read the reviews, quite a few cuties own them.

Good luck dear - anytime you get a machine - one of the 1st things you need to do - is make sure you are close to the dealer - for repairs and help. *4U

I have a Bernina 630, and I like it, but even more I like the dealer who services it. He bends over backwards to take good care of the machines he sells. That to me, is the most important aspect. Check your area for dealers who are user friendly, and buy from them.

One more thing. If I ever upgrade, I will look for larger hoop size, auto threading, and multi needles. Changing thread gets to be a pain.

I have the Bernina Artista 730 and agree with the other Cuties re the dealer. And if in America, check out the brand new Brother(10 needle)

I have a 830 , 440, 180, and ovelocker love them all , I have great service not that I have any problems with ine I do clean oil and have them serviced when they need it , they are all looked after very well .I would only have Bernina .

Another item to look at is what format does the machine use and how easy is it to get designs in that format. I have only Babylock machines. They are user friendly, workhorses and use pes format. This is 1 of the most common formats used. The Babylock serger has jet air threading. They are the easiest and quickest sergers to thread of any serger.

I know this is going to sound silly, but..... First make sure you have a good dealer 'after the sale'. My local dealer is quite a snob and unwilling to help you if you didn't buy from her. Second check where you will have the machine. My only complaint when I was shopping for my new baby was the bobbin. I didn't like having to insert the bobbin from 'under' the machine, I prefer a drop in, hence my decision. They are great machines, I think all high end machines are, its just like some people like chevy some like ford. Just check the little things that would get on your nerves. Hope this helps a little without sounding mean.

i have a 430, 730, 830 & 2 sergers. each of the machines has its own quirky thing..430 makes bobbin thread nests, 730 was replaced by dealer because i never finshed 1 project on it, but the replacement has been fine. the 830 is just a new bunch of "learning curves" but i don't like the thread tension & putting the bobbin in for embroidering takes time, patience and a bottle of wine!! and oh yes the little dental mirror to see under the hook system. make sure you TRUST your dealer and ask LOTS of questions! get the $$ on anything that you might want to add on because the software can be expensive. good luck.

No matter what brand you select - be sure the dealer is within yelling distance. Also the top loading bobbin is better than putting it underneath. I am on my second BabyLock Embroidery, never a problem. Also I have the BabyLock Serger with that jet air threading which makes it a breeze. Be sure to take the time and sit down in the store to absolutely make sure you comprehend, that is most important. Good Luck on your choice.

I was a Bernina snob before and would have liked the Artista Embroidery machine,but I already extended my budget and could only get the Brother.
My best sewing machine bernina 730E bought 1973 has never needed a service and it always being used.I do have also the bernette overlock 334D ( never serviced) And the Bernina 450S.
I love BERNINA
From Bev

I have the 200 that I bought in 2001. I love this machine and it will probable be the only machine I will ever own because of my age and my cancer. The 200 was replaced by the 730. I have a good dealer who even brings it too me when it is cleaned. The machine has never had anything fixed on it. Like every thing you may find a lemon so talked to some of the customers in the store and ask about their machines and the dealer.

I Love the Viking Topaz Machine I changed to. I had a Brothers , but then they wouldn't help me with my machine at all. It was what I would classify a Lemon from day one. The Company Didn't care when my motherboard blew up 2 weeks past warranty.
I love the Viking machine.
Go to your dealers and ask them if you can sew on them for a few minutes. If they say NO you don't want to deal with that machine(because thats the dealer)
GOOD LUCK on your hunt

Hi I'd like to help you I'm a Berni's lover. Please visit my blog and you'll know it. www.cosiendoparches.blogspot.com
god luck!

I LOVE MY BABYLOCK, BEST MACHINE EVER !!!

I have a basic Bernina. It was a gift, so I didn't have to choose. My dealers are the BEST! They answer every question I have, offer helpful classes (many of them free), and treat me like I have their best machine, not their smallest.

Thanks Cuties, there is lots of advice here which I have found useful. Sadly it is not always possible to live near a dealer. But on the bright side a 2 hour drive apart from east which would leave me very wet there is a choice, depending where I go

I have a Bernina 640 and I love it! I also have the very small 220 for just sewing. My friend has a sewing business in her home and uses an older model Bernina. She is so busy she rarely takes time to clean and oil her machine and in the 20+ years she has had it, it's only needed to be in the shop once! That is what sold me! Good Luck with whatever machine you decide to buy.