I love my Bernina 830 LE. I will say it took quite a lot of learning, and it does have a lot of different responses for each different set of threads and needles. Once I learned that they were consistent with each type, I began keeping a notebook, and now I just look it up for each and the stitches are fabulous. I particularly love the dual feed and the BSR, once I learned how to set it up. I have seen a lot of complaints about the machines, but it just hasn't been my experience with it. It is wonderful. I am really sorry for those who have made this investment and been so frustrated with it.

I don't think I need to move to the 880, because together with the design software I think that covers most of what the 880 seems like it will do. But I do have a really responsive Bernina dealer.

Cat
Thanks for your feedback. I am currently working on an 8 foot table & I do get vibrations when I am motoring in the BSR so I may get a more stable table at IKEA. I actually like BB on the table top & not in a cabinet.

Thanks for the threader tip. I recently purchased the Superior Threads new Thread holder & it is well worth the purchase. It is fantastic for larger cones & since I have used it I have never had any message that the thread is not being sensed in the eye.

I looked at the 880 but really what do I need with more stitches. Look at the 500 series, don't they have a hoop option?

I am an B820 owner. I traded a Janome Horizon toward it- never having owned a Bernina before. It did have a learning curve-- and because I did not buy it from a Bernina dedicated dealer, I found that I had to go take classes at a dedicated Bernina dealer shop to fully appreciate the machine.

A part of the issue I found in my own case was: both my purchase from dealer and myself at home, between the both of us, really did not have a proper table for a machine of that size, weight and power.

Originally I only had a six foot long cosco collapsible "picnic" type table. Well that is the sort of table my dealer hosts classes on as well-- The BSR couldn't get a steady read on the fabric with the machine movement from being on an unsteady surface, if I got too fast. I figured this out when I went to the Bernina machine shop (dedicated machine sales/not a quilt shop), and low and behold....once I experienced that machine on a rock solid surface....the angels sang. That was the secret handshake for being able to really let that machine rock to it's fullest.

I hate the wrap around slip on tables because for me, the entire work surface begins to get too high and it is not ergonomically correct. It makes long hours of sewing too painful. Having the flatbed ability now with a cabinet is another piece of heaven.

Tension has not been a problem in my experience-- the manual does recommend tension adjustments for certain stitches, and I just make sure it gets it's annual service. But other than those things, no real tension issues.

The threader does have a delay, and if you get too fast with it can be fussy. I have managed to get my pace and technique down to where I can get it threaded just about a hundred percent now, BUT needle is a factor. I like topstitch needles and they do have a bigger eye, which also helps prevent thread breakage issues regardless of machine. I have to concede: The Brother Company did invent the best needle threaders. My favorite is the kind with the lever up on the head of the machine, it's so funny, they put it on their cheapest machines...and it's the best built in threader ever...LOL...

I am tempted to trade for the 880, but in order to add embroidery cabability and all of those stitches, but after seeing that Bernina had to redesign parts for the 7 Series after their roll out...I wouldn't even consider it for a good 18 mos after the introduction, just to make sure they were doing good. But at the end of the day-- The 8 Series I think, really have a limited audience because of how they function, which is another reason why they are expensive. Bernina probably knows off the bat, they will not ever sell as many as the Quattros and Ellisimos...they seem to really be going for a very targeted audience.

If I don't trade up-- I will probably add a Viking. Their hoops are really aimed at quilters and they have some unique advantageous features that appeal to me.

I have had my 830 since they first were introduced & have to agree with Lotti. Whenever there has been a problem it has originated with me. This is one powerful machine whom you need to respect. I love BB (Big Bernie) & truly learn something new every time that I sit down to sew.

Our dealer, like Heather's brings the area Bernina rep in every few months to update us on our machines & trouble shoot any problems that we are having. She gave 2 of us individual lessons on how to properly seed the bobbin & made sure that we had mastered this skill before we left the shop. This turned my life around with BB.

Does BB still have a few idiosyncrasies- you bet-she is just like any member of the family. One tip that that I would pass on to any of you who are tearing out your hair: Before you begin sewing bring the bobbin thread up. If it doesn't come up easily the thread needs to be reseeded in either the bobbin or on top (I keep the top grey plastic cover off to ensure that the take up arm has picked my top thread properly). Taking the time at the start of your day will make your sewing a pleasure. & once you see those pesky gears flash- stop sewing immediately & address the bobbin area. The bobbin thread has unseeded itself & the top thread will have wrapped itself around the bobbin case.

Trust me, BB & I have been through almost every situation possible but we soldier on: I try to learn from every experience we have been through.

I love my 2 Berninas & after owning every other brand will never sew on any other brand again.

Thank you for your remarks. The thought of it makes my stomach turn...that they didn't/won't stand by
the product and make it "right" with their customers. I know many who have had wonderful experiences
but some of us have had frustration and expense in great abundance. Doubtful that I will ever buy
another Bernina...not because of the machines as much as because of company policies.

When the 820QE was launched, the 820 was no longer manufactured. I know that many of the 820's were reliable and were no problem. There were quite a few that were not. I am glad you are happy with the 820QE and the 830. I think the 820 story and history is complicated. I know that the Bernina Headquarters in Aurora, Il were inundated with 820's for repair. they went from a 2wk turn around to[ 3 months. This was in 2009 to 2010, and maybe into 2011. I would be surprised if you can find a new 820 at a Bernina dealer.

I corrected the turn around to 3 months not 3wks.

I agree with Heather and Lotti. I am also a happy 830 owner. I think the biggest new item on the 880 is being able to create stitches that you want.

Lorna

I'm also a happy 830 owner. Bernie and I play well together. The problems I encounter are always due to not taking the time to to set to the right fabric/thread conditions. I certainly don't make full use of my Bernie yet, but that's also because I don't have as much I e as I would like, and get sidetracked into other projects so much.

I have great difficulty relating to the problems that others are having with the 8 series models in general. I have had the 820QE for almost a year and adore it. In Western Australia we have back up that is second to none and every six months or so we have free 820 days to learn latest tips and tricks and to solve any issues of customer concern. Our man Brad is absolutely brilliant!!!!!! I sigh with wonder every time I turn my machine on.................it is sewing perfection. I have spent a lot of time learning my machine inside out as I appreciate that they are extremely sophisticated. Surely it's not that I am just lucky, is it?
Maybe other Bernina stores around the world could follow in the footsteps of our dealer her in Perth and offer the same customer support. Maybe it is worth you all requesting this help?
Very Happy Bernina owner.
Heather

Maybe you should put your complaint on one of the social networks like face book, that would be sure to get a response.
I think these manufacturers put too many bells and whistles on the machines just to make money $14.000 is a ridiculous amount to pay for a machine.
I read that the 880 has over 1700 stitches....is this true
Anne

I agree, Ladies.....My 820 has been a huge, expensive lesson . Great, when it works :shock: ....a repeating
nitemare every couple a weeks !! Struggling on.....

The new machine looks very much like the 830/820. I spent a boatload on the 820 and worked with it for 3yrs. It was a nightmare. Sewing with that machine was a constant battle. I knew that machine inside and out an how to work with it. I spent hours re-threading, re-booting,constant thread breaks, false alarms indicating the thread was broken, and fiddling with the tension to prevent "eyelashes" on the back of my quilt. The BSR would not work well either. I was better with free motion without the BSR. If the darned thing worked as it was supposed to, it was a dream machine. I corresponded with 820/830 users from Australia, Africa, Great Britain, Sweden, Canada, etc. All of them had the same problems. I do not blame my dealer he was very responsive and even sent the machine to Bernina headquarters in Aurora, Il. I will not recommend the purchase of the new machine. Way to much money and way too many problems. I finally sold the Bernina and bought a Brother. Much less expensive with lots of bells and whistles. Plus it recognizes all the thread I use and does not break thread constantly. It does not have as many stitches, but has a large throat for stuffing large quilts through. It also has an awesome platform that fits around the free arm. It is so slick I no longer need one of the expensive silicone pads to facilitate ease of fabric movement. I have an old Bernina 930 and love it. I asked the CEO of Bernina (he came to my dealers shop) why they quit making parts for that iconic machine and he gave me a rather snotty response about the new machines being so much better and they would not look back. I assume that is why they named the newest and greatest machines after the original iconic 820 machines.

I bought an Artista 730 about a year and a half ago. It was my "dream machine", and a surprise from my husband. It is my third Bernina, and I, too, have been a loyal customer since the early 1990's.

This machine has been a disappointment to me--not up to Bernina quality. There have been a number of things wrong with it, one or two which don't seem fixable. I'm always having to fuss with it to get it to sew, always having to take it in to be fixed, not what I expect of a Bernina. What I wish is that Bernina would take this one back and give me another one just like it, but the dealer has told me they don't do that.

The only reason I keep it is because of the BSR. As soon as my free motion skills improve or some other brand comes out with something as good as the BSR, I will probably trade it in. I was considering writing to the CEO of Bernina as the above poster did, but I now see that it will be a waste of time.

I would be happy for input on how others have gotten difficulties resolved, and I can list my difficulties and document my repairs.

If I have posted this in the wrong section, I apologize. Please let me know where and how to move it and I will be glad to do so.

If Ihave posted this in tthewrong section, iI apologize I'll ease let me know where and how to move it.r

Yikes, I thought my sister's 830 was a bit overwhelming and had too many problems with the learning curve -- didn't feel the love. But when I saw the 750 in the shop a few months ago, it was calling out to me - the 750 is definitely MY machine! So far I've only had 2 of my lessons at the shop -- more to come -- but I'm a VERY happy former Pfaff user, and I'm looking forward to my upcoming lessons! I'm not interested in forging into new territory.