Very expensive Bernina: Worth it?

19 years ago

DH, who doesn't sew, picked up my old Bernina that was in for service at a sewing shop. The salesperson who helped him was sewing on a Bernina that cost about $6500. He cannot remember the model number, but he was blown away by the variety of stitches and the quilting the thing seemed to be doing on its own. My machine is an 830, I do all my quilting by hand, and I make a lot of window treatments and bedding items for my own home, as well as tabletop linens. Does anyone know about these computerized Berninas? Are they worth it? Are they the top of the top for quilting and embroidery? Recommendations? Comments? What should I be asking if I go to shop for one of these?

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Comments (4)

keepeminstitches
19 years ago
I have two Berninas, an Artista 200E (E for embroidery) and an Activa 145 (back-up machine). Your DH may have been looking at the BSR (Bernina Stitch Regulator) that enables the free-hand quilter or thread painter to go as fast or as slowly as he/she wishes and still get uniform stitches. It's a great feature, and it is standard on the top-of-the-line model #730 (both straight and zig-zag), optional on other models, and can also be retro-fitted for the 200. I'm not a quilter, but I have used it, and it is a VERY nice feature. It uses infra-red technology, but it is a myth that the BSR cannot work on red fabric...it can and does. That being said, I wholeheartedly endorse the Bernina machines, love mine, and wouldn't hestitate to buy another. Other machines are good, too, and I can't bad-mouth any of them, but I'm a big Bernina fan.

Mary
msmeow
19 years ago
The top of the line sewing & embroidery machines all go for around $6000, I think. I have a mid-level Brother combo machine, and the last time I checked their top of the line was around $6000, and my friend paid around that for her new top of the line Viking machine, so if you're looking at Bernina's top machine that price doesn't sound out of line. If you're willing to give up your old machine they may take it as a trade-in.

Donna
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cmc_97
19 years ago
I have a top-of-the-line Pfaff, and the price range is in the same neighborhood.

Is it worth it? Depends what you want to do. The biggest feature of these high-end machines that you won't find elsewhere is the embroidery unit. I go hot and cold with the embroidery. It's fun, but I actually spend more time sewing and quilting.

If you think you can live without the embroidery unit, check the features highest-end model that does not include embroidery and see if that model will work for you.

Personally, I hate trading in my old machines. There is no sewing rule that says you can only own ONE machine. I had that conversation with a cabinet maker about why I have so many machines, didn't I only need one? I told him that different machines work especially well for different tasks. After all, he had more than one power tool, didn't he? End of discussion.

CMC
kitchendetective
Original Author
19 years ago
CMC, et al,
If you did not care about the embroidery capabilities, what machine(s), what machines would you recommend most highly? Especially for handling multiple layers of fabric. TIA!