| Bernina:350PE (Sewing Machine) | | Viewed 1145 time(s) |
6 more reviews for this machine | Review rated Helpful by 2 people Very Helpful by 12 people | | Reviewed by: | GreenMtn | 
| About GreenMtn | | NC USA | | Member since: 10/28/05 | | Reviews written: 6 | | Sewing skills:Intermediate | | Favored by: 2 people | | sewing machines reviewed: 3 | | Bio: more... |
| | Posted on: | 2/10/13 5:54 PM | | Approx price paid: | $1300 | | Had this machine for: | 16 months | | Recommended? | Yes | | Online Merchants: | Amazon.com |  | Features
- Computerized
- Needle Up/Down Setting
- Free Arm
- Adjustable Stitch Length and Width
- Adjustable Needle Position
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Discuss Sewing Machines with PR members Sewing Machine Forum | | What GreenMtn likes about this machine
I bought this machine to use as a travel/class machine. My primary machine is a 440 and I wanted my second machine to be one that could share feet and be similar in use.
I have used this machine several times a month since purchasing.
Overall I have been happy with the 350 and would recommend it.
Some of the things I like:
1. The lighting is wonderful. I have had no problems seeing my work space (even in dark rooms).
2. The machine is very quiet and smooth, even more than my 440.
3. The machine has been able to handle any fabric or project I have given it - From thick bags and home decor, to multi layer quilts. The quilt peicing on it has been very accurate with even feeding and no pulling off to the sides or into the bobbin case.
I have done limited garment sewing so can't speak for that or the buttonholes. The machine does not have adjustable pressure, but I have not had any issues so far.
4. The bobbin winding is excellent. It uses the same bobbins as my 440 which is very convenient.
5. It has multi needle positions, multi stitch lengths/widths and plenty of stitches for my needs. It has a needle up/down feature. I use the needle down feature all the time for my quilt piecing.
6. The needle threader is just like the 440 and I have had no problems with either one. It works easily and every time. It has the thread cutters in the same positions as my 440. Very easy to switch between the 2 machines and be on "auto pilot".
7. The throat plate has the Bernina "pop off" feature and requires no screws/screwdriver to remove. I love this and I find it encourages me to keep the machine clean since it is so easy to pop off and on.
8. The slide on table has been improved since my 440. They have changed the design and the way it snaps on/off. It gives a nice work area and is easy to take on/off.
9. It has the stitch setting memory feature. This allows me to toggle back and forth between stitches and know that it will keep my settings for each one (until the machine is turned off).
10. It is a bit lighter than my 440 so it makes it a little easier to carry. Not LIGHT but lighter.
What GreenMtn does not like about this machine
The needle up/down button is slow to respond. I must hold it in much longer than the one on my 440. The foot pedal with the 350 does not have the heel tap needle up/down feature. You can purchase the upgraded foot pedal or use one from another Bernina.
The following items are things I "wish" came on the 350. I understand it is one of the lower Berninas, but I still think for the price you should get more. Therfore, these are not necessarily negatives, just things I wish were included.
1. It comes with snap on feet. I have seen no difference in the quality of the stitches using these feet; however, the snap on pieces are so small and I worry about misplacing them (especially since it is my travel/class machine). In addition, it comes with only a few feet (varies by market and machine in the 3 series) and no walking foot.
2. The screen does not show a number for the stitch length/width. It just shows the "notches". I often use quilting stitches set to a certain length and would like to be sure I have it set right each time. It does keep it at the adjusted setting until I turn the machine off. My 440 shows the actual # (i.e. 2.8)
3. The speed slider does not control your speed when using the foot pedal. This feature only works when using the start/stop button instead of the foot pedal. The foot pedal is very responsive so this has never been an issue for me. However, it is something buyers should be aware of.
4. There is no "barbie case" with this machine. Bernina gives you a small zipper bag.
My machine had an issue with the top thread breaking at first. I noticed the bobbin case area/race black cover did not snap into place as firmly as my 440. My dealer looked at it, did some adjusting and I have not had any problems since then (done during the first 3 months of ownership). I think the top thread was catching on something underneath. No problems now.
This has been a nice machine so far, and I would definitely recommend it. It gives me smooth sewing, good stitches and hassle free sewing.
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Thoughtful review. Thanks!
2/10/13 7:04 PM
Thanks for an excellent and balanced review. I love the lighting on this line of machines. :) Did you add the knee lift? Thanks again.
2/10/13 7:42 PM
I have this machine too and would like to hear any opinions about ath decorative stitches
2/10/13 8:39 PM
Excellent review! Stellaaa, mine stitches deco stitches fine, no problems there. They are just small due to the narrower feed dogs.
2/11/13 8:54 AM
Very comprehensive review! Happy, happy sewing.
2/11/13 10:45 AM
Muffet - No I have not added the free hand system yet. I find I try to "use it" all the time while on this machine and darn it, it's not there!! I'm so used to it on my 440. My dealer said it would be $100 or so to add it. I need to get a good quote.
2/11/13 1:05 PM
Stellaaa - I have not really used many of the decorative stitches on the 350. I did recently make a "stitch book" with all the stitches on my 440. The deco ones are OK for a 5.5 machine. Not as nice as the wider machines of course.
2/11/13 1:07 PM