I came close to buying a display model but I bought a Brother Pacesetter and I absolutely love it! I’m sure that it’s not as fancy as many quilters have but it’s wonderful for ME and that’s what matters!
No a display model, but I did purchase a used longarm machine. It was a good decision, but probably did more research prior to purchase because it was a private sale. No dealer there trying to make a sale....
There is a well regarded shop here in the U.K. that sells used long arms and I think checks them first. I’d probably go to them if I was ever in the market for that….few years off I think for me!
This string of comments is very educational. Owned a Bernina 153 QE Virtuoso. Twenty-three years a work horse, zero issues, heavy quilting. Loved that machine. The S-board died and couldn’t get replacement. I knew about ALL the problems with the 770 before going to see my dealer, but was assured the B535 is a good machine. I’m six months in and persistent issues. Now feel the more bells & whistles, the more issues. Thanks for the post.
I love my Bernina 770 QE, however I think a big part of the reason I’ve felt so good about it is the great service I get at my quilt shop where I purchased it. There were ongoing classes about the machine, so I had lots of support from the beginning. They’ve answered every question, demonstrated anything I didn’t understand, and I get it tuned up every October. I also felt comfortable taking lessons at my shop because those are the machines they use. So, the support is excellent. I also have a Pfaff that is now my backup machine when mine is in the shop for a tune-up. Every time I use it I feel like I’m back with an old friend. Again, my experience is definitely connected to the support and expertise shared with me at “my” quilt shop. Good luck to you!
Hello there, your story is exactly my story. Bought a Bernina 750, had it for 5 years and I was done with the machine. Then I bought a Pfaff 720 and had no problems at all. I am pleased to hear that I also are not alone in this machine thing.
50 quilts and counting on my baby lock crescendo and it's never missed a stitch. I love the pfaff I had before as well. I'm glad you found the machine you're happy with. After all this is supposed to be fun.
Thanks so very much for your review. I spend a year saving for my Bernina 740. Then, I spent two years trying to make myself feel good about sewing on it, though I had chronic thread/tension problems. I started questioning myself. There was no joy, just numerous visits to the repair shop where they told me what I was doing wrong (human not machine error). Finally, I decided I wanted to get rid of it. Maybe human error or maybe just a bad fit. But, I am happy and will be putting it on the market with the BSR as soon as it comes out of the shop, this last time. Thank you so much for your candor.
So sorry you had problems too especially after saved so long for it! It shouldn’t be so hard to use a machine ‘properly’ if it really is made well. Or when they sell them to folk maybe they should say - you know these machines are very particular don’t you? 😂. In any case good luck with whatever you choose next!
Dianne Woods Thank you for your review and I am sorry that it was not a good fit. You have to try a lot of machines before you actually settle for one. I have seen people struggle and it boggles my mind.
Dianne Woods THANK YOU FOR YOUR HONEST OPINION. I think more Bernina Owners should come out and tell the truth so they can help those of us considering these machines that cost a lot, look great, but lack performance.
I've had a Pfaff 1475CD for over 30 years and it has serviced me very well! At one point about 3 years ago, I was not able to turn the machine on. My husband took it apart, ordered a new part for the starter to work. Guess what?? He got it working again! I had bought a new machine - Pfaff Expression 720- and LOVE IT!!! I also own a Pfaff Passport 3.0 which is another workhorse! I will always have a Pfaff! All 3 work now and I am loving them! Hope you fall in love with the Pfaff Exp 720!
Actually, one of the many deciding factors on me deciding to cut my losses with my Pfaff (the incredibly expensive paperweight), is that in the UK, Pfaff won't sell replacement parts to non-Pfaff dealers. So even though they won't honour the guarantee (because I'm not the original owner), I was still forced to use a Pfaff dealer to get it fixed. If I've got to go through a main dealer, I don't expect to have to send it to a different county and then wait a month before they even get time to look at it, let alone do anything about fixing it.
I'm very glad that I watched your video. I sew with a Brother, I actually have 3 of them different sizes, I have always thought I would like to have a Bernina much for the same reasons you mentioned in your video. However, they are very expensive, and I just couldn't go there. So I've stuck with Brother. Thanks to your video, I don't feel like I'm missing out on anything. Thank you!
I hope you still feel the same.. I got a Bernina b335 as a back up (horror!) second hand but like new. I think they're a bit over rated, but I also have a Brother f420 which is the smoothest machine I've worked on. I was used to Juki's until the duff DX3 and a condescending sales man. Brother seems to be consistent and their threading system is great.
Don’t second guess yourself, I had the exact same problems. And I bought mine brand new, with new machine smell and everything. I was livid that I had to bring the machine in after one month, I was told that the snagging bobbin was due to a burr on one of the metal pieces that needed to be honed down. The burr was so small, you couldn’t see it. I have 50 years of sewing experience, and this was a real splurge for me. A retirement present to myself. I thought because it was Swiss, that it would be precise like a Swiss watch. But it was and is very finicky. I just don’t have the money to do a trade, so I am just working at half my normal speed, just dealing with various errors, etc. in this case, the emperor really has no clothes. Good luck with your new machine. I hope it brings you much happiness, and your attention can be focused on creating.
So grateful for your retelling of your experience. I bought a Bernina Artista in 2004 and without many online resources, I was swept up in Bernina fever. Never really understood it and I lived too rurally to take classes Never fell totally in love and missed my Viking... Now it's technology is so outdated that I can't use any of the features. I can't sell or trade it because it's so old. Started researching quilting machines and now again feel guilty that everyone is SO excited about the brand new Bernina that is coming out, but I am wary... Very torn as I also have a TON of Bernina feet that will go to waste if I change brands. I am very confused but ready to do my research and do what I can to make the best decision. I am eager to hear from anyone best videos to watch and potential best platforms to sell old Bernina feet and accessories. Thanks!
I appreciate your comments, I too have felt "pressure " to buy a Bernina. Almost 40 years ago while living overseas, my husband bought me a small Pfaff Hobby. I loved that machine. But ended up needing a bit more power. I went to shows and listened to all the sales pitch, ended up with another brand. Had lots of issues similar to yours. A few years ago, I reached my tipping point. Packed up the machine and traded it in on a lovely Pfaff Performance Icon. There is a learning curve, but so worth it. Love all the online support. Good luck with your new machine. Hope it gives you many hours of joy!
I bought a second hand Pfaff from a quilt shop for half the retail price. It was only 6 months old when I bought it. It was my first computerised machine. It’s been over 20 years now and it still works like a charm!
I have a Pfaff and loved it. But the front computer went out and they don't make that part anymore. Compleetly gone and the huge heart ache. Pluss all the attachments usless.
Thank you so much. I’m closer to being cured from Bernina-envy, and I do love my Pfaff. There. Is always so much buzz about Berninas. People lower their voices when they say they have a Bernina,like they’re the holy grail of sewing machines. Thank you for your honesty.
I found all the Bernina sales people to be very stuck up and condescending. If you were even considering another brand, they just sniffed at you like you were trash. They put me off Beninas for life.
I’ve had a Bernina 770 QE Plus for two years, including the embroidery module. I love it! It’s an incredible machine with lots of power, features and reliability. I know everyone has their own experience but listening to one persons experience doesn’t mean this is not an awesome machine. I’ve been sewing 50 years and owned 4 different brands. The 3 Bernina machines I now own are the best I’ve ever had. I love the 350 I first purchased so I bought the 770 with the embroidery module and then the 890 serger. Love them all!
OH do I ever HEAR YOU…yup I had an b880…that I had fallen out of love with…it very touchy with same issues you had …to many issues with such an expensive sewing machine…You give such a good explanation AND INFORMATION…on this product…THANK YOU so much …
I would like to say thank you for doing this youtube video. I too am unhappy with my Bernina. I bought a Bernina 630 with the stitch regulator brand new from the dealer for my 50th birthday in 2009. I also bought the embroidery attachment along with 4 different feet. I went to all of my classes and I had it serviced every year by the dealership. Since the machine cost me so much money I took care of it with kit gloves and nobody else would be able to use it. My machine was plugged into a surge suppressor so nothing would happen to it due to any storms. I made a few baby quilts, a wedding quilt for my niece (which I had to finish 3 years after because of medical reasons) and some items of clothing and only used the thread recommended by the company. Then in 2015 I wasn't able to sew due to going through breast cancer and all the treatments and recovery. My machine sat closed protected in its case until 2017. When I finally was strong enough to sew and started my machine up it had a huge black line running through the computer screen! I couldn't figure out why because it was unplugged and packed up and not used for 2 years! Then when I called the dealer and brought the machine in they told me that I would have to buy a motherboard for $350.00 and then another $125.00 for the service charge! I paid $3,500. for the machine in 2009 and another $1,000.00 for the embroidery adapter and they wanted me to pay another $475,00 to fix it! I was told it only had a 5 year warranty and the machine was out of warranty. I couldn't even order the part myself because the company will only send parts to dealers! I thought how crazy is that why couldn't I fix my own machine since it was out of warranty. Last year I went and purchased a Husqvarna Viking Jade and I couldn't even trade in my Bernina. I hope that someday I'll be able to fix it but I didn't receive the support I felt I deserved from the dealer who I purchased it from and unlike vehicles you can buy the part and fix your own car, truck or van. With Bernina they will only send the part needed to an authorized dealer! So I'm very soured on Bernina and will NEVER buy another!
@@ScrapFabricLove yes I’m very pleased with my new machine & it a basic model without all the bells & whistles & very pleased with the dealership I purchased it from. My Viking has already had its first warranty service and I’ll be ready to start working on a UFO soon.
You are not alone…I had a Bernina 830L and it was a huge struggle, tension, embroidery issues. It was work to get it to work well long enough to make something. My dealer admitted those models had had “issues” but had no solution. So…I sold it and ended up with a Pfaff Creative Icon and absolutely love it! I no longer feel dumb because I can’t get a machine to work. So it was not you! Enjoy your Pfaff!
Excellent video! You listed all the issues I have had with my 770 which was purchased as a new machine. And I thought I was the only one having issues! The machine is currently at the dealers to be cleaned, serviced and software updated with the hopes things will get better. Now after watching this I'm thinking it might be time to move on from my machine. I had attended classes on the machine, read the manual, etc. Thought my issues were due to me. Now I know it's not me and probably the machine itself. Your video gave me the courage to confront my machine issues and not feel guilty about moving on to another. Thanks again!
Sorry you’ve been having trouble too but glad if this stopped you blaming yourself. No one needs that. The machines are there to serve us not the other way around! Good luck with your machine or getting a new one if that’s what you decide to do.
You will love your Pfaff. I've owned Pfaffs since 1997 and have loved them all. Had similar issues as you with a Baby Lock machine years ago. Had to lay my first Pfaff to rest as she plain wore out and parts no longer available. Was a heart wrenching time for me. Currently have 4 Pfaffs (3 are embroidery machines) and love them all. Is sometimes challenging to give them all a chance to sew. I tend not to trade in a machine when I buy another, but need to think of thinning down, as space now an issue. So glad I happened upon your channel recently. Have enjoyed seeing and watching what you're doing. Keep it up. Your perspectives are refreshing.
Thanks so much for watching and taking the time to comment too! Still enjoying the Pfaff so far! Do feel like I don’t have enough machines though as everyone commenting seems to have at least 3 or 4!
Thank you for this! I am in the same boat with my bernina, different model but similar issues/frustrations and feel like I am being ungrateful for not loving it. I thought I was purchasing my last and best machine. I have been very sad with my choice. Thank you for being real.
Really feel Bernina should recall the 770, and dealerships repair the bobbin issues free of charge. They seriously really have hurt their reputation on this one. And I’m someone who was sold on their brand after having a Virtuosa 153QE for 22 years.
Part 2: My sister and I both bought Bernina 930s from the same dealer at the same time. She took her’s home to another state with her and always had trouble with hers. Mine has been a wonderful workhorse still today. I will never get rid of it. I then bought a Janome Gem. Great little lighter weight machine. Great for classes or vacations. Did not want a computerized machine for years til my friend sold me her Bernina 1630. Wonderful machine she went to a simpler quilting machine). I love it. The quietest machine I have ever known. Bought another light weight machine recently and the timing went out within a week. Should have researched it more. It went back. I am happy with my stable of machines even today. By the way, we were taught in home ec to bring up your bobbin thread and put that and top thread under presser foot before sewing. Never had a problem (unless I forgot lol). Sorry for such a long message. Good luck with your new machine. My sister just bought 2 Bernina embroidery machines she loves Hugs from Maryland USA
Glad you love your Bernina’s and your other machines. You guys in the comments are going to influence me to buy more machines 😂 I only have the two! I do that with bringing the bobbin thread up for free motion but not any other time.
My first machine about 12 years ago was a Janome 7700. It was a very nice machine for someone’s first to learn on. I traded it up to a Janome 9400 when they first came out many years ago, and I could feel the difference in the quality of the machine and how it ran. I also had more experience sewing at that point, so that helped. My sewing mentor still has her Bernina Record 930 from 1980 or so, and in fact has purchased several used ones over the years and swears by those machines. I think it’s those older machines that gained Bernina a cult following until today. Several years ago when a local Bernina dealer was offering a free embroidery module with the 770QE, I purchased one new. I think the machines were $5-6k at that time and I think the upgraded versions today are $7-8k now. That is a lot of money. I did the same thing you did and convinced myself I needed a Bernina haha. Clearly their branding is working. Personally, I think the quality control on the Bernina is a little off especially given the price . There’s little things like the seams of the plastic on the machine and the quality of the plastic on the sewing bed that has a cheap feel. I think the software is kind of wonky on the Bernina too. I do believe I was told that an update of the software on the 770qe was going to allow the machine to sense the foot you’re using, but I don’t think that ever happened. It runs very smoothly though, and the stitch is beautiful and perfect, but it is beautiful on my Janome too. I sometimes had the same probs you did when not using a leader. I’ve also since purchased a couple of Jukis and I’d like to sell them. My Janomes are more expensive than the Jukis but the Janomes are quieter. I need to look for your Pfaff review and watch it for kicks. I think if I were to upgrade my machine(s) at some point, I’d opt for a Janome Continental M8 or the current 9400 model. I totally trust Janome and there seems to be greater consistently in quality with their machines. We probably don’t see as much about them online because they just work!
I feel your review is very honest and I can understand where you’re coming from. I have a 770qe and have had many of your same problems that you had. . Being 75 years old and no longer doing as much quilting and no longer have money to waste, I will keep it. Good luck with you Phaff I always fancied one.😊
Thanks! I was still working on it and not totally convinced I should get rid of it… until all those 1010 errors - that really was what tipped me over. It wasn’t terrible just to complicated for me really.
You took me back to when I bought my first Bernina, I can't even remember the model, but it ran on "Windows" top of the range, brand new! I could never leave that machine embroidering to go to the bathroom, which was next to the sewing room. I had to sit and watch it embroidering, because I had had so many times had my project turned into a nest of tangled thread if I didn't sit there with my foot on the pedal ready to stop it as soon as there was the slightest noise which didn't sound right. It does make you feel an idiot and I have been sewing since I was 16! I didn't sell it because I couldn't pass the trouble onto another sewer! It's still here, one of these days I will throw it out, because the embroidery unit just wasn't up to the job, unless you were using it rarely. Yet I have a Bernina 1008 which I bought new as a second machine while I was using the wonder embroidery machine which never was. It has done everything I asked of it, the only thing that went wrong was the foot pedal and it had a bog standard one put onto it. It is still in my Horn cabinet, waiting for me to appear and give it some exercise. By the way, there came no oil with the embroidery machine! I was told that it had yearly services because it needed oiling by an expert not the owner! It didn't make sense to me. Sorry this is long.
This video has been super helpful! One mostly only finds videos that show what it is capable of doing, but not the realistic drawbacks (which all devices have). Don't worry. You have not turned me off to Bernina, you have simply given me something of substance to consider when choosing my next machine. Thank you!
Yes. I think it's a good video on the reality of machine ownership. Substiture (Bernina) for any other brand. Sometines no matter the features or marketing, we just don't bond with the machine and that's okay.
I totally get everything you’re saying and appreciate your honesty and the post. My first “real” new sewing machine was a new home/Janome and I absolutely loved it but after 6 years, wanted to upgrade and got peer pressured into a Bernina 154QE and regretted (hated) it from day one. I kept it for a year before I couldn’t take it anymore and sold it online. I then bought a Janome 6500P and loved it for over 13 years but then wanted something with more bells & whistles, so after a lot of research and wanting to be in the “cool club”, I bought the Bernina 570 which is very nearly the same machine as the 770 but hated that my fabric always getting sucked into the wide feed dogs that didn’t cover the fabric, I did not like the frost when you turned on the machine, and also I’ve never had to oil a machine, ever, like this one required or else it would start squeaking (nearly every time I used it for only a few hours at a time). The bobbin was torture to get in and out. I had zero issues with either of my Janomes, which practically never needed oil and I never had it serviced either lol. Anyway I sold the barely used two months old Bernina 570 online and got a Janome 9450 and it’s like your lost pet returning home. I’m so happy now. Good for you and sew with what you love!
Very informative Video. Thank you for taking the time to review your experience so thoroughly. Marketing has never played a part in any of my machines purchases. I've had a variety of machines over the years. Learned to sew on two antique Singer machines, one a 1920's portable, (made my wedding dress with it) the other a 1910 treadle. Husband bought me a basic Singer Zig Zag in 1987 (So nice to do button holes by machine!) Got turned onto quilting and went to a quilt making class and noticed how quiet all the other machines were. They were Berninas. Loved how quiet they were, and the fact they were obviously better built machines than my little Singer Basic Zig Zag. In 1992 I bought a Bernina 1090. It is amazing. Never any issues. It is a heavy machine. Just love it. Fantastic stitch quality, particularly hem stitching and top stitching. Great machine which I still use regularly. Became a serious quilter and wanted to do more machine quilting. Was doing a lot of FMQ on the 1090, but wanted more harp space. I was looking at a Bernina 440, but the sales rep said it was very similar to my 1090 in size and functionality, I should look at the 700 Series, the difference was the throat space. Stitch regulator wasn't something I particularly liked or wanted. I purchased a Bernina 750 QE. I really liked the light , sensors, hover foot, thread cutter, needle threader and ease of use. Love the dual feed. I purchased it in 2015 and have been extremely happy with it. No issues. Absolutely amazing for FMQ and Ruler Work. Just the bomb. The only thing it struggles with is heavy fabric with bulky seams. Doesn't like those, however, the 1090 goes through those like butter. I keep both set up in my sewing room. Makes it easy to keep a different colour thread in each if I'm working on a project that uses different threads. Bag making is typically on the 1090. And most everything else is on the 750. I had a Juki Serger that I really liked. Also a Janome Overstitch 2000CPX. That machine was a nightmare. I sold the Juki and Janome, then purchased a 1300MDC combination Serger/Coverstitch machine, x-display, from a dealer last year. Came with a full warranty and was less than half of retail. Bernina doesn't make this unit anymore, which is a shame. Brilliant machine. Unbelievable stitch selections and ease of use. I also have a Janome Platinum 760 for workshops and teaching my grandkids to sew. It's very versatile and easy to use. The kids can use the stop/start button to stitch on it, which is great, 'cause they can't reach the pedal! 750 has one as well. Very light weight for classes. Great basic stitches, not great on hemming. I always oil my machines every two bobbins. (Every so often with the combo machine... base it on how it sounds. ) Just something I was told to do when I was a kid. I clean in between each bobbin. I've been told I take very good care of my machines. I guess that's why I don't have service issues. Sorry for being so long winded.
Thank you very much for your review. I was just a seamstress when I was in my 20's. Now, at 70 I decided to learn to quilt, had no idea it was not as easy as making a garmit. My quilt teacher tells us that the Bernina is a great machine. Well, I can't afford a machine over for $5K US dollars. But thought maybe I should buy a used one. Thank you so much for your comments and I will be reviewing machines other than Bernina. I like the Brother Pacesetter PS700.
Thanks! I’ve not heard of that Brother machine but there are some American brands that aren’t sold as much where I am in Scotland. There are loads of machine recommendations in the comments from other folk too.
I've had a Singer 338 for over 50 years and I wouldn't swap it for anything. It doesn't have the bells & whistles of new machines like needle down & speed control but I can quilt without these. I have tried a Bernina at my sewing class but I don't like using them. The rotary bobbin is a total pain after the Singer drop in bobbin which is so easy. No need for a warning that the bobbin is running out of thread, it's so easy to see it & I can tell by the sound too. Threading the Bernina is awful and I can't count how many times the bobbin winder has messed up the thread. I agree that on the Berninas you need to use threaders which I had never heard of & certainly never need on my old Singer. I frequently get the tangled threads on the Bernina if I don't use one. Eventually I felt I wasted so much time getting started I now take my own machine to the classes. The Berninas up to the 7 series are not made in Switzerland now, they're just designed there and made in Thailand. That might be part of the problem. If you have a sewing machine which you are comfortable with & does a decent straight stitch just try quilting with that. You can still buy parts for older machines such as a walking foot and a free motion/darning foot and if it's heavy you can invest in a bag with wheels. You don't need an all singing all dancing machine to quilt especially if you are just learning. Just wait and see and if you decide to buy definitely try a few machines out to see if you like them. Best of luck with your quilting.
If you have not bought a machine yet, look at the Bernette B79. (or B70 if you will not want embroidery too). The software is the same as Bernina and the machine was designed by them, but made elsewhere. I have had it three years and really love it for quilting. I bought it from the Bernette dealer at our local quilt shop and took classes alongside Bernina owners. The price was much, much lower than the Bernina's and I think some were surprised at how much I got for so much less than they paid.
I’m happy you went with your feelings and moved on. You have to love your sewing machine. We spend so much time using our minds and hands to create with them that it shouldn’t be spoilt with frustration or sadness.
I too have a Bernina 770 QE. As far as the sensors go for the feet and the stitch plate you have to TELL it which ones you have on so if you try to use a zigzag stitch on a straight stitch plate IT WILL NOT LET YOU. You do have to oil this thing that's just the nature of the beast. And you do have to watch Sarah Snuggard on those TH-cam videos she goes through the whole thing from unboxing it to every foot how it works every stitch the whole enchilada. One of the things I love about my Bernina 770 QE is the stitch plate how easy it is to pop that thing on and off. On the other machine you will notice you have to use screws to change out the stitch plate what a pain.
My machine tells me what foot to use for the stitch. If I have the straight stitch plate on, my machine will freeze up and won't let me stitch and will prompt me to change the stitch plate.
Your post has definitely sparked a lot of interest and response Kirsten. I’ve been really interested reading everyone’s comments and input. Thank you for your informative video and your experiences.
Meant to say … not sure where you are located, but I live in Scotland too and my dealer is in Edinburgh. Not sure if I can mention names on here, but you could easily work it out if you were looking for excellent service and support etc and I’m pretty sure he stocks Pfaff as well, although the dealer you bought it from should offer plenty aftercare support and tuition as part of your package. Wishing you lots of happy “carefree” sewing !
I am in Edinburgh too. Pretty sure I bought my Pfaff from the same guy you are talking about but the Bernina was a shop in England bought online. Small world!
Thanks for sharing the nitty gritty or the dark side of discontent. It makes me sad to hear of all the trouble you went through to try and become satisfied with your huge purchase! I'm super glad you worked with the shop to take it back and found one that suits. I am very pleased with my Bernina QE 440. I bought just the machine brand new over 14 years ago and still love her. The chain of sewing machine shops that sold her gives free how to use your machine... for life. Those lessons are fantastic and the instructors help you understand tricks and new ideas on enjoying your machine. I'm an eclectic sewist. I do clothing, home decor, quilting, thread painting, and FMQ. I do oogle over some of the fancier machines that others have and in the shop but I am content with my "Nina." I think sewing machines are like any product, cooking, power tools, etc. Needs, wants, and dreams come into play here. I think you have to be honest and ask yourself if you ride a machine hard, you know, one who need something made out of cast iron or are you fastidious about the use and care of your tools. Don't be influenced by what others tell you. Ask trustworthy repair people and those that actually sew on the machine. Then try them out for yourself. It can be a big investment and worth the time you allow to satisfy your purchase.
All very true! I definitely ride my machines hard so one that needs to be treated a certain way was probably never going to work for me 😂! I’ve learned my lesson. So glad your Nina is good to you!
Its funny how people can have such different experiences with the same brand of machine. I bought a pre-owned 770QE about 3 years ago from a dealer and I’ve never had a problem with it. The bobbin winder did go out on it but the dealer replaced it for free and it’s been fine ever since. I use it for piecing and quilting small projects. I really like that it has a built in dual feed and the built in thread cutter. I was told I should oil it just about every time I sit down to sew, so I do that. And it sews like a dream. So I just recently splurged and got the Q20 on the studio frame in preparation for my retirement from work and I love it too. Sorry your experience wasn’t a good one! Edit: I should add that I had had a much older Bernina for many years before the 770QE so there wasn’t much of a learning curve for me. I does sound like you had a lemon of a machine!
@loriar1027 - Thank you for sharing your insight. I am considering purchasing a pre-owned 770QE from a reputable dealer who said it was a trade-in for someone who upgraded to another Bernina, but of course I cannot verify this. I'm wondering if the dealer may be pretty amenable to any major issues simply because it's a pre-owned machine that they have put their word and reputation behind? I'm leaning toward buying as it's a great deal for a machine I could not otherwise afford and, in my mind, the worst thing that happens is that I don't love it and can always trade it in for a nice Pfaff if I decide I can't deal with the regular maintenance required. I do think going into any purchase knowing what the expected regular maintenance requirements will be is a key factor to consider. I grew up knowing that oiling and cleaning out the bobbin case were just a required part of the "daily checklist" before and after starting to sew.
I found this absolutely fascinating! I've never owned a Bernina, but two people in my quilting group have them and like them. However, we all have different learning styles and attributes, so a machine that's good for one person may not serve another well. And this is without even considering machine flaws. Some years back I bought a demo model Brother Innovis VQ3000 quilting/sewing machine - a predecessor of the Luminaire. It has an 11.5" throat, auto foot lift, auto thread cutter, auto threader, bobbin low indicator and lots more. I negotiated the price and the deal was excellent, I got most of the accessories, the travel cases and a full original warranty for approx. 30% of the original price. I guess I'm lucky because I've hardly had a moment's difficulty with it. Plus, despite all of it's features, it was not at all complicated and amazingly easy to learn! I'm also sure it's made with quite a lot of metal, because it's ridiculously heavy - 46 lbs - no good for taking back and forth for quilting sessions. I've been looking at the Baby Lock Jazz II for a "travel" machine, but have learned that it has a gross weight of 36lbs. That's not a bad thing because at that weight it must have some significant metal in it, but I'm not sure I want to lug around a 36lb. machine, even with a cart. I can wait however, because if I decide to buy one, I'd rather wait until the price drops even more. And in the meantime, I have a standard-size electronic Brother machine that I use for piecing when working with my group. What's the saying? "Patience will out" Is that the correct quote? Well anyway, I've got plenty of patience.
I hear you…, I have a Brother Stellaire XJ1 because I got a great deal on it…, it was a display one and I couldn’t afford the Luminaire. I echo your sentiments; however, with my machine. I just wish I had more time to sew…, hopefully after my move. Thanks for your comments.
I wouldn't buy a Luminaire, not just because it's way too expensive, but because I have no interest in machine embroidery. But the Stellaire is another story and I'd love to hear what you like (or even don't like) about it.
I just came across your channel. I bought a Bernina 1230 about 25 years ago, I have been tempted to upgrade but I love my machine! I do a lot of sewing, mainly dressmaking and it’s never let me down. I have bought several accessories and different feet and it’s impressive that Bernina still supply them for such an old model. A friend has a Bernina embroidery machine that’s about 5 years old and she is always having problems with warnings, similar to the ones you experienced. Hope you’re happy with your new machine and enjoy your quilting.
I also have the 1230 from new, absolutely love it. They were made in Switzerland then. I pray every time I use it that it will keep going as apparently the motherboards are not made anymore. I would be devastated if I had to “upgrade” to a new machine.
Hi, Thank you, I am so appreciative that you made this video about 770 Bernina. I think your experience is definitely worth sharing and others have also felt your pain. I do have experience sewing on Berninas for over 50 years... from the 830 Record to the 440 QE to the 790, but I have also owned and sewn on other machines. I also worked for several years in the tech industry as a software project manager, software product advisor, and software user trainer Here are my thoughts for whatever they are worth: 1. YOU ARE BUYING A COMPUTER THAT SEWS, AND NOT A SEWING MACHINE THAT IS COMPUTERIZED, ALTHOUGH THEY SELL IT LIKE THAT SO AS NOT TO SCARE EVERYONE. 2. Know what kind of sewist or seamstress you are...what are you going to sew and how are you going to use the machine, before any purchase. You would not buy a convertible and use it like a pickup truck. I do not do embroidery, nor do I have any desire to make fancy stitches on anything and if I do I will embroider by hand. Furthermore, I can and have sewn my own clothing in the past, but today I only mend, and tailor our clothes. Sometimes, I make a garment, but rarely, and I make simple projects for the home. All of the software and mechanisms that go along with the Embroidery Module, just make the machine more complicated, more confusing to learn and present more reasons for the machine to malfunction). So if you are only going to piece and machine quilt, why buy a more complicated more expensive model with features you don't need? 3. Even if you are familiar with computers and software, you should probably get some user training in order to understand how to make your new computerized machine work for you. If you are in doubt, go to the dealer and ask for someone to allow you to sew on a computerized machine before buying it or take a class using one of the machines they have for rent or use at the sewing dealership. I advise you to take your own project to work on. Most shops will be happy to let you test drive if they know you are seriously looking for a new machine. 4. Understand that software when it is developed, even though it is tested thoroughly, beforehand is often released to the consumer with "bugs", sometimes even when the developer knows about them. This is normal practice for software in all modern products and in all industries, so just like anything else, sometimes it's best to wait and NOT buy the newest model with all the new features until they "get all the bugs worked out" and release the fixes and updates to the software. This the manufacturer will never tell you directly, and probably most dealers only vaguely understand this fact of life in the computer age. Just hope that your service person does! Getting all the parts to communicate and work together is not always a straight forward path and designers often have to make compromises in their computer "architecture" until somebody figures out a program or design feature that will make sure it all fits together and runs smoothly. I don't want to get too complicated or use a bunch of jargon, but want to let you know that some software/machine combinations and designs are more "user friendly"(meaning easy and intuitive for you to use and make it do what you want it to do) than other brands of machine and software. The software developers don't always know which tools and components ( both software and mechanical) are going to work well together in the future, even if they work together well now. Thus, as with your computer, software and the machines themselves can become outdated and all of us have computers, phones, printers, etc that are no more than novelties so obsolete as to be displayed in a museum. That is also why manufacturers will discontinue certain models, which is the responsible thing to do if they can predict that the machine does not have the ability to run the new software that they are going to develop. Computers becoming obsolete is nobody's fault and is true for every computerized machine in every industry because we live on the cutting edge of the computer age and companies are racing to keep up with consumer demand. Add that to the challenge manufacturers have with always trying to make a machine that serves your needs/wants, and is also affordable for you to purchase and for them to manufacture. 6. Having said all of that, things are beginning to slow down a bit with demands and just like my 7 yr old phone,I think that all the sewing machine manufacturers nowadays have designed computerized machines that are for the most part "bug-free" and perform pretty well. So now they will be concentrating mostly on smoothing out any cumbersome, less "user friendly" components to make them easier to use if need be, so don't be afraid to buy A COMPUTER THAT SEWS, because whether or not it is a Bernina, in my case, and also for many of my friends and fellow sewists, once you master the learning curve, you will be sewing quilts and other projects faster and better than before, (depending on your type of projects). 7. In closing some parting thoughts, if there is an advantage to buying Bernina, it would be that they have a long-standing reputation to protect, when other reliable European manufacturers like Elna, Husquavarna, Viking, even Pfaff have been purchased by other companies; some are made in China. Bernina is the only family-owned Manufacturer, though many of their machines are made in Bernina-owned and run factories in Thailand. Bernina seems to have been able to adapt their sewing machines to serve the consumer well over the years and is the reason for their unprecedented consumer loyalty. Bernina machines are the only machines that still use an all-steel front-loading bobbin system, like industrial machines and many 50 yr old machines are still running efficiently as parts can still be found. 8. Bernina's are expensive, they are in the same price range as a new computer with printer for all the reasons I just mentioned above. If you are going to mostly piece quilt tops and make table runners etc., you could opt to just send them to your long-arm quilter. For example, depending on her costs, I figure I can have my long-armer machine quilt 10 queen-sized bed quilts per year for the next 5 years, which costs me between $5,000 and 5,750 (minus shipping). That's 50 quilts quilted by someone else for about the same money as the 770 at today's prices. (Truly, I only seem to be completing about 5 queen quilts per year or the equivalent in other projects thereof.) That's one way of thinking about the cost of a machine that has a BSR and Dual feed and other features (minus all the add-ons, lessons, thread, batting, etc that I would need to quilt my own quilts). Weighing the costs and the time spent quilting my own quilts against spending the majority of my time on what I love to do, mainly designing and piecing quilts, helped me to decide what to buy, because most of what I want to sew can be done on a reliable non-computerized machine. Then I weighed that against the costs of a long-arm machine and knowing that the only way I can make sense of buying one is to make it a business....but that's a whole nother discussion. Hope any of that helps you decide about purchases. Figure out how you will use your machine, think it through, go test drive all of the machines that might work for you, in your price range, which also include exemplary user support nearby, then decide. Happy Sewing and Good Luck to you all!
I had been a Janome, but then went to a Pfaff and I will never use any other machine. I like that they have excellent videos on You Tube that walk you through how to use them. Best of luck.
Bernina is the best is what I kept hearing over and over and I felt exactly the same way you did not long after I bought mine. I got it brand new and had the same issues with the bobbin/threading and having to keep stopping to clear the error even though the bobbin was fine. The service tech said Bernina machines are "over engineered" and the numerous senors were too sensitive so even a little speck of dust or lint can set off the sensor and stop the machine. After months of frustratiing sewing attempts I sold the machine and got a Singer and a Brother (two machines) for the same price. Now I have a dedicated quilting machine and one for everything else and am much happier. Thank you for sharing your experience here, it helps me know that the problem wasn't me or user error.
Yes, I bought one for our church Prayers and Squares. I got the 2000 for church, and it is great. I've had to have it serviced once as an electronics element went out. It was only $99
I loved my Juki but gave it to my granddaughter who’s in design school. I have a wardrobe of BERNINA’s back to the 830 record. Never have had much trouble with any of them but maybe it’s because I “understand them.
I have sewn for 40 years on various machines, including Singer Featherweight, Elna TSP, & Memorycraft. I currently sew on a Bernina 560, & Juki TL18QVP. Hands down, I enjoy sewing on the Juki more than the Bernina. I’ve had the same bobbin sensor problem on the Bernina & know how frustrating that can be!
I purchased a Bernina even though I was a Pfaff loyalist. I hated that machine and sold it before the warranty ran out. Best decision I have ever made. I had all the same issues as you.
I had a basic Husqvarna for 30 years and loved it. Upgraded to an embroidery and sewing machine and loved it but had hard time getting parts or accessories. Finally bought a Brother Dream Machine 11 sewing and embroidery machine. Throat space is over 12”. Wow. Love every feature. It embroiders wonderfully well. Sewing is exceptional and I have made numerous quilts. I will stay with Brother for life! Wish you well with your Pfaff.
I totally know where you are coming from. I had a top of the line from another company that I hated after I had it for a while. I kept it for 3 years thinking I should love it. Never did. Finally sold it. I have a Bernina 770 and we get along wonderfully. Love it. So to each his own and that's why there are so many brands. Good luck with your new machine!
My goodness. You are WAY MORE PATIENT than I would have been. I have a lot of Berninas. I have had issues recently with a different dealer that doesn't seem to know how to fix them. I will be looking for another dealer for my next service/repair. We used to live in OKC and the service there was great. Nobody where we live now, so we have to go someplace in Texas. I'm glad you found a machine you can love. It is so important.
Thank you so much for sharing this! I “upgraded” to a Bernina 740 (I’d already dealt w/the BSR and knew I didn’t want it) a couple years ago and I am not satisfied. So many problems, but my dealer kept implying it was my thread or my skills, or whatever and I knew it wasn’t me! I bought it to be like the cool kids, too. I feel so much better about FINALLY stopping this charade and looking for another machine. I felt duped and that was embarrassing, but I’m tired of dealing with all the problems: always needing a lead fabric, thread cutter not working, tension issues, constant thread error computer message that I can’t actually find, a strange high pitched buzzing noise, sensor feet costing 2x as much but the sensor not serving a purpose. Thank you thank you thank you!
Glad it helped you feel less alone! There are plenty others in the comments too who had similar experiences. Hope you find something that suits you better!
I’m a lifetime Bernina lover but they can be temperamental. I was recently in tears when my Bernina 440QE returned from service with stitch issues and I was told by the inexperienced service tech that it was “perfect” and she implied that I was nuts. For Bernina’s in particular, a partnership with a very experienced Bernina service person is crucial….even if you rarely need them because they are so efficient with repairs or tweaks when you do. There are many machine brands because one brand isn’t for everyone. I recently bought a Juki that only does a phenomenal straight stitch…who knew I could love it too? Find what you love….life is too short. 😊 Lori
I’m sure there can be issues like that with any machine. But it is definitely disheartening when they tell you there is nothing wrong when you know there is!
Lorielle 13 Thank you for sharing your experience. I hope that Bernina will take these experiences and fix the issues. The machines are expensive, lovely and cost too much to repair. Only 5 year warranty on computer parts is short
I agree, you need a partnership with your dealer. Heartbreaking when they retire and the new person says your machine will cost 3/4 of its new price to be repaired!
Thank you for the detailed review and why you finally traded it in. I thought about a Bernina but read from some reviews they might be a little touchy with the bobbin thread sensor, etc. I'm getting older and my machine lives up a steep set of narrow stairs in my loft "aka woman cave". The dealer is 2 1/2 hours away so taking it in to the dealer other than a yearly maintenance isn't feasible. I purchased a Janome Continental M7 and I love it. The only issue I have is the threader because I usually use a size 70 needle which is a little too small for the needle threader, my solution, hand thread it.
I have a Janome and a BabyLock machines. Both have needle threaders. Neither will thread a needle smaller than a size 80. So like you, I hand thread them. Annoying, as my eyesight and hands are not what they used to be. But a small issue. Both machines have been fabulous work horses. Very few problems and only needing routine maintenance. I envy you the Janome Continental M7. It looks like a wonderful machine.
finding the perfect machine is such a journey ! I sew since 16 years with husqvarna, also bought some serger and embroidery machine, the serger was a nightmare until I change it for a small hobbylock 2.5 that I love, I ended buying a second hand big husqvarna at my sewing shop, that ended to be a nightmare (I was always afraid each time I begun an embroidery) then I bought the brother stellaire and it's a dream ! now, I want to upgrade my old husqvarna topaze, and found a dealer that resell a bernina 570 QE and after spending 1 week looking at videos and talking to the dealer, I was going to buy it, but someone bought it while I was putting in in my cart (on the website), so now it's been 2 days I can only think about the missed opportunity and being angry about and watching TON of videos about this brand (and as I am swiss, I love the fact that's it is a swiss brand ^^) when I looked for machines, I was tempted buy the pfaff you bought, but the dealer told me that for my sewing practice, the bernina would have the best motor and the pfaff would be a little too shy (I sew accessories and bags, so I need a strong motor) I want a pretty machine (I know, I know....) and the pfaff is superbe ^^ now I'm lost again, what machine could I buy, knowing I can not afford a new bernina 770,750,570 even) but I can affort the pfaff.... it's so difficult (and having not so much money, but big expections make the thing even more complicated) so thank you for your video !
I have a Bernina 570 QE and experience every issue you have described. I keep it oiled regularly and clean out the bobbin hook and lint that balls up near the hook. In the circular space. I feel at some point I too will trade it in after much more research. Thanks for your honesty as I thought it was my lack of knowledge about the machine; but I see from the comments it’s quite common.
Do you have the old 570QE or the newer one with different bobbin hook and wider footbed? The model changed a few years ago, I have the old form, and wonder if the newer updated version has the problems since they changed it?
I was thrilled to find your video because I bought a 570QE with the idea that it would make my quilting fabulous and I have been suffering buyer's remorse ever since. I also have a Bernina 350 QE about which I was not too crazy, but after playing with the 570, I love the older model and wish I could find someone to take the 570 off my hands.
Oh no! Sorry you had a bad time with your machine too! Glad you found one you prefer though! I’m sure someone will buy your 570 - they are still popular and it might suit someone else.
I bought my Bernina 770QE brand new in 2017, and went through similar issues as you had. My first frustration was the overwhelming LACK of support from my local Bernina dealer. She promised free training classes during the first year, to help acquaint me with the machine and quilting. The classes never happened. I had never quilted before. My sewing experience since the age of 7 was garment and drapery sewing. A friend of mine at church made art quilts and I got hooked. I didn't have any major issues with the machine for basic sewing, but when I added the embroidery module, that I purchased from a Bernina dealer and hour and a half away due to the lack of training support from the local dealer. I encountered the blue screen of death several times, but with the embroidery, the automatic thread cutter broke a number of times. So the second major frustration was the lack of support in repairs. The local dealer did not have someone on site all the time to do repairs. Sometimes it was only once a month that he was available, then I had to leave it for a week or more for repair. The threading cutting mechanism broke 3 x within a short period of time and at $70 a clip for the repair + cost of parts, that was my last straw. One other thing is that the Bernina feet were quite expensive. I was able to sell it of eBay, and I bought another brand of machine in 2020, and totally in love with it.
I sewed on a BERNINA 750QE for 7yrs/ I literally had several million stitches on it. Then the shaft broke. They fixed it, but it never worked right again. So, I traded it for a Janome Continental M7 industrial. No complaints it’s a real work horse.
We have all been there! Years ago I bought a beautiful brand new husky lock top of the line serger and was never so frustrated in my life. I sold it and bought the cheapie brother and could use it immediately. I have the old (not vintage) Bernina 560 sewing machine with the embroidery hoops. I love the stitch, I love the feet. I love this machine for many things. That said, the bobbin sensor is finicky on light colored thread. It was not your imagination. I watched all of the heirloom creations/sewing mastery videos for this machine twice before buying and using the machine. They are great and necessary as the machine is not intuitive, but once you see it, you get it. I recommend watching a full series of videos on whatever machine you are thinking of buying before you buy. Another BIG concern is whether there is ANY relatively local competent repair shop for the brand you are thinking of buying. My 560 hasn’t broken down. I’ve gotten some nice regular service at one of the two dealers within 50 miles of me, but I had the other dealer accidentally permanently mess up my vintage Bernina 1120…
I almost bought a Bernina quilting machine but ended up with a Husqvarna viking designer royal but even if its a wonderful machine i was tired of it breaking down so now i bought a Juki for stitching havent tried the quilting part of the machine but i am in love with the machine ♥️ Good luck with the pfaff♥️
Juki, babylock and janome are my go-tos - love, love, love them all…sewing machine collector! And don’t tell me I can’t do something! 🤣😂. (Even if not quite those exact words!). Am gifting my babylock ‘jane’ to a daughter-in-law because I started counting how many machines I have (12)…recently purchased a janome hd9be - love a simple straight stitch machine. Only longing I’ve had for a couple of years is the juki ddl8700…we shall see! Edit #2: 14 machines! (Included my classic gammill) Edit #3: 15 machines - forgot my bff GAVE me her bernina (which has sat in a bag since) - she kept her first machine, which was a janome 6500 I sold her about 2008.
Machines are a personal choice. I bought a Janome JD 1818 years ago, had a terrible time with it and stopped sewing. Got into quilting and broke it trying to quilt on it for the first time . Looked at new machines, decided I couldn’t afford it, sewed on my girlfriend’s electronic machine and decided those scared me. Found an old fashioned repair guy who fixed the Janome and my mother’s Singer 99K (it’s one year older than me) He let me watch and I learned more in that time than I ever knew about a machine! Now I piece on the Singer, which can also handle cork and vinyl for the bags I like to make…and the machine still sews a beautiful seam. I quilt on the Janome…still don’t love it and the throat is really small…but I learned enough from the repair man to fix it when it has one of it’s issues…and all for a grand total of $80 USD!
Thanks for your video. I’ve lusted after a Bernina for years, but cannot afford one, nor the servicing costs. The 770 QE is $8000 NZD! My Brother Innovis 400 quilters machine is alright, it’ll do the job, cost $800 at the time. I recently inherited an old Singer Capri mechanical machine from the late 1970’s. It’s fully metal and it’s so easy to open it up and oil it. I’m keeping that old girl forever.
I have had a pfaff for 20 years and I love it. The dealer I bought it from and where I have it serviced dropped selling Bernina because he felt the company is not reliable any more and count on their NAME carrying them in the market place. All your feet and add-ons will also cost you less. I think it was a win-win situation for you. Thanks for sharing. Blessings.
I first watched this video a year ago when I was thinking about which sewing machine I wanted, and it was really helpful. I decided to stay with janome, as I felt it suited my style, and got an upgraded model. A year later I'm incredibly happy. Thank you!
I really liked listening to your assessment of the Bernina 770. I bought one about a month and a half ago, after lots of research, reading reviews, listening to others who owned them, etc. I also was interested in the Pfaff Expression, but heard so much about Bernina. So I bit the bullet and bought one. I do like it very much so far, but I feel it’s really overloaded for what I need. It has a great straight stitch but I also feel myself Uber cautious when changing any settings or feet or any maintenance work.. I call her the Diva because I feel like I oil her more often than any of the other machines I own. I have my nose in the manual more, and yes, there is definitely a learning curve. So I’m taking it slow so I don’t become frustrated. I get where you were coming from and you gave such a honest and totally understandable reason for why you were feeling what you did. Sewing needs to be fun, not have you on edge. You have to trust your machine. I’m glad you are happy so far with what you replaced it with. I wish you many years of trouble free sewing.
I think you hit the nail on the head Joanne where you say that you have to trust your machine - without that you feel like you a sewing with a combatant, not a friend.
I want to thank you for coming out and telling your story. I am in the market for a 5mm machine and all I see recommended by TH-cam sewists is Bernina. BUT the price is very high and I don't to be a member of their club. I want a good machine that doesn't breakdown a lot or a ridiculous learning curb. My closest dealer is 2 hours away. THANK YOU for your honesty and I think you did the RIGHT THING and traded it in. Nothing worse than a fiddly machine when you need to finish projects. I will be careful to not buy it because its a Bernina.
I have a Bernina 770 QE Tula Pink Edition for about 4 years and love her I sew 🧵 everything I had a really cheap brother and my Bernina sews beautiful and to embroidery is so much fun. I’m sorry you had a bad experience. I sew a lot and I didn’t think their was a learning curve at all. I hope your new machine is good for you.
Thank you for such a down to earth honest review. I have a Bernina 590. Purchased with similar reasons to yourself. Had a Pfaff Creative Vision (first rendition) which was close to what you would call a lemon. The feed dogs still don't sew a straight line without a lot of persuasion (known issue). Numerous techs on numerous occasions over the years got the many issues ironed out. Once out of warranty this added to the original cost. I was never totally satisfied with it. Was ready to trade to something else. Got the B590 thinking it was a smaller machine than the Creative Vision and would be useful for travel (it wasn't as it was just as heavy). The 590, yes a learning curve. Yes, temperamental. Yes thirsty. Yes hissy fit if I do something out of the order that it demands. It's taking a while for me to fall in love with it even after 2 1/2 yrs. I had a chance to get a used Pfaff Creation Sensation Pro. I still love the way Pfaffs work. More intuitive. The Sensation has lots of bad reviews particularly concerning the screen which I didn't read about until after I got the machine. So far so good for me. Unlike its sister, it sews without swerving off the straight. So here I am. Didn't get rid of the Creative Vision because I could still embroider larger hoop sizes and I wasn't sure about the 590 in the beginning. The 590 sews a lovely straight seam if it doesn't gobble the fabric as it starts. Also just in case the screen went on the Sensation Pro I have kept the CV as a back up. So... the CV travels with me even though its heavy. If something happens to it no big loss. The 590 does the quilting tasks, fine sewing as well hoop embroidery for some tasks and the Sensation does a lot of my embroidery work and some sewing if it happens to be the machine that is set up at the time.
Thanks for this. I think I am also coming around to the notion that different machines are good for different tasks and maybe I have been expecting too much to find one machine that does everything. I am still happy with the Pfaff Quilt Expression I got but I think sometime in the future I might look at a straight stitch only machine. My only hesitation is that they are more industrial machines and might have more maintenance and tension issues than I am used to dealing with. For now I am happy with what I have.
I am a Bernina lover, I currently have four, but I do understand where you're coming from. High end Berninas tend to be 'highly strung' and they are definitely different from other machine brands. While I do love my current machines, I have a brand new 880 and it was nothing but trouble and gave me 4 years of grief. My dealer and Bernina UK blamed user error, it wasn't. I haven't had similar issues with my other Berninas. Yes, the bobbin thread sensor can be a problem with many Berninas. I agree about the front loading bobbin, too. I guess no machine is perfect and we all like different things. Personally, I disliked the stitch regulator and never used it; I felt exactly the way you did about it. Berninas are definitely thirsty, and they need to be kept very clean. In 2021 I bought a Pfaff, not my first Pfaff, I adored my first one but it was some years ago, but I loathed the new one and it's been sold on.
Exactly that - not every machine can suit everyone and we can all tolerate different types of little annoyances with our machines - as yes of course none will be perfect…but we can dream 😂. I think I jumped to a super advanced machine too quickly thinking it would be easier and not understanding the learning curve thing at all.
Bren Holmes thank you for your response, it really helps to have an honest opinion. Not all machines are great and not all are bad but users that hide their problems help no one not even themselves.
I had all the problems you had with your bernina 770qe. I was going to trade it but the store help me load the bobbin. Last week it happened again and I couldnt get that hook untwisted with thread. I thought about trading it for a baby lock. I so glad i saw your video. I will now consider a Pfaff. What model is yours. Thank you
The layers of issue that I have experienced with my B580 (2011, purchased new) is that the place that I purchased it from was worthless when it came to customer service. I had the same bobbin sensor error (which stops your machine from sewing, for those who havent experienced it) and my machine went back 4 separate times. It got so bad I stopped sewing altogether. I also had the sewing light go out after about 50 hours of use (LED, trademarked specialized bulb by Bernina) And I could never get the sewing machine to update. I always received an error. Never once did the store tell me that I was under coverage of warranty and that they could contact Bernina directly and have the issue fixed. They just kept using their local guy to service it and nothing improved. After years of not sewing at all, I pulled it back out (i had moved) and took it into a local shop to service it. The service person said " your mother board doesnt work have you ever been able to update this sewing machine firmware? Also your bobbin sensor is shot and your broke the door for the bobbin area" ( I had no broken the door...) But of course by this time, nothing was under warranty. The Bernina experience is so heavily based on the quality of the store where it is distributed which from what I hear is really not great for a lot of people.
First, thank you for posting this. One real problem I feel is evident with any hobby shown on TH-cam is how people feel that the equipment used by whoever is making the videos will somehow magically make the viewer magically better at said hobby. I have been guilty of feeling I need to buy 'the thing' and then finding that maybe it didn't work so well for me. But sewing machines are a huge expense and right now everyone I know is buying Jukis because a lot of quilters are using them. I bought a Bernina years ago partially because of the hype. My story is kind of similar to yours but with a different ending. It's a long story so I am not going to bore everyone with it, but let me say it's not you. I ended up loving my machine, but it was touch and go there for awhile.
Thanks Teresa! Glad you ended up loving your machine. Would have been cheaper for me if I had too, but I figured my time trying to figure it out was worth something too! You are very right about getting sucked in by what everyone else is using. I am 100% guilty of that!
@@ScrapFabricLove Well, just know that it wasn't some failing on your part. My story only had a happy ending because I had outside help and it WAS partially a problem with my machine, so I think that you are also right that it was the demo model in part.
Thank you, I m watching videos ,learning how to buy a sewing machine that is best for me. My first try was at Joan's and it was a horrible experience, I was sold a singer 8060 open box that was missing several parts for 300. I m very thankful for these videos because I was able to take it back and get my money back, never buy a open box machine is my experience so far🙏🏼
Gosh, I sort of feel shame now, that I’m the odd quilter/sewist here. I ❤️ my 770QE. I see advantages to top loading bobbins too, but the front has its pluses too. Anytime I’ve bought a new machine (including embroidery, sergers and coverstitch machines) I sit down with the owners manual and go start to finish. It takes time, but so worth it. And watch Sara Snuggerud from heirloom creations TH-cam videos which are model specific….very helpful, since dealer classes touch on basics. And my dealer is 2 hours away. Sorry you had such horrible time, but glad you found a machine that brings you joy while getting your projects done!
You aren’t the odd one at all! The comments are pretty mixed between people who have struggled with this machine and those that haven’t so probably just proves different machines suit different folk! Glad you love yours!
You have just told my story I bought a Bernina was excited that I had a machine that I was going to do so much with>.I also thought the stitch regulator was going to improve my free motion work. Wrong wrong wrong I also had trouble with the bobbin saying it was empty and it was not. Thinking it was me not knowing enough I went to lessons and watched Sewing Mastery. One day I decided I had cried enough and spent enough so went and bought a Pfaff Performance Icon wow what a machine. I have not had one issue with it in the past 18 months. I use it every day (when I put it in for a service the dealer was shocked at how many stitches the machine had done). it is easy to do free motion - it just works. I wish you well with your Pfaff and hope you are as happy with yours as I am with mine.
I totally understand. I had a “slightly” used Bernina 880 Plus. It was in the shop more than I had it. I went to another shop and traded it in for a new Baby Lock Solaris 2 and I am absolutely in love. In the end, the shop that I purchased the Bernina at told me that for machine embroidery, Baby Lock is a better brand for it. Go figure, Lol!
I sewed on a Bernina 1230 for years and had no issues with at all. When the main board burned out, I decided to trade it in on a Bernina B570QE. I find it very easy to use and love it. It was also a floor model.
Thank you for sharing your experience with the machine you had. When a machine is having repeated difficulties it has become a paperweight with built in annoyance. I would probably have handled the problem the same way you did because a sewing machine = time and the expedient solution is often the best solution especially if it is distressing you. I wish you smooth sailing with your new machine.
Mary Riley I agree, it is nice someone finally came out and said hey its just not working for me. It is not to say the brand is bad, but it has problems like other machines.
This was really timely as I am thinking of upgrading my machine from my Janome . I have spoken to lots of people for their opinions but you really highlighted some things I hadn’t considered. I love my Janome but want a larger throat space and like you thought the Bernina was the be all and end all . Glad I watched this!
As many folk have said it is probably worth going into a dealer and trying a few machines. A Bernina could be perfect for you even if it isn’t for me - you just never know. I didn’t try before I bought obviously…
I’ve had my Janome 3000MC forever--it’s purpose is for garment sewing and has no 1/4 inch throat plate markings or 1/4 inch presser foot, but I’ve adapted to all that. My main complaint is that it has so few decorative stitches (maybe 20?), but it has an awesome buttonhole foot. I’ve been starting to think about a new machine, but I worry that I’d be taking on a new set of issues or problems. I don’t make large quilts, so am managing with the small sewing area. Spending a lot of money on another machine is not something I take lightly, so will do a lot more research before taking the plunge. Thanks for this video! Hearing real comments from actual quilters is refreshing.
Thank you for this video! i just bought a new fancy (expensive) APQS long arm to replace my basic but trusty Nolting. I have had absolutely no problems with the machine not working properly. BUT - it turns out that although I got some great new features with the new machine, I gave up some things in the old machine that I thought would be standard in all long arms. Biggest disappointment - the stitch regulator beeps every 8 seconds, no matter what you do. I assumed something was wrong and when I found out from the manufacturer that it's supposed to do that, it's a "safety feature" (not mentioned in the manual or on their website), I complained about it on the APQS Facebook group. Big mistake, because I was attacked, mostly by dealers, trying to tell me that the beeping is a good thing, you just need to tune it out, etc. There are a lot of things I like about the new machine and frame, but I didn't expect to miss things about my old one, not when I spent SO much money on this new one. Anyway, thank you for this video. I understand your feelings completely, and I feel better knowing I'm not alone. Good encouragement for making a change if the machine is just not right for YOU. Glad you are happy now, and hope you continue to be!
Thanks! Sorry you are having issues with your long arm. I don’t know anything about them but I guess it would be the same - different ones probably suit different people!
@@ScrapFabricLove I called APQS and they sent me a instructions on how to disable the beep. It is very easy to do, but once done you can not put it back.
Thank you for the frank assessment of your experience with a 770 Bernina. I had a similar longing for one a few years back. I owned a Janome 8900 at the time and loved it but was dreaming about a TOL machine as I approached retirement. Quite unexpectedly I had a chance to buy a used Pfaff Creative Performance for $800 in 2017 and jumped without researching the matter. There was a bit of a learning curve it but I have gained such regard for its many features that were years ahead of the competition, including “hovering”. The embroidery is terrific, there are hundreds of gorgeous specialty stitches and, most of all, it isn’t a nuisance to operate. I am sure that the new Icon II is phenomenal but now that I am well into retirement, I can honestly say that the $20k is better invested!
I think the way you sew makes a difference in the machine that fits you best. I bought a fancy singer with tons of decorative stitches when I first got into quilting…and after the first couple of quilts I began to become annoyed with it. And ten years later I was so frustrated with it I finally decided that I needed something else. And ended up getting a much simpler machine and since I had carefully examined the way I quilt I am so much happier (and both the machines in question were display models)
I am sure there are lots of things that come into play with what machine suits a person best you are right. Good to hear you got a good ex display one.
Good luck with your Pfaff. I had 4 different machines, problems with each one. Company was great providing a replacement machine 1 machine after another. Always upgrading. Last 1 was 4 months old and problems started using the embroidery unit. To go onto next color in design, change thread, touch screen to begin embroidering. Machine would beep at me. They had put too high of power source behind the screen. Traded it in on a Brother, embroidery and quilter. No issues with that machine. Recently I purchased a Bernina Aurora 440 QE. Love it. I make lap quits for hospice of the Valley. It's the machine I do all my piecing on. Recently used my ruler foot and quilted it entirely on the Aurora. Granted the throat space is limited, but it quilted like a dream. Have a Viking Designer 1 (27 years old), and my Moms Singer 301. Just like cars, you can get a lemon. Happy quilting
If you use a single hole stitch plate, the fabric will stay above the stitchplate. Sometimes you need to clean the bobbin monitor of debris that is blocking the lenses. The biggest difference between Bernina and the all the other machine brands is the hook system and needle system. With the Berninas, you have a rigidly guided needle bar. So if you sew in heavier materials, you won’t get skipped stitches. With the hook system, you have a jumbo bobbin. You can sew for days without winding a bobbin. On the downside, the hook area gets more linty and needs cleaning out. Every bobbin, get a qtip and clean the area out. With the 1010 main sync fail, there is thread caught and the machine is seized and protecting itself from damage. This almost always from improper threading of the top thread. If the thread isn’t seated inside the thread guides, the top thread gets pulled on the underside and gets jammed. This is prevented by applying tension on the top thread while threading.
Thank you for this video. I have had almost exactly the same issues with my Bernina 770QE Tula Pink edition with embroidery unit that I got during the Pandemic in 2020. I ordered mine from a store in Illinois because they actually had one for sale (they were really hard to find) and my local store in Oregon was closed. It came with so many cases which are still in plastic in storage because this beast is almost impossible to move!! Right away I had the hook/bobbin issues to the point of it freezing up with the dreaded 1010 blue screen. The dealer I bought it from tried to help but finally said I needed to take it in. I was able to get ahold of the local store but they said they wouldn’t honor the warranty because I hadn’t bought from them (even though they weren’t open and didn’t have any to sell!!). So the dealer I bought from actually covered the charges which I thought was amazing customer service. Still it took several trips in with the same problem - so frustrating!! I am still continually interrupted in my sewing by this issue and also the “retread top thread” message even though it looks fine. These are only a few of the issues. It’s been 2 years now so I’m thinking of getting another one but hesitate because I know I’ll lose money in the deal. You’ve given me the incentive to go looking for something that isn’t so frustrating!
smallat Sewing is supposed to be enjoyable and productive. When your fiddling with a machines mechanics it is no longer fun. Bernina needs to FIX their issues before selling their machines for high costs.
Thank you so much for your honesty! I considered a Bernina, but decided against it due to the price and the fact that it had a front loading bobbin. It seems as if dealers push them a lot; possibly due to the markup. I have a friend who bought a new one and she too had problems with the bobbin. After watching this, I've decided to keep my Janome 6500 which has a 9" throat space.
I have a Bernina 770 QE. I bought at least 5 years ago and I had to buy the upgrade in order to get the foot recognition. A lot of your issues are learning curves .., usually leaving the bobbin door open causes the bobbin 🧵 empty. I love mine but I had to learn a lot of things in order for it to function probably. Bernina does require routine maintenance.
I agree there is a big learning curve with the Bernina 770 plus QE. My previous machine was a Janome MC 12000, which I kept for embroidery. I have no regrets with either machine.
I am so sorry to hear about your trouble with Bernina. I've been seeing the new models from vendors who are at Bernina University and gosh they are gorgeous! A while ago I purchased a Viking floor model and had nothing but problems with it. I learned, after the sale, that someone knocked it hard while it was embroidering. I had too many issues with it even after the shop "fixed" it and now own Brother and Janome machines. Both brands are awesome. I hope you enjoy your new purchase!
I had a New Home (Janome) that I bought about 30/40 years ago and it was so awful I rarely sewed because I got so frustrated with the constant jamming. When I retired I developed a sudden unexpected interest in quilting and bought a Juki TL machine (straight stitch only) and I was immediately in love. So reliable and strong. NEVER any issues. Then I got into bag making and then clothes and of course I needed a machine that could do buttonholes and zigzag etc and brought out the old Newhome and realised what absolute rubbish it was and went and bought a Bernina 570 with all the bells and whistles. While it’s a good machine it still gets me frustrated sometimes and I’ve never loved it like the Juki and it only gets used for those buttonholes etc. Good video 👍
I am so happy to find your channel. Hello from Detroit, Michigan, USA. I am a long-time Janome New Home MC4000 owner. I have had it for 26 years. It has worked hard over the years, but I never enjoyed sewing on it. I thought it was just me. I am a 50-year plus sewer. I know my way around a sewing machine. I sewed on a manual Kenmore for 20 years before the Janome. Janome always seemed to be having tension and stitch quality issues. It didn't like to sew through what I call normal thickness hems on pants. I had to go very slowly over blue jean hems and pray it made the journey without bogging down. It also needed leaders when I started to sew thin fabrics. I sewed mostly home decor projects on it, but when I started to work on quilting cotton, the frustration grew with it. After two years of research and watching hours of TH-cam videos, I bought a Babylock Brilliant. So far, so good. I jumped right in to see what this machine could tackle. I made bowl cozies using multiple thicknesses of batting and cotton and bulky seams. I used a walking foot, too! Not one moment of frustration was to be had. I fell in love with this machine. I loved your analogy of a car suiting its owner. I own a Jeep and love it. This Babylock machine feels right at home with me. I hope this love affair continues. My dealer is a Babylock ambassador educator and quilt shop owner, so I feel I am in good hands with her. The Brilliant tackled thick seams without any issues. No bobbin jams or missed stitches! I didn't dare try making bowl cozies on my Janome NH MC 4000. Thank you for your honest analysis of the trials and tribulations of buying something new and dealing with the issues we sometimes face after a well thought out purchase becomes a nightmare. Now, I could tell you a gas stove story. That is off-topic, but I feel your pain. Good ending, I got a better stove after getting a no hassle return and have been happy ever since. Happy sewing!
So glad you found a machine you love! I have heard loads of good things about Babylocks but they don’t sell them in the U.K. so they were never an option for me.
I bought a one year old 770qe. And have felt the exact same way you have. I kept trying to love it, but find it takes way more of my time fussing with it than I can tolerate. I am on the search for a different machine. With a decent throat space. Thanks for putting into words how I feel about my Bernina.
I had a Bernina B770QE and I sold it within a year of buying it brand new - OUCH! It was very tempremental and gave me no end of trouble. There were some features that I really liked and still miss such as the dual feed and the jumbo bobbin, but I had endless problems with the top thread and bobbin thread sensors and I didn't like the 9mm feed dogs at all. I then bought an ex-disply Baby Lock Crescendo and it is a fabulous machine. However, I now live in Spain and Baby Lock sewing machines are unknown here and I can't find anyone to service it. With Baby Lock you're not supposed to even oil it yourself! So, I now have a Bernina B485 and I really love it and have bonded with it. It has 4.5mm feed dogs and stitches beautifully. It doesn't have nearly as many of the fancy features as the B770QE, but you learn to live without them. For example there is no way to lower and raise the presser foot other than with the lever at the back. I don't mind this though as it is more akin to sewing on vintage machines, of which I have a few. The B770QE is a monster of a machine and I like that the B485 is more compact but still has a decent harp size. At the time I was having trouble with the B770QE, I couldn't find anyone to agree with me that it had issues and just supposed I had bought a dud. When I stumbled across your video, I just had to write a response.
Thanks for commenting! Sorry you struggled with yours too. Great that you found two other machines to love. I know what you mean about babylocks in Europe. I’m in Scotland and although I hear great things about them I don’t see them sold anywhere so couldn’t consider one unfortunately.
Oh my gosh! Yes! I have a Bernina serger that NEVER gave me a good stitch. The excuses were varied and endless but never the machine’s fault. After countless hours and dollars spent, we’ve broken up. I brought my Babylock Victory home about a month ago and we are soulmates. I love my vintage Bernina sewing machine, but the learning curve on the new ones seem so daunting.
Totally understand. I have sewn on a Pfaff for years and then bought a Bernina 570. Fortunately, after a year a friend bought it from me and loves it. It was way too fiddley, hated oiling it, didn’t like needing a header, and the dual feed is nothing like the Pfaff IDT. I now am the happy owner of a Pfaff 7570 and Pfaff Quilt Ambition 630.
I have been using a Bernina 570 for 8 years and love it! Sewn numerous double quilts, blinds and about 14 prs of enormous lined curtains. I wonder what you find fiddly about it? I have never used a header - with this or any other machine! Also, I expect to oil a sewing machine, I feel I am keeping it in good order and actually like doing it. What I find amazing is how different we all are! I didnn like the IDT with my old Pfaff, but find the dual feed with the Bernina just as good. I don't like the stitch regular though, and prefer to free machine quilt without it, as have always done.
I sewed exclusively on Bernina machines for 25 years, so when I wanted a new machine I went to my local Bernina dealer. I was fully prepared to purchase a new machine that day. However, I was very disappointed in the attitude of the dealer and the amount they would give me on my trade in. Now mind you I had purchased the machine new from them so they knew the machine inside and out. I left the store and started my research. I ended up with a Pfaff Performance Icon. I absolutely love it. It does everything I need. The throat space is great, I can sew through many layers of fabric and it’s loaded with features. I’m not a huge fan of the top loading bobbin but I’ve gotten used to it over time.
Omg!! I totally have the same issues with my 770QE I bought the Tula Pink Edition so I have almost had it 3 years and I have spent almost 2000.00 dollars in repairs! I’m so unhappy and frustrated with it! You have just validated my frustrations. I had a New home by Janome it was my first expensive machine and I sewed on it for 25 plus years and never spent money in repairs or even had it serviced and like you said the constant oiling excetra . Thank you for validating my frustration I am now going to buy the brand new Janome!! Happy sewing on your Phaff!!
Sorry you had the same problems but it definitely isn’t just you! Plenty of people in the comments have had similar struggles. Good luck with whatever machine you choose!
Thank you for your video. I watched simply quilts and they used a Bernina. I bought a Pfaff creative 7570 and never had a problem with it. You just made me feel better about my machine. The one thing I wish it had was an automatic thread cutter. I bought mine in 2003.
Thank you for your honest and, I feel, important critique of your experience. I didn't buy a display, but I did buy a recently traded in Janome. Only about a year old, so still rather pricey. It was horrible, and I learned why the original owner traded it in. It was simply a lemon. Bit by bit, everything malfunctioned, until the repair shop said it just wasn't fixable. The store offered me credit for the amount that I'd spent trying to fix the machine, but I feel they should have bought back the un-usable machine that they unloaded on me. I've since bought another used Janome, but off of Facebook Market Place this time, and I love it. It's a dream machine. The store where I got the lemon should never have sold me the ill-running machine. BTW, I also have a small-ish Pfaff because I wanted to try the dual-feed. It's the only machine that I've purchased new, and it's been a steadfast work horse.
I have the QE 570 . There is a bobbin issue as I have discovered! But I have learnt to avoid the hiccups . It is a great machine I enjoy using it. Glad you found one that fits you. I also I have a paff and love it. I think it is all about confidence level and what to expect from a high performance machine. It is fantastic that you are able to share. Enjoy your new paff!
Vally Wills I was offered a used Bernina 570 QE but realize now that the problem with a bobbin is not something I want to deal with. It gives me an easier choice. Thank you for your honest comment
This was so interesting. I had an exact same experience as you did with Bernina. I bought a Bernina 770QE in July of 2020 and sold it in July of 2021. It was so frustrating to use with constant stoppage by different sensors going off, warning the top thread is out whereas I can see my spool right there in front of me! Mine was a brand new, never been used before but with so many problems, I spent more time trouble shooting and watching “Bernina Jeff” on TH-cam than getting any sewing done and I’ve been quilting for over 20 years. Same as you I wanted to have the even feed foot and the stitch regulator but I ended up getting so frustrated that it wasn’t worth my time anymore.
Thank you for this video! I currently have a Janome 4300 and I’m currently searching for a new or gently used machine with at least 10” of throat space, accufeef and/or dual feed, hover, and a machine that can handle thick projects (bags, quilts, but also handle garment sewing). The Janome 9410, 9450, 9480 and M6 are on my radar. (Cost comparisons and availablity of Elna’s twin versions 780+ and 792)of these machines are also in my search my search I ‘test drove’ a Bernina 770 qe and fell in love with how smooth, straight, and quietly the 770 worked. Yet, the interface is confusing and it has so much more than I need! There was a used more affordable Bernina 740 but the interface is the same. It’s time to try the Juki TL 18, which is only 8.5” from the needle but the throat has greater height and has high visibility of the needle. If only sewing manufacturers could create a simplify machines with wide throats without pushing us into luxury versions. Technology becomes obsolete so quickly. (This makes me think back to my iPhone 6s, that I loved and then it no longer worked because it wouldn’t update the newest iOS anymore. )
Sounds like you are doing the research I should have when I was looking 😀. But yes I feel like less complex machines with larger throat space would be appreciated by many!
I have three Berninas and there is a learning curve. The most important feature for me is dealer support and owners classes. They made it all easier to learn the various machines. I wish you success with your new machine.
@@ScrapFabricLove classes were offered when I bought my machines. I have been sewing since junior high but each machine is different. I sewed on a Sears Kenmore machine for 30 years before moving up to embroidery machines.
I bought a Bernina 740 and am in the Remorseful Buyers Club. I paid too much for it not to keep on struggling. This machine is finicky, picky and a pain in the patootie. It stops working and gives the error messages you mentioned when it somehow manages to get a teeny bit of thread in the bobbin/hook area, involving the whole thing to have to come out, get cleaned, oiled and reassembled at least once during every project. Even with the straight stitch throat plate it eats the beginning bit of the piecing fabric, more taking the plate off and cleaning it out and sometimes it’s managed to jam up the bobbin thread, it drinks oil like an oilaholic, doesn’t notify me if my bobbin thread is running out, the bobbin winder had to be replaced in the first year, the needle threader and thread cutter stopped working in the second year. I spend at least fifteen minutes troubleshooting for every couple of hours of sewing. And the zipper foot doesn’t get anywhere near close enough to the edge of cording or zippers. I have to wind bobbins at a snails pace, otherwise the thread compresses the bobbin, which changes the shape and it won’t work in the bobbin holder. The $900 BSR stopped working and had to be replaced, luckily at their expense,but it took six months to get it in. I could go on. I would trade it in if I could get anything for it. My dealer is fantastic, but I wish I’d gone for a cheaper machine every time I use it. Btw, when its cooperating, its the best machine in the world.
That all sounds too familiar! Sorry you’ve had these issues too. I agree when it was working it was fine but it just didn’t work far too often for me! Hope you get less errors going forward!
I also had a Bernina and sold it after about a year. I bought it because I had heard/read so many rave reviews about Bernina's and I was due for a new machine. I just never bonded with that machine. I couldn't get over the price for what you got. Then, on my 70th birthday, I decided I wanted a new machine. I bought a Janome fully loaded and it was the worse machine I ever had. It would not go over crossed seams without bogging down and practically stopping. There were other issues, too, so it went back. I recently was talked into another Janome (9450) and I've struggled to like it. I'd sell it if I could. I'm a Brother/Baby Lock gal and haven't liked anything else. They have served me well for many years. I think I'm done try out machines :)
I just recently bought my third Baby Lock-- one I gave to my granddaughter, and this recent one is an upgrade for my old faithful, which is now my standby machine. Baby Locks are great machines and lovely to use. And the Baby Lock dealer gives great support as well.
I have a Viking Epic 2, a Bernina 790 Swarovski edition and a Bernina L890 overlocker,serger, cover stitch combo. Honestly, I having sewn on a Vikings since 1998, they are easy to use. BUT, BUT!!!! There is nothing like sewing on a Bernina. They are different, a little more complex but they are the Rolls Royce of machines. I love my Bernina’s. Classes, classes and practice have encouraged me to keep using my 790 and L890. Having an incredible dealer is also a huge benefit. Bernina has so many tutorials and so does You Tube. If you have a Bernina, don’t give up. Read, watch everything you can find on your particular model, use it as much as you can, it’s a learning curve. Keep trying and become very familiar with it and your machine will indeed love you back! Remember you must tell the machine which foot and plate you have on, if you have the wrong plate on, for some stitches, the machine will not stitch. It’s most often user error than a problem with the machine. I would not hesitate to purchase another Bernina in the future. I hope this helps sewists and quilters not to be disappointed or give up.
I am sure they are great for a lot of people. I only started quilting during the pandemic so I think for me jumping to a machine that needed so much learning (and me not understanding that it needed that much learning) was part of the problem. I’m happy you haven’t had the same problems as me! Happy sewing!
Can’t wait to hear about your Pfaff. I’m so glad you talked about the Bernina. My friend has an 880, and it loves going into the shop! I’ve watched the Pfaff on Love of Quilting, and it made me think I probably don’t need to set my sights on Bernina!
Candi If you lucky enough to have a dealer close by go and try it for about an hour or so they are usually good about letting people try the floor models. Bring samples of stuff you sew and the stitch quality then decide if you absolutely want a Bernina.
I have had Bernini’s for over forty years. They have all been wonderful except for one model. I learned not to by a new model with something really different on it fight after the model is introduced. I bought a 780QE after the were first released. There was problems with the huge new bobbin that they were unaware of. There was a long back order time for getting the replacement parts to replace the defective bobbin parts. There was also issues with the thread spool that was horizontal, especially when using embroidery thread when doing embroidery. So I ended up trading my 780 in for a 880 and loved it. No more problems at all. There is a learning curve but with the proper education at the beginning I had no more problems. From looking at the year that you bought your 770 I would say two things. One is that I would never buy a machine that had been a floor model for four years. The second thing is that I think that from when the 770 was released and when you bought it after it was used as a demo in a stop for four years, that there is a good chance that the machine you bought was one that was from soon after that model was released to the market to the other thing that is crucial in how you will enjoy your machine besides education is the dealership. I always bought my machines from a really good dealership. It had been in business since the early 1960’s and was still family owned even to this day. The men who service and repair the machines are family members that have bern doing that service as long as the family has owned the shop. They know everything about every model from education from all those years and know what they are doing. The last thing that is very important is the integrity of the people owning and running the shop. We moved to a different county at one point. I took a class at the bernina dealership in that county and they were so impressed with my sewing skills that they wanted to hire me to work in their shop. I worked there a short while. I found out that they did not have the integrity that the owners of the previous shop had. They would sell a machine and if someone returned it they would consider it a brand new machine like out of an unopened box and it was certainly not. The machine wasn’t brand new it had been used for awhile. It was not a brand new machine out of an unopened box and who knows how it had been treated and what kind of problems it could have. When I found that out I quit. After that I always drove down to the other shop in the other county to buy my machines. Sounds like you had bad shops that you dealt with. Your machine will not be better than the integrity of the shop owners and service people. Sorry to hear about your negative experience with two different shops. The Bernini’s really are good machines. The best models are still put together in their Switzerland plant not Thailand.
I had a machine I absolutely loved and traded it in on a much fancier machine, different brand. Very soon, I regretted my decision and went back to the store to get my old machine back but it was gone. Eventually, I found another machine like my old one and sold the new, fancy machine at a big loss. I still have my old machine and a spare, 30 years later, and made a quilt with it today. I can relate to the embarrassment of making an expensive mistake and not liking something everyone else is crazy about. You either work together with your machine or you fuss at each other so pick the one you get along with.
angelroost I was looking at a 570QUE used but after reading this I realized that until I can sit for a few hours and sew on it I would not buy it. I don't like machines that are to touchy. If it doesn't sew what I need the cost is wasted money.
Have you ever bought ex-display? How did it work out for you?
I came close to buying a display model but I bought a Brother Pacesetter and I absolutely love it! I’m sure that it’s not as fancy as many quilters have but it’s wonderful for ME and that’s what matters!
I don’t think fancy is always what we need! Glad you have a machine you love!
No a display model, but I did purchase a used longarm machine. It was a good decision, but probably did more research prior to purchase because it was a private sale. No dealer there trying to make a sale....
There is a well regarded shop here in the U.K. that sells used long arms and I think checks them first. I’d probably go to them if I was ever in the market for that….few years off I think for me!
@@ScrapFabricLove go for it 🤪♥️
This string of comments is very educational. Owned a Bernina 153 QE Virtuoso. Twenty-three years a work horse, zero issues, heavy quilting. Loved that machine. The S-board died and couldn’t get replacement. I knew about ALL the problems with the 770 before going to see my dealer, but was assured the B535 is a good machine. I’m six months in and persistent issues. Now feel the more bells & whistles, the more issues. Thanks for the post.
I love my 153 great machine x
I love my Bernina 770 QE, however I think a big part of the reason I’ve felt so good about it is the great service I get at my quilt shop where I purchased it. There were ongoing classes about the machine, so I had lots of support from the beginning. They’ve answered every question, demonstrated anything I didn’t understand, and I get it tuned up every October. I also felt comfortable taking lessons at my shop because those are the machines they use. So, the support is excellent. I also have a Pfaff that is now my backup machine when mine is in the shop for a tune-up. Every time I use it I feel like I’m back with an old friend. Again, my experience is definitely connected to the support and expertise shared with me at “my” quilt shop. Good luck to you!
Sounds like a fab shop! So good you found it!
Regina Knapp not every dealer is this attentive. They want to make money too. I am very happy that you love your Bernina
Hello there, your story is exactly my story. Bought a Bernina 750, had it for 5 years and I was done with the machine. Then I bought a Pfaff 720 and had no problems at all. I am pleased to hear that I also are not alone in this machine thing.
You are definitely not alone! Plenty other folk in the comments too.
50 quilts and counting on my baby lock crescendo and it's never missed a stitch. I love the pfaff I had before as well. I'm glad you found the machine you're happy with. After all this is supposed to be fun.
Yes exactly! Definitely more fun to get on with sewing than to feel bad about not being able to bond with a machine!
Thanks so very much for your review. I spend a year saving for my Bernina 740. Then, I spent two years trying to make myself feel good about sewing on it, though I had chronic thread/tension problems. I started questioning myself. There was no joy, just numerous visits to the repair shop where they told me what I was doing wrong (human not machine error). Finally, I decided I wanted to get rid of it. Maybe human error or maybe just a bad fit. But, I am happy and will be putting it on the market with the BSR as soon as it comes out of the shop, this last time. Thank you so much for your candor.
So sorry you had problems too especially after saved so long for it! It shouldn’t be so hard to use a machine ‘properly’ if it really is made well. Or when they sell them to folk maybe they should say - you know these machines are very particular don’t you? 😂. In any case good luck with whatever you choose next!
Dianne Woods Thank you for your review and I am sorry that it was not a good fit. You have to try a lot of machines before you actually settle for one. I have seen people struggle and it boggles my mind.
My experience, too!!!!
I feel the same way. I really want to like up. But so tired of it.
Dianne Woods THANK YOU FOR YOUR HONEST OPINION. I think more Bernina Owners should come out and tell the truth so they can help those of us considering these machines that cost a lot, look great, but lack performance.
I've had a Pfaff 1475CD for over 30 years and it has serviced me very well! At one point about 3 years ago, I was not able to turn the machine on. My husband took it apart, ordered a new part for the starter to work. Guess what?? He got it working again! I had bought a new machine - Pfaff Expression 720- and LOVE IT!!! I also own a Pfaff Passport 3.0 which is another workhorse! I will always have a Pfaff! All 3 work now and I am loving them! Hope you fall in love with the Pfaff Exp 720!
Thanks!
I have a 7570 that they will probably bury me with! Lol. Best machine ever!
Actually, one of the many deciding factors on me deciding to cut my losses with my Pfaff (the incredibly expensive paperweight), is that in the UK, Pfaff won't sell replacement parts to non-Pfaff dealers. So even though they won't honour the guarantee (because I'm not the original owner), I was still forced to use a Pfaff dealer to get it fixed. If I've got to go through a main dealer, I don't expect to have to send it to a different county and then wait a month before they even get time to look at it, let alone do anything about fixing it.
What a faff! Pardon the pun 😂
@@ScrapFabricLove Quite - it was the final straw for me.
I'm very glad that I watched your video. I sew with a Brother, I actually have 3 of them different sizes, I have always thought I would like to have a Bernina much for the same reasons you mentioned in your video. However, they are very expensive, and I just couldn't go there. So I've stuck with Brother. Thanks to your video, I don't feel like I'm missing out on anything. Thank you!
Glad it helped! The grass isn’t always greener 😂
I hope you still feel the same.. I got a Bernina b335 as a back up (horror!) second hand but like new. I think they're a bit over rated, but I also have a Brother f420 which is the smoothest machine I've worked on. I was used to Juki's until the duff DX3 and a condescending sales man. Brother seems to be consistent and their threading system is great.
Don’t second guess yourself, I had the exact same problems. And I bought mine brand new, with new machine smell and everything. I was livid that I had to bring the machine in after one month, I was told that the snagging bobbin was due to a burr on one of the metal pieces that needed to be honed down. The burr was so small, you couldn’t see it. I have 50 years of sewing experience, and this was a real splurge for me. A retirement present to myself. I thought because it was Swiss, that it would be precise like a Swiss watch. But it was and is very finicky. I just don’t have the money to do a trade, so I am just working at half my normal speed, just dealing with various errors, etc. in this case, the emperor really has no clothes. Good luck with your new machine. I hope it brings you much happiness, and your attention can be focused on creating.
Thanks! And sorry you are struggling with yours too. It is such a let down when it doesn’t work the way we expected!
So grateful for your retelling of your experience. I bought a Bernina Artista in 2004 and without many online resources, I was swept up in Bernina fever. Never really understood it and I lived too rurally to take classes Never fell totally in love and missed my Viking... Now it's technology is so outdated that I can't use any of the features. I can't sell or trade it because it's so old. Started researching quilting machines and now again feel guilty that everyone is SO excited about the brand new Bernina that is coming out, but I am wary... Very torn as I also have a TON of Bernina feet that will go to waste if I change brands. I am very confused but ready to do my research and do what I can to make the best decision. I am eager to hear from anyone best videos to watch and potential best platforms to sell old Bernina feet and accessories. Thanks!
I appreciate your comments, I too have felt "pressure " to buy a Bernina. Almost 40 years ago while living overseas, my husband bought me a small Pfaff Hobby. I loved that machine. But ended up needing a bit more power. I went to shows and listened to all the sales pitch, ended up with another brand. Had lots of issues similar to yours. A few years ago, I reached my tipping point. Packed up the machine and traded it in on a lovely Pfaff Performance Icon. There is a learning curve, but so worth it. Love all the online support. Good luck with your new machine. Hope it gives you many hours of joy!
Thanks! The pressure is strong and I am pretty easy to influence 😂! Glad you like your Pfaff. Hope I keep liking mine too 🤞🏻!
I bought a second hand Pfaff from a quilt shop for half the retail price. It was only 6 months old when I bought it. It was my first computerised machine. It’s been over 20 years now and it still works like a charm!
Wow! Fab! You picked a good one then. Doubt mine will last that long but here’s hoping 😀
Pfaff machines are fab. But I also love my Bernina
I have a Pfaff and loved it. But the front computer went out and they don't make that part anymore. Compleetly gone and the huge heart ache. Pluss all the attachments usless.
Thank you so much. I’m closer to being cured from Bernina-envy, and I do love my Pfaff. There. Is always so much buzz about Berninas. People lower their voices when they say they have a Bernina,like they’re the holy grail of sewing machines. Thank you for your honesty.
I know the Bernina’s are amazing for some people - just not me. Hopefully I’ll feel more at home in the Pfaff club!
@@ScrapFabricLove Don't think that your a bad sewer, if a machine doesn't work it makes the machine bad not the sewer.
I found all the Bernina sales people to be very stuck up and condescending. If you were even considering another brand, they just sniffed at you like you were trash. They put me off Beninas for life.
Sorry you had a bad experience!
People DO lower their voices, it’s so funny!😆
I’ve had a Bernina 770 QE Plus for two years, including the embroidery module. I love it! It’s an incredible machine with lots of power, features and reliability. I know everyone has their own experience but listening to one persons experience doesn’t mean this is not an awesome machine. I’ve been sewing 50 years and owned 4 different brands. The 3 Bernina machines I now own are the best I’ve ever had. I love the 350 I first purchased so I bought the 770 with the embroidery module and then the 890 serger. Love them all!
Glad you love yours. I did want to love mine too but different machines suit different folk!
OH do I ever HEAR YOU…yup I had an b880…that I had fallen out of love with…it very touchy with same issues you had …to many issues with such an expensive sewing machine…You give such a good explanation AND INFORMATION…on this product…THANK YOU so much …
Thanks! Sorry you had issues with your machine too but nice to know folk can relate!
I would like to say thank you for doing this youtube video. I too am unhappy with my Bernina. I bought a Bernina 630 with the stitch regulator brand new from the dealer for my 50th birthday in 2009. I also bought the embroidery attachment along with 4 different feet. I went to all of my classes and I had it serviced every year by the dealership. Since the machine cost me so much money I took care of it with kit gloves and nobody else would be able to use it. My machine was plugged into a surge suppressor so nothing would happen to it due to any storms. I made a few baby quilts, a wedding quilt for my niece (which I had to finish 3 years after because of medical reasons) and some items of clothing and only used the thread recommended by the company. Then in 2015 I wasn't able to sew due to going through breast cancer and all the treatments and recovery. My machine sat closed protected in its case until 2017. When I finally was strong enough to sew and started my machine up it had a huge black line running through the computer screen! I couldn't figure out why because it was unplugged and packed up and not used for 2 years! Then when I called the dealer and brought the machine in they told me that I would have to buy a motherboard for $350.00 and then another $125.00 for the service charge! I paid $3,500. for the machine in 2009 and another $1,000.00 for the embroidery adapter and they wanted me to pay another $475,00 to fix it! I was told it only had a 5 year warranty and the machine was out of warranty. I couldn't even order the part myself because the company will only send parts to dealers! I thought how crazy is that why couldn't I fix my own machine since it was out of warranty. Last year I went and purchased a Husqvarna Viking Jade and I couldn't even trade in my Bernina. I hope that someday I'll be able to fix it but I didn't receive the support I felt I deserved from the dealer who I purchased it from and unlike vehicles you can buy the part and fix your own car, truck or van. With Bernina they will only send the part needed to an authorized dealer! So I'm very soured on Bernina and will NEVER buy another!
That sounds awful! So sorry you have had that experience. I hope your new machine is treating you better!
@@ScrapFabricLove yes I’m very pleased with my new machine & it a basic model without all the bells & whistles & very pleased with the dealership I purchased it from. My Viking has already had its first warranty service and I’ll be ready to start working on a UFO soon.
Oh good! You deserve a good machine after that saga! Good luck with your UFO!
You are not alone…I had a Bernina 830L and it was a huge struggle, tension, embroidery issues. It was work to get it to work well long enough to make something. My dealer admitted those models had had “issues” but had no solution. So…I sold it and ended up with a Pfaff Creative Icon and absolutely love it! I no longer feel dumb because I can’t get a machine to work. So it was not you! Enjoy your Pfaff!
Thanks for telling me that story!
Excellent video! You listed all the issues I have had with my 770 which was purchased as a new machine. And I thought I was the only one having issues! The machine is currently at the dealers to be cleaned, serviced and software updated with the hopes things will get better. Now after watching this I'm thinking it might be time to move on from my machine. I had attended classes on the machine, read the manual, etc. Thought my issues were due to me. Now I know it's not me and probably the machine itself. Your video gave me the courage to confront my machine issues and not feel guilty about moving on to another. Thanks again!
Sorry you’ve been having trouble too but glad if this stopped you blaming yourself. No one needs that. The machines are there to serve us not the other way around! Good luck with your machine or getting a new one if that’s what you decide to do.
@@ScrapFabricLove ❤
You will love your Pfaff. I've owned Pfaffs since 1997 and have loved them all. Had similar issues as you with a Baby Lock machine years ago. Had to lay my first Pfaff to rest as she plain wore out and parts no longer available. Was a heart wrenching time for me. Currently have 4 Pfaffs (3 are embroidery machines) and love them all. Is sometimes challenging to give them all a chance to sew. I tend not to trade in a machine when I buy another, but need to think of thinning down, as space now an issue. So glad I happened upon your channel recently. Have enjoyed seeing and watching what you're doing. Keep it up. Your perspectives are refreshing.
Thanks so much for watching and taking the time to comment too! Still enjoying the Pfaff so far! Do feel like I don’t have enough machines though as everyone commenting seems to have at least 3 or 4!
Thank you for this! I am in the same boat with my bernina, different model but similar issues/frustrations and feel like I am being ungrateful for not loving it. I thought I was purchasing my last and best machine. I have been very sad with my choice. Thank you for being real.
Sorry you’ve had a similar experience! Hope you find something that suits you better soon!
Really feel Bernina should recall the 770, and dealerships repair the bobbin issues free of charge. They seriously really have hurt their reputation on this one. And I’m someone who was sold on their brand after having a Virtuosa 153QE for 22 years.
I have a 790 plus and nary a problem ever.
Part 2: My sister and I both bought Bernina 930s from the same dealer at the same time. She took her’s home to another state with her and always had trouble with hers. Mine has been a wonderful workhorse still today. I will never get rid of it. I then bought a Janome Gem. Great little lighter weight machine. Great for classes or vacations. Did not want a computerized machine for years til my friend sold me her Bernina 1630. Wonderful machine she went to a simpler quilting machine). I love it. The quietest machine I have ever known. Bought another light weight machine recently and the timing went out within a week. Should have researched it more. It went back. I am happy with my stable of machines even today.
By the way, we were taught in home ec to bring up your bobbin thread and put that and top thread under presser foot before sewing. Never had a problem (unless I forgot lol). Sorry for such a long message. Good luck with your new machine. My sister just bought 2 Bernina embroidery machines she loves Hugs from Maryland USA
Glad you love your Bernina’s and your other machines. You guys in the comments are going to influence me to buy more machines 😂 I only have the two! I do that with bringing the bobbin thread up for free motion but not any other time.
The 1630 was brilliant!
My first machine about 12 years ago was a Janome 7700. It was a very nice machine for someone’s first to learn on. I traded it up to a Janome 9400 when they first came out many years ago, and I could feel the difference in the quality of the machine and how it ran. I also had more experience sewing at that point, so that helped. My sewing mentor still has her Bernina Record 930 from 1980 or so, and in fact has purchased several used ones over the years and swears by those machines. I think it’s those older machines that gained Bernina a cult following until today. Several years ago when a local Bernina dealer was offering a free embroidery module with the 770QE, I purchased one new. I think the machines were $5-6k at that time and I think the upgraded versions today are $7-8k now. That is a lot of money. I did the same thing you did and convinced myself I needed a Bernina haha. Clearly their branding is working. Personally, I think the quality control on the Bernina is a little off especially given the price . There’s little things like the seams of the plastic on the machine and the quality of the plastic on the sewing bed that has a cheap feel. I think the software is kind of wonky on the Bernina too. I do believe I was told that an update of the software on the 770qe was going to allow the machine to sense the foot you’re using, but I don’t think that ever happened. It runs very smoothly though, and the stitch is beautiful and perfect, but it is beautiful on my Janome too. I sometimes had the same probs you did when not using a leader. I’ve also since purchased a couple of Jukis and I’d like to sell them. My Janomes are more expensive than the Jukis but the Janomes are quieter. I need to look for your Pfaff review and watch it for kicks. I think if I were to upgrade my machine(s) at some point, I’d opt for a Janome Continental M8 or the current 9400 model. I totally trust Janome and there seems to be greater consistently in quality with their machines. We probably don’t see as much about them online because they just work!
I feel your review is very honest and I can understand where you’re coming from. I have a 770qe and have had many of your same problems that you had. . Being 75 years old and no longer doing as much quilting and no longer have money to waste, I will keep it. Good luck with you Phaff I always fancied one.😊
Thanks! I was still working on it and not totally convinced I should get rid of it… until all those 1010 errors - that really was what tipped me over. It wasn’t terrible just to complicated for me really.
You took me back to when I bought my first Bernina, I can't even remember the model, but it ran on "Windows" top of the range, brand new!
I could never leave that machine embroidering to go to the bathroom, which was next to the sewing room. I had to sit and watch it embroidering, because I had had so many times had my project turned into a nest of tangled thread if I didn't sit there with my foot on the pedal ready to stop it as soon as there was the slightest noise which didn't sound right.
It does make you feel an idiot and I have been sewing since I was 16! I didn't sell it because I couldn't pass the trouble onto another sewer! It's still here, one of these days I will throw it out, because the embroidery unit just wasn't up to the job, unless you were using it rarely.
Yet I have a Bernina 1008 which I bought new as a second machine while I was using the wonder embroidery machine which never was. It has done everything I asked of it, the only thing that went wrong was the foot pedal and it had a bog standard one put onto it. It is still in my Horn cabinet, waiting for me to appear and give it some exercise.
By the way, there came no oil with the embroidery machine! I was told that it had yearly services because it needed oiling by an expert not the owner! It didn't make sense to me. Sorry this is long.
This video has been super helpful! One mostly only finds videos that show what it is capable of doing, but not the realistic drawbacks (which all devices have). Don't worry. You have not turned me off to Bernina, you have simply given me something of substance to consider when choosing my next machine. Thank you!
Thanks so much. I was a bit worried folk might take this one the wrong way. Glad it was helpful!
Exactly! We need more honesty. Thanks Kristina. 🥰
Yes. I think it's a good video on the reality of machine ownership. Substiture (Bernina) for any other brand. Sometines no matter the features or marketing, we just don't bond with the machine and that's okay.
Ingquisitive I AGREE, Your review has given us a chance to step back and see if the price of fiddly is worth the time or money
I totally get everything you’re saying and appreciate your honesty and the post. My first “real” new sewing machine was a new home/Janome and I absolutely loved it but after 6 years, wanted to upgrade and got peer pressured into a Bernina 154QE and regretted (hated) it from day one. I kept it for a year before I couldn’t take it anymore and sold it online. I then bought a Janome 6500P and loved it for over 13 years but then wanted something with more bells & whistles, so after a lot of research and wanting to be in the “cool club”, I bought the Bernina 570 which is very nearly the same machine as the 770 but hated that my fabric always getting sucked into the wide feed dogs that didn’t cover the fabric, I did not like the frost when you turned on the machine, and also I’ve never had to oil a machine, ever, like this one required or else it would start squeaking (nearly every time I used it for only a few hours at a time). The bobbin was torture to get in and out. I had zero issues with either of my Janomes, which practically never needed oil and I never had it serviced either lol. Anyway I sold the barely used two months old Bernina 570 online and got a Janome 9450 and it’s like your lost pet returning home. I’m so happy now. Good for you and sew with what you love!
Glad you were able to see it wasn’t for you and move on. I found that the hardest part, but eventually you do just have to make a change and move on.
Re: Fabric getting sucked into feed dogs, which needle plate were you using?
Straight. I know it sounds like I must have been using the wrong one but I wasn’t 😂
I went through the same thing. I love my Janome 9450 and sold my brand new Bernina. Same reasons you described.
Glad you like your new Janome! I almost picked that one!
Very informative Video. Thank you for taking the time to review your experience so thoroughly. Marketing has never played a part in any of my machines purchases. I've had a variety of machines over the years. Learned to sew on two antique Singer machines, one a 1920's portable, (made my wedding dress with it) the other a 1910 treadle. Husband bought me a basic Singer Zig Zag in 1987 (So nice to do button holes by machine!) Got turned onto quilting and went to a quilt making class and noticed how quiet all the other machines were. They were Berninas. Loved how quiet they were, and the fact they were obviously better built machines than my little Singer Basic Zig Zag. In 1992 I bought a Bernina 1090. It is amazing. Never any issues. It is a heavy machine. Just love it. Fantastic stitch quality, particularly hem stitching and top stitching. Great machine which I still use regularly. Became a serious quilter and wanted to do more machine quilting. Was doing a lot of FMQ on the 1090, but wanted more harp space. I was looking at a Bernina 440, but the sales rep said it was very similar to my 1090 in size and functionality, I should look at the 700 Series, the difference was the throat space. Stitch regulator wasn't something I particularly liked or wanted. I purchased a Bernina 750 QE. I really liked the light , sensors, hover foot, thread cutter, needle threader and ease of use. Love the dual feed. I purchased it in 2015 and have been extremely happy with it. No issues. Absolutely amazing for FMQ and Ruler Work. Just the bomb. The only thing it struggles with is heavy fabric with bulky seams. Doesn't like those, however, the 1090 goes through those like butter. I keep both set up in my sewing room. Makes it easy to keep a different colour thread in each if I'm working on a project that uses different threads. Bag making is typically on the 1090. And most everything else is on the 750. I had a Juki Serger that I really liked. Also a Janome Overstitch 2000CPX. That machine was a nightmare. I sold the Juki and Janome, then purchased a 1300MDC combination Serger/Coverstitch machine, x-display, from a dealer last year. Came with a full warranty and was less than half of retail. Bernina doesn't make this unit anymore, which is a shame. Brilliant machine. Unbelievable stitch selections and ease of use. I also have a Janome Platinum 760 for workshops and teaching my grandkids to sew. It's very versatile and easy to use. The kids can use the stop/start button to stitch on it, which is great, 'cause they can't reach the pedal! 750 has one as well. Very light weight for classes. Great basic stitches, not great on hemming. I always oil my machines every two bobbins. (Every so often with the combo machine... base it on how it sounds. ) Just something I was told to do when I was a kid. I clean in between each bobbin. I've been told I take very good care of my machines. I guess that's why I don't have service issues. Sorry for being so long winded.
Sounds like you have tried lots! Thanks for the insights!
Thank you very much for your review. I was just a seamstress when I was in my 20's. Now, at 70 I decided to learn to quilt, had no idea it was not as easy as making a garmit. My quilt teacher tells us that the Bernina is a great machine. Well, I can't afford a machine over for $5K US dollars. But thought maybe I should buy a used one. Thank you so much for your comments and I will be reviewing machines other than Bernina. I like the Brother Pacesetter PS700.
Thanks! I’ve not heard of that Brother machine but there are some American brands that aren’t sold as much where I am in Scotland. There are loads of machine recommendations in the comments from other folk too.
I've had a Singer 338 for over 50 years and I wouldn't swap it for anything. It doesn't have the bells & whistles of new machines like needle down & speed control but I can quilt without these.
I have tried a Bernina at my sewing class but I don't like using them. The rotary bobbin is a total pain after the Singer drop in bobbin which is so easy. No need for a warning that the bobbin is running out of thread, it's so easy to see it & I can tell by the sound too.
Threading the Bernina is awful and I can't count how many times the bobbin winder has messed up the thread.
I agree that on the Berninas you need to use threaders which I had never heard of & certainly never need on my old Singer. I frequently get the tangled threads on the Bernina if I don't use one. Eventually I felt I wasted so much time getting started I now take my own machine to the classes.
The Berninas up to the 7 series are not made in Switzerland now, they're just designed there and made in Thailand. That might be part of the problem.
If you have a sewing machine which you are comfortable with & does a decent straight stitch just try quilting with that. You can still buy parts for older machines such as a walking foot and a free motion/darning foot and if it's heavy you can invest in a bag with wheels. You don't need an all singing all dancing machine to quilt especially if you are just learning. Just wait and see and if you decide to buy definitely try a few machines out to see if you like them. Best of luck with your quilting.
Thanks! You are right!
If you have not bought a machine yet, look at the Bernette B79. (or B70 if you will not want embroidery too). The software is the same as Bernina and the machine was designed by them, but made elsewhere. I have had it three years and really love it for quilting. I bought it from the Bernette dealer at our local quilt shop and took classes alongside Bernina owners. The price was much, much lower than the Bernina's and I think some were surprised at how much I got for so much less than they paid.
Thank you for your honest experience with the bernina. It confirms that not everyone needs a hugely costly machine to sew their projects on.
I’m happy you went with your feelings and moved on. You have to love your sewing machine. We spend so much time using our minds and hands to create with them that it shouldn’t be spoilt with frustration or sadness.
Indeed! It just took me a little longer than it should have to figure that out! Thanks for watching!
I too have a Bernina 770 QE. As far as the sensors go for the feet and the stitch plate you have to TELL it which ones you have on so if you try to use a zigzag stitch on a straight stitch plate IT WILL NOT LET YOU. You do have to oil this thing that's just the nature of the beast. And you do have to watch Sarah Snuggard on those TH-cam videos she goes through the whole thing from unboxing it to every foot how it works every stitch the whole enchilada. One of the things I love about my Bernina 770 QE is the stitch plate how easy it is to pop that thing on and off. On the other machine you will notice you have to use screws to change out the stitch plate what a pain.
My machine tells me what foot to use for the stitch. If I have the straight stitch plate on, my machine will freeze up and won't let me stitch and will prompt me to change the stitch plate.
That is what I was hoping it would do!
Your post has definitely sparked a lot of interest and response Kirsten. I’ve been really interested reading everyone’s comments and input. Thank you for your informative video and your experiences.
Thanks Moira! Yes it seems to have. Guess our machines are just so important to us all!
Meant to say … not sure where you are located, but I live in Scotland too and my dealer is in Edinburgh. Not sure if I can mention names on here, but you could easily work it out if you were looking for excellent service and support etc and I’m pretty sure he stocks Pfaff as well, although the dealer you bought it from should offer plenty aftercare support and tuition as part of your package. Wishing you lots of happy “carefree” sewing !
I am in Edinburgh too. Pretty sure I bought my Pfaff from the same guy you are talking about but the Bernina was a shop in England bought online. Small world!
Moira E. Anderson I wish more Bernina Owners would be honest about their experiences. Being in a cool group I guess means keeping it all up.
Thanks for sharing the nitty gritty or the dark side of discontent. It makes me sad to hear of all the trouble you went through to try and become satisfied with your huge purchase! I'm super glad you worked with the shop to take it back and found one that suits. I am very pleased with my Bernina QE 440. I bought just the machine brand new over 14 years ago and still love her. The chain of sewing machine shops that sold her gives free how to use your machine... for life. Those lessons are fantastic and the instructors help you understand tricks and new ideas on enjoying your machine. I'm an eclectic sewist. I do clothing, home decor, quilting, thread painting, and FMQ. I do oogle over some of the fancier machines that others have and in the shop but I am content with my "Nina." I think sewing machines are like any product, cooking, power tools, etc. Needs, wants, and dreams come into play here. I think you have to be honest and ask yourself if you ride a machine hard, you know, one who need something made out of cast iron or are you fastidious about the use and care of your tools. Don't be influenced by what others tell you. Ask trustworthy repair people and those that actually sew on the machine. Then try them out for yourself. It can be a big investment and worth the time you allow to satisfy your purchase.
All very true! I definitely ride my machines hard so one that needs to be treated a certain way was probably never going to work for me 😂! I’ve learned my lesson. So glad your Nina is good to you!
Its funny how people can have such different experiences with the same brand of machine. I bought a pre-owned 770QE about 3 years ago from a dealer and I’ve never had a problem with it. The bobbin winder did go out on it but the dealer replaced it for free and it’s been fine ever since. I use it for piecing and quilting small projects. I really like that it has a built in dual feed and the built in thread cutter. I was told I should oil it just about every time I sit down to sew, so I do that. And it sews like a dream. So I just recently splurged and got the Q20 on the studio frame in preparation for my retirement from work and I love it too. Sorry your experience wasn’t a good one! Edit: I should add that I had had a much older Bernina for many years before the 770QE so there wasn’t much of a learning curve for me. I does sound like you had a lemon of a machine!
Yes I think I did. Glad you didn’t have the same problems with yours!! Have fun with your Q20 - jealous over here!
@loriar1027 - Thank you for sharing your insight. I am considering purchasing a pre-owned 770QE from a reputable dealer who said it was a trade-in for someone who upgraded to another Bernina, but of course I cannot verify this. I'm wondering if the dealer may be pretty amenable to any major issues simply because it's a pre-owned machine that they have put their word and reputation behind? I'm leaning toward buying as it's a great deal for a machine I could not otherwise afford and, in my mind, the worst thing that happens is that I don't love it and can always trade it in for a nice Pfaff if I decide I can't deal with the regular maintenance required. I do think going into any purchase knowing what the expected regular maintenance requirements will be is a key factor to consider. I grew up knowing that oiling and cleaning out the bobbin case were just a required part of the "daily checklist" before and after starting to sew.
I found this absolutely fascinating! I've never owned a Bernina, but two people in my quilting group have them and like them. However, we all have different learning styles and attributes, so a machine that's good for one person may not serve another well. And this is without even considering machine flaws.
Some years back I bought a demo model Brother Innovis VQ3000 quilting/sewing machine - a predecessor of the Luminaire. It has an 11.5" throat, auto foot lift, auto thread cutter, auto threader, bobbin low indicator and lots more. I negotiated the price and the deal was excellent, I got most of the accessories, the travel cases and a full original warranty for approx. 30% of the original price. I guess I'm lucky because I've hardly had a moment's difficulty with it. Plus, despite all of it's features, it was not at all complicated and amazingly easy to learn! I'm also sure it's made with quite a lot of metal, because it's ridiculously heavy - 46 lbs - no good for taking back and forth for quilting sessions. I've been looking at the Baby Lock Jazz II for a "travel" machine, but have learned that it has a gross weight of 36lbs. That's not a bad thing because at that weight it must have some significant metal in it, but I'm not sure I want to lug around a 36lb. machine, even with a cart. I can wait however, because if I decide to buy one, I'd rather wait until the price drops even more. And in the meantime, I have a standard-size electronic Brother machine that I use for piecing when working with my group. What's the saying? "Patience will out" Is that the correct quote? Well anyway, I've got plenty of patience.
Glad your Brother is going strong. Hopefully you find a Babylock sale soon 😀
I hear you…, I have a Brother Stellaire XJ1 because I got a great deal on it…, it was a display one and I couldn’t afford the Luminaire. I echo your sentiments; however, with my machine. I just wish I had more time to sew…, hopefully after my move. Thanks for your comments.
I wouldn't buy a Luminaire, not just because it's way too expensive, but because I have no interest in machine embroidery. But the Stellaire is another story and I'd love to hear what you like (or even don't like) about it.
I just came across your channel. I bought a Bernina 1230 about 25 years ago, I have been tempted to upgrade but I love my machine! I do a lot of sewing, mainly dressmaking and it’s never let me down. I have bought several accessories and different feet and it’s impressive that Bernina still supply them for such an old model. A friend has a Bernina embroidery machine that’s about 5 years old and she is always having problems with warnings, similar to the ones you experienced. Hope you’re happy with your new machine and enjoy your quilting.
Thanks! Enjoy your quilting too!
I also have the 1230 from new, absolutely love it. They were made in Switzerland then. I pray every time I use it that it will keep going as apparently the motherboards are not made anymore. I would be devastated if I had to “upgrade” to a new machine.
@@janethiggs2663 Love my 1130! Same reasons. Motherboard repair is possible, but I keep wondering if I should find a new one...
Hi,
Thank you, I am so appreciative that you made this video about 770 Bernina. I think your experience is definitely worth sharing and others have also felt your pain.
I do have experience sewing on Berninas for over 50 years...
from the 830 Record to the 440 QE to the 790, but I have also owned and sewn on other machines.
I also worked for several years in the tech industry as a software project manager, software product advisor, and software user trainer
Here are my thoughts for whatever they are worth:
1. YOU ARE BUYING A COMPUTER THAT SEWS, AND NOT A SEWING MACHINE THAT IS COMPUTERIZED, ALTHOUGH THEY SELL IT LIKE THAT SO AS NOT TO SCARE EVERYONE.
2. Know what kind of sewist or seamstress you are...what are you going to sew and how are you going to use the machine, before any purchase. You would not buy a convertible and use it like a pickup truck. I do not do embroidery, nor do I have any desire to make fancy stitches on anything and if I do I will embroider by hand.
Furthermore, I can and have sewn my own clothing in the past, but today I only mend, and tailor our clothes. Sometimes, I make a garment, but rarely, and I make simple projects for the home.
All of the software and mechanisms that go along with the Embroidery Module, just make the machine more complicated, more confusing to learn and present more reasons for the machine to malfunction). So if you are only going to piece and machine quilt, why buy a more complicated more expensive model with features you don't need?
3. Even if you are familiar with computers and software, you should probably get some user training in order to understand how to make your new computerized machine work for you.
If you are in doubt, go to the dealer and ask for someone to allow you to sew on a computerized machine before buying it or take a class using one of the machines they have for rent or use at the sewing dealership. I advise you to take your own project to work on. Most shops will be happy to let you test drive if they know you are seriously looking for a new machine.
4. Understand that software when it is developed, even though it is tested thoroughly, beforehand is often released to the consumer with "bugs", sometimes even when the developer knows about them. This is normal practice for software in all modern products and in all industries, so just like anything else, sometimes it's best to wait and NOT buy the newest model with all the new features until they "get all the bugs worked out" and release the fixes and updates to the software. This the manufacturer will never tell you directly, and probably most dealers only vaguely understand this fact of life in the computer age. Just hope that your service person does!
Getting all the parts to communicate and work together is not always a straight forward path and designers often have to make compromises in their computer "architecture" until somebody figures out a program or design feature that will make sure it all fits together and runs smoothly.
I don't want to get too complicated or use a bunch of jargon, but want to let you know that some software/machine combinations and designs are more "user friendly"(meaning easy and intuitive for you to use and make it do what you want it to do) than other brands of machine and software.
The software developers don't always know which tools and components ( both software and mechanical) are going to work well together in the future, even if they work together well now. Thus, as with your computer, software and the machines themselves can become outdated and all of us have computers, phones, printers, etc that are no more than novelties so obsolete as to be displayed in a museum. That is also why manufacturers will discontinue certain models, which is the responsible thing to do if they can predict that the machine does not have the ability to run the new software that they are going to develop.
Computers becoming obsolete is nobody's fault and is true for every computerized machine in every industry because we live on the cutting edge of the computer age and companies are racing to keep up with consumer demand. Add that to the challenge manufacturers have with always trying to make a machine that serves your needs/wants, and is also affordable for you to purchase and for them to manufacture.
6. Having said all of that, things are beginning to slow down a bit with demands and just like my 7 yr old phone,I think that all the sewing machine manufacturers nowadays have designed computerized machines that are for the most part "bug-free" and perform pretty well. So now they will be concentrating mostly on smoothing out any cumbersome, less "user friendly" components to make them easier to use if need be, so don't be afraid to buy A COMPUTER THAT SEWS, because whether or not it is a Bernina, in my case, and also for many of my friends and fellow sewists, once you master the learning curve, you will be sewing quilts and other projects faster and better than before, (depending on your type of projects).
7. In closing some parting thoughts, if there is an advantage to buying Bernina, it would be that they have a long-standing reputation to protect, when other reliable European manufacturers like Elna, Husquavarna, Viking, even Pfaff have been purchased by other companies; some are made in China.
Bernina is the only family-owned Manufacturer, though many of their machines are made in Bernina-owned and run factories in Thailand.
Bernina seems to have been able to adapt their sewing machines to serve the consumer well over the years and is the reason for their unprecedented consumer loyalty.
Bernina machines are the only machines that still use an all-steel front-loading bobbin system, like industrial machines and many 50 yr old machines are still running efficiently as parts can still be found.
8. Bernina's are expensive, they are in the same price range as a new computer with printer for all the reasons I just mentioned above. If you are going to mostly piece quilt tops and make table runners etc., you could opt to just send them to your long-arm quilter. For example, depending on her costs, I figure I can have my long-armer machine quilt 10 queen-sized bed quilts per year for the next 5 years, which costs me between $5,000 and 5,750 (minus shipping). That's 50 quilts quilted by someone else for about the same money as the 770 at today's prices. (Truly, I only seem to be completing about 5 queen quilts per year or the equivalent in other projects thereof.)
That's one way of thinking about the cost of a machine that has a BSR and Dual feed and other features (minus all the add-ons, lessons, thread, batting, etc that I would need to quilt my own quilts). Weighing the costs and the time spent quilting my own quilts against spending the majority of my time on what I love to do, mainly designing and piecing quilts, helped me to decide what to buy, because most of what I want to sew can be done on a reliable non-computerized machine.
Then I weighed that against the costs of a long-arm machine and knowing that the only way I can make sense of buying one is to make it a business....but that's a whole nother discussion. Hope any of that helps you decide about purchases.
Figure out how you will use your machine, think it through, go test drive all of the machines that might work for you, in your price range, which also include exemplary user support nearby, then decide. Happy Sewing and Good Luck to you all!
I had been a Janome, but then went to a Pfaff and I will never use any other machine. I like that they have excellent videos on You Tube that walk you through how to use them. Best of luck.
Thanks so much!
Bernina is the best is what I kept hearing over and over and I felt exactly the same way you did not long after I bought mine. I got it brand new and had the same issues with the bobbin/threading and having to keep stopping to clear the error even though the bobbin was fine. The service tech said Bernina machines are "over engineered" and the numerous senors were too sensitive so even a little speck of dust or lint can set off the sensor and stop the machine. After months of frustratiing sewing attempts I sold the machine and got a Singer and a Brother (two machines) for the same price. Now I have a dedicated quilting machine and one for everything else and am much happier. Thank you for sharing your experience here, it helps me know that the problem wasn't me or user error.
Aw nice to hear I’m not alone either! Thanks for commenting!
I like my Juki 2010Q for quilting and piecing. It only does straight stitches and does it beautifully.
Yes, I bought one for our church Prayers and Squares. I got the 2000 for church, and it is great. I've had to have it serviced once as an electronics element went out. It was only $99
I have seriously considered one for piecing quilts. But want to sew on one before taking the plunge.
I loved my Juki but gave it to my granddaughter who’s in design school. I have a wardrobe of BERNINA’s back to the 830 record. Never have had much trouble with any of them but maybe it’s because I “understand them.
I have sewn for 40 years on various machines, including Singer Featherweight, Elna TSP, & Memorycraft. I currently sew on a Bernina 560, & Juki TL18QVP. Hands down, I enjoy sewing on the Juki more than the Bernina. I’ve had the same bobbin sensor problem on the Bernina & know how frustrating that can be!
Thanks for relating. So many folk say good things about Jukis. Enjoy!
LOVE my TL2010... they will have to pry it from my cold hands before I would let her go... Simple and strong
I purchased a Bernina even though I was a Pfaff loyalist. I hated that machine and sold it before the warranty ran out. Best decision I have ever made. I had all the same issues as you.
Good you didn’t stick with that machine for too long. Life is to short to spend it frustrated with a machine 😂
I had a basic Husqvarna for 30 years and loved it. Upgraded to an embroidery and sewing machine and loved it but had hard time getting parts or accessories. Finally bought a Brother Dream Machine 11 sewing and embroidery machine. Throat space is over 12”. Wow. Love every feature. It embroiders wonderfully well. Sewing is exceptional and I have made numerous quilts. I will stay with Brother for life! Wish you well with your Pfaff.
Sounds amazing! Enjoy!
I totally know where you are coming from. I had a top of the line from another company that I hated after I had it for a while. I kept it for 3 years thinking I should love it. Never did. Finally sold it. I have a Bernina 770 and we get along wonderfully. Love it. So to each his own and that's why there are so many brands. Good luck with your new machine!
Exactly- what doesn’t suit me will be perfect for someone else! Glad you like yours!
My goodness. You are WAY MORE PATIENT than I would have been. I have a lot of Berninas. I have had issues recently with a different dealer that doesn't seem to know how to fix them. I will be looking for another dealer for my next service/repair. We used to live in OKC and the service there was great. Nobody where we live now, so we have to go someplace in Texas. I'm glad you found a machine you can love. It is so important.
Thank you so much for sharing this! I “upgraded” to a Bernina 740 (I’d already dealt w/the BSR and knew I didn’t want it) a couple years ago and I am not satisfied. So many problems, but my dealer kept implying it was my thread or my skills, or whatever and I knew it wasn’t me! I bought it to be like the cool kids, too. I feel so much better about FINALLY stopping this charade and looking for another machine. I felt duped and that was embarrassing, but I’m tired of dealing with all the problems: always needing a lead fabric, thread cutter not working, tension issues, constant thread error computer message that I can’t actually find, a strange high pitched buzzing noise, sensor feet costing 2x as much but the sensor not serving a purpose. Thank you thank you thank you!
Glad it helped you feel less alone! There are plenty others in the comments too who had similar experiences. Hope you find something that suits you better!
I’m a lifetime Bernina lover but they can be temperamental. I was recently in tears when my Bernina 440QE returned from service with stitch issues and I was told by the inexperienced service tech that it was “perfect” and she implied that I was nuts. For Bernina’s in particular, a partnership with a very experienced Bernina service person is crucial….even if you rarely need them because they are so efficient with repairs or tweaks when you do. There are many machine brands because one brand isn’t for everyone. I recently bought a Juki that only does a phenomenal straight stitch…who knew I could love it too? Find what you love….life is too short. 😊 Lori
I’m sure there can be issues like that with any machine. But it is definitely disheartening when they tell you there is nothing wrong when you know there is!
I also have been looking at the juki straight stitch machines. I know I would love it. Just can’t hear my husbands comments right now
Lorielle 13 Thank you for sharing your experience. I hope that Bernina will take these experiences and fix the issues. The machines are expensive, lovely and cost too much to repair. Only 5 year warranty on computer parts is short
I agree, you need a partnership with your dealer. Heartbreaking when they retire and the new person says your machine will cost 3/4 of its new price to be repaired!
@@cr2884 Jukis are the Kings of straight stich
Thank you for the detailed review and why you finally traded it in. I thought about a Bernina but read from some reviews they might be a little touchy with the bobbin thread sensor, etc. I'm getting older and my machine lives up a steep set of narrow stairs in my loft "aka woman cave". The dealer is 2 1/2 hours away so taking it in to the dealer other than a yearly maintenance isn't feasible. I purchased a Janome Continental M7 and I love it. The only issue I have is the threader because I usually use a size 70 needle which is a little too small for the needle threader, my solution, hand thread it.
Glad you like your machine. I’ve seen others use that one and it looks fab!
I have a Janome and a BabyLock machines. Both have needle threaders. Neither will thread a needle smaller than a size 80. So like you, I hand thread them. Annoying, as my eyesight and hands are not what they used to be. But a small issue. Both machines have been fabulous work horses. Very few problems and only needing routine maintenance. I envy you the Janome Continental M7. It looks like a wonderful machine.
finding the perfect machine is such a journey !
I sew since 16 years with husqvarna, also bought some serger and embroidery machine, the serger was a nightmare until I change it for a small hobbylock 2.5 that I love, I ended buying a second hand big husqvarna at my sewing shop, that ended to be a nightmare (I was always afraid each time I begun an embroidery) then I bought the brother stellaire and it's a dream !
now, I want to upgrade my old husqvarna topaze, and found a dealer that resell a bernina 570 QE and after spending 1 week looking at videos and talking to the dealer, I was going to buy it, but someone bought it while I was putting in in my cart (on the website), so now it's been 2 days I can only think about the missed opportunity and being angry about and watching TON of videos about this brand (and as I am swiss, I love the fact that's it is a swiss brand ^^)
when I looked for machines, I was tempted buy the pfaff you bought, but the dealer told me that for my sewing practice, the bernina would have the best motor and the pfaff would be a little too shy (I sew accessories and bags, so I need a strong motor)
I want a pretty machine (I know, I know....) and the pfaff is superbe ^^
now I'm lost again, what machine could I buy, knowing I can not afford a new bernina 770,750,570 even) but I can affort the pfaff.... it's so difficult (and having not so much money, but big expections make the thing even more complicated)
so thank you for your video !
I have a Bernina 570 QE and experience every issue you have described. I keep it oiled regularly and clean out the bobbin hook and lint that balls up near the hook. In the circular space. I feel at some point I too will trade it in after much more research. Thanks for your honesty as I thought it was my lack of knowledge about the machine; but I see from the comments it’s quite common.
Sorry you’ve had trouble with yours but yes you have plenty of company! Hope you find the right machine for you soon!
Do you have the old 570QE or the newer one with different bobbin hook and wider footbed? The model changed a few years ago, I have the old form, and wonder if the newer updated version has the problems since they changed it?
I would wonder the same thing. Curious which model year the OP had.
I was thrilled to find your video because I bought a 570QE with the idea that it would make my quilting fabulous and I have been suffering buyer's remorse ever since. I also have a Bernina 350 QE about which I was not too crazy, but after playing with the 570, I love the older model and wish I could find someone to take the 570 off my hands.
Oh no! Sorry you had a bad time with your machine too! Glad you found one you prefer though! I’m sure someone will buy your 570 - they are still popular and it might suit someone else.
Just wondering what the problems are with your 570, as love mine, anything I can help you with?
I bought my Bernina 770QE brand new in 2017, and went through similar issues as you had. My first frustration was the overwhelming LACK of support from my local Bernina dealer. She promised free training classes during the first year, to help acquaint me with the machine and quilting. The classes never happened. I had never quilted before. My sewing experience since the age of 7 was garment and drapery sewing. A friend of mine at church made art quilts and I got hooked. I didn't have any major issues with the machine for basic sewing, but when I added the embroidery module, that I purchased from a Bernina dealer and hour and a half away due to the lack of training support from the local dealer. I encountered the blue screen of death several times, but with the embroidery, the automatic thread cutter broke a number of times. So the second major frustration was the lack of support in repairs. The local dealer did not have someone on site all the time to do repairs. Sometimes it was only once a month that he was available, then I had to leave it for a week or more for repair. The threading cutting mechanism broke 3 x within a short period of time and at $70 a clip for the repair + cost of parts, that was my last straw. One other thing is that the Bernina feet were quite expensive. I was able to sell it of eBay, and I bought another brand of machine in 2020, and totally in love with it.
Gosh that all sounds stressful. Glad you have a new machine you love now!!
BTW, since I have only been quilting since the end of 2017, I have won two ribbons for the 2 quilts I entered in our local quilt show!
Amazing! Well done!
I think the repairs should've been free under the warranty. I bought mine in NYC and the repair guy was only there one a month.
I sewed on a BERNINA 750QE for 7yrs/ I literally had several million stitches on it. Then the shaft broke. They fixed it, but it never worked right again. So, I traded it for a Janome Continental M7 industrial. No complaints it’s a real work horse.
We have all been there! Years ago I bought a beautiful brand new husky lock top of the line serger and was never so frustrated in my life. I sold it and bought the cheapie brother and could use it immediately.
I have the old (not vintage) Bernina 560 sewing machine with the embroidery hoops. I love the stitch, I love the feet. I love this machine for many things. That said, the bobbin sensor is finicky on light colored thread. It was not your imagination. I watched all of the heirloom creations/sewing mastery videos for this machine twice before buying and using the machine. They are great and necessary as the machine is not intuitive, but once you see it, you get it. I recommend watching a full series of videos on whatever machine you are thinking of buying before you buy. Another BIG concern is whether there is ANY relatively local competent repair shop for the brand you are thinking of buying. My 560 hasn’t broken down. I’ve gotten some nice regular service at one of the two dealers within 50 miles of me, but I had the other dealer accidentally permanently mess up my vintage Bernina 1120…
Yes those sewing mastery videos are amazing and so useful!
Glad to learn others are not enamored with a with Bernina!! I am ready to trade mine in for a different machine!!
Sorry you’ve had issues too! Hope you find something you love!
I almost bought a Bernina quilting machine but ended up with a Husqvarna viking designer royal but even if its a wonderful machine i was tired of it breaking down so now i bought a Juki for stitching havent tried the quilting part of the machine but i am in love with the machine ♥️ Good luck with the pfaff♥️
Glad you found a machine you love!!
May I ask which juki you have?
@@sherrywilliams1131 It’s a tl2200 qvp
Juki, babylock and janome are my go-tos - love, love, love them all…sewing machine collector! And don’t tell me I can’t do something! 🤣😂. (Even if not quite those exact words!). Am gifting my babylock ‘jane’ to a daughter-in-law because I started counting how many machines I have (12)…recently purchased a janome hd9be - love a simple straight stitch machine. Only longing I’ve had for a couple of years is the juki ddl8700…we shall see!
Edit #2: 14 machines! (Included my classic gammill)
Edit #3: 15 machines - forgot my bff GAVE me her bernina (which has sat in a bag since) - she kept her first machine, which was a janome 6500 I sold her about 2008.
Machines are a personal choice. I bought a Janome JD 1818 years ago, had a terrible time with it and stopped sewing. Got into quilting and broke it trying to quilt on it for the first time . Looked at new machines, decided I couldn’t afford it, sewed on my girlfriend’s electronic machine and decided those scared me. Found an old fashioned repair guy who fixed the Janome and my mother’s Singer 99K (it’s one year older than me) He let me watch and I learned more in that time than I ever knew about a machine! Now I piece on the Singer, which can also handle cork and vinyl for the bags I like to make…and the machine still sews a beautiful seam. I quilt on the Janome…still don’t love it and the throat is really small…but I learned enough from the repair man to fix it when it has one of it’s issues…and all for a grand total of $80 USD!
That is amazing! Lots of people say older machines are more reliable anyway. Awesome that you got hands on tuition too 😀
My first machine of my own is a 99k. What a gem that is.
@@christinamo7 You can't beat the old Singers, all metal and they last more than a lifetime. I'm leaving mine to my granddaughter!
Thanks for your video. I’ve lusted after a Bernina for years, but cannot afford one, nor the servicing costs. The 770 QE is $8000 NZD! My Brother Innovis 400 quilters machine is alright, it’ll do the job, cost $800 at the time. I recently inherited an old Singer Capri mechanical machine from the late 1970’s. It’s fully metal and it’s so easy to open it up and oil it. I’m keeping that old girl forever.
Your machines sound fab! Happy sewing!
I have had a pfaff for 20 years and I love it. The dealer I bought it from and where I have it serviced dropped selling Bernina because he felt the company is not reliable any more and count on their NAME carrying them in the market place. All your feet and add-ons will also cost you less. I think it was a win-win situation for you. Thanks for sharing. Blessings.
Thanks! I hope so too!
Exact same story here
Aw no!
I first watched this video a year ago when I was thinking about which sewing machine I wanted, and it was really helpful. I decided to stay with janome, as I felt it suited my style, and got an upgraded model. A year later I'm incredibly happy. Thank you!
So glad you have a machine that works for you! Enjoy your sewing time!
I really liked listening to your assessment of the Bernina 770. I bought one about a month and a half ago, after lots of research, reading reviews, listening to others who owned them, etc. I also was interested in the Pfaff Expression, but heard so much about Bernina. So I bit the bullet and bought one. I do like it very much so far, but I feel it’s really overloaded for what I need. It has a great straight stitch but I also feel myself Uber cautious when changing any settings or feet or any maintenance work.. I call her the Diva because I feel like I oil her more often than any of the other machines I own. I have my nose in the manual more, and yes, there is definitely a learning curve. So I’m taking it slow so I don’t become frustrated. I get where you were coming from and you gave such a honest and totally understandable reason for why you were feeling what you did. Sewing needs to be fun, not have you on edge. You have to trust your machine. I’m glad you are happy so far with what you replaced it with. I wish you many years of trouble free sewing.
Thanks you too! The Bernina might be the perfect one for you and just not for me. Happy sewing!
I think you hit the nail on the head Joanne where you say that you have to trust your machine - without that you feel like you a sewing with a combatant, not a friend.
I want to thank you for coming out and telling your story. I am in the market for a 5mm machine and all I see recommended by TH-cam sewists is Bernina. BUT the price is very high and I don't to be a member of their club. I want a good machine that doesn't breakdown a lot or a ridiculous learning curb. My closest dealer is 2 hours away. THANK YOU for your honesty and I think you did the RIGHT THING and traded it in. Nothing worse than a fiddly machine when you need to finish projects. I will be careful to not buy it because its a Bernina.
Thanks for watching! Glad the video helped! Hope you find the best machine for you!
I have a Bernina 770 QE Tula Pink Edition for about 4 years and love her I sew 🧵 everything I had a really cheap brother and my Bernina sews beautiful and to embroidery is so much fun. I’m sorry you had a bad experience. I sew a lot and I didn’t think their was a learning curve at all. I hope your new machine is good for you.
It obviously suits you well! Glad you found a good machine for you!
Thank you for such a down to earth honest review. I have a Bernina 590. Purchased with similar reasons to yourself. Had a Pfaff Creative Vision (first rendition) which was close to what you would call a lemon. The feed dogs still don't sew a straight line without a lot of persuasion (known issue). Numerous techs on numerous occasions over the years got the many issues ironed out. Once out of warranty this added to the original cost. I was never totally satisfied with it. Was ready to trade to something else. Got the B590 thinking it was a smaller machine than the Creative Vision and would be useful for travel (it wasn't as it was just as heavy). The 590, yes a learning curve. Yes, temperamental. Yes thirsty. Yes hissy fit if I do something out of the order that it demands. It's taking a while for me to fall in love with it even after 2 1/2 yrs. I had a chance to get a used Pfaff Creation Sensation Pro. I still love the way Pfaffs work. More intuitive. The Sensation has lots of bad reviews particularly concerning the screen which I didn't read about until after I got the machine. So far so good for me. Unlike its sister, it sews without swerving off the straight. So here I am. Didn't get rid of the Creative Vision because I could still embroider larger hoop sizes and I wasn't sure about the 590 in the beginning. The 590 sews a lovely straight seam if it doesn't gobble the fabric as it starts. Also just in case the screen went on the Sensation Pro I have kept the CV as a back up. So... the CV travels with me even though its heavy. If something happens to it no big loss. The 590 does the quilting tasks, fine sewing as well hoop embroidery for some tasks and the Sensation does a lot of my embroidery work and some sewing if it happens to be the machine that is set up at the time.
Thanks for this. I think I am also coming around to the notion that different machines are good for different tasks and maybe I have been expecting too much to find one machine that does everything. I am still happy with the Pfaff Quilt Expression I got but I think sometime in the future I might look at a straight stitch only machine. My only hesitation is that they are more industrial machines and might have more maintenance and tension issues than I am used to dealing with. For now I am happy with what I have.
I am a Bernina lover, I currently have four, but I do understand where you're coming from. High end Berninas tend to be 'highly strung' and they are definitely different from other machine brands. While I do love my current machines, I have a brand new 880 and it was nothing but trouble and gave me 4 years of grief. My dealer and Bernina UK blamed user error, it wasn't. I haven't had similar issues with my other Berninas. Yes, the bobbin thread sensor can be a problem with many Berninas. I agree about the front loading bobbin, too. I guess no machine is perfect and we all like different things. Personally, I disliked the stitch regulator and never used it; I felt exactly the way you did about it. Berninas are definitely thirsty, and they need to be kept very clean. In 2021 I bought a Pfaff, not my first Pfaff, I adored my first one but it was some years ago, but I loathed the new one and it's been sold on.
Exactly that - not every machine can suit everyone and we can all tolerate different types of little annoyances with our machines - as yes of course none will be perfect…but we can dream 😂. I think I jumped to a super advanced machine too quickly thinking it would be easier and not understanding the learning curve thing at all.
Bren Holmes thank you for your response, it really helps to have an honest opinion. Not all machines are great and not all are bad but users that hide their problems help no one not even themselves.
I had all the problems you had with your bernina 770qe. I was going to trade it but the store help me load the bobbin. Last week it happened again and I couldnt get that hook untwisted with thread. I thought about trading it for a baby lock. I so glad i saw your video. I will now consider a Pfaff. What model is yours. Thank you
@doodlebug1968 mine is quilt expression 720. If they had baby lock in the Uk I would have considered that too - I hear good things!
The layers of issue that I have experienced with my B580 (2011, purchased new) is that the place that I purchased it from was worthless when it came to customer service. I had the same bobbin sensor error (which stops your machine from sewing, for those who havent experienced it) and my machine went back 4 separate times. It got so bad I stopped sewing altogether. I also had the sewing light go out after about 50 hours of use (LED, trademarked specialized bulb by Bernina) And I could never get the sewing machine to update. I always received an error. Never once did the store tell me that I was under coverage of warranty and that they could contact Bernina directly and have the issue fixed. They just kept using their local guy to service it and nothing improved. After years of not sewing at all, I pulled it back out (i had moved) and took it into a local shop to service it. The service person said " your mother board doesnt work have you ever been able to update this sewing machine firmware? Also your bobbin sensor is shot and your broke the door for the bobbin area" ( I had no broken the door...) But of course by this time, nothing was under warranty. The Bernina experience is so heavily based on the quality of the store where it is distributed which from what I hear is really not great for a lot of people.
That sounds like a total nightmare. Hope you have a machine now that lets you get on with sewing!
came here because I was looking to upgrade to a 770 QE Kaffe. XD @@ScrapFabricLove
First, thank you for posting this. One real problem I feel is evident with any hobby shown on TH-cam is how people feel that the equipment used by whoever is making the videos will somehow magically make the viewer magically better at said hobby. I have been guilty of feeling I need to buy 'the thing' and then finding that maybe it didn't work so well for me. But sewing machines are a huge expense and right now everyone I know is buying Jukis because a lot of quilters are using them. I bought a Bernina years ago partially because of the hype. My story is kind of similar to yours but with a different ending. It's a long story so I am not going to bore everyone with it, but let me say it's not you. I ended up loving my machine, but it was touch and go there for awhile.
Thanks Teresa! Glad you ended up loving your machine. Would have been cheaper for me if I had too, but I figured my time trying to figure it out was worth something too! You are very right about getting sucked in by what everyone else is using. I am 100% guilty of that!
@@ScrapFabricLove Well, just know that it wasn't some failing on your part. My story only had a happy ending because I had outside help and it WAS partially a problem with my machine, so I think that you are also right that it was the demo model in part.
Thank you, I m watching videos ,learning how to buy a sewing machine that is best for me. My first try was at Joan's and it was a horrible experience, I was sold a singer 8060 open box that was missing several parts for 300. I m very thankful for these videos because I was able to take it back and get my money back, never buy a open box machine is my experience so far🙏🏼
Sorry you had a bad experience! Hope you find a good machine soon!
Gosh, I sort of feel shame now, that I’m the odd quilter/sewist here. I ❤️ my 770QE. I see advantages to top loading bobbins too, but the front has its pluses too. Anytime I’ve bought a new machine (including embroidery, sergers and coverstitch machines) I sit down with the owners manual and go start to finish. It takes time, but so worth it. And watch Sara Snuggerud from heirloom creations TH-cam videos which are model specific….very helpful, since dealer classes touch on basics. And my dealer is 2 hours away. Sorry you had such horrible time, but glad you found a machine that brings you joy while getting your projects done!
You aren’t the odd one at all! The comments are pretty mixed between people who have struggled with this machine and those that haven’t so probably just proves different machines suit different folk! Glad you love yours!
You have just told my story I bought a Bernina was excited that I had a machine that I was going to do so much with>.I also thought the stitch regulator was going to improve my free motion work. Wrong wrong wrong I also had trouble with the bobbin saying it was empty and it was not. Thinking it was me not knowing enough I went to lessons and watched Sewing Mastery.
One day I decided I had cried enough and spent enough so went and bought a Pfaff Performance Icon wow what a machine. I have not had one issue with it in the past 18 months. I use it every day (when I put it in for a service the dealer was shocked at how many stitches the machine had done). it is easy to do free motion - it just works. I wish you well with your Pfaff and hope you are as happy with yours as I am with mine.
Who knew we were living parallel lives 😂! I hope I love mine as much as you too! Thanks for commenting!
Leila Joynes Nobody should be crying with frustration after paying a lot of money for a machine. Glad you bought what makes you happy
I totally understand. I had a “slightly” used Bernina 880 Plus. It was in the shop more than I had it. I went to another shop and traded it in for a new Baby Lock Solaris 2 and I am absolutely in love. In the end, the shop that I purchased the Bernina at told me that for machine embroidery, Baby Lock is a better brand for it. Go figure, Lol!
Glad you have a good one now !
I sewed on a Bernina 1230 for years and had no issues with at all. When the main board burned out, I decided to trade it in on a Bernina B570QE. I find it very easy to use and love it. It was also a floor model.
Thank you for sharing your experience with the machine you had. When a machine is having repeated difficulties it has become a paperweight with built in annoyance. I would probably have handled the problem the same way you did because a sewing machine = time and the expedient solution is often the best solution especially if it is distressing you. I wish you smooth sailing with your new machine.
Thanks so much!
Mary Riley I agree, it is nice someone finally came out and said hey its just not working for me. It is not to say the brand is bad, but it has problems like other machines.
This was really timely as I am thinking of upgrading my machine from my Janome . I have spoken to lots of people for their opinions but you really highlighted some things I hadn’t considered. I love my Janome but want a larger throat space and like you thought the Bernina was the be all and end all . Glad I watched this!
As many folk have said it is probably worth going into a dealer and trying a few machines. A Bernina could be perfect for you even if it isn’t for me - you just never know. I didn’t try before I bought obviously…
I’ve had my Janome 3000MC forever--it’s purpose is for garment sewing and has no 1/4 inch throat plate markings or 1/4 inch presser foot, but I’ve adapted to all that. My main complaint is that it has so few decorative stitches (maybe 20?), but it has an awesome buttonhole foot. I’ve been starting to think about a new machine, but I worry that I’d be taking on a new set of issues or problems. I don’t make large quilts, so am managing with the small sewing area. Spending a lot of money on another machine is not something I take lightly, so will do a lot more research before taking the plunge. Thanks for this video! Hearing real comments from actual quilters is refreshing.
If you get a new machine definitely keep your old faithful as a backup! Good luck with your research!
Thank you for this video! i just bought a new fancy (expensive) APQS long arm to replace my basic but trusty Nolting. I have had absolutely no problems with the machine not working properly. BUT - it turns out that although I got some great new features with the new machine, I gave up some things in the old machine that I thought would be standard in all long arms. Biggest disappointment - the stitch regulator beeps every 8 seconds, no matter what you do. I assumed something was wrong and when I found out from the manufacturer that it's supposed to do that, it's a "safety feature" (not mentioned in the manual or on their website), I complained about it on the APQS Facebook group. Big mistake, because I was attacked, mostly by dealers, trying to tell me that the beeping is a good thing, you just need to tune it out, etc. There are a lot of things I like about the new machine and frame, but I didn't expect to miss things about my old one, not when I spent SO much money on this new one. Anyway, thank you for this video. I understand your feelings completely, and I feel better knowing I'm not alone. Good encouragement for making a change if the machine is just not right for YOU. Glad you are happy now, and hope you continue to be!
Thanks! Sorry you are having issues with your long arm. I don’t know anything about them but I guess it would be the same - different ones probably suit different people!
@@ScrapFabricLove I called APQS and they sent me a instructions on how to disable the beep. It is very easy to do, but once done you can not put it back.
Thank you for the frank assessment of your experience with a 770 Bernina. I had a similar longing for one a few years back. I owned a Janome 8900 at the time and loved it but was dreaming about a TOL machine as I approached retirement. Quite unexpectedly I had a chance to buy a used Pfaff Creative Performance for $800 in 2017 and jumped without researching the matter. There was a bit of a learning curve it but I have gained such regard for its many features that were years ahead of the competition, including “hovering”. The embroidery is terrific, there are hundreds of gorgeous specialty stitches and, most of all, it isn’t a nuisance to operate. I am sure that the new Icon II is phenomenal but now that I am well into retirement, I can honestly say that the $20k is better invested!
Sounds like you got a great deal at the right time! Well done!
I think the way you sew makes a difference in the machine that fits you best. I bought a fancy singer with tons of decorative stitches when I first got into quilting…and after the first couple of quilts I began to become annoyed with it. And ten years later I was so frustrated with it I finally decided that I needed something else. And ended up getting a much simpler machine and since I had carefully examined the way I quilt I am so much happier (and both the machines in question were display models)
I am sure there are lots of things that come into play with what machine suits a person best you are right. Good to hear you got a good ex display one.
Good luck with your Pfaff. I had 4 different machines, problems with each one. Company was great providing a replacement machine 1 machine after another. Always upgrading. Last 1 was 4 months old and problems started using the embroidery unit. To go onto next color in design, change thread, touch screen to begin embroidering. Machine would beep at me. They had put too high of power source behind the screen. Traded it in on a Brother, embroidery and quilter.
No issues with that machine. Recently I purchased a Bernina Aurora 440 QE. Love it. I make lap quits for hospice of the Valley. It's the machine I do all my piecing on. Recently used my ruler foot and quilted it entirely on the Aurora. Granted the throat space is limited, but it quilted like a dream. Have a Viking Designer 1 (27 years old), and my Moms Singer 301. Just like cars, you can get a lemon. Happy quilting
Sounds like you’ve tried them all! Glad you have one you love!
If you use a single hole stitch plate, the fabric will stay above the stitchplate.
Sometimes you need to clean the bobbin monitor of debris that is blocking the lenses.
The biggest difference between Bernina and the all the other machine brands is the hook system and needle system. With the Berninas, you have a rigidly guided needle bar. So if you sew in heavier materials, you won’t get skipped stitches. With the hook system, you have a jumbo bobbin. You can sew for days without winding a bobbin. On the downside, the hook area gets more linty and needs cleaning out.
Every bobbin, get a qtip and clean the area out.
With the 1010 main sync fail, there is thread caught and the machine is seized and protecting itself from damage. This almost always from improper threading of the top thread. If the thread isn’t seated inside the thread guides, the top thread gets pulled on the underside and gets jammed. This is prevented by applying tension on the top thread while threading.
This comment explains a lot and should be told to every new user. I like my Bernina 740, but it does require careful and knowledgeable considerations.
Thank you for this video. I have had almost exactly the same issues with my Bernina 770QE Tula Pink edition with embroidery unit that I got during the Pandemic in 2020. I ordered mine from a store in Illinois because they actually had one for sale (they were really hard to find) and my local store in Oregon was closed. It came with so many cases which are still in plastic in storage because this beast is almost impossible to move!! Right away I had the hook/bobbin issues to the point of it freezing up with the dreaded 1010 blue screen. The dealer I bought it from tried to help but finally said I needed to take it in. I was able to get ahold of the local store but they said they wouldn’t honor the warranty because I hadn’t bought from them (even though they weren’t open and didn’t have any to sell!!). So the dealer I bought from actually covered the charges which I thought was amazing customer service. Still it took several trips in with the same problem - so frustrating!! I am still continually interrupted in my sewing by this issue and also the “retread top thread” message even though it looks fine. These are only a few of the issues. It’s been 2 years now so I’m thinking of getting another one but hesitate because I know I’ll lose money in the deal. You’ve given me the incentive to go looking for something that isn’t so frustrating!
Sorry you’ve had the same struggles! Hope you find a machine you love soon!
smallat Sewing is supposed to be enjoyable and productive. When your fiddling with a machines mechanics it is no longer fun. Bernina needs to FIX their issues before selling their machines for high costs.
Thank you so much for your honesty! I considered a Bernina, but decided against it due to the price and the fact that it had a front loading bobbin. It seems as if dealers push them a lot; possibly due to the markup. I have a friend who bought a new one and she too had problems with the bobbin. After watching this, I've decided to keep my Janome 6500 which has a 9" throat space.
Thanks for watching! Enjoy your Janome!
Aunt Mayme Your are right dealers and TH-cam sewists really push the Bernina. It is very expensive considering the parts a labor for yearly checkups.
Thank you ! Your honesty about your topic is so refreshing!
Thanks so much!
I have a Bernina 770 QE. I bought at least 5 years ago and I had to buy the upgrade in order to get the foot recognition. A lot of your issues are learning curves .., usually leaving the bobbin door open causes the bobbin 🧵 empty.
I love mine but I had to learn a lot of things in order for it to function probably.
Bernina does require routine maintenance.
Yes I definitely didn’t spend enough time learning it!
I agree there is a big learning curve with the Bernina 770 plus QE. My previous machine was a Janome MC 12000, which I kept for embroidery. I have no regrets with either machine.
I am so sorry to hear about your trouble with Bernina. I've been seeing the new models from vendors who are at Bernina University and gosh they are gorgeous! A while ago I purchased a Viking floor model and had nothing but problems with it. I learned, after the sale, that someone knocked it hard while it was embroidering. I had too many issues with it even after the shop "fixed" it and now own Brother and Janome machines. Both brands are awesome. I hope you enjoy your new purchase!
Thanks! Shame about that Viking but good you’ve got some you like now!
I had a New Home (Janome) that I bought about 30/40 years ago and it was so awful I rarely sewed because I got so frustrated with the constant jamming. When I retired I developed a sudden unexpected interest in quilting and bought a Juki TL machine (straight stitch only) and I was immediately in love. So reliable and strong. NEVER any issues. Then I got into bag making and then clothes and of course I needed a machine that could do buttonholes and zigzag etc and brought out the old Newhome and realised what absolute rubbish it was and went and bought a Bernina 570 with all the bells and whistles. While it’s a good machine it still gets me frustrated sometimes and I’ve never loved it like the Juki and it only gets used for those buttonholes etc.
Good video 👍
Thanks! So many people love their Jukis! I’ve never tried one but hopefully one day!
I am so happy to find your channel. Hello from Detroit, Michigan, USA. I am a long-time Janome New Home MC4000 owner. I have had it for 26 years. It has worked hard over the years, but I never enjoyed sewing on it. I thought it was just me. I am a 50-year plus sewer. I know my way around a sewing machine. I sewed on a manual Kenmore for 20 years before the Janome. Janome always seemed to be having tension and stitch quality issues. It didn't like to sew through what I call normal thickness hems on pants. I had to go very slowly over blue jean hems and pray it made the journey without bogging down. It also needed leaders when I started to sew thin fabrics. I sewed mostly home decor projects on it, but when I started to work on quilting cotton, the frustration grew with it. After two years of research and watching hours of TH-cam videos, I bought a Babylock Brilliant. So far, so good. I jumped right in to see what this machine could tackle. I made bowl cozies using multiple thicknesses of batting and cotton and bulky seams. I used a walking foot, too! Not one moment of frustration was to be had. I fell in love with this machine. I loved your analogy of a car suiting its owner. I own a Jeep and love it. This Babylock machine feels right at home with me. I hope this love affair continues. My dealer is a Babylock ambassador educator and quilt shop owner, so I feel I am in good hands with her. The Brilliant tackled thick seams without any issues. No bobbin jams or missed stitches! I didn't dare try making bowl cozies on my Janome NH MC 4000. Thank you for your honest analysis of the trials and tribulations of buying something new and dealing with the issues we sometimes face after a well thought out purchase becomes a nightmare. Now, I could tell you a gas stove story. That is off-topic, but I feel your pain. Good ending, I got a better stove after getting a no hassle return and have been happy ever since. Happy sewing!
So glad you found a machine you love! I have heard loads of good things about Babylocks but they don’t sell them in the U.K. so they were never an option for me.
I bought a one year old 770qe. And have felt the exact same way you have. I kept trying to love it, but find it takes way more of my time fussing with it than I can tolerate. I am on the search for a different machine. With a decent throat space. Thanks for putting into words how I feel about my Bernina.
Good luck on your search and sorry you are in the same boat!
I had a Bernina B770QE and I sold it within a year of buying it brand new - OUCH! It was very tempremental and gave me no end of trouble. There were some features that I really liked and still miss such as the dual feed and the jumbo bobbin, but I had endless problems with the top thread and bobbin thread sensors and I didn't like the 9mm feed dogs at all. I then bought an ex-disply Baby Lock Crescendo and it is a fabulous machine. However, I now live in Spain and Baby Lock sewing machines are unknown here and I can't find anyone to service it. With Baby Lock you're not supposed to even oil it yourself! So, I now have a Bernina B485 and I really love it and have bonded with it. It has 4.5mm feed dogs and stitches beautifully. It doesn't have nearly as many of the fancy features as the B770QE, but you learn to live without them. For example there is no way to lower and raise the presser foot other than with the lever at the back. I don't mind this though as it is more akin to sewing on vintage machines, of which I have a few. The B770QE is a monster of a machine and I like that the B485 is more compact but still has a decent harp size. At the time I was having trouble with the B770QE, I couldn't find anyone to agree with me that it had issues and just supposed I had bought a dud. When I stumbled across your video, I just had to write a response.
Thanks for commenting! Sorry you struggled with yours too. Great that you found two other machines to love. I know what you mean about babylocks in Europe. I’m in Scotland and although I hear great things about them I don’t see them sold anywhere so couldn’t consider one unfortunately.
Oh my gosh! Yes! I have a Bernina serger that NEVER gave me a good stitch. The excuses were varied and endless but never the machine’s fault. After countless hours and dollars spent, we’ve broken up. I brought my Babylock Victory home about a month ago and we are soulmates. I love my vintage Bernina sewing machine, but the learning curve on the new ones seem so daunting.
At least we aren’t alone! Well done making a change!
@@brendasullivan7553 Baby Lock sergers are the biz. I have the Acclaim and it amazing!
Totally understand. I have sewn on a Pfaff for years and then bought a Bernina 570. Fortunately, after a year a friend bought it from me and loves it. It was way too fiddley, hated oiling it, didn’t like needing a header, and the dual feed is nothing like the Pfaff IDT. I now am the happy owner of a Pfaff 7570 and Pfaff Quilt Ambition 630.
Definitely different machines suit different folk! Hope you’ll accept me into the Pfaff club 😀!
I have been using a Bernina 570 for 8 years and love it! Sewn numerous double quilts, blinds and about 14 prs of enormous lined curtains. I wonder what you find fiddly about it? I have never used a header - with this or any other machine! Also, I expect to oil a sewing machine, I feel I am keeping it in good order and actually like doing it. What I find amazing is how different we all are! I didnn like the IDT
with my old Pfaff, but find the dual feed with the Bernina just as good. I don't like the stitch regular though, and prefer to free machine quilt without it, as have always done.
I sewed exclusively on Bernina machines for 25 years, so when I wanted a new machine I went to my local Bernina dealer. I was fully prepared to purchase a new machine that day. However, I was very disappointed in the attitude of the dealer and the amount they would give me on my trade in. Now mind you I had purchased the machine new from them so they knew the machine inside and out. I left the store and started my research. I ended up with a Pfaff Performance Icon. I absolutely love it. It does everything I need. The throat space is great, I can sew through many layers of fabric and it’s loaded with features. I’m not a huge fan of the top loading bobbin but I’ve gotten used to it over time.
Glad you found a machine you love!
Omg!! I totally have the same issues with my 770QE I bought the Tula Pink Edition so I have almost had it 3 years and I have spent almost 2000.00 dollars in repairs! I’m so unhappy and frustrated with it! You have just validated my frustrations. I had a New home by Janome it was my first expensive machine and I sewed on it for 25 plus years and never spent money in repairs or even had it serviced and like you said the constant oiling excetra . Thank you for validating my frustration I am now going to buy the brand new Janome!! Happy sewing on your Phaff!!
Sorry you had the same problems but it definitely isn’t just you! Plenty of people in the comments have had similar struggles. Good luck with whatever machine you choose!
Thank you for your video. I watched simply quilts and they used a Bernina. I bought a Pfaff creative 7570 and never had a problem with it. You just made me feel better about my machine. The one thing I wish it had was an automatic thread cutter. I bought mine in 2003.
Thanks! And yeah for feeling better about your machine!
Thank you for your honest and, I feel, important critique of your experience. I didn't buy a display, but I did buy a recently traded in Janome. Only about a year old, so still rather pricey. It was horrible, and I learned why the original owner traded it in. It was simply a lemon. Bit by bit, everything malfunctioned, until the repair shop said it just wasn't fixable. The store offered me credit for the amount that I'd spent trying to fix the machine, but I feel they should have bought back the un-usable machine that they unloaded on me. I've since bought another used Janome, but off of Facebook Market Place this time, and I love it. It's a dream machine. The store where I got the lemon should never have sold me the ill-running machine. BTW, I also have a small-ish Pfaff because I wanted to try the dual-feed. It's the only machine that I've purchased new, and it's been a steadfast work horse.
Gosh so many stories from folk of machines gone wrong! Didn’t realise it was so common. Glad you have some good machines now!
I have the QE 570 . There is a bobbin issue as I have discovered! But I have learnt to avoid the hiccups . It is a great machine I enjoy using it.
Glad you found one that fits you. I also I have a paff and love it.
I think it is all about confidence level and what to expect from a high performance machine. It is fantastic that you are able to share. Enjoy your new paff!
Glad you like yours! And yes I think expectations had a lot to do with it!
Vally Wills I was offered a used Bernina 570 QE but realize now that the problem with a bobbin is not something I want to deal with. It gives me an easier choice. Thank you for your honest comment
This was so interesting. I had an exact same experience as you did with Bernina. I bought a Bernina 770QE in July of 2020 and sold it in July of 2021. It was so frustrating to use with constant stoppage by different sensors going off, warning the top thread is out whereas I can see my spool right there in front of me! Mine was a brand new, never been used before but with so many problems, I spent more time trouble shooting and watching “Bernina Jeff” on TH-cam than getting any sewing done and I’ve been quilting for over 20 years. Same as you I wanted to have the even feed foot and the stitch regulator but I ended up getting so frustrated that it wasn’t worth my time anymore.
Sorry you had the same issues. We definitely shouldn’t be spending our time troubleshooting when we just want to sew!
Thank you for this video! I currently have a Janome 4300 and I’m currently searching for a new or gently used machine with at least 10” of throat space, accufeef and/or dual feed, hover, and a machine that can handle thick projects (bags, quilts, but also handle garment sewing).
The Janome 9410, 9450, 9480 and M6 are on my radar. (Cost comparisons and availablity of Elna’s twin versions 780+ and 792)of these machines are also in my search my search I ‘test drove’ a Bernina 770 qe and fell in love with how smooth, straight, and quietly the 770 worked. Yet, the interface is confusing and it has so much more than I need! There was a used more affordable Bernina 740 but the interface is the same. It’s time to try the Juki TL 18, which is only 8.5” from the needle but the throat has greater height and has high visibility of the needle. If only sewing manufacturers could create a simplify machines with wide throats without pushing us into luxury versions. Technology becomes obsolete so quickly. (This makes me think back to my iPhone 6s, that I loved and then it no longer worked because it wouldn’t update the newest iOS anymore. )
Sounds like you are doing the research I should have when I was looking 😀. But yes I feel like less complex machines with larger throat space would be appreciated by many!
I have three Berninas and there is a learning curve. The most important feature for me is dealer support and owners classes. They made it all easier to learn the various machines. I wish you success with your new machine.
Thank you! I didn’t know enough of what I didn’t know to look for classes if that makes sense!
@@ScrapFabricLove classes were offered when I bought my machines. I have been sewing since junior high but each machine is different. I sewed on a Sears Kenmore machine for 30 years before moving up to embroidery machines.
I bought a Bernina 740 and am in the Remorseful Buyers Club. I paid too much for it not to keep on struggling. This machine is finicky, picky and a pain in the patootie. It stops working and gives the error messages you mentioned when it somehow manages to get a teeny bit of thread in the bobbin/hook area, involving the whole thing to have to come out, get cleaned, oiled and reassembled at least once during every project. Even with the straight stitch throat plate it eats the beginning bit of the piecing fabric, more taking the plate off and cleaning it out and sometimes it’s managed to jam up the bobbin thread, it drinks oil like an oilaholic, doesn’t notify me if my bobbin thread is running out, the bobbin winder had to be replaced in the first year, the needle threader and thread cutter stopped working in the second year. I spend at least fifteen minutes troubleshooting for every couple of hours of sewing. And the zipper foot doesn’t get anywhere near close enough to the edge of cording or zippers. I have to wind bobbins at a snails pace, otherwise the thread compresses the bobbin, which changes the shape and it won’t work in the bobbin holder. The $900 BSR stopped working and had to be replaced, luckily at their expense,but it took six months to get it in. I could go on. I would trade it in if I could get anything for it. My dealer is fantastic, but I wish I’d gone for a cheaper machine every time I use it. Btw, when its cooperating, its the best machine in the world.
That all sounds too familiar! Sorry you’ve had these issues too. I agree when it was working it was fine but it just didn’t work far too often for me! Hope you get less errors going forward!
I also had a Bernina and sold it after about a year. I bought it because I had heard/read so many rave reviews about Bernina's and I was due for a new machine. I just never bonded with that machine. I couldn't get over the price for what you got. Then, on my 70th birthday, I decided I wanted a new machine. I bought a Janome fully loaded and it was the worse machine I ever had. It would not go over crossed seams without bogging down and practically stopping. There were other issues, too, so it went back. I recently was talked into another Janome (9450) and I've struggled to like it. I'd sell it if I could. I'm a Brother/Baby Lock gal and haven't liked anything else. They have served me well for many years. I think I'm done try out machines :)
Stick with what you love! I’ve heard good things about Baby Locks but they don’t sell them so much over here.
I have owned Baby Lock sewing machines and sergers for over 22 years and they are simply amazing!!!
I just recently bought my third Baby Lock-- one I gave to my granddaughter, and this recent one is an upgrade for my old faithful, which is now my standby machine. Baby Locks are great machines and lovely to use. And the Baby Lock dealer gives great support as well.
I have heard good things but they don’t seem to sell them here in the U.K.
@@ScrapFabricLove They are re-badged Brother machines, with possibly some Baby lock specific modifications.
I have a Viking Epic 2, a Bernina 790 Swarovski edition and a Bernina L890 overlocker,serger, cover stitch combo. Honestly, I having sewn on a Vikings since 1998, they are easy to use. BUT, BUT!!!! There is nothing like sewing on a Bernina. They are different, a little more complex but they are the Rolls Royce of machines. I love my Bernina’s. Classes, classes and practice have encouraged me to keep using my 790 and L890. Having an incredible dealer is also a huge benefit. Bernina has so many tutorials and so does You Tube. If you have a Bernina, don’t give up. Read, watch everything you can find on your particular model, use it as much as you can, it’s a learning curve. Keep trying and become very familiar with it and your machine will indeed love you back! Remember you must tell the machine which foot and plate you have on, if you have the wrong plate on, for some stitches, the machine will not stitch. It’s most often user error than a problem with the machine. I would not hesitate to purchase another Bernina in the future. I hope this helps sewists and quilters not to be disappointed or give up.
I am sure they are great for a lot of people. I only started quilting during the pandemic so I think for me jumping to a machine that needed so much learning (and me not understanding that it needed that much learning) was part of the problem. I’m happy you haven’t had the same problems as me! Happy sewing!
Can’t wait to hear about your Pfaff. I’m so glad you talked about the Bernina. My friend has an 880, and it loves going into the shop! I’ve watched the Pfaff on Love of Quilting, and it made me think I probably don’t need to set my sights on Bernina!
Thanks! I’ll wait until I’ve use it longer but I’ll do a review in a while.
Candi If you lucky enough to have a dealer close by go and try it for about an hour or so they are usually good about letting people try the floor models. Bring samples of stuff you sew and the stitch quality then decide if you absolutely want a Bernina.
@@mightymouse2098 Thanks. Good idea. I do have some good options for "trial runs."
I have had Bernini’s for over forty years. They have all been wonderful except for one model. I learned not to by a new model with something really different on it fight after the model is introduced. I bought a 780QE after the were first released. There was problems with the huge new bobbin that they were unaware of. There was a long back order time for getting the replacement parts to replace the defective bobbin parts. There was also issues with the thread spool that was horizontal, especially when using embroidery thread when doing embroidery. So I ended up trading my 780 in for a 880 and loved it. No more problems at all. There is a learning curve but with the proper education at the beginning I had no more problems. From looking at the year that you bought your 770 I would say two things. One is that I would never buy a machine that had been a floor model for four years. The second thing is that I think that from when the 770 was released and when you bought it after it was used as a demo in a stop for four years, that there is a good chance that the machine you bought was one that was from soon after that model was released to the market to the other thing that is crucial in how you will enjoy your machine besides education is the dealership. I always bought my machines from a really good dealership. It had been in business since the early 1960’s and was still family owned even to this day. The men who service and repair the machines are family members that have bern doing that service as long as the family has owned the shop. They know everything about every model from education from all those years and know what they are doing. The last thing that is very important is the integrity of the people owning and running the shop. We moved to a different county at one point. I took a class at the bernina dealership in that county and they were so impressed with my sewing skills that they wanted to hire me to work in their shop. I worked there a short while. I found out that they did not have the integrity that the owners of the previous shop had. They would sell a machine and if someone returned it they would consider it a brand new machine like out of an unopened box and it was certainly not. The machine wasn’t brand new it had been used for awhile. It was not a brand new machine out of an unopened box and who knows how it had been treated and what kind of problems it could have. When I found that out I quit. After that I always drove down to the other shop in the other county to buy my machines. Sounds like you had bad shops that you dealt with. Your machine will not be better than the integrity of the shop owners and service people. Sorry to hear about your negative experience with two different shops. The Bernini’s really are good machines. The best models are still put together in their Switzerland plant not Thailand.
I had a machine I absolutely loved and traded it in on a much fancier machine, different brand. Very soon, I regretted my decision and went back to the store to get my old machine back but it was gone. Eventually, I found another machine like my old one and sold the new, fancy machine at a big loss. I still have my old machine and a spare, 30 years later, and made a quilt with it today. I can relate to the embarrassment of making an expensive mistake and not liking something everyone else is crazy about. You either work together with your machine or you fuss at each other so pick the one you get along with.
Exactly that! Glad you have a good one!
angelroost I was looking at a 570QUE used but after reading this I realized that until I can sit for a few hours and sew on it I would not buy it. I don't like machines that are to touchy. If it doesn't sew what I need the cost is wasted money.