flydonna51

I am hoping to upgrade from my Bernina 730 to one of the newer machines in the 500 series or the 700 series. I like that the 700's have a 10" work space, but I've heard the 790 (which I have a chance to buy) is just a version of the 770 that had lots of bugs. Plus I understand it's discontinued. At first the discontinuation bothered me, but I don't think either of my Berninas are for sale anymore - so what's the difference. I'd like to hear from people that have bought a new Bernina within the last 6 months or so and let me know what you got and if you like it, problems you have had, etc.

Also, is there a place on the Quiltingboard to post things for sale - like my 730 and the cabinet I have for it? My current cabinet won't fit any of the newer machines.

QuiltnNan

We have an Items for Sale but you have to qualify. go to Home and Scroll down to the Members Only... for the rules

IrishNY

I bought a 740 about 9 months ago. I love it and haven't had any problems at all.

Nashtah

I have a new 535 (picked up in April) and love it. I was able to try out a 770 for a good amount of time 25hours+ with my own projects and came to the conclusion I didn’t like the 9mm feed dog even with the dual feed but really liked the 5mm. The big thing lacking on the 535 are the nice embroidery features of the 590/790+ which would be really nice to have but for me 5mm feed dogs is a must feature so bernina has few options for me to be looking at.
if I get in to embroidery enough that th lacking features are a giant pain it is most likely time to be looking at a better embroidery machine anyways.

so if look I would write a list of must, would like and features to tryout in order to find your best compromise which maybe a bernina or not.

quiltedsunshine

The Bernina 790+ is my dream machine. I get to sell them where I work, but can't afford to buy one myself. We needed to make a pocket to hold rotary cutters, scissors and pens, for the store cutting tables. I made it out of denim and sewed 12 layers of denim without a hitch! The upgraded software is amazing and, yes, the bugs are worked out of it. One of my favorite features is the super wide decorative stitches that you get with side-ways feed. I love not having to lift the presser foot from behind, and I can start sewing without putting the presser foot down. I love the "hover" of the presser foot for applique. It has Bernina's "total stitch control," which means I can change any stitch. But I can also edit a stitch or combine stitches to make my own customized stitch. The BSR (Bernina Stitch Regulator) is so much better now, than when they first made it. I know Bernina had a hard start with the 7 Series. But they are on top of things now, and are making a better machine all around.

audsgirl

I bought a 570 last spring, to replace my 153. I thought the larger throat space, stitch regulator, dual feed, and better lighting would make quilting easier and more enjoyable. I was wrong. I don't like the 9mm feed dogs, especially as I will never do any machine embroidery. The learning curve is a lot steeper than for the 153. I feel intimidated by the technology. If I could sell it, I would.

Leslie

cathyre

I have a 790 , and it has been upgraed to 790+ , I just LOVE this machine ,I have sewn fo over 60 years and without
a doubt this is the best machine I have ever sewn on.

jmoore

I love my 770 and even though it took me months to decide if I wanted to spend the money on a Bernina, I have never regretted my decision.

breton girl

I have had my 770 for about 18 months and I love it! It stitches beautifully, no problems with tension. I have added the embroidery module about a month ago and I am having so much fun with it! I read on the machine embroidery sites people saying their various makes of machine doesn't like this or that make of thread or different makes of needles but my Bernina sews with any make of thread and needle.

grandma nurse

You that don’t care for the 9mm feed dog, I was wonder what is your reason. I’m looking at the new 480 and was thinking of going with it over the 475 QE because of the wider feed dog.