I have sewn for almost 50 years, mainly garments and home decor, but about 5 years ago I switched to quilting. I saved and saved and eventually purchased a Bernina 770. Unfortunately, it has been a lemon from the very start with constant problems that take hours to figure out, if that’s even possible.

Anyway, I am seriously looking for a different non-Bernina machine. I don’t need embroidery, but the capacity to crosshatch and do free motion quilting is very important. Since I do invisible machine appliqué, I need a machine where you can adjust stitch width to 0.7 and stitch length to 0.5. Of course, the biggest requirement is reliability! I am so tired of my sickly Bernina!

I certainly can’t afford another machine at Bernina’s price. That was supposed to be my forever machine. But all referrals are greatly appreciated!

If you want a machine built to last, look into Janome. If being the number one brand in school sewing programs isn't a testament to longevity, then what. Janome also makes a variety of machines with various functions so shop for what you want. There is definitely one to meet your criteria and you'll certainly get other features you didn't realize were so useful. No, I'm not affiliated, just a happy owner.

Check out Juki! I have 2 and have never had any issues other than the knee lift not wanting to come out. Took it to the dealer and they repaired the issue at no charge. My machine was 8 years old at the time.

Bernina seems to be going down in quality. Several of my guild members have the newer Berninas and all have complained they are not like the older ones, said the new ones are too fussy and will mess up in a second. One member bought the newest $25K one. She already regrets it. It's been in the shop longer then she has gotten to sew on it. She is sewing on her Juki waiting for the machine once again to get out of the shop. She knows she has lost money if she tries to sell it. Hoping that the repairs will solve the problems.
I use Juki 2010 TL for piecing and quilting. I use old Bernina for decorative stitches and Brother for embroidery if I ever do that again.

I have no affiliation with them, but the same shop (Gigi's Fabric Shop) in Florida sells both Janome and Juki, either of which would be my recommendation if either brand has a machine that meets your needs. Most Janome models are going to be 9mm machines; Juki tops out at 7mm stitch width. I would consider reaching out to them, either via JukiJunkies.com or JanomeJunkies.com and ask which models of each brand have crosshatch and the small stitch width/length you mention.

For decent throat for FMQ, you're likely looking at either the Janome 6700 or 9850 (the Continentals are HUGE, and the M7 doesn't have the best reputation), or the Juki HZL-NX7, DX-3000 or DX-4000.

Thanks! I’ve heard good things about both. I would probably go with a Janome since I need a variety of stitches.

I’m sorry for your friend! There’s a Facebook group for Bernina users and there are so many posts from unhappy owners. I’m definitely not the only one, but it’s not a group you want to be in.

Thanks for the information about the user groups and the specific models. I will definitely check out all of them.

I have the 440QE and it has been great. I'm sad to hear that there are so many complaints about the later Berninas.