Feather3

Is your machine sitting level? If not then it will not work right. These 830's MUST be level. It also must be on a very sturdy table, as they vibrate a lot. Does your bobbin have any of the silver worn off? If so it won't work or will throw the machine off. The 830's is "Sewing computers". I've had a few issues with mine, but got the bugs worked out. I use my machine a lot. A tiny piece of thread stuck where it shouldn't be will throw it off & cause major issues. When I took mine in for service I sat with the tech. There were times it'd sew great for him, but once home back to the same problems. The next time they set it up on a table in their class room & the tech sewed on it & then I sewed on it. Yep it did all the things I had trouble with at home. So one of the ladies tried & she too had trouble. Upon further inspection...totally ripping the whole machine apart, the tech found a tiny piece of thread had somehow worked it's way into the right side of the machine & wrapped around a sort of wheel thing that tells the machine to change needle position, cut the thread, etc. I kept getting the "geasrs of death, warnings the thread was broke when it wasn't, needle would stitch up & down in place real fast, etc. No idea how that thread got in there, as it's a closed off area under the main steel plate, but once out it now works great.

I'd suggest calling your dealer & set up a day to spend the whole a day at your dealer. Have a few different people sew on it, thread, it, do embroidery, etc & see if any of the issues you have show up. INSIST they fix it.

piecelover

[QUOTE=Mary Ellen Lowry;7519499]I purchased a Bernina 830 about 3 years ago with some inheritance $$$ from my mother, who instilled my love for sewing. I have been sooo disappointed!

I've not owned the Bernina 830 but my SIL bought one about a year after I purchased a Brother Quattro. Her machine was always giving her problems & she had it in the shop many times. About 5 years after buying the 830, she had had enough & purchased the new Babylock Destiny & just loves it. In the 7 years I have had my Quattro, I've only had it into the dealer for repairs once. I thought about trading her in for a new Brother Dream or Babylock Destiny (virtually same machine), but just couldn't justify the price, even with trade-in. I'm embarrassed to say that I've yet to explore all my Quattro has to offer and I do love my machine, so I just don't need all the new bells & whistles (even tho I'd like to play with them)! Good luck with whatever machine you decide to go with!

DebbieL

I am so sorry you are having problems with your machine. That can turn sewing into a job instead of relaxing. I know nothing about your machine. I have Janomes and I love them. first Janome I have had for about 14 years. Never had any problems at all. I have never taken it in to the shop. I do all the up keep myself, not that it needs much. My second Janome (P6600) I have had only about 3 years and haven't done a lot of sewing lately but have had no problems with it. Check out the Janomes. Very user friendly. Good Luck.

unclefreckles

You should go to a Brothers dealer and check out their machines. I have had 4 different ones and couldn't have been happier. Easy to use and fabulous stitching. Don't know where you are but you can't go wrong with a Brothers machine. Our dealer here in NM is absolutely amazing!

caspharm

I agree. I have gone through a Viking Designer 1, a Pfaff 2056 (?), and now own a Janome 8900. I am very happy with it. I do have other machines for taking to class, but my Janome is my home machine and I love it.

nancyw

I had a 830 but by the time it went up to Chicago I was fed up with. My dealer gave me an even trade for a 550. I love it she even gave me the tray for it also.

cashs_mom

I'm interested in whether or not you took the guide classes and followed what they said. I have had 2 Berninas (1630 and 180 which is my current Bernina) and you do have to do what they say and be diligent about cleaning the bobbin area and changing needles. I never had any problems with thread on mine but sometimes did have to make some tensions adjustments for specialty threads and have a spare bobbin case so that I can use one when I need to adjust the bobbin tension.

Quiltngolfer

I have the old Bernina 180. It is a wonderful machine, but limited in the new size hoops and technology. Embroiders and sews perfectly. The newer ones just aren't as easy to use.

sprice

Wow, this is interesting to me. I have two old Berninas and they are workhorses. Sounds like the newer Berninas aren't made like the old ones. Sorry to hear that although I expect my two old machines will see me through the remainder of my sewing days.