PFaff versus Bernina
#61
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When I first bought a sewing machine I was looking at Pfaff or Bernina. I decided for the Pfaff due to the IDT. 15 years later I am a Pfaff lover and would not trade it for any other brand. I have upgraded and kept the first one. Just recently I bought a used Creative Vision and was only embroidering with it until I used for free motion. I couldn't believe the difference. It is like overnight I acquired a skill that didn't have.
Good luck. I think that the only opinions you should value are those coming from people that have both machines because test driving a machine for 10 minutes doesn't really show you the potential.
I think the best advise is to ensure you have a good customer service for the machine you buy.
andrea
Good luck. I think that the only opinions you should value are those coming from people that have both machines because test driving a machine for 10 minutes doesn't really show you the potential.
I think the best advise is to ensure you have a good customer service for the machine you buy.
andrea
#62
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 504
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I have a Bernina 430 and a Pfaff Quilt Expression 4.0. The Bernina seems to just sew, not many issues. Never really had to adjust tension too much with it. I have finally conquered my Pfaff and enjoy FMQ with it. It took me quite a while to warm up to her. I love the extra room with the Pfaff, that was the main reason I bought it. That being said, I wished I would have bought a Sweet Sixteen for FMQ. My Bernina lives in the closet........
#64
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Central NY
Posts: 859
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I love my new Janome 7700 with it's 11" harp. I also bought a new Bernina 710 a month ago and it has been in the shop for over a week now because the bobbin case with bobbin inside are jammed in the machine and I cannot get them out. Three others report the same problem. I can't imagine this happening on a drop in bobbin. There have been lots of problems reported with the new 700 series Bernina's. In addition they have some new design features that are peculiar. I'm not sure you get what you pay for anymore with Bernina machines.
#65
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Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Central NY
Posts: 859
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Candace is right.
No Berninas are made in China. Your tech is bad mouthing competition to make a sale. Plain and simple. Or he's ignorant of the World map and atlas. LOL. The last time I looked, a factory in Thailand is not in China. It's sad when people lie and make gossip to try to make their product look better. Yes, the TOL Bernina machines are still made in Switzerland. And they can still screw them up in Switzerland just as well as those in China;> And some of the machines are now made in the Bernina owned factory in Thailand. And no, I'm not a Bernina groupie. As stated previously, my TOL machine has not been my best decision. Place of origin is a consideration, but there are many other things to consider when spending a huge amount of money. For sure, if people feed me garbage as fact, I don't put any weight in their recommendations.
And I agree with other posters. There are more than two sewing machine manufacturers on the market...
And I agree with other posters. There are more than two sewing machine manufacturers on the market...
#66
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Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Central NY
Posts: 859
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My 1 month old Bernina 710 has been in the shop for a week because the bobbin case with that huge bobbin is stuck in it. This has happened to two others that I know of. I can't get used to the push button presser foot either. I'm starting to regret my purchase. There have been lots of problems with this new 700 series.
#67
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Whatever you do, be sure to try out many machines. That is what I did. I ended up with a Pfaff Expression 2.0 and I love it. I have been quilting 3 years but sewing 55 years. I love the wide throat, the built in walking foot, and the drop in bobbin. There is no way to put the bobbin in backwards, something I always did in my New Home machine, which is the machine I had before I bought the Pfaff. I still have the old machine, but it feels like a toy compared to my Pfaff....and it is noisy. My Pfaff isn't.
Enjoy the hunt!!
Dina
Enjoy the hunt!!
Dina
#68
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Hampstead N.C.
Posts: 1,870
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I would love a machine with a 10 inch harp. I have a Bernina that is about 14 years old and love it. I don't have that nice space though. Have you considered just buying a straight stitch machine with a nice size harp. Janome makes one. I don't own it but thought that might be nice as my Bernina does everything else so nicely.
#69
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Maryland
Posts: 539
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I'm a Pfaff girl, but I know some Bernina lovers who wouldn't consider any other brand. Go figure. I guess I'd suggest you test, test, test out your options. I'd also make sure you have great dealer service. I think every now and then, there's a lemon in the bunch regardless of what brand you choose, so knowing you have a good dealer in your corner is important.
#70
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Norfolk, VA
Posts: 5,397
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I don't believe this is correct. Pfaff used to be made in Germany, not Sweden. Viking used to be made in Sweden but both Viking and Pfaff merged with Singer to create SVP which are now manufactured in China.
Bernina bought a factory in Thailand to produce some of their lower end machines. The TOL machines are still made in Switzerland.
I own the new 830 and if I could turn back time, I'd buy a longarm instead...
Bernina bought a factory in Thailand to produce some of their lower end machines. The TOL machines are still made in Switzerland.
I own the new 830 and if I could turn back time, I'd buy a longarm instead...
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EvelynAnita
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
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09-16-2012 07:48 AM