Bernia Bobbins
#1
![Default](/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Do you gals with Bernias always use Bernia Bobbins? A friend told me she bought some that looked the same at Walmart and they work fine.... afraid to try.... suggestions?
comments??
comments??
#3
![Default](/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I use ones that were purchased at Wal-Mart...just took mine along to make sure they were the right size. Doesn't cause any problems. I've also ordered them from eBay in 50 bobbins for both my Bernina and my Brother. Why??? I went to a sewing center and they were charging such prices for these Bernina and Brother bobbins.
#4
![Default](/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I'm with you--afraid to try. I'm not a risk taker when it comes to my Bernina. I purchase Bernina bobbins from the dealer when they have a special. Doing this piecemeal over the years has allowed me to collect a sufficient number of them for all my different projects.
#5
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
![Default](/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I have tried to use only Bernina bobbins in my Bernina machine. Just don't want any expensive repairs down the line.
I think I got some off eBay years ago, though, and they may be similar to the Walmart ones. What I noticed is that the expensive Bernina bobbins from the dealership have little knobs on the central post that grab the thread when you first start winding; the other ones have a smooth central post similar to other bobbins. Both work just fine in my machine, and I didn't notice the difference until several years later. When I purchased off eBay, I got enough so that I will probably never need to buy bobbins again!
Edit: I just went into my sewing drawer and found the two different bobbins. Comparing them side by side, I see that there are manufacturing differences. The one I think is original, with the knobs on the central post, has a more distinct rim around the inner circle, no notch in the inner circle, and 7 holes. The one with the smooth center post has less of an inner rim, a notch in the rim (on both sides), and 10 holes that are smaller than the other bobbin. To be honest, I've never noticed a difference in stitch quality between the two. When I have a choice, I usually pick the one with the knobs as I think it catches the thread better when I start to wind a bobbin.
I think I got some off eBay years ago, though, and they may be similar to the Walmart ones. What I noticed is that the expensive Bernina bobbins from the dealership have little knobs on the central post that grab the thread when you first start winding; the other ones have a smooth central post similar to other bobbins. Both work just fine in my machine, and I didn't notice the difference until several years later. When I purchased off eBay, I got enough so that I will probably never need to buy bobbins again!
Edit: I just went into my sewing drawer and found the two different bobbins. Comparing them side by side, I see that there are manufacturing differences. The one I think is original, with the knobs on the central post, has a more distinct rim around the inner circle, no notch in the inner circle, and 7 holes. The one with the smooth center post has less of an inner rim, a notch in the rim (on both sides), and 10 holes that are smaller than the other bobbin. To be honest, I've never noticed a difference in stitch quality between the two. When I have a choice, I usually pick the one with the knobs as I think it catches the thread better when I start to wind a bobbin.
Last edited by Prism99; 04-13-2014 at 11:08 AM.
#8
Power Poster
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Southern California
Posts: 19,127
![Default](/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I use only Bernina Bobbins and bought them when they were on sale at JAF. I was surprised, but they were factory made with the tiny diamond cut on the inside with Bernina stamped inside. Don't know if they are still being sold but compared them with the original bobbin and they were a match.
#9
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Western North Carolina
Posts: 1,431
#10
![Default](/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I use ones that were purchased at Wal-Mart...just took mine along to make sure they were the right size. Doesn't cause any problems. I've also ordered them from eBay in 50 bobbins for both my Bernina and my Brother. Why??? I went to a sewing center and they were charging such prices for these Bernina and Brother bobbins.
I also order the ones in a package of 50 off of ebay with the tiny diamond cut centers. I always pick a seller who has a good reputation with all positive feed back. I am saving a LOT of $$$ without any problems. Most sellers offer 100% guarantee and free return if not satisfied. I also just ordered a great free motion foot with an open toe off of ebay and can't wait to start FMQing with it.
I did order prewound bobbins from Superior. Even though they said they would work with Bernina, I found they do not work well on my Bernina Artista 200. So, I will use them on my other machines and try them on my 70s Bernina. Our machines can be a little picky at times. LOL
![Big Grin](https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images/smilies/biggrin.png)
![Big Grin](https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images/smilies/biggrin.png)
![Big Grin](https://cdn.quiltingboard.com/images/smilies/biggrin.png)
Last edited by SewExtremeSeams; 04-13-2014 at 01:10 PM.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post