I get so many questions about sewing machines, and honestly I am NO expert on sewing machines, I only know what I have! So I thought I'd write a quick update about my sewing machines, what I'm using and what's working! Here is my last post 4 years ago that is more in depth with more links.
The Juki TL-2010Q:
Last week I was answering an email with questions about my Juki and I told her I've had it for a "couple of years"....then she emailed me back after reading my first post about it and said...."actually, you've had your Juki for 4 years". Whoops! And that's why I blog....because I can't remember ANYTHING unless it has been documented.
So...I've had my Juki for 4 years. I still LOVE this machine. I'd buy it again in a heartbeat. I have had zero problems with it...but this is also my second machine. I had my first for a couple of weeks before I broke it and sent it back for a replacement within the warranty. You can read all about that at the bottom of this post. I purchased my machine here (I think SewVacDirect also sells directly on their website) and I would highly recommend buying an extended warranty. I bought this machine for $975 at the time before tax. I have no plans to upgrade or change machines...this baby should last me many more years (knock on wood)!
What I love about this machine: It is fast, it is reliable, it's very low maintenance, it has no computerized mechanisms I worry about breaking, it still has the needle down and thread cutter I love, it free motion quilts like a dream with a much larger throat space, it's powerful when sewing through multiple layers, and it's very easy for my kids to operate and sew on now that they are more interested in sewing (this model has the speed control, so I can turn the speed dial all the way to slow and it's perfect for kids). It's just a great, basic, non-fussy, powerful machine.
What I would change about this machine: The walking foot is still loud, clanky, and really a pain to use. I rarely use it, but on the plus side this machine is so powerful that I can bind quilts without the walking foot without any issues or dragging. The tension is the main problem I've heard with Juki's, and if it gets off it's really hard to get back to perfect. I've never had serious tension issues, but there have been a few times my kids have turned the tension dials just for fun and it's a nightmare to re-adjust. Also it's annoying there is no zig zag stitch, this is only a straight stitch machine. Luckily those have been very minimal things and are the only things I dislike about this machine (and maybe the walking foot issues have been fixed since I bought mine 4 years ago?).
The Bernina 440QE:
Okay so I have to first say that my Bernina 440 is about 7 years old, so there have been great improvements and changes to the newer models. So take what I say with a grain of salt...but also it's nice to know how your machine will hold up after 7 years and millions of stitches!
4 years ago this was my main machine and my Juki was my "once in awhile" machine...and now they have changed roles. I hardly ever use this machine! I do use it for all of my decorative stitches, and lately it's been sitting on my dining room table while I quilted a bunch of quilts using the a wavy stitch with my walking foot (Bernina stitch 4, width set to 5, length set to 3). But before last month it had been in my closet for maybe a year or more untouched (I hate typing that but it's true!).
What I love about this machine: It is so reliable, and makes a perfect stitch every single time. Also it has never once has tension issues like the Juki. I love using the walking foot on this machine, and it's quiet and pulls the fabric through like a dream.
What I would change about this machine: My light went out in this machine, and after taking it all apart they figured out it was a motherboard issue, and to fix it I'd have to have the motherboard changed. So my light doesn't work, but I have an external light attached to it that seems to work fine. It seems really slow after stitching on the Juki, it would be too slow for me now if this was my only machine. The throat space is so tight, so it's tricky to push a full rolled up quilt through it. Basically the same things that I didn't like before I still don't like, but they didn't bother me before I had the Juki and realized the difference. Newer Bernina's have larger throat space and are faster, but they are also thousands more than the Juki. My Mom has a Bernina 750 and it sews like a dream...but it also has way more functions than I would ever use.
Anyways...those are my long winded thoughts about my sewing machines. I love them both, I use them both, but now I've used the Juki as my main machine for 4 years. I also have a Bernina 1008 I was gifted when I got married, and I only pull it out when I travel or teach youth how to sew, etc.
I'll leave you with this stack of Gretel by Amy of Diary of a Quilter that is on my cutting board today. I have it all cut up into squares now to sew back up again!
Marty
I have a Bernina1090 which I love, bought from Harriet Hargrave in 1992. I absolutely love it. I have a Pfaff and Babylock embroidery machines (discount working in quilt stores) and Janome Gem 760 (great for classes), 2 Featherweights (don’t use because I love the knee lever on the BERNINA. I have friends that have Juki’s too that love them, esp for large sewing area for machine quilting. What’s nice having more than one machine is if one needs servicing you always have another to continue quilting.
Ann Lundy
Really enjoyed reading your review of your Juki and Bernina 440. I purchased my 440 QE after the birth of our only granddaughter, 15 years ago. I had to wait for the machine to be shipped from the factory. The motherboard went out within the first year, thankfully, I had a wonderful Bernina dealer in Wichita, KS, he loaned me a machine until mine was repaired. My light has also gone out, the closest dealer is 2 + hours away, like you, I am using other lighting to allow me to see what I am stitching.. I bought the Bernina 930 in 1986; still sews as good as the day I brought it home. I find myself relying on my "old" faithful, using the 440 for embroidery and BSR foot when quilting. I purchased a Brother CX155LA for classes and quilt retreats. I would love to have the larger throat space; thankful for the three machines I have, and certainly can't justify the price of a new Bernina.
Allison
Thanks for the comment Ann! Yes besides the light issue...the Bernina 440 is a workhorse and I love it too!
Tehmina
From where we can buy in UAE
Maria Lever-Naylor
Love reading your posts, especially as I have a Bernina 440QE and dream of owning a Juki. I get attached to my machines. My first was an Elna SU which I bought in 1975. Never having owned an electric machine and did very little sewing(on my mother's treadle Singer) I splurged and took sewing classes (another story). Going to quilting classes, the Elna was not suitable. It was over 30years old. I bought a Husqvarna Lily, she hated and still hates thickness. In came the Bernina 440. Returned it in 2 weeks because the drive belt was making a knocking noise, a couple of years later the motherboard died ($900 replacement) thankfully it was still under warranty. I take a Husqvarna Emerald 122 to class, great machine and non-computerized. I love all my "ladies" and have adopted an orphaned Bernina Record 830. She needs lots of love ❤️
Little Quiltsong
Thank you for this review Allison! My Janome is very slow and also has a small throat space, but is great for piecing blocks. A few years back I was interested in another Janome that had a nice wide throat space, but was discouraged (by the staff) to buy it as it only did straight stitch. Not knowing what that meant, and wanting it especially for quilting my quilts on, I just left the store without buying anything.( I realized later, that they had hoped I would buy a sophisticated 'Memory machine' for quilting - table and all)! Your review has helped. We are so limited here with places to buy sewing machines, but I will be checking things out more closely.
Sue H
Thank you for the reviews. I sew on a Bernina 135 & a 351. Love both machines but would love a larger throat too. I've considered getting the Juki when Primitive Gatherings puts them on sale around Christmas but always back away because I don't want the mess of having 2 different bobbins. That's also my main concern with moving up to a fancier Bernina -- different bobbins.
Great post and very helpful! Thanks for giving the specs on your wavy quilting!!!!
Patricia Furlong
I too have a Juki and I love it. I had a Pfaff since 1973. It was so heavy duty; just like the Juki. I make about 20 quilts a year and this is my go to machine. Would only trade it in on another Juki at little newer perhaps.
Linda Gwin
I think I have had most of the sewing machine brands over the years. All were very good, except my Sears Kenmore, it was awful. I too have the Juki mentioned in this article, (love it), I have a Pfaff 4.0 and a Singer featherweight. Now, I have the new Juki QVP J 150. If you get a chance sit down at one of these. It does a straight stitch only, with free motion ability. It is so smooth that it almost creates the design for you. Love it. The only drawback is that it is heavy, so heavy you can not move it from place to place. Finally, I have a machine that is a dream to free motion on, and I can do my piecing on it as well. Go try one out..
Allison
I'm definitely going to check out the Juki QVP J 150! Thank you for the recommendation! I bet I can find one to try at the quilt show I'm attending next weekend...thanks for the idea!
Linda Gwin
I forgot to mention that this machine comes with a large sewing table with a drop leaf. I have been to several large quilt shows and have not seen this machine there. Maybe because it is so heavy. Here is a video that shows it. https://youtu.be/W2KDHL657sE
Allison
Thanks Linda! That is interesting...I wonder how much I would use it if I had it?!
Cheryl B.
I have a Bernina 135 or I did, my first Bernina I bought it in 2001 after 9/11 when DH said life's too short, go buy a good machine. I bought the cheapest Bernina available and it was a dream after trying to sew on a cheap singer. Singer was my first machine when I graduated from high school in 1976 and it was great! Anyway I was rear ended on 9/30/18 in a 4 car pileup and my 130 was in my trunk from a sewing group I enjoy twice monthly and it flipped over I don't know how many times and needs a new motherboard at about $700. I decided to just wait and buy another machine at some point. I also have a Bernina 220 which is basically the same machine. A great deal got dumped in my lap and when I took it in for a checkup, the Bernina guy said wow this only has about 30 hours on it. I also have Pfaff I never use. I bought it for my daughter, but she is too busy to sew. It does have a bigger throat and I have considered using it for machine quilting. I need to dig it out. I taught my 10 year old granddaughter to sew when she was about 5 on the 135. It and the 220 are work horses.
Nancy Pleimann
I have the same two machines as your's. I love the Juki. I got it about 3 years ago and I sew on it all the time. I too don't like the walking foot. I was a Bernina dealer years ago and I would tell anyone today that they are a wonderful machine but the Juki has helped me to get this sewing done. I love the fact that I don't have to hold the thread before I start and at the end the cutting of the thread and you can start up again. I have sold a couple machines to my friends and they even get a better price than I got. But that's OK because it is worth every penny. I would replace it tomorrow if I had to. Thanks, Nancy Pleimann
MELANIE HERZFELD
I have the juki TL2000qi and the DX7. I love them both...but the DX7 has a couple of advantages. It is for sure lighter than the 2000 or the 2010, does 250 stitches, and has a floating foot feature which actually allows me to quilt without changing feet, and you don't have to oil it. I know I have to be careful when stitching really fast on the 2000 because I can tell you that screws loosen when you do that! I am going to try free motion quilting on the DX7 next. But for me, the lower price point is very appealing and in machines which seem to be workhorses!
Allison
I tried the DX7 at a recent quilt show! When I'm ready to upgrade I'm definitely going to check it out again, it was fabulous.
Judy Gerard
Hi. I know I’m reading this review a long time after you posted, but it came up when I did a search for Juki vs bernina. I have Bernina 530 that I purchased about 2 years ago. My sewing is mostly quilting and lately some bags. I just finished my first garment on it as well and it did a beautiful job. I also have a Juki 2010 that I purchased about 6 months ago as I was becoming frustrated with piecing on the Bernina. I had worked on improving my cutting and pressing thinking this would improve the piecing situation but nothing seemed to change how lousy things lined up when working on the Bernina. I decided to try a new machine which got me to the 2010. The feed system in the Juki is amazing and when I put my first quilt top together, everything matched up perfectly. Anyways, I guess I’m very disappointed with my Bernina and it has caused me some sadness particularly because the machine with BSR cost me almost 3 times the cost of the Juki and the Bernina has now become my fill in machine. Did you notice the same problem between your two machines or am I just imagining my Bernina’s issues? Thanks in advance for any wisdom on the topic.
Allison
Yes I totally agree! My Bernina was over double the price plus some, and I would pick my Juki again over it anyday. I never use the BSR on my Bernina, because the throat space is too small and my Juki quilts better without it!
Rebecca
I’ve had my heart set on a Bernina 475QE for a while but am considering a Juki DX7 as I’m purchasing a Juki server and coverstitch machine.
I live remote in Australia and unable to try either machines.
I’ve previously sewn on much older Bernina 801 Sport and Husqvarna Viking D1; more recently a Janome MC6700P.
I do a lot of patchwork, a bit of machine appliqué; and after a fifteen year break am starting back doing garment making. I also do mending and a little bit of home decor sewing.
Wondering if any one can help with comparisons???
Thank you so much!
Johanna
I also have a Bernina 440QE. I have had it for 8 years and I love it. I have found though that now that I have started to sew bags I have problems getting through thickness of fabrics. I have a Bernina 220 that I have as back up and I am currently seeing if it can handle the extra thickness better than my 440. If it does not work out I will be getting a Juki.
Sheila
Thanks for your reviews on your machines. But personally... I can't wait to see what you are making/creating with the fabric at the end of the post.
AZ Quilter
I started with an Elna (now permanently loaned to my mother), upgraded to Bernina 135 and then 440QE. I, too, wanted to do more quilting so made the leap to a Q20 sit down long arm rather than another sewing macine with features I wouldn't use. I love my Berninas and have had minimal problems. I also have a second hand Juki 98 collecting dust. It's great on heavy materials, etc but I don't do much garment sewing - just quilt these days.
Rachel
A good recap! I've had my Juki for more than 4 years and I still LOVE it. I would choose it again. Plus, Sew Vac Direct is great to work with.
Wendy Hansen
Can I just say thanks Allison for all the free tutorials and great patterns you share. I found your blog quite by accident and I love it. I love your HEART quilt and the PUMPKINS quilt. My sister has been nagging me for months to make her a heart quilt (her bday is in February.) So this year I made the quilt and she loves it. I have made the Pumpkin Quilt two times (both for me) and it's one of my favorite patterns. I have a Pfaff Grand Quilter which is a workhorse like your Juki. I think when that goes out I will get a Juki also. Thanks for the review.
Allison
Thank you Wendy for the sweet comment!!
September
Thisi s an excellent review! I just recently replaced my Elna Quilter's Dream which was 20+ years old!!! I spent MONTHS deliberating between Bernina and the rest. I was just about convinced I *needed* a Bernina 570QE (i think it was 570?) but then I stumbled on the Janome 9450 and fell hard for it. I've had it for a month and it's absolutely the best ever. It sews 1060 stitches a minute, which is good for me, and is strictly for sewing. I was hesitating on the Bernina because I wanted all the sewing functionality of the Bernina but NOT the embroidery stuff. Been there done that not again. :) Anyhow, it's good to see reviews of more and things that don't just say "Bernina is the best, nothing else compares." Thanks! :)
Polly
Hello, Sewing newbie here. I'm considering the Babylock Jubilant, the Juki (unspecified model) or maybe a Bernina 300 series. I would like to learn to quilt. I could also see making accessories and other items (bookmarks?) that would include leather and fabric. My two daughters are anxious to get involved and our current machine is an entry level used Singer I got at a yard sale:) Our local showroom has the 3 brands I mentioned as I'm the type of person who likes to shop local and see what I'm buying in person. As long as their price is competitive, I would like to buy local. The lady in the shop was all about Babylock and Bernina. I'm not quite sure why she discounted the Juki, although maybe her profit is smaller on those.
I would GREATLY appreciate any guidance or tips you smart sewers can offer me:) For example, is a walking foot or a knee lift a big help?
Polly
I meant Babylock Brilliant;)
Allison
You definitely need a walking foot....you will use it ALL the time. Both my machines have knee lift and I NEVER use them...it's more of a pain than it's worth.
moosebaymusings
I have the same two machines and feel the same way as you do about yours. My Bernina stays packed up for retreats (the Juki is just a bit too heavy to drag around IMO). This last year I had a few things I wanted to zig zag and took them along on a retreat so I wouldn't have to set up my Bernina at home. The only thing that bothers me about my Juki (which I love) is that I'm never sure if I am oiling it too much or too little. The last time I took her in for a spa treatment, she oozed oil all over the car seat--oops!
Allison
Yeah I just don't oil it. ;) Just kidding I do...just not every day like it says you are supposed to? More like once a week...maybe when I clean it.
Fussell
Good to see an updated review! I have the Juki 2010 as well, I've had her for three years and she replaced my Janome HD3000 almost immediately, I didn't see it coming cause I used my Janome constantly, it's an excellent machine but the giant throat and the speed won me over and I use Mrs Slocombe (my Juki) for quilts, blankets, purses, clothes, everything pretty much. The light and the walking foot are terrible but I have two nice LED lights that I move around my sewing area as needed and I use the Janome high shank walking foot which is a great foot. I've never had much luck quilting or binding without a walking foot but maybe I'm using too much foot pressure?? I got my Juki locally and had a great experience and a great price, I was actually going to get the 2000 to save some money but my hubby talked me into the speed control and I'm so glad he did, I love it!
Fussell
@moosebaymusings, the oiling is tricky but Juki support actually told me not to oil by the manual but only to do a drop in each port after being in storage for awhile or "when it starts to sound different." .It took some time but now I can tell when she needs oil, her sound changes slightly. He said "if you oil by the manual it'll be everywhere." Ask me how I know he's right 🤣
Allison
I am the worst at oiling mine...but I do give it a good clean and oil every couple of weeks.
rrregena
Oh my gosh, I think I'm you!! LOL I have the same two machines, not quite as long as you, except for the bernina maybe. I was just getting ready to do the way stitch on a baby quilt tomorrow. I LOVE that stitch!! My juki is the next number...the tl-2200 mini. Same machine....different colors. It's been trouble free for a couple years now. And no, the walking foot is still freakish loud. Can all machines have bernina's feet and the jukis body????
Allison
SO funny!! Machine twins!
Kathleen McCormick
I love my 440QE. I think it is a great machine but I am in the market for a midarm and will probably not replace the 440 with a Bernina....too pricey. At Quilt Con I have been trying a few new things, and for the money the Bernina is I could get both - domestic and midarm. Its unfortunate but true - non of the feet I have fit the new ones...on and on it goes. Its too bad, because I think that they are great machines but way overprice.
Allison
I totally agree!
Karen Dean
I really enjoy your Blog, I have heard the same thing about the Juki walking foot. They ordered another off brand one and they love it. I do not remember the brand but it was Sara Lawson on Sew Sweetness. Hope this helpa have a blessed day. Karen
Allison
I've heard Janome feet work great with the Juki (I have the piecing Janome foot) so maybe that was it. Good idea!
Rosemaryflower
Thank you Allison for these statements about your machines. It seems you have some good ones.
Is The Bernina mechanical?
I do not want a computerized machine, ever. I am 64 now and if I need something like that, I will go to my friends sewing shop and borrow hers haha. I do have a 301A and 316G Singers and a White mechanical that I have set into our dining room table leaves (mother in laws solid Walnut, family heirloom, I think she would approve!!)
I quilt all of my little to medium size creations there, or just any heavy duty sewing. It is just a nice tough machine for $100 made in USA about 30 years ago
You are always so inspiring.
Allison
No this Bernina is computerized...not as much as the newer machines but it still is. The Juki is mechanical and a great machine!
Laura
I have the same Juki TL 2010Q as you. The walking foot is my biggest complaint! BUT! I have found a walking foot that works on the Juki that is worth every penny! I talk about it on my blog here: http://www.sliceofpiquilts.com/2017/06/theres-new-workhorse-in-town.html. I use my walking foot to quilt a lot, and the Juki one isn't worth anything to me. I plan for my Juki to last me many many years!!
Allison
Thanks Laura I'm checking it out now!!!
Sharon Ray
I have this same machine and after complaining about the foot on another site, someone said to oil it!! What a difference it made. I hated it before, it sounded like it would destroy the whole machine. Now I love it, works perfect so give it a good oil where all the parts move and check it out. I have a Bernina also that is 20 years old and I only use it for buttonholes and blanket stitch.
Allison
I heard that advice too! Oiling does help for sure...but it still sounds like a cement truck compared to my Bernina walking foot. ;)
Ellen Fournier
I have the Juki 2010 too and I love it. At QuiltCon I bought a Unicraft table for it that I think I'm going to love, although assembling it was an adventure. My few complaints about the Juki are that the built-in light is terrible (remedied with after-market LED lights) and there is no warning that the bobbin is almost empty. At QuiltCon I also tries out a Juki QVP seated quilter with a stitch regulator. I was so tempted.
Allison
Yes I totally agree on both those things about the Juki I don't like either. I'm anxious to try the other Juki's at Sew Expo this weekend...we'll see how they compare!
Suzanne Culkin
Hi, thanks for the reviews. Just wondering if you ever have the Bernina skip stitches when quilting stitch #4 with the walking foot? It never skips when just sewing a straight line. I slow down, change needle, rethread top and bobbin, and try to manage the weight of the quilt. That stitch is a pretty quilting stitch but just not working for me.
Allison
Hmmm I haven't. When mine skips stitches I know I need to clean it out and give it a new needle and it always works fine, so I'm not sure why it would be skipping if you did those things. Sorry!
Linda Langlois
My Bernina Virtuosa 153 is 20 years old and is my primary machine. It is serviced every 2 years and so far I have only had to replace the needle threader twice. I don't quilt, but I do a lot of garment and home dec sewing. The only problem I have had with the machine is that I ask it to do things it should not do, such as heavy vinyl boat cushions and large canvas awnings.
Trish
I have had a bernina 1008 for years and the bobbin plate some how it got warped and couldn’t get it fixed so I traded it in on a baby lock and I’m so disappointed in that machine I’m back on a cheep machine I found on the side of the road. I’m hoping to get to a bernina dealer close to my location so I can get a up grade
Allison
Oh no! It's hard to go back to a cheaper machine once you've used a quality well made one! I hope it works itself out and you get something you love!
Terrilyn H Little
I have a Bernina 730 from the 1970's. It still runs like a dream! I would be lost if it ever died. Have had 0 problems with it.
Bonnie
I had to replace a 25 year old Husqvarna due to an unrepairable computerboard. I ended up with a Janome, which I love for its walking foot, then bought the Juki 2010 because I wanted a mechanical machine as I find electronic machines too fussy. The Juki has gotten me piecing more quilts than I expected and making garments has been a breeze.
I've been very intrigued by Berninas but I cannot bring myself to spend so much on a sewing machine, even though I sew frequently. If only there was one perfect machine that could do everything!
Kelli Sites
Every comment in this string has been SO Helpful! I’m 3 years into a Husqvarna Viking Emerald, and it’s the only machine I have known since middle school Home Ec in the 80’s. LOL I bought it for piecing as I started out handquilting, and I have my share of struggles with maintaining a consistent scant 1/4 seam. It’s been fine for me to learn on, but now I’m ready to walk into a store and learn about the Juki. I’ve seen plenty of Bernina and Janome dealers but not Juki. The search begins!
Judy Miller
I had a 1008 Bernina I bought in 1992 when I started doing Heirloom sewing. I loved that macho and it was a workhorse. I gave it to my daughter when I got a 530 QE. Which I bough for the decorative stitches it offered including entredeux stitch. I’ve not used the software I bought to use. I was well prepared to sew for all the grandchildren I was to welcome. I only have and will on have one, my precious grandson. I did some sewing when he was very small. I mad the outfit he was Christened in, but not a gown. I wouldn’t trade him for anything and you would understand. I see very little now but want to start sew for myself now. SO what Bernina would any of you suggest I buy now. I no longer need to buy one with decorative stitches, I’ve got that already. Suggestions appreciated.
Joe
Hello, trying to decide what sewing machine to buy my wife. It's between the Bernina 630 (Pre-owned) or the Juki DX HDL DX7. Been shopping around since Dec 2020 and narrowed it down to these two brands. Please help......
Joe
Found another one that might be good its the Janome 6650. Cant decide on the three brands.
Melanie
I have the DX7 and it is a fine machine. The free float feature is a blessing. I like the way the bobbin loads and the auto threader on that machine. ( I just saw though that Juki has a newer model which cost a bit more but has a 12 inch throat. NX7. Tempting). Right now I am sewing on my other Juki, the 2000 which is a straight stitch machine, a real work horse. The DX7 is in my other house. Differences between them are the DX7 has free float, a better auto threader, a nicer bobbin area, and of course the 250 stitches (zigzag for me is an occasional stitch needed, haven't moved onto the letters however). Were I to go shopping now, I would keep my 2000 because it is a work horse and I would probably consider the 12 inch throat as my other machine...just because it is expensive to send quilts to the longarmer and a pain to try to push a king sized through the 8 inch throat on my current machines.
Shavon Lowe
Having used a 550Qe for a day and a 765qe for a day and a q20 for a day, I personally found out berninas to me are not all they are cracked up to be for me the only one I would consider purchasing is the q20 because as a sit down it is premium. Is it worth double the price tag of other sit down models. The answer is no. Here is reasons I prefer my brother over bernina. Ease of use, cost of accessories, found tension easier on brother even in classes using models I had way less tension issues than on the 765. Also brothers tend to have more features snd I know when I used the 550qe it was way more than my babylockespire at the time and I was so missing my babylock in the class. I have heard so much about berninas over the years I was excited to use them but for price was so disappointed in performance. I have used many brands in quilt classes and bernina was the only brand I wasn't impressed by as every brand has some feature that is nice..
Anne wilson
Has anyone have any comments regarding the Juki machine Dx5 I would love to hear what you think about it
My one is four years old but only used very briefly very little
Kay Sanderford
Hey there! I’ve purchased patterns from you several times. I’m hoping you can help me out by answering a question. I read a blog of yours from 2019 where you talked about your Juki and your Bernina 440. That’s what I have, the Bernina was gifted to me by a dear friend. Still seems to work well despite age, but is kinda loud IMO. I have searched all sorts of Bernina blogs, their website, etc., but for the life of me I can’t figure out how to keep the machine in the needle down position. Can you clue me in? Also, do you know if this machine has an automatic thread cutter? I really wanted to love this Bernina over my 25 year old Elna. I’m trying to give it a chance. I know part of my issue is I’m so used to my Elna, so the learning curve is challenging. Thanks for any advice you can share.
Patti Sullivan
I'm looking to purchase a machine in the $800 - $1500 machine. My dealer suggested a Juki 2010 ($999) as I primarily need a replacement for straight stitching, bags and free-motion quilting. She suggests I buy an additional machine to bring to retreats and do special stitching (Babyloc with a $100 discount), so $499. This is instead of purchasing a Bernina 475QE for $1500. What are your thoughts?
Deb
Thanks for the review, I bought an aurora after reading this and have just used your tip for the wavy quilting, worked a treat.