Sew What’s Up Presents
The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: guppie
Date: 06-13-2006, 04:54 PM (1 of 14)
|
I am contemplating purchasing either the Bernina 830 Record Electronic or the Bernina 1530. Can anyone help with the differences for these two, and what might be my better buy? I presently have a Janome 6500P, Viking 990, and a featherweight 221 (just given to me and in the shop!). I do mainly garment construction and alterations. I've heard so much about the beautiful stitch that a Bernina gives. Would love to get the 200E or the new 740, but both clearly out of my price range now--save that for when I win the lottery! (Oh, you have to actually BUY a ticket to win?)  Thanks so much!_____________ Cathy Cathy
|
User: guppie
Member since: 12-29-2004 Total posts: 43 
|
From: paroper
Date: 06-13-2006, 06:05 PM (2 of 14)
|
I have never had the 830 but I can tell you what I know about the 1530...how long do you have? I purchased my 1530 in Sep 1992. It was a brand new model and TOL for 1 year. It makes beautiful stitches. The longest I've ever had to use it consecutively was 3 days. It never faultered! I purchased it to do professional custom sewing in my home and together we turned out an average of about 8-10 dresses a week for about 7 years. During that time I never had a service call on my machine and I never could afford to have it professionally cleaned. It ran and still runs like a champ. After 7 years I gave up my business and did only personal sewing so it and I both went out to pasture some. I had it professionally cleaned in 2004. It is still doing great! I have a 200 that I use exclusively for embroidery. I still do all my sewing on the 1530. I am not sure if the 830 and the 1530 use the same feet or not. Neither of these machines use the same feet as the 200. They redesigned the machines for an auto threader and had to redesign the feet too. None of the current machines use those feet BUT the 1530 feet are still made (as would be the ones for the 830), you just need to be sure you get the right ones. Some people do not like the track ball on the 1530. I've never had any problems. The machine is computerized and it has a memory section where you can take embellishments and mix, flip, etc or you can sub divide the memories to make more than one project occupy the space. Even in simple embellishments you can flip the designs over to make a complimentary design or help make it fit a space. You can also tell the machine to take one of design A, add one of Design B and two of design C then repeat only twice. Pretty cool. The machine has an outlined alphabet (lg and small letters) and a "straight line" alphabet (lg and small). When making uniforms or multiple bridesmaids dresses I often used the alphabets to put the customers' names in the garments. It isn't a fancy alphabet but it comes in quite handy! The 1530 is almost entirely metal, no plastic gears or nylon (inside). It is amazingly heavy. I bought a 1475 at the same time and it was at least 33 percent heavier than the Pfaff. It was also about 1/3 faster in speed and had a heavier "feel" to the stitching. The machine has the auto needle up (controled by the foot petal). It also should have a knee bar that allows you to lift the presser foot for turning corners without stopping the machine. This was the last TOL before they started the embroidery rush that other companies were already dabbling in... Most of the sewing features that I find on my 200, are on this machine. It has an automatic button hole feature which was somewhat changed for the 200 but is still used in most of the other machines (uses an "electronic eye" to determine length). It should come with 10 feet standard. All the feet are heavy duty and well made and all are utility feet. There are dozens of wonderful feet available for this machine. Bernina is known for their great feet! I don't think you'd go wrong with a 1530 and I doubt that you would go wrong with an 830 either....it was a forerunner to the 1530. pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Patty22
Date: 06-13-2006, 08:06 PM (3 of 14)
|
I owned a Bernina 900 in 1982? or 83?. Presently I own an 801 sport and a 1230. I purchased an 830 at a yard sale for my friend, so I am a bit familiar with the machine as it is more like my 801 except for the cosmetic appearance of the machine. The 830 was the model before my 900, so we're talking about a machine made 25 years ago. There were about four or five styles from the 830 to the 1530. The feet of the 1530 will fit the 830, but not vise versa. The prongs at the top of the 830 are extremely wide. (This is one feature of Bernina that infuriates me as I have a ton of feet for the 801 sport and can't use them on my 1230.) However the newer feet available from Bernina DO NOT FIT the 1530. I like my 1230 better than the 1530, so I never upgraded when I had the chance. As Pam was saying, I was one of those that didn't like the track ball. I also had this feeling that it was one more part that could potentially have problems in the future (kind of like the mouse junking up on the computer at home)...but that was just my fear and I don't know if that is true. My 1230 just has buttons to push and automatically switches to the proper stitch length and width and the number of the correct foot appears on a small screen. I don't think the 830 has the knee lever to operate your presser foot to go up or down. Having this ability as well as the needle up/down stop position makes the 1530 more sewing friendly and allows your hands to be free to really help in controlling your fabric while sewing (as I don't use pins). My friend said that the 830 sews like a charm and he would know as he was an instructor at Parson for pattern design and made the most beautiful clothing. The 830 is a workhorse....but then again, so are my 801 and 1230. So, I really don't think you can go wrong with an older machine - and the stitch quality is consistent without constantly adjusting bobbin tension. Patty
|
User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006 Total posts: 1194 |
From: paroper
Date: 06-13-2006, 08:48 PM (4 of 14)
|
That is true. Unless it was adjusted when I had the machine cleaned in 2004, my bobbin has never been adjusted since the day it left the store in 1992. It has the most beautiful straight perfect stitch!!!!
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Patty22
Date: 06-13-2006, 09:45 PM (5 of 14)
|
Pam.... I don't know if you have one of these for your machine, but I have what is called a black latch bobbin case that can be used for specialty yarns or threads such as silk twist. I don't think it is any different from the regular bobbin case except that the latch is black and a reminder when you see it or going to use it that the tension has been adjusted differently. I used (past tense as I haven't used it in awhile )it mainly for top stitching on heavy material. Do you really use all the stitch features on your 1530? Mine has one alphabet and quite a few decorative stitches, but I really haven't used them to their fullest potential. Patty
|
User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006 Total posts: 1194 |
From: paroper
Date: 06-13-2006, 10:31 PM (6 of 14)
|
I do home dec, mostly garment sewing, occasional tailoring. When I was sewing for the public I made a lot of brides' maids dresses (always refused wedding dresses...make me nervous), cheer leader uniforms, choir uniforms, show choir uniforms, men's bow ties and long ties, vests and cumberbuns for weddings and choirs, LOTS of square dance outfits for different clubs around town (ruffles, ruffles, ruffles...and still more ruffles), prom dresses, just general adult and childrens' clothing, some home dec. When I left work I had an offer from someone who wanted me to do clown and magic clothing...considered it but decided that this other market was more what I was familiar with... My favorite and most trouble free area a sewing was the square dancers...their garments were all very different (except for the matching men's shirts), very colorful and often allowed me to do some custom work with their outfits. When you have a good rolled hemmer and a great ruffler they're absolutely no problem. Most have elastic in the waist and they have a set length, 19", 20", 21"...real easy! I did some alterations and I had some customers who were regular alterations customers, but I don't like that aspect of sewing. I'd rather start from scratch than repair. I bought the Pfaff thinking I'd have time to do embellishments for my children's clothing, but I was too busy in my "spare" time, between running a young family of 5 (3 small kids) and trying to keep a business going at all hours that I didn't have time for that. When I did I usually used the Pfaff because of the detail and fill of the Pfaff embellishments, I just think that is one area where they have the Bernina beat. I prefer the scalloped edges of the 1530 Bernina over the Pfaff OR the 200. At least, I haven't gotten as nice an edge out of the 200 YET but I think I have figured out how to get what I want. I do like that finish on some garments. I do like the Bernina walking foot over the Pfaff built in, although I do like the way the Pfaff has it available to you where you have to put it on the Bernina. I purchased a TON of special feet for the Bernie and I have used all of them except the pin tuck, (I use a different method) and the bias tape feet (just never think about it in time). I do not, however have the black latch bobbin. At the time I purchased the Bernina it would have come in handy but I've managed to get by without it. Now I seldom need that type of bobbin case although with the kids out of the house and a grand child I may find that I have more time for some of the special effects call for that kind of adjustments. pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: guppie
Date: 06-14-2006, 03:49 PM (7 of 14)
|
I have heard that the 830 also makes a beautiful straight stitch. Are the decorative stitches in both the 830 and 1530 as good as the straight stitch? Pam, I've seen the tracking ball on the 1530 but don't understand its function or how to use it. And then there's the NEED vs. the WANT! Yes, I WANT a Bernina, but do I really NEED another machine right now? I have 2 separate sewing areas in my house--the main one is in what used to be the dining room (I have a very long, narrow room, so just moved the dining table down to one end--was dead space anyway)--this is where the 6500P and the Compulock are, as well as the cutting table and a pressing surface. In a small antiroom to my bedroom is the Viking 990 and White 734D serger, as well as the regular ironing board in the hallway. This is also my main fabric storage area. I do most of my sewing in the dining room sewing area--way too hot upstairs in the summer to sit and have sweat droplets fall on my precious fabrics! So, do I really NEED another machine, or just really WANT a Bernina that is a great stitcher and easy to use? Any ideas or answers, or do I just have to figure this one out by myself?  _____________ Cathy Cathy
|
User: guppie
Member since: 12-29-2004 Total posts: 43
|
From: Patty22
Date: 06-14-2006, 04:01 PM (8 of 14)
|
Cathy.... This need vs. want issue - only you know if you are so outside your budget that investing in another machine isn't warrented. However, if this machine is to replace the sewing done by your other machines, why not sell them to offset the cost of the Bernina. I know that my 1230 produces decorative stitches that are just as concise as the straight stitch. I think the featherweights (I have two of them) are in a league of their own and I don't like to compare them to the Bernina. I only sew cotton with my featherweight wereas I am more comfortable sewing all kinds of material with my Bernina. Really didn't help you out much here...... but I enjoy never having a frustrating moment because I'm trying to get my machine to work and that is why I love my Bernina so much. Patty
|
User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006 Total posts: 1194 |
From: paroper
Date: 06-14-2006, 09:34 PM (9 of 14)
|
Bernina has been making this hook system since the 40's. This is the one that they've hung their sewing reputation on for decades. The 200, 730,640 machines have a wider stitch and a different hook system. I think that the new one is OK, certainly competitive with everyone else, but the old hook system is by far the best I've ever seen. I didn't understand the difference until I turned the fabric over and looked at the bobbin thread. Yes, all the stitches are excellent, but it is easy to spot in the straight stitches. The track ball was like a forerunner to a mouse. Instead of moving a mouse, the ball was on the machine. It relates to a little arrow (like a curser) on the screen of the machine. You just position the arrow by rolling the ball the direction you want the arrow to go. It is like moving a mouse but the ball is exposed. I didn't have much problem adjusting to it because my husband and I (in our younger years) loved video games and many of them had track balls. pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Tom Land
Date: 06-15-2006, 12:06 AM (10 of 14)
|
The 830 was the last of Berninas TOL that did not have true stetch stiches. It is a workhorse but lacks in the features provided by electronics. Many consider it the best machine Bernina has made. Both machines have plastic gears but the grade of plastic used will hold up to decades of heavy use. This said, I would opt for the 1530. Although very good, the 830 is dinasour. The features of the 1530 will make your sewing so much more enjoyable. As for the track ball, I personally do not like it but it serves the pupose. All the problems I have seen with the track ball have been caused by lotions on the operator's hands which can get the contacts dirty. Cleaning the contacts remedies this problem. Bill may have some imput on this but that has been my only problem with the Track Ball. (Quite common but easily prevented by not puting lotion on your hands prior to sewing. The jury is still out but reports are that "Gloves in a Bottle" wont come off on the ball. Have fun or don't do it, Tom
|
User: Tom Land
Member since: 09-21-2005 Total posts: 514 |
From: Teri
Date: 06-15-2006, 05:58 PM (11 of 14)
|
I have the Bernina 930, which is very similar to the 830. I absolutely love it. It is my favorite machine in my fleet. The presicion not only in the stitich but in the foot pedal makes decorative top stitiching much easier than any of my other machines. Good Luck!
Teri
"Where are we going, and why am I in this basket?" |
User: Teri
Member since: 09-14-2005 Total posts: 66 
|
From: guppie
Date: 06-16-2006, 03:57 AM (12 of 14)
|
Oh dear! I knew you guys would give me some direction--now I only need to decide WHICH direction I'll take! Yeah, I could sell one of my machines, but I'd rather sell my left foot (I presently need my right foot for the pedal, even though I've figured out how to sew without the pedal). Sometimes I lean toward the 830 and sometimes the 1530. I've been trying to find out more about both of them online, but don't seem to get anywhere. Any ideas? You guys are the greatest! Isn't it wonderful what technology has done to improve communications in our lives? And to think, even 5 years ago I still firmly stated "I'll NEVER get a computer! What would I ever need it for?" Still LOL at myself! Thanks to all, I welcome all comments and ideas! _____________ Cathy Cathy
|
User: guppie
Member since: 12-29-2004 Total posts: 43
|
From: Patty22
Date: 06-16-2006, 07:23 AM (13 of 14)
|
Cathy.....I never asked you if you ever tried sewing on either machine. I think that would make the final decision for you.
Patty
|
User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006 Total posts: 1194 |
From: guppie
Date: 06-19-2006, 08:26 PM (14 of 14)
|
I've been to our Bernina dealer and several other stores that sell trade-ins. So far neither of these machines has been found, but they all have my name/number to call if one shows up. I had a brilliant ( ) idea---I can ask at my next ASG meeting if anyone has one of these and if I can try it out. Now, why didn't I think of that before??? Oh, just 'brain drain' I guess. Thanks, all, for your great input and ideas!
Cathy
|
User: guppie
Member since: 12-29-2004 Total posts: 43
|
Visit Sew What’s Up for the latest sewing and quilting tips and discussions.
This page was originally located on Sew What’s New (www.sew-whats-new.com) at http://www.sew-whats-new.com/vb/archive/index.php/t-19376.html
Sew What’s Up is hosted by ZenSoft