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Bernina 340 Deco... Embroidery Machine Reveiw? Looking for anyone who has it or it's predecessor
mad4sewing Intermediate TX USA Member since 10/11/06 Posts: 512	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 12/17/06 8:33 PM I would love to hear anyone's thoughts on the 340 Deco machine or the previous model. I know a lot about the Janome 300 and 350 E but I am trying to compare the Bernette Deco 340 or 300 (?) to it so I can decide what I want to save toward. There are no reviews for either model on PR. Anyone out there have the Bernina (Bernette) Deco dedicated emboidery machine? What do you think? ------ If you're not living Sci-Fi, you're not living.
kmouse Intermediate MO USA Member since 9/13/03 Posts: 301	Login to reply to this post In reply to mad4sewing Like this post Date: 12/18/06 12:05 PM The new 340 is a nice machine. I don't know how it compares to any other brand but this is very similar to the Deco 330 except that it has an update that allows it to accept a USB stick. Previously, the only way you could get embroidery designs from the computer to the machine was saving them in a blank Artista card and then plugging the card into the machine. You would do this now using the Bernina usb stick. There are 2 embroidery sizes, the largest being 5 x 7 and the other more of a 4 x 4 field. Editing (resizing 10 to 20%, rotating, combing with lettering or other designs and moving your design within the hoop) is really easy within the machine. More advanced editing can be done with the Artista software or Explorations software as an optional purchase. I would encourage a basic software purchase such as Explorations for downloading and editing designs over the Magic Box type of transfer device as you have more options. There is also a Hoop-it-All available for purchase that doubles the size of the 5 x 7 hoop. All of these features can be discussed with your Bernina dealer and they offer classes to learn about your machine with purchase. Have fun looking.
mad4sewing Intermediate TX USA Member since 10/11/06 Posts: 512	Login to reply to this post In reply to kmouse Like this post Date: 12/19/06 2:55 PM Cheryl, thank you so much for this info. I think this is the machine I am going to get. I like the self cutting cause I am soooo lazy about snipping threads! I watched a demo of it and I really was impressed. ------ If you're not living Sci-Fi, you're not living.
Hobby Sue Member since 1/14/08 Posts: 2	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/14/08 4:17 PM Hello I did get a new Deco 340. I had a Deco 650 and upgraded as my 650 was limited in stitch area. I now have two stitch areas and more editing capabilites on the machines. I do have a question though. Does anyone know where to get a hoop it all or bigger hoop for the 240? Thanks
Doris W. in TN   Intermediate TN USA Member since 2/9/04 Posts: 6748	Login to reply to this post In reply to mad4sewing Like this post Date: 1/14/08 4:41 PM I am a Bernina owner (two machines) ... but ... I would suggest the Janome300 or 350 over the Bernette Deco.... which is made by Janome. I think the Janome might be easier to use and not as proprietary when it comes to software, etc. Plus, you've got an entire PR topic for the Janome and lots of ladies who have the Janome machine, so you've got a lot of support here if your dealer fails you. All I've remember reading on forums about the Bernette Deco is 'lack of dealer support.' If you have an excellent Bernina dealer you will probably be fine. Since Janome makes the Deco (Brother made the older models from the 1990s) why not buy a Janome?
diane s Intermediate OR USA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 3887	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 1/14/08 5:13 PM The newer Bernina Decos are cousins of the Janome, they use the same format. The older Decos ( I had the 500) were a cousin of the Brother/Babylock, sharing the same format. The Berninas usually an extra feature or 2 the lower priced cousins don't have, and the prices are higher. But essentially they are the same machine. ------ My grandmother taught me to sew when I was 10, and I've been sewing ever since.
JanyceR   Advanced CO USA Member since 2/3/07 Posts: 1012	Login to reply to this post In reply to mad4sewing Like this post Date: 1/15/08 1:19 AM I have never used either one, but I was comparing them online this weekend since I know Janome makes the 340 for Bernina. A key difference to me was that the Deco lets you rotate your design in 1 degree increments where the Janome is 45 degrees. I love having the ability to rotate in 1 degree increments on my combo machine. It helps if my hooping is less than perfect (which it often is!) It looks like the Janome is limited in resizing to 90%-100%. I don't know if the Bernette has resizing limits, I would definitely check that. I know pricing is very location specific, but last summer the Deco was actually significantly less than the Janome during one of Bernina's sales in my area. I do have to travel from 60-150 miles for any dealers which puts me in a major metropolitan area so I don't know if this would be true in other areas. And I agree that the dealer is important. Good luck on your search Janyce ------ Berninas - with a few vintage other makes, love them all

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