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Bernina B380 or B530??
Winni Advanced Beginner NY USA Member since 12/28/12 Posts: 3	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/2/13 11:29 AM I'm in the process of purchasing my first Bernina. I went to my local dealer couple of days ago and ordered B380. But now I have doubts and want to switch to B530. The price different between those 2 is $600. And I'm taking on the financing offer so it's not going to be a lot of difference each month. I'm mostly sewing home dec, handbags, and some dresses for my little girl. So basically either one will be enough for me. From my understanding, beside the size (one is full size and one is 3/4??), # of stitches and attachment options, the basic functions are the same. Is it worth it to spend $600 more? Any input will be appreciated. Thanks =) -- Edited on 1/3/13 12:00 PM --
lgrande   Advanced Beginner MT USA Member since 1/18/12 Posts: 1034	Login to reply to this post In reply to Winni << 1 member likes this. Date: 1/2/13 11:33 AM IMO, it absolutely is worth the difference. ------ Linda Bernina 830LE Bernina B530 Janome 6600P Pfaff 1209 Babylock Evolution Janome 644D
Sew Nanny   Intermediate MS USA Member since 8/13/06 Posts: 1310	Login to reply to this post 2 members like this. Date: 1/2/13 12:03 PM I used to own the 530 but now have the 380. These machines serve as a secondary/travel/class machine for me. The 380 has the same motor as the 530, so I think it is just as powerful. However, it is a 3/4 size machine and does not have adjustable presser foot pressure. If this were going to be my one and only machine, I'd definitely go with the 530. ------ Patricia Bernina 830LE ~ Bernina 630E ~ Bernina B350SE Vintage Postcard Dragonfly ~ Juki TL2010Q ~ Babylock Enlighten ~ Babylock BLCS "One thing life has taught me: if you are interested, you never have to look for new interests. They come to you. When you are genuinely interested in one thing, it will always lead to something else." Eleanor Roosevelt
Artsewer   Intermediate NY USA Member since 3/2/11 Posts: 1236	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 1/2/13 12:30 PM I have a 380 and it is lovely, it is a secondary machine for me like Sew Nanny. I would highly recommend going to the 530 as it has foot pressure adjustment and is a full sized machine. I do not know what the others differences are but those two alone are enough to make it a more versital machine, and a better long term and longer lasting investment. A sewing machine could last you a very long time, though $600 is not to be sneezed at, the financing makes it an easy decision in my humble opinion ------ Bernina 750Q, 635E, 380, Serger 1100DC
JanyceR   Advanced CO USA Member since 2/3/07 Posts: 1006	Login to reply to this post In reply to Winni << 1 member likes this. Date: 1/2/13 3:45 PM Not only do you have pressure foot pressure adjustment, and a full size machine, you will have the foot control that has the needle up/down feature. And I suspect that the memory function on the B530 is better as well but I don't really know. All in all, I would recommend the 530, I think you will get much more for your money. I had a 530 that I liked very much.
Sew Nanny   Intermediate MS USA Member since 8/13/06 Posts: 1310	Login to reply to this post In reply to JanyceR << 1 member likes this. Date: 1/2/13 3:50 PM Yep, I forgot to mention the lack of the upgraded foot pedal on the 380. I missed having it so much that I got my dealer to order one for me and replaced the regular foot pedal. ------ Patricia Bernina 830LE ~ Bernina 630E ~ Bernina B350SE Vintage Postcard Dragonfly ~ Juki TL2010Q ~ Babylock Enlighten ~ Babylock BLCS "One thing life has taught me: if you are interested, you never have to look for new interests. They come to you. When you are genuinely interested in one thing, it will always lead to something else." Eleanor Roosevelt
andye   Beginner VA USA Member since 5/9/09 Posts: 1529	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 1/2/13 5:00 PM You're probably considering the 380 over the 350 because of the decorative stitches, correct? Well, not only does the 530 have even more, it lets you see them on screen, instead of trying to remember whether "71" or "72" best fits your needs. It has adjustable foot pressure, which can be very useful on certain types of fabrics, especially knits- too much pressure can cause puckering, for instance. It has a wider harp (~8 inches vs ~6 inches.) It may come with the one piece feet, which can be changed with one hand. And it comes with the needle down foot pedal. On the other hand, it is heavier, larger, and more expensive. If you absolutely do not need those extra features, the 380 uses the same hook mechanism, the same motor, the same accessories (with the exception of the BSR).
Sew Nanny   Intermediate MS USA Member since 8/13/06 Posts: 1310	Login to reply to this post In reply to andye << 1 member likes this. Date: 1/2/13 5:31 PM Both the 380 and 530 come with the one-piece feet. It's my understanding that when the 3 Series was first introduced, the 380 came with the snap-on feet but that has been changed. The 380 does have a hard plastic card (for lack of a better term) which displays all the available stitches and fits into a slit on the sewing machine handle. So, all the stitches along with their corresponding numbers are in plain view. ------ Patricia Bernina 830LE ~ Bernina 630E ~ Bernina B350SE Vintage Postcard Dragonfly ~ Juki TL2010Q ~ Babylock Enlighten ~ Babylock BLCS "One thing life has taught me: if you are interested, you never have to look for new interests. They come to you. When you are genuinely interested in one thing, it will always lead to something else." Eleanor Roosevelt
andye   Beginner VA USA Member since 5/9/09 Posts: 1529	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/2/13 7:28 PM Yes, yes, the card. it's underneath here some place. Ah. there it is. Besides, looking up a number on a card is not as intuitive as seeing it on the screen.
Artsewer   Intermediate NY USA Member since 3/2/11 Posts: 1236	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/2/13 9:53 PM I have the snap on feet as it was a trade, not the latest 380. But everything else is the same. To be honest I was so surprised at how well the snap on feet fit. I thought until I tried to pull it off that it was a one piece foot! That just says something about Bernina quality once again. I forgot about the needle up down in the peddle I dont use that anyway, I use the button. The card with the stitches I never liked. Im always afraid I will lose it! The 380 wt. is 18lbs. How much does a 530 weigh? ------ Bernina 750Q, 635E, 380, Serger 1100DC

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