| Bernina:640E (Sewing Machine) |
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9 more reviews for this machine |
Review rated Helpful by 4 people Very Helpful by 4 people |
| Reviewed by: | tamrich | 
| | About tamrich | | NC USA | | Member since: 2/13/12 | | Reviews written: 1 | | Sewing skills:Advanced | | sewing machines reviewed: 1 | | Bio: more... |
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| Posted on: | 1/15/13 4:48 AM |
| Had this machine for: | 1 year |
| Recommended? | Maybe |
| Online Merchants: | Amazon.com |
 | Features
- Computerized
- Needle Threader
- Needle Up/Down Setting
- Embroidery Stitches
- One step buttonhole
- Free Arm
- Adjustable Stitch Length and Width
- Adjustable Presser Foot Pressure
- Adjustable Needle Position
- Embroidery Machine
- Auto Threading
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What tamrich likes about this machine
I like the versatility of this machine...from basic stitches to complicated embroidery it almost (see below) handles well. Since this was my first embroidery machine, I had a lot to learn. My local dealer has been very helpful, I wouldn't recommend buying a machine this complex without a solid relationship with a dealer. I love being able to adjust my sewing speed and the auto bobbin winder. I have only done basic embroidery that is pre-loaded on the machine so far, but it has turned out well. I would recommend this machine if you want a sewing/embroidery combo but if you are going to do mainly garment sewing a machine that costs less would work fine. What tamrich does not like about this machine
I have an Activa 240 and have loved it since I got it 10 years ago. This machine is not as user friendly. It has enormous capability, but be prepared to spend time learning. The embroidery module is plastic and although I have not had trouble with it, I am worried about the durability (I can be clumsy!). I broke a needle early on because I didn't understand the warnings (pre-class) and a spring broke, so I had to take it in. I was in a class and the machine suddenly wouldn't sew through a flannel baby blanket I was making, so I had to leave it. I just got it back a month ago and my computer screen is "bleeding". That means when I am in sewing module, the embroidery icons bleed through and vice versa. My dealer is contacting Bernina and I am confident will have a solution. It is heavier than my 240 to take to class. The embroidery software is very expensive. |
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Thanks for this balanced and clear eyed review. I hope any problems are cleared up and you love this machine for many years.
1/15/13 11:00 AM
That embroidery module is quite sturdy, I assure you. I lug my 630E and its embroidery module to class every month in its soft-sided case. Never a problem. Sorry about your screen problem. Hope it gets resolved soon.
1/15/13 9:36 PM
I had an activa 230 PE and bought a used Bernina 165. I like my 165 but still miss my work horse..I hope your problems are cleared up. But these types of issues are why I don't have a Bernina embroidery system. My 165 was bought as used without the embroidery module. I have stuck with Brothers/babylock due to ease of use for embroidery. Good luck though.
1/16/13 10:19 PM
I have a 640e that I bought three years ago and I have an Activa 230PE, so I can appreciate the comparison. I had a couple of issues with my machine that had me carting it back to the dealer, but after each repair, the machine sewed beautifully. Your screen issue is clearly a defect--Bernina should be able to repair that. I had an issue similar to your class experience--machine simply would not form a stitch. It turned out to be a computer board issue. None of the problems were chronic--once they were repaired, I didn't have the same problem a second time, and the machine had averaged one break down a year. I am glad I had my Activa because most of the time I was able to finish whatever I was doing on it while I waited for the 640e to come back. I agree with Annemarie that the embroidery module is very sturdy. I found it equally as good as the one for the Bernina 180 that I had prior to the 640e. As for reliability for the embroidery unit, I think it depends on luck. In the last three years, I have only had one problem that kept me from finishing an embroidery project. While it was annoying at the time, I don't think it is unusual. I have a sewing buddy who loves her Pfaffs, and she now has two embroidery machines because she doesn't want to have to quit embroidering if one of her machines breaks down. It does seem to come with the territory on the advanced embroidery machines.
1/19/13 10:47 PM