Anyone have ANY comments about the Bernina 780 or 830. Pro/Con ? I see a lot regarding Brother or Babylock's. Just wondering. Stella

I think that the most important think about buying any machine is the service and support you can get from the shop you buy it from. I started taking my Bernina to the Viking dealer for service because the poor support I got from the Bernina shop. Recently, the Bernina shop changed hands and it has improved greatly. What I like best about the Berninas I have is that the bobbins hold so much thread. You can stitch for a long time before running out of bobbin thread. I also like that I don't have to remove the hoop or sewing project to change the bobbin thread.

The problem with Bernina for me personally, is everything you need is exclusive to Bernina...nothing generic can be utilized..and to buy all feet and accessories that are Bernina is very expensive...not to mention the premium price for the machine...

3 comments

by marthie 15 Jan 2013

Just get the right shank and use other pressure feet

by sandyqueen 15 Jan 2013

I shop Ebay for feet and bobbins or use my dealer 25% off coupon. I also have the shank mentioned above and several feet.

by pennyhal 15 Jan 2013

I have the shank adapter for my Bernina and have no trouble using other brand's feet.

You need to be aware that Bernina has an older 830 machine(before the embroidery machines. Don't be fooled by the bobbins for the older machine, or the presser feet.

Sandyqueen

1 comment

by sandyqueen 15 Jan 2013

Just a note my 180 and 730 take the same bobbin. The 830 uses a different bobbin.

Sandyqueen

I have a 630 and a 180 that I have had since 2000 and love them both The dealer I deal with is wonderful he will set with you and explain everything would love the 830 maybe someday. But they are all great machines and love the dealers never had a problem with it they could not fix. Or dealer also gives us a great discount when we go to classes.

I have a 630 and a 180 that I have had since 2000 and love them both The dealer I deal with is wonderful he will set with you and explain everything would love the 830 maybe someday. But they are all great machines and love the dealers never had a problem with it they could not fix. Or dealer also gives us a great discount when we go to classes.

I have a 630 and a 220 and I love them. However, I feel abandoned by Bernina when it comes to the 630. They have discontinued the 630 series and are not supporting them anymore. I think I may look elsewhere for my next machine, maybe a brother.

Are you planning to treat yourself?

I have the 185ME and a Bernina Nova from the 80's. Great machines. I drool over the 830 but I don't know that I will ever have the budget for that machine. Would grab it in a heartbeat if I did. I'm a big Bernina fan.

Pros? Stitch options and regularity, embroidery design editing options (also some great ones on the 185), design transfer options, stitch regulator, so many options but easy to use. Like a good computer or off road truck, it allows you to set the parameters you prefer and it will do whatever you ask. Also, the size of the throat is great for huge designs or quilting. Not sure why I listed that last, as I find it an important item.

Cons? Big machine, with a big footprint. Cost. I was unaware of the bobbin size issue, but since I find buying supplies at the dealer (such as bobbins, needles, thread, etc.) are priced the same or better than the big chain craft and fabric stores, I don't see that as a problem. That's just me, though. I don't know the cost of extra feet with other machines, but sometimes I cringe with the Bernina. It comes with so many, though, when you buy the machine that it just depends on how many things you want to do that aren't already built into this machine and package.

Fabulous machine!! IMO, anyway.

I looked into the 830. It is an awesome machine! It has some drawbacks too though. The bobbin is much larger but that means it is only sold at dealers. I have heard of some issues with threading the bobbin. One salesperson said you get the same thing for less with the Brother but they are not the same. One day -- I will own an 830 and love every minute of it!

Never heard of 780. I have a 180E and a 730E. Love both of them. My sister has an 830 but not embroidery. She quilts and think BSR is the draw plus the longer throat area(distance from needle to head of machine). I have had Berninas since my 1130 sometime about 1980. They have had only annual maintenance. I like having built in stitches, 9mm stitch width, knee lift, threader, thread cutter on730, wind bobbins while sewing on 730. Go to dealer and ask for demo, they are wonderful machines and the Bernina Stitch Regulator (BSR) is really handy after you practice a lot.

Sandyqueen

sorry, I have the 630, but I love it.

1 comment

by nhsmith55 14 Jan 2013

I love mine, too!