Sewing Machine Adultery: Bernina 750 QE Review

 

I had the pleasure of trying the Bernina 750 QE a few months ago while at a workshop taught by Jacquie Gering and hosted by the Aurora Sewing Center.  As I do with all the machines I try, I wrote down my impressions immediately in anticipation of posting an honest review.  I am going to put my questions in pink, if you know the answer do tell!

First, as I've said in every review post, I am not paid to review machines nor do I have any affiliation with any sewing machine manufacturer or shop.  There is a reason why the first piece of advice anyone gives you when machine shopping is go try them yourself.  Because, no matter this is only my opinion, and please, what the hell do I know anyway?

Secondly, I began this series as I searched for a sewing machine that met my needs.  I have since purchased a dream machine and am very happy!  However, as many of you have demonstrated in the comments left about the Sewing Machine Adultery posts, everyone has an interest in learning about different machines so I've decided to continue the series.

Third, and most importantly, I am looking for information and insight that we can all use when sewing machine shopping.  It is not my intention to offend.  Please leave a comment if I mention something you disagree with, this is about education!  That is the whole purpose behind Sewing Machine Adultery.  Also, I encourage anyone reading this post later to peruse the comments and see what people add to my thoughts.

Luckily, because I used the 750 at an all day workshop I was really able to use it for the type of sewing I would use it for at home.  I highly recommend utilizing your local workshops to try out new machines!  Contact the sponsoring shop beforehand to see if you can coordinate the use of a machine you'd like to try.  It is such a treat...although it may be frustrating at first to familiarize yourself with a different machine it can really be a great opportunity to try something for a longer period.

As someone who owns a Bernina I was humming with anticipation to be able to try this machine! This baby has all the bells and whistles I could ever want in a machine...  I loved how familiar it felt to me as I recognized all of the Bernina buttons from my own machine and yet there was enough new stuff that it was definitely an upgrade from my Activa 130.

After using the Janome 8900 I have gotten over the shock of all the features available on a computerized machine (you can read about my initial surprise here!).  I had done research on this model before using it so I was more than prepared.  I had decided which features were important for me to try out and that is what I focused on when I was given a tutorial on the machine by Barbara from Aurora Sewing Center.

Pros

• 9 HOOK BOBBIN!!!
• The bobbin is huge.  It holds almost twice as much as a regular bobbin and I was warned not to fill it completely as I might not use a whole bobbin's worth that during the workshop.  Glad I was forewarned because, sure enough, I did not use all the thread even after piecing all day.
• It was tricky at first how to load and unload the bobbin but once someone showed me it was very neat with a little metal button to push to pop it out.
• Magnetic connection so that the bobbin cannot be placed incorrectly
• Large throat space!  10" (not as big as the Janome 8900 with 11" but still very roomy...)
• Nice big computer screen
• Touchscreen and in color - loved how clearly it showed the stitch you were working with
• Loved that when you lengthened a stitch it actually visually lengthened on the screen!  It was a really cool feature to see those changes as you implemented them.
• I loved that there were dials instead of just a touch screen or just buttons to make changes.  The dials added speed which is key when scrolling through so many features!
• This is by far my favorite screen on a computerized sewing machine.
• Number of stitches
• 250 decorative stitches.  This was a bit overwhelming but there were definitely stitches I'd like to use.
• This model has the software ability to create mirror images of designs (not available on Bernina 710)
• Here are photos of some I tried below:

Here is a closeup of the stitching, the software settings allow you to really tailor your stitch so that it can end up so close to the edge of the fabric.  You can barely see it in the picture below and would be awesome for applique!  Gorgeous!

• Gorgeous sewing, and I wouldn't expect anything less from a Bernina
• No thread nests 
• Can't tell front from back stitching
• Alphabets - 6 
• Start/Stop Button
• Auto Thread Cutter
• Caveat: I have to say though that the auto thread cutter reminded me every time how computerized this machine was because whenever you cut a thread automatically the computer screen would "think" - you know that little circle demonstrating that the computer was occupied would come up as the thread was cut
• No thread cutting ability via the foot pedal as available on Juki and Janome
• Needle down by Foot Pedal.  
• I have always loved this feature on my own Bernina
• Sliding speed control
• speed goes up to 1000 stitches per minute which is awesome
• Free Hand System (i.e. Knee lift) I'm 5'2" and it worked well for my size 
• 9mm width stitches
• After all, there are so many decorative stitch options the 9mm width makes sense 
• Embroidery can be added on
• This isn't something I am interested in, but I was warned that I could very well change my mind in the future (it hasn't happened in over 15years of sewing but what do I know)
• Options are always good right?
• Bernina Dual Feed
• For those of you familiar with Pfaff this was similar to that in the way it is built into the machine and can be put into use as needed
• I had some problems figuring out how to disengage this feature but again, that is something that would be overcome with familiarity in the machines use
• Because the Dual Feed can be engaged or disengaged right on the machine it can be moved out of the way.  I found it less cumbersome than the Janome AcuFeed, meaning I could see more on the plate of the machine and nothing was in the way.
• Nice hum, not very noisy
• Vibrated a bit but I was using it on a fold out table not a solid sewing table so definitely want to get a machine like this a proper table for stability
• Threading was easy for me but I'm a Bernina owner
• Place for storage of feet.
• Needle threader
• I couldn't get this to work every time, but it probably works once you are more familiar with it?
• Ability to use on quilting frame
• And, one more time, that awesome mega sized bobbin!

Undecideds/Cons?  
These are not really cons so much as considerations.  Every machine has its flaws even if they are minor ones related to how you would prefer a machine to be set up.  I'd love feedback if you have opinions/advice!

• Only 8 Feet Included
• 8 feet isn't that much considering what other manufacturers offer at this price point (see Janome and Babylock)  
• As a Bernina owner I can utilize all of my feet with this machine so it is a consideration if you already own a Bernina as you've put in the investment with feet you might have already bought; however it is also annoying because I already own almost all of the 8 feet offered with this model!
• If you are trying to figure out Bernina feet and what works with what models, here is a great guide to use.
• Bernina Stitch Regulator
• An undecided for me.  I don't really want this...I think I prefer having control over the machine and as a Juki use I am happy without any sort of regulation.
• I was able to negotiate a price with the Bernina dealer taking this out of the equation, so if it is something you aren't interested in it is worth asking to opt out of.
• Computerized.  (The debate continues, I've mentioned this previously and received great comments on it.)
• Fact/Myth?: There is the argument that a non-computerized machine lasts better and is less fussy.  
• Fact/Myth?: Straight stitch industrial machine is better for free motion quilting.
• Fact/Myth?: 9mm stitch variable can be problematic for long-term straight stitch performance?  
• Fact/Myth?: If a high-end computerized machine breaks down then the cost of fixing it probably isn't going to be cheap - anyone had this problem?
• Specifically with this Model I read that the first models on the market had considerable computer problems.   Has anyone come up against that?  Owners theorized that Bernina would have the kinks worked out by this time.  But worth asking your individual dealer whether they had issues with models they sold.
• Eating fabric.
• I think it had to do with the 9mm plate opening...but when I pieced I found that I had to purposely prevent the fabric from being eaten into the stitch plate!  It was pretty annoying when I was in the midst of piecing and at a high speed of 1000 Spm
• I am sure this problem is rectified with the use of a straight stitch plate, does anyone know if it comes automatically with this Bernina Model?
• My Bernina has a 5.5mm plate opening and I have never have this problem with it ever!
• Extension Table.
• The machine comes with a detachable extension table which I found flimsy.  I just don't know how it would solidly hold a full quilt.  Anyone have experience with using it?
• You can purchase an additional plexiglass extension table which looks more solid or an even better would be to put this machine in a proper sewing table.  
• Auto Thread Cutting via Button Only:  No thread cutting ability via the foot pedal as available on Juki and Janome.  I really like the ability to cut via foot pedal and wouldn't live without it now when quilting.
• Automatic Presser Foot Down.
• The presser foot down is automated by a button.  Meaning, the presser foot automatically comes down when you press the button and firmly sets down when you begin sewing.  You can't manually put it down via a lever (you can on other models but this series does it auto).
• I hated it.  I suppose I could live with it eventually but it kind of annoyed me that I had to use this button.  I wanted the security of putting it down myself.  It felt like it wasn't fully down until you began stitching, it would lower itself but not be firmly in place until stitching began.
• Anyone else have input on this?
• Price tag.  
• Approx $5000 machine without embroidery included (and slightly less if you can negotiate having no BSR)

Bottom line?  This is my dream machine.  It is a brand I love and trust.  I would be thrilled owning a machine like this...so long as I could get over the guilt of the price tag.  It has all of the features I want, throat space, speed, large stitch library, auto cutting, start/stop...   In fact, after trying it I had decided to put some of my savings towards this model machine.  However - soon after using the machine at the workshop I went vacation and the combo of enjoying my family and the time away from the sewing room made me realize I want to use my money on things other than fancy sewing machines, hahaha like Disney World!  I will always have a place in my heart for Bernina, just not always a place in my budget.  

For me these questions remain, and in this order:

1. Does this model still have computer problems?  Has Bernina resolved them.
2. Does the cost of repairing a computerized machine rasie the cost of repairs considerably?
3. Are the features and brand worth the $5000 for a sewing machine?
4. What do I NEED?  i.e. Are these features necessary? (I know that is Sewing Machine 101 when you look for a sewing machine but my needs keep changing.  I don't just quilt, I don't just make clothes, I don't just do home dec - I do a little of everything!  So what, I need an everything machine?)

Comments or questions on this review and the Bernina 750 are greatly encouraged.  If you are a Bernina owner insight, advice, criticism is greatly appreciated!

Please check out the other installments of Sewing Machine Adultery.

- rebecca lynne

SEEKING ALL ADULTERERS!  

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE SEWING MACHINE ADULTERY SERIES BY GUEST POSTING ABOUT A SEWING MACHINE YOU LOVE OR HAVE TRIED THEN PLEASE CONTACT ME!