| Bernina:B780E (Sewing Machine) | | Viewed 1094 time(s) |
1 more reviews for this machine | Review rated Helpful by 4 people Very Helpful by 12 people | | Reviewed by: | Fewk | 
 | | About Fewk | | MD USA | | Member since: 12/14/08 | | Reviews written: 1 | | Sewing skills:Intermediate | | sewing machines reviewed: 1 | | Bio: more... |
| | Posted on: | 3/10/13 8:14 PM | | Approx price paid: | $8999 | | Had this machine for: | Two months | | Recommended? | Yes | | Online Merchants: | Amazon.com | Find the right Sewing Machine with the Sewing Machine Search Wizard
Discuss Sewing Machines with PR members Sewing Machine Forum | | What Fewk likes about this machine
I love my Bernina 780E which I purchased the week after Christmas. I had been having problems with my Bernina 820, which I had purchased four years ago, and as everyone I spoke to implied all my problems were caused by user error I pretty much threw my hands up and decided to cut my loses and trade it in. I considered purchasing the Bernina 830 because I had read that the 830 was so much better than the 820 but when I sewed on one in the store, I had flash backs to the problems I had experienced on the 820. Because I believe a lot of my problems were caused by purchasing the 820 when it first came out (rather than waiting for Bernina to fix all the glitches) I was nervous about purchasing a first year model but my choice was between 780E or the 830LE.
The 780E comes with ten feet – 1C, 1D, 2A, 3A, 4D, 5, 8D, 20C, 40C, 26, and the BSR. Not sure why the 37D is not included. I bought one immediately. As with all Bernina sewing machines, the 780E is easy to thread. I love the semi-automatic needle threader. I really disliked the threader on the Bernina 820 which is fully automatic and I found it finicky. I find the threader on the 780 to be much easier to use. The 7" screen is bright and clear and the color of the background can be changed. There are 30 LED lights that illuminate both the needle area and over the free arm. The brightness is adjustable. I love the huge bobbin which is 80 percent bigger than a regular bobbin. When free motion quilting using the 820 I used three bobbins in my quilting. I now only use one of the 780 bobbins for the equivalent sized quilt, to provide some idea of the difference. If I have a nesting problem, it is easy to fix compared to the 820. I just take the whole bobbin casing out and work with it. Putting the casing back is easy because of a green dot that you can see through a hole in the casing to line it up – and it is magnetized so if you are reasonably close it will snap into place.
In addition to quilting I make bags with lots of bulk at intersections. The 820 never liked bulk and I had to hand crank the wheel to prevent problems. The 780 will punch through bulk easily. It is a joy to sew with.
The presser foot floats as you place the fabric into position. Once you start sewing the foot is lowered. This is a feature that the 820 has and I would have difficulty giving it up. All future sewing machines will have to have a floating presser foot.
This machine has an automatic thread cutter and a manual thread cutter on the side.
I love that you don’t have to remove the embroidery unit when regular sewing is required. You simply put it in park and the arm moves to the left out of the way and as the extension table does not have to be removed while the embroidery unit is connected you can simply start sewing.
I had read that there was a potential for tension problems on the 7 series. I have not experienced any tension problems at all. It sews like a dream. It is also a lot of fun to use when free motion quilting.
There is so much more to learn about this wonderful sewing machine and I have only scratched the surface. I’ve taken three classes at Hinkletown Sewing Center, which have been extremely helpful. The folks at Hinkletown are so professional and helpful and they make it a point to make sure your sewing experience is a good one. While waiting for the classes I learned a lot by watching some great tutorials on the Bernina website.
I really enjoy using this machine and will provide an update after I've had it longer. What Fewk does not like about this machine
I miss the clock. Because I do a lot of free motion stitching I wish it had a 12 minch area for sewing like the 820 and not just 10 inches. | *LOGIN to add a comment to this review
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Glad to hear from someone who's having a great experience with this machine!
3/10/13 8:29 PM
These are such nice machines aren't they? I have the 750 and plan to add embroidery onto it sooner than later. Enjoy your machine.
3/10/13 8:35 PM
Thanks for the review! I hope to pick up my 780 this week. So excited!
3/10/13 8:44 PM
Sorry your 820 was a dud. Glad this one is working as it should!
3/10/13 10:56 PM
I'm too glad your machine is well. I also have the 750 but am finding tension a little fiddly. I due for my first class in a couple of week.s Sorry to hear you experiences with you 820.
3/11/13 4:44 AM
I love it when a review offers a compare and contrast. Those opinions are helpful. It sounds like you found your perfect match.
3/11/13 6:39 AM
This is an excellent review. I like how you did a comparison to the 820. I am rather surprised at how you did not like it. But you love the 780 and it is wonderful to know there are no issues with tension or anything else. Ialso like how you included the feet # with the review. I found that it was hard to find out this information.
3/11/13 9:08 AM
Glad you found a replacement you are happy with. It seems the sky is the limit with all this machine offers!
3/11/13 2:54 PM
What a lovely review. I am glad that you are loving your machine. I love mine too!
3/11/13 4:13 PM
Mine is on back order and I am told I can expect it later this month. I can't wait. One thing I have been trying to find out is whether it comes with the straight stitch plate or just the zig zag. No one seems to know for sure...
3/11/13 6:22 PM
excellent review, thanks for your perspective, really like this machine.
3/11/13 8:01 PM
Sewgirl 845. Congratulations on purchaing the 780. You are going to love it. The 780 comes with both the straight stitch and the 9 mm zig zag stitch plate.
3/11/13 8:36 PM
Very comprehensive review. As a fellow Bernina Girl I'm really glad you've bonded so well with your 780. Sounds like it's really a dream machine. I've admired it in the store but haven't sewn on one yet. You've given me the info I need to do a test drive.
4/13/13 5:33 PM
I purchased my 780 in Jan and it finally arrived in March. I purchased the machine using the 4 year no interest option and was a bit put off when the second bill arrived and the machine did not. I feel that Bernina fell down on this a bit. Once the machine arrived it was love at first "drive." In the first 4 weeks I put 1,200,000 stitches on the machine. Kids quilts, free standing lace, purses, in the hoop projects, table runners. Everything I could try I did. The Bernina Sewing Centre in Lake Mary, Fl is an outstanding shop. The guide classes were projects. Great reinforcement for learning the new features of the machine. The owner, Melody answered every question I had, her husband Steve runs the maintenance side of the business. Extremely knowledgeable, patient and very customer oriented. The guide class instructor, Cheryl was top notch. The classes covered multiple machines, 440, 530, 700s and 800s. She knew all the machines and could answer any question asked. I feel that Betnina has over stepped on the introduction of the 700 series. It was introduced worldwide instead of regionally and they have not been able to keep up with the demand. I also have had an issue with my rotary hook and was told that the part was on back order and they did not know when it would be available. Stab me in the heart but don't take my machine away. The shop owner was understanding and gave me a rotary hook from a display model. Over all, I would rate this machine very well but there are a few kinks that need to be ironed out. The 780 replaced a 640E. I feel it is 5 times the machine, I am just sorry the dealer could not sell me more hours for my day.
4/22/13 10:35 PM
An update to my 4/22 post. The replacement rotary hook has gone bad, just like the first one. This time the dealer had nothing to offer as the parts are still on back order. I am becoming less happy with his machine, for the price I paid I don't expect to be told that I won't be able to use the machine until a part can be located. Possibly 3 weeks, maybe more.
5/9/13 11:07 PM
And my saga continues......as posted 5/9/13 my new rotary hook was found within a week and I was up and running. 6/9/13 I started to get birds nests again. After receiving multiple gearing warnings I took the machine back to the dealer. 3 days later I received a call that the machine was ready to pick up. I took my embroidery project I had been working on when the failure occurred to the shop with me. I set the machine up in one of the classrooms and started to work and...sure enough, same failure. Not happy! At this point I have requested a replacement machine from Bernina. We will see what they have to say.
6/15/13 9:38 AM