Please LOGIN or Join PatternReview

Go to Page: 1 of 22 of 2

Choosing a New Sewing Machine Advice on choosing a new Bernina
Coco1xx   Member since 4/20/11 Posts: 2	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 9/2/12 7:09 PM I am a beginner quilter and have never used an embroidery machine before. However, now that I have retired, I have time to pursue both, and I am looking for the "perfect" machine. I have been offered a really good deal on a 635, but I am not sure I like the big blue bubbles on the face of the machine (much too busy). I have also looked at the 580. Can anyone offer any advice on which of these two machines might be better for me, or is there another machine I should consider
SouthernStitch   Advanced LA USA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 8178	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 9/2/12 7:30 PM Did your dealer tell you about the new 7 series that is coming out? It may be more than you want to spend, but they will be out very soon. You could look at the 750, which will allow you get just the sewing machine and add the embroidery later. These machines will have the larger harp space, hover feature, dual feed, and a great new bobbin system. They will also allow a larger embroidery field than the 5 series. Many people love their 6's. You also have the choice of getting a 730 at a close out price. That's what I have. Although I may upgrade, I do love this machine. It has many great features! I think the 580 is a great machine, but it also depends on your budget, and what features you will need. Do you want 5.5 mm feed dogs, or the 9mm size? ------ Bernina 730E, 530, and 350PE Singer 221 FW, 403a When life gives you green velvet curtains, make a green velvet dress.
Sonoma33   Intermediate CA USA Member since 5/10/09 Posts: 1654	Login to reply to this post In reply to Coco1xx << Like this post Date: 9/2/12 7:33 PM Everything SouthernStitch said. Also, I thought you could put a different 'cover' face on the machine? Someone here should know if that is true, but that was my understanding. I say that because the 635 is an awesome machine, and if you are getting a good deal on it, I bet you would love it. ------ Berninas 830LE ♥ Artista 630PQE ♥ 930 Record ♥ Juki TL2010Q ♥ Pfaffs Creative Performance ♥ Passport 2.0 ♥ Singers 221 ♥ 301 ♥ 500a ♥ Kenmore 1040 ♥ Elna 'Grasshopper' ♥ Tacsew T500 ♥ Babylock Evolution
andye   Beginner VA USA Member since 5/9/09 Posts: 1529	Login to reply to this post 1 member likes this. Date: 9/2/12 7:34 PM For $24.95, you can design your own skin for the 635. There. Now you can move on to more pressing concerns--like which machine has a better mix of features.
LynnRowe   Advanced BC CANADA Member since 3/9/09 Posts: 6765	Login to reply to this post In reply to andye << 2 members like this. Date: 9/2/12 7:38 PM Appearance of a sm is my first pressing concern. Features come after that. ------ I heart Panzy, Pfaff Creative Performance, the sewing machine love of my life! And Rupert (Pfaff 2023), Baby (BL Enlighten), Victor (BLCS), Ash (Bernina 350SE), Pal (Bernina 530), Kee (Bernina 750) and the Featherteen Flock! Most of all, I heart Woo (HimmyCat). Until we meet again, my beautiful little boy. I love you.
Changma   Advanced Beginner NY USA Member since 2/20/12 Posts: 410	Login to reply to this post In reply to LynnRowe << Like this post Date: 9/2/12 7:42 PM Quote: LynnRowe Appearance of a sm is my first pressing concern. Features come after that. And to that I say: Hahahahahaha!
Maia B   Advanced Beginner IL USA Member since 10/27/10 Posts: 3395	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 9/2/12 7:44 PM I can't comment on embroidery at all, but I have a 630, and it's my favorite machine. Just so easy, intuitive, precise, powerful, reliable and fun. I go to my 820 for wide deco stitches, the huge harp for quilting, and integrated dual feed. If the "bubbles" bother you, you can create your own skin for the 635. I like them, and I think special editions add a fun element. I've been hearing $3800 on closeout for the 630/635 without embroidery. I think anything under $3500 is a very good deal, much lower would be a "run don't walk" situation for me. I adore my 630, which I bought used. I really wasn't expecting it to be much more than a minor upgrade to my 440, but it is. The 580 is a whole other beast, IMO. 9mm stitches, more advanced embroidery capability, and more than twice the price. Good luck! ------ 🌸 Plenty of machines, mostly Berninas 🌸
SewBusy63 Advanced IA USA Member since 12/10/07 Posts: 3186	Login to reply to this post In reply to Coco1xx << Like this post Date: 9/3/12 10:54 AM I owned the 635 (love the bubbles!) and it is a workhorse. Embroidery stitch out quality is probably the same as on my 830. I use Embird to do all my editing but you can do some on the 635. As others have stated, you can make your own skin for the 635. I can highly recommend this machine. I really know nothing about the 580 (I played with the simulator), but I prefer the software on the 635. You might consider the new 7 series since they offer a larger harp, bobbin, BDF, thread cutter. My best advise to you is to sew on the machines you are interested in with your own fabrics. Do a lengthy test on them by testing all the features. You need to find the one that feels right to you. ------ ~Diana~ ♥ Bernina 830E ♥ Bernina 1150MDA serger ✝The Lord is my Light and my Salvation: whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1✝
Restart06 Intermediate USA Member since 10/29/06 Posts: 2051	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 9/3/12 11:09 AM Get the most machine you can....even if you go up to the 7 or 8 series. I have the 635 (love it), but really would like a higher end 7 0r 8 for the other features. I didn't think I want the embroidery, but I do alot of it (for me) for gifts. Now everything has gone (almost) to the 10" embroidery field and I am lusting.....but ultimately it is the one you can work with & like in your hands. Not us. Have fun shopping & let us know what you get. ------ There is no easy way! quote from my Grandfather Sharing is caring! Stash yds sewn in 2013 - 18 from quilting stash, with more cut out!!
RipStitcher Intermediate Member since 5/28/12 Posts: 1401	Login to reply to this post In reply to LynnRowe << Like this post Date: 9/3/12 12:01 PM Quote: LynnRowe Appearance of a sm is my first pressing concern. Features come after that. We know!!!!! ------ nightowlsally.com On my radar someday: Babylock Serger, and some machine for travel. My dearest wish is to have Bernina come out with a machine that doesn't give me a reason to *not* buy it. 2012: New Elna Lotus (mostly for granddaughter), Red Elna Press, Horizon 7700, Gidget 2 Table, Babylock Ellisimo Gold 1970's: Elna SU62 & ElnaPress

Go to Page: 1 of 22 of 2

Please LOGIN or Join PatternReview

Printable Version

* Advertising and soliciting is strictly prohibited on PatternReview.com. If you find a post which is not in agreement with our Terms and Conditions, please click on the Report Post button to report it.