Through the Needle magazines. Google them. They are online now, and they have a lot of projects to do with Bernina machines. Good luck to you.

If it weren't for the free machine usage classes offered by my dealer, I'd be lost as well! They even let you take the classes if you bought elsewhere (great marketing - gets you in the door, and then you sign up for more classes, and then buy the supplies needed, and then see all the other machines your fellow classmates are using and then you find the bigger/better machine that you just have to have!).

I think there is a learning curve no matter what the brand or model - my Pfaff Ambition was very easy to learn & fun to use!

I just read the manual and use it. Any machine is easy to use and all regular machines work the same. After sewing over 50 years, I don't take classes. Learned to sew in school and that was it.

I think Brother and Babylock machines are the most user-friendly. Take a look at one of them if you have a dealer nearby.

Don't try to learn everything at once. Start with the basics that you will need to know to get started. Get familiar with your machine, and then learn as you go. Take the clasees, but before you do, have a notebook and write down questions as you sew, that you can ask your instructor.

Is your machine the one that was from the 1960's and very heavy!

It is a workhorse if it is.

Bernina's are not the most user friendly, they usually require classes. If you are looking for simple right out of the box anyone can use it user friendly brothers and babylocks can't be beat. Here's why they make so many types of products that they make it so easy that anyone can use it. I used my TOL embroidery machine out of box with little trouble. I would take your classes for your bernina and if after that you still aren't enjoying it you can always sell it and try something new. There will always be someone willing to take a bernina off your hand if you don't want it. maybe it just isn't the brand for you. There is no one brand for everyone, and sewing should be fun, you shouldn't have to get frustrated

I would also recommend reading the owner's manual. You may find what you need there.

I agree.. a lot of skills transfer from one machine to another, and if your machine isn't working for you after you've taken a class to learn how to use it, there's really nothing wrong with trying another. Understanding how top thread and bobbin tension work together as well as understanding how a variety of stitches work for a variety of sewing tasks is really the basis of basic sewing skills, and it shouldn't be a frustrating process.

I love my Brother machines! If they hadn't been user friendly, I would really have been lost.

How about trading in your Bernina and getting a Viking? Seems like you bonded well with it. A sewing machine is like a car - you have to drive it to know if you like it. And what works for one just doesn't work for another.

I have the viking diamond. It is easy to use...but I leave it for 1/2 of the year. So the learning begins anew each spring!! The people at the store where I bought it are so helpful. If I get stuck on something they walk me through it on the phone. The actual machine is easy...the software for embroidery is what I have trouble with . I do love this machine!!

I don't understand having to go to a class to learn how to use a sewing machine. After you have threaded one, there seems to be little difference in any other machine. At least not the ones I have tried. The different bobbin positions might cause a little angst, but you could learn that quickly from the person who gives you possession of the machine. (Or a friend.)

Having said that, I find that the Bernina manual is the thing that is less than user friendly. I usually am able to pick up things by reading, but in that manual, what I want is hard to find. I have my index all marked up so I can find things that are not listed separately in the index.

I still love my Bernina 440, and have been taking it to classes. I'm still able to lift and carry it....yet.
TODAY I'm on my way to pick up my 1951 anniversary Featherweight! ! ! ! !

i have two Vikings, an older 350 and a tribute 140c (which is a red sapphire...). before i bought the 140c, i was pursuing a bernina like crazy. had one on layaway...that dream went south due to the dealer. but i had taken a class at the dealers and while i really like the bernina 440....once i realized i was not getting the layaway, i bought the Viking. to me, the Viking is very easy and intuitive to use. i do think that different machines work for different people.

I love my Bernina 440 QE. You should watch the CD, look through the manual, and take the free class before you give up on it.

Best advice I can offer is to contact your Bernina store and sign up for GUIDE CLASSES! Bernina's are too expensive to sit idle. Learn it and you'll love it!

My machine is a Bernia 1630 - oldish one. I bought it used but the quilter who owned it was meticulous and kept everything that came with the new machine - including the manual. The dealers in my area looked at me with disbelief on their faces when I asked for help. They said they knew nothing about it and washed their hands of me.

So, I dug out the manual and worked through it page by page, keeping my samples in the book. It is my manual so I taped the important ones to the applicable pages along with any of my written comments. I am beginning to like my 1630. And I am beginning to like what it sews for me.

Good luck. I hope you end up liking yours too.

Pat

They are all good today, some better than others. I just get out my owners manual about once a week and learn something new. Its fun and I am much better acquainted with my machine now

I have a Viking Designer Diamond and a Pfaff Creative Vision - and love both machines!! HOWEVER - the Viking is - by FAR - more user friendly for both sewing/quilting and embroidery functions ( IMHO)...The Pfaff has far more flexibility (can do many things with the machine that with the Viking requires the 5D software )..........I have tried the top of the line Bernina machines ( in 2005 and again in 2012 ) but was not as happy with those as I am with the Viking and Pfaff! As I am getting older - the learning of new things is more difficult - takes more repetitions til I get it down..........I would strongly recommend the Viking - especially if you have a local dealer handy who can provide classes and support.

I find that the machines are basically similar in operation, and if you actually get practice by using them, it becomes second nature and you don't need lessons. You can't learn to sew if the machine sits in the cupboard most of the time. Play around with the machine and some practice sandwiches.

I had a terrific Bernina dealer (now retired) but I never knew about those Workbooks before. I have two wonderful "retired" Berninas (130 & 153QE) that almost seem like an extension of my arms after all this time but I just downloaded the workbook for them and know I'll learn something new that I can try. Thank you for the link!

I definitely agree. I have three Bernina's and once you learn them, they are fantastic!! And thanks so much for this link! It is wonderful!!

IMHO progressing in skill level does not have much to do with your macine. But rather in the increase skill of the quilter when it comes to cutting, patterns, and peicing. A "easy" machine will not keep your seams even or cut the blocks correctly. I would suggest that you take beginner quilting lessons from your LQS if you want to improve your skill quickly. Any machine can be a struggle if the user is not struggling with the quilting process.

I have a question. What did your classes consist of? I bought a Bernina 730 & the classes consisted mostly of her showing me what the machine would do, not actually doing anything. I took notes, but I don't feel that was very helpful.

I had 8 hours worth of classes with my Bernina(included in the price) and the local dealership offers a monthly group for our specific models at an additional cost that covers all sorts of different projects. When one shops around for machines, they should also be shopping for a dealer that offers good education.

I know this isn't exactly what you asked for but I have a Bernina 640 & am very familiar with it. I believe everyone learns a little differently and maybe all you really need is someone to ask. I would love to "walk you through" step by step any difficulties or questions you may have. We could both sit at our machines as we talk our way through things you like to learn and I'm confident we could have you using all the wonderful features of your machine in no time. Feel free to pm me and we can exchange phone numbers if you would like some one on one help.

I love my big Elna Quilter's Dream but I also love all my old machines.

Newdoda, I feel your pain, I have a Bernina 200, never bonded with it, really regret buying it, don't even like the sound it makes. But I love, love my Brother & it does so much more and so easy.