Need your suggestions for a new Bernina

[Linda H.]

Hello everyone, I'm interested in a Bernina for free motion quilting. I already own three embrodiery machines so needless to say I do not need another machine that does emb. I'm interested in hearing your experiences with Bernina and the free motion features. I'll appreciate your input good, or negative. Linda in Iowa

[Linda H.]

Well, Linda, it all depends on your budget. I have the 630 (without embroidery module) with the BSR (Bernina Stitch Regulator) and I absolutely love it. The touch screen makes it easier to use than the 440QE, but that machine does come standard with the BSR, so may make better economic sense if the BSR is what you're after. Having said all that, I've had a go on the 820 and it struck me as a 630 on steroids, so if you have the cash, the extra long arm will be invaluable for your free motion quilting. All Berninas are heavy, I do take my 630 to our quilting group every week without a problem, but I don't think the 820 would be portable.

Let us know what you decide, and enjoy whatever you do buy, I don't think you'll be disappointed with a Bernina

[Linda H.]

Thank you for your reply. Could you tell me a bit about the BSR? I understand it works best when stitching slowly. That doesn't worry me, but is it easy to attach to the machine and how well can you see where you are stitching?

[Liberata T.]

Unfortunately I could never get the BSR to work for me. So I traded the one I bought for the 630 AND the one that comes with the 830 in on the total price of my 830.

I absolutely loved my 630 but was a bit frustrated with scrunching up a quilt to free motion. I also really love the jumbo embroidery hoop accessory with the 830.

The 830 will not be going to classes. It is too heavy and it is a sewing computer with loads of sensors. While the construction of the 8 series is robust (which may account for its weight) I am not taking the chance of damage in transit. Others may disagree with me, but that's my opinion.

[Liberata T.]

I LOVE the BSR, but you're right, you do need to stitch at a moderate speed to get the best stitches. It's also important to reduce the foot pressure, I have no idea why this helps, but it does. I don't reduce stitch length, I know some people do, but I don't find it necessary.

It's very easy to plug in - once I was told the magic tip - there is a shiny clear semi-circle on the clip-on table that comes with the machine and when you look at it at the correct angle you can see a reflection of the green hole where you plug the BSR in. Prior to that I was virtually standing on my head to plug it in :lol: . You'll also get the reflection if you use the bigger quilting table, or just use a handheld mirror if you've got a different setup.

I only use my BSR with the foot pedal on the BSR1 setting, you're liable to get out of control or run over your fingers if you try the auto start/stop option, but this is personal preference and once you're used to it, you may prefer to switch to the auto mode. I like to have both hands on my work all the time, and the option I like also stops with the needle down.

The BSR also comes with three different foot options, a closed metal circle (like a darning foot), an open metal circle (the one I use) and a large clear plastic circle (like the big foot quilting foot). I'm sure you'll find one you like, as with all things Bernina, there has been a lot of thought put into the design and most people will find a combination they like (though obviously not Libbi :wink: ).

I think that's about covered it, but do ask if anything else occurs to you

[Linda H.]

Ladies, how do I say thank you enough! You've given me just what I was looking for. I sincerely appreciate both of you taking the time to answer me. I will go to the dealer and check this out for myself of course, but now I have more knowledge. The dealer I want to do business with is more than two hours from me and I wanted to understand the BSR just a little before going. Thank you both. Linda in freezing cold Iowa.

[Linda H.]

Have fun at the dealers Linda, and we look forward to hearing if you've succumbed . Take a few of your own fabric/wadding samples, the dealers usually have fabric that they know machines stitch well on, but you need to make sure it works for what you like.

[Barbara B.]

You should also know there is a Bernina sale right now that ends soon I think that gives you the BSR for free with the 630--that's why I went for the 630 over the 440. Happy Shopping!

[Barbara L.]

I agree with the 830 gals if you can afford the 820 go for it. I switched from the Husqvarvna to Bernina last year & have never regretted it. The BSR took me about an hour to master.

I would not take the 800 series out of the house either so I bought a 430 for classes as I already had the BSR & walking foot. I use all 3 feet depending on the project.

[Barbara L.]

I've been BSR-ing this afternoon and just thought of something else I should have mentioned - if you're using the foot control, you need to have the pedal to the metal and also make sure the speed slider is at the + side, as fast as the machine will go. The BSR controls the speed the machine runs at, but it needs to have the full capacity available to it. I hope that makes sense :lol: :lol: :shock: Only thing, I do find that when I go back to piecing I tend to put my foot down a bit too hard to start with :?

[Barbara L.]

Anyone seen or have the new Bernina Cutwork software and accessory? Saw an ad for it on the Bernina site but cannot find it in any store!

Lynn