Bernina Quilt Frame

[Liberata T.]

Has anyone used the Bernina Quilt frame? I saw the videos on assembling the frame and the one on loading a quilt on the frame but I haven't seen one in which actual quilting is done with the 820/830 on the frame. Does anyone know of one?

It is not yet offered here (I know, i live i Switzerland so why would Bernina sell their products here FIRST :P ). I am trying to decide if I should save up.

[Betty J.]

I have tentatively decided I am going to buy one when I buy my 830 next year. I tried a setup with an 830 on it a few months back and found that while the space to work with is narrow, it does have some advantages and I liked it. My daughter-in-law has a longarm and, of course, that is the ultimate good setup, and I do have some access to that. But when I quilt, I sometimes like to use decorative stitches, which a longarm does not have. I'll be interested to see what others think. Cheers, BJ

[Betty J.]

I have seen the new bernina frame. It appears to be extremely sturdy, as opposed to the original inspira frame I bought 5 years ago. I want one!

[Liberata T.]

I found out from my Swiss Bernina dealer that I would have to buy the frame directly from the manufacturer in Germany. I have no opportunity to see one in person but I did get the specifications. I just do not have the room nor do I want to lift the 830 on and off the frame. Having several other German manufactured items, I expect the frame to be very sturdy and well suited for its purpose. Hope your wish to get one comes true.

[Liberata T.]

I am SURE your local Bernina dealer could sell you one.
The Bernina Quilt Frame looks sturdy,durable and fairly easy to use.
I have been $$$aving up and saving my "quilting for my tops" for that joyous day, also.

[Liberata T.]

Tomorrow I pick up my new Bernina quilt frame!
I hope it lives up to my expectations. I believe it will.

[Betty J.]

Tomorrow I pick up my new Bernina quilt frame!
I hope it lives up to my expectations. I believe it will.

I hope you will let us know how it is to work with. I have decided to buy an 830 late this year, but not sure about the frame yet.

[Lynn K.]

Hoping to hear if you like it!

[Lynn K.]

I purchased the frame a few wks ago, and it should be here next week. I tried it out at the Puyallup Sew Expo and I think it will do what I want it to do. My dealer said that they are coming out with the computerized add on so you can use the 830 and also quilt like it is a statler. I don't do large quilts so I am saving my $$ for that. i'll let you know how it works for me.

[Lynn K.]

The bernina quilt frame is lovely. It is sturdy and will be a thrill to use WHEN my big problem is solved.
I bought the frame and put it together. This was not easy, as the instructions and youtube videos aren't as explicit as they need to be.
But my biggest problem is that the frame can apparently be used only with the bernina 800 series machine. Nowhere did I find the statement that only the bernina 800 series could be used on the frame.
When I purchased my machine I asked my bernina dealer if my husqvarna mega quilter would work until I decided on a larger machine and was told anything would fit.
That's true - my machine fits on the carriage with no issues. However, the mega quilter stitch regulator is partly built into the inspira quilt frame I previously used.
That means my mega quilter won't work on the bernina frame.
This is depressing news, as I really didn't want to be forced to buy an 800 series bernina.
I'd rather use a dedicated quilting machine, such as the babylock jewel or perhaps a nolting.
A real quilting machine, not a sewing/quilting machine. The 800 series bernina is a heavy, heavy machine and getting a machine onto the carriage of the bernina frame is not easy.
I am currently in contact with the grace company, who makes the bernina, looking for advice on what to do next.
If anyone has any ideas I'd love to hear them.

[Lynn K.]

I recently tried the Bernina Quilt Frame with a Juki 2000 at a home show. Absolutly loved it. It will be my next purchase. I have all Juki's, so really liked that about it. The frame seemed to be sturdy and I really liked the idea that you can go from a crib size to a king size. Am going to go down and try it in the gals shop, but am pretty sure this is the set up for me. I can't remember the exact price, I do however remember thinking it was something that I could afford.

[Lynn K.]

I bought the Bernina quilt frame a month ago. I had issues with it over the past 4 weeks, but I love it . . . now!
I had issues setting up a machine on the frame because I wanted to use my Husqvarna Mega Quilter for awhile longer. But, since part of the the stitch regulator as actually built into the carriage of the inspira frame that came with the mega quilter .... sigh. Anyway - the machine wouldn't work on the Bernina quilt frame - until today. Today I picked up a $70 speed control box ordered from The Grace Company. Problem solved. (My thanks to the Grace Company for responding to my email - they solved my problem)
My other $500 stitch regulator has been replaced by a $70 speed control box.
What a relief!!!
Now I have a wonderful quilt frame that can grow with me. My mega quilter only lets me quilt 9 inches at the time, but that's OK for now. When I sort through the larger harp machines I'll get something else, eventually. Then I'll be able to quilt a much larger area at the time.
I do recommend the Bernina Quilt Frame. But I'm a little worried that when I eventually move I'll have to sell my house to a quilter!! This baby is HUGE! But it is terrific. I give it 5 stars.

[Lynn K.]

Bail2L - please don't think it's easy to switch from crib to king. It won't be an easy process.
I'd suggest keeping the frame at the largest size all the time. You'll understand when you put it together.
If you have room for the king size then there won't really be a reason to shorten it for smaller quilts.
also, then you won't have to worry about keeping it level, ets

[Lynn K.]

Thanks so much for the bit of information.....was thinking it was a matter of a couple of pins and it would slide to the size you needed.

[Lynn K.]

I've been watching this post because I too am saving for the Bernina Quilt Frame. But I was wondering if anyone has used it with their Bernina 830 and if you have, how do you like it?

Thanks
Bee