Comments on: Unpacking the Bernina 830

By: Sarah

Sarah — Sun, 16 May 2010 05:46:23 +0000

Hi Sandy,

The input about the 830 was not from me – “db” beat me to it, but gave such an excellent explanation that I didn’t have anything extra to add. I thoroughly agree that it is well worth spending the time to know this machine. It wil give you excellent results if you do.

Sarah

By: Sandy Sharp

Sandy Sharp — Sun, 16 May 2010 05:07:18 +0000

Sarah, thank you for your input. I am still having some issues but trying to be patient and learn all about this machine I can. Enjoy your blog.

By: db

db — Wed, 12 May 2010 22:05:42 +0000

Sandy; I went through the same tension and piecing issues, and here’s what I learned:
When you first put the thread in on the right hand side, before you run it across the top of the machine, hold it in both hands about a foot apart and slide it back and forth a couple of times like you’re flossing. WAIT UNTIL THE THREADING LIGHT COMES ON, and then run the thread across the top of the machine. Still holding on with your right hand, give the thread a little tug with your left to make sure it snaps into the tension disc, then continue down the left side and thread. This should fix the tension issue.

For piecing, get the straight stitch throat plate. The fabric doesn’t get eaten and you can do a VERY precise 1/4 inch seam. There is a rumor that the straight stitch throat plate will be included with the newer machines, might want to talk to your dealer about getting one. One great piecing trick is to set the machine so that it does beginning and ending tack stitches. When you start to sew, the machine does 1-2 regular stitches, then 5 very tiny reverse stitches back to the beginning of the seam, then sews the seam. When you let up on the pedal you get another 5 very tiny reverse stitches to lock the seam end. The result is a solid seam with no knots or bumps, and you can go through a bunch of pieces very quickly. Ask your dealer how to do this, as it is very easy when you see it but hard to explain in writing.

Keep in mind that the 820/830 are very sophisticated pieces of equipment. There is definitely a learning curve, but once you get the hang of it the results well worth the time spent.

By: Sandy Sharp

Sandy Sharp — Tue, 11 May 2010 00:10:18 +0000

I have just purchased an 830 and so far am not very happy with it. I am on my second one as the first had tension issues and the screen started acting up. the second one is having the same issues as the first involving tension! I am so frustrated and am concerned I have spent money (a lot of money) on a machine I am no going to be successfully with concerning piecing. I too do not want to have to have another machine to piece! I am using the 37D and moving the needle over but have problems with the end pieces getting hung up and pulled down in the stitch plate, even using a beginning piece of fabric. Help with any comments would be appreciated. I am very frustrated at this point.

By: Sarah

Sarah — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 01:33:23 +0000

Sandy,
I have had no problem at all getting an accurate 1/4″ seam. I love to use the dual feed when piecing to get even more accuracy. My recommendation would be to go and sit at a machine and try it yourself. I’m sure your local Bernina dealer would be happy to let you do that. I am totally in love with my 830 – and am even thinking about buying a second one so that I can be doing embroidery on one and piecing or quilting on the other at the same time.
Hope this helps!
Sarah

By: Sandy Sharp

Sandy Sharp — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 00:08:34 +0000

I have a question. I am looking at an 830 but was told by a friend that it is hard to accurately get a 1/4 seam because of the 9mm, that the fabric wants to slide as you are sewing? I don’t want to have to have another machine to piece with after spending this much on a machine. What is your experience? Thanks for your response.

By: Sarah

Sarah — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 18:58:32 +0000

Hi Susie,
I recommend getting a 34D and 57D. Both of these feet work with the 830 dual feed system – hence the D on the end. The 34D is the clear foot. I use this for all sorts of things! It’s geat for machine applique – there is a red line in the center of the foot that allows you to follow a line very easily. I also use this foot to finish a piped binding, also because of the red line. Sometimes I use this foot for piecing – moving the needle to give me a perfect 1/4″. The 57D is the 1/4″ foot with an edge guide. If you do a lot of piecing, this is probably a really good addition.
Hope that helps!
Sarah

By: Susie Woodworth

Susie Woodworth — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 15:47:48 +0000

Sarah.
My 830 will be arriving this Thursday with a first lesson at the Quilting Delights in Clackamas, Oregon.
I am interested in knowing what feet I will want to consider that do not come with the machine.
Thanks for the post.
Susie

By: Pam Clauss

Pam Clauss — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 21:10:58 +0000

Hi Sarah – Thanks so much for your unpacking description. Here I was getting angry because I’d spent so much $$ on this machine and I didn’t think it came with the #26 embroidery foot. I thought that would have been pretty silly seeing as this is an embroidery machine. Oh, and I have a quilt on top of my box and it is used as my computer table so that I can watch movies while I’m sewing/quilting/painting/drawing/etc. I’d also love to know what kind of table you bought for your Bernina 830. I just have mine on an old table that has no storage. I’m curious as to whether you are happy with your cabinet. Thanks for your wonderful post.

By: Sharon Stewart

Sharon Stewart — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 15:27:09 +0000

A friend encoraged me to check out this website, brill post, fanstatic read… keep up the cool work!