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House Party - PDF Pattern 1 × $12.00
Quilt, sewing machine
Meet my Bernina 770QE
So I did a thing….
I bought a new sewing machine back in March.
Meet my new Bernina 770QE:
It’s absolutely glorious. It’s accurate. The LED lighting is dreamy, isn’t it?
And I didn’t take it out of it’s box for two days since I was scared of it, lol!
I’m not lying…it sat in our front room for two entire days because I didn’t want to touch it.
Let me give you some background info…I started sewing right before Mabel was born back in late 2011 and purchased my trusty Janome DC3050 for about $450. It wasn’t a cheap machine but it wasn’t a professional machine either…just a good intro machine that was a workhorse! I didn’t want to spend a ton of money on a machine at that point since I wasn’t sure if I would stick with sewing.
Here were are seven years later. I’m still sewing and I don’t see myself stopping anytime soon. Basically, it’s turned into a hobby that I love and gives me a wonderful creative outlet to express myself…all while making pretty and fun things.
I love my old Janome and it still has a place in my sewing room but it was time to upgrade. This time around, I researched machine after machine, joined FB groups to read feedback of models, watched tons of YouTube videos, and listened to friends and their experiences too. In the end, I decided to go with Bernina (I’ll give you my main reasons in this post). I’m going to tell you straight up that I had to save up a long time to purchase it. I don’t take purchases like this lightly as I hate spending a lot of money (kinda makes me want to hyperventilate, lol). I’m viewing it as an investment which will last for a very long time with proper maintenance and servicing.
When I finally got around to opening the box, I carefuly lifted this baby up and put it on my sewing desk:
Just FYI…it’s heavy. It weighs in at about 35 pounds and is definitely a heavyweight compared to my older Janome. Instead of plugging it in right away I went for the manuals. I wasn’t about to spend this much money on something and then somehow mess it up shortly after opening it.
Now, you’ll notice the cord I have is a UK plug. And that’s perfect for while we’re living in the UK but I’m sure some of you are wondering what happens when the US Air Force gives my husband orders back to the States? Well…that is one of the reasons why I bought this machine. It’s dual voltage…meaning wherever we move, it will work! I just need to buy a US plug once we end up back in the states. My older machine is not dual voltage and has to be run on a bulky/heavy transformer just to get it to work.
So let me show you one of the biggest factors as to why I bought the Bernina 770 QE:
The Bernina Stitch Regulator (BSR)! It’s a foot that plugs into the machine that allows you to do pretty much fool proof free motion quilting. Search YouTube if you want to see some examples of it in action. No other machine I researched had anything like it and I’ve been looking to do more free motion quilting to add a bit of unique character to my quilts.
Another reason why I went for the 770 was the bobbin size. No one likes having to stop and wind bobbins so why not just have a giant bobbin that feels like it’s endless? Oh and the machine gives you a warning when you’re running low so that you don’t run out. Amazing! I feel like I’d been living in the dark, lol!
I also figured it would be interesting to show a visual comparison between my old machine and my new one.
The size difference is pretty easy to see. And this leads me to the next reason I went with the Bernina 770…look at the throat space (space between the needle and the machine body)! It’s a whopping 10 inches on the Bernina! My Janome has a throat space of a 6.5 inches. If you’ve ever tried to quilt on a machine with a smaller throat space, you’ll understand my frustration. It’s hard to smoosh up a quilt into that small of an area to easily quilt. The Bernina’s 10 inches is hands down, a wonderful thing!
Now I’m just going to flood you with photos of other things that were in the Bernina box just incase you’re curious.
I’m not planning on boring you to death with all the nitty gritty details but I figured this post might be helpful for anything trying to make a decision on a new machine in the near future. I plan on doing a few more in depth posts in the near future regarding the new maintenance routine I have with this machine (that I didn’t have with my last).
There were some little hiccups in the beginning but I guess that was to be expected. When learning a completely new machine (and brand) there are always things to workout and learn. Now everything is going smoothly and I haven’t looked back! I really love this machine and am happy with my decision.
If you have any specific questions, feel free to shoot me an email or leave a comment. 😉 I’ll try to help out as much as I can! You can also find out all the specs on Bernina’s site for the 770QE.
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Hi. Just read your posting on your new Bernina 770qe. I am getting ready to purchase a new machine and have been checking out the 770qe. Since its been several months since you posted this article, I was wondering if you could give me an update on how it’s working for you and if you’re still pleased with it. It’s such a large investment, I want to be sure I’m doing the right thing. I’ve been doing some research on it and seems like I read a lot of positive things and then people mention they are having problems with the stitches, etc. I would really appreciate your view on this machine.
Thanks so much for taking time to respond.
Diane
Hi Diane! I had been meaning to post an update but things have been super busy lately. I’ve had two issues since originally posting…but both are more of a nuisance and could be fixed if I could just find time to take my machine into the shop. The first issue is that my machine HATES Aurifil thread. It’s as if the tension is too high and Aurifl constantly breaks when I try to sew with it. Gutterman and Mettler threads work perfectly though…so I’ve just been using them in the meantime. I know plenty of others, including my mother who have the same machine and no issues with Aurifil whatsoever so I’m guessing this is just a fluke with my machine. The other issue I have is with the last thread guide above the needle…my thread will always come loose from it. Other owners seem to have this issue too as it’s been discussed in a Bernina FB group I’m in. Once again, not a big issue and when it’s time to have it serviced, I’ll make sure they fix is so that it no longer pops out. Everything else has been wonderful so far! I hope that helps. 🙂
I am considering buying the same machine. Are you still happy with your decision? Like you, it is a LOT of money for a sewing machine.
Thanks
Vicki
Hi Vicki! I’m still very happy but I’ll admit the cost still stings, lol! I’m going to copy and paste the response I just made to Diane so that I can give you a heads up on the two issues I’ve had:
“I had been meaning to post an update but things have been super busy lately. I’ve had two issues since originally posting…but both are more of a nuisance and could be fixed if I could just find time to take my machine into the shop. The first issue is that my machine HATES Aurifil thread. It’s as if the tension is too high and Aurifl constantly breaks when I try to sew with it. Gutterman and Mettler threads work perfectly though…so I’ve just been using them in the meantime. I know plenty of others, including my mother who have the same machine and no issues with Aurifil whatsoever so I’m guessing this is just a fluke with my machine. The other issue I have is with the last thread guide above the needle…my thread will always come loose from it. Other owners seem to have this issue too as it’s been discussed in a Bernina FB group I’m in. Once again, not a big issue and when it’s time to have it serviced, I’ll make sure they fix is so that it no longer pops out. Everything else has been wonderful so far! I hope that helps. :)”
Hi Morgan,
I just brought one of these home – having a great time figuring out all the settings. But. Zig-zag stitching larger than, say, 3mm, pooches the fabric up between the zigs. My upper tension already seems too loose at middle (factory) setting because the upper threads show on the back side. Fabric only smooths out when I set the upper tension to below the “2” almost at the point where it’s starting to skip stitches.
Do you see this on your machine? It would be useful to know if this is the way they come out of the box or if my machine might need an adjustment.
thanks!
This is so helpful! I’m also an American living in England working on my 4 year old $100 Singer from Target…I was waiting to see where our next move would be to look at sewing machines but knowing this one can handle both voltages is a game changer!
Hi Morgan,
I had the same problem with Aurifil thread. Tried everything. Then at a sewing course, someone suggested a topstitch needle. The eye is larger in the needle. Worked like a dream.
Oh my goodness – this is such a helpful comment/tip, Carrie! Thank you for sharing! I just bought this machine and I’ve run into more errors than I probably EVER have in one given sewing weekend. And I’m an experienced quilter! So, as you can imagine, I was feeling a bit down about it. So many online users of this machine has been such a win! Thank you very much!!
Hi Morgan, have you had any issues when sewing 1/4 seams? eg the machine eating your fabric due to the 9mm stitch width capability.Do you change the stitch plate?
Have you done any stitching with leather or the like for bags etc.?
I have the 440 and love it. thinking of up grading but the price is concerning especially if it doesn’t perform to ones liking.thanks Ann
I just bought my 770qe today. I hadn’t planned on it, but my husband said go for it. I have to wait a week for it. In the meantime i’m readding everything I can on the issues and loves of the machine. I can’t wait to use the BSR.
Thanks for the good info. I’m in the final stages of deciding what to buy and I think it will be this machine. i was wondering how the embroidery function is, because I want to be able to do both quilting and embroidery.Is the emboridery stitching comparable in look and quality to an embroidery machine, just with less stitch and pattern options? Also, did you buy any extra accessories for it that you can recommend?
Thanks!
Hi Shari! I bought the 770QEE Anniversay Edition at Christmas time…I absolutely LOVE IT!!! I actually bought the embroidery module after I bought the machine. That was the best investment ever!! I love the embroidery and it works soooo good!! Few things have been trial and error, but I think I pretty much got it down now. It embroiders on vinyl, all kinds of fabrics. Just keep the machine oiled, and clean. I have downloaded many patterns to use and put them on USB sticks. Just make sure you don’t put too many patterns on a stick, as the machine won’t read it if it’s too full of files. I only do about 2MB worth on a stick.
I purchased the 770 QE Anniversary edition on Thursday. I am loving it so far. I am a quilter who wants to be able to do the actual quilting myself. However, I didn’t want to buy a long arm at this point, maybe someday? The difference in the size was the biggest shock to me when I got home too. I owned the Elna Quilters Dream for 19 years. I absolutely love the Elna product also. The BSR on the Bernina sold me.
It’s interesting, the dealer that sold me the Bernina 770 told me that Aurifil thread was best for the machine. UGH! I haven’t tried it yet as I am a Gutterman thread lover. I may just take the Aurifil back to the store after reading these comments. Happy sewing everyone.
Hey Betsy – As a new owner of this machine, I wondered how the Aurafil thread has gone for you? I had a heck of a time getting my top thread threaded properly my first go … and ran into bobbin issues, too. This was my first 2 days of using it, so I was feeling a bit defeated. Any tips you may have to share at this point would be so wonderful!
I’m considering the 770 or the 790. How did you choose the 770?
I have the 770 QE Airfil thread works great in mine.
I’ve had mine for 5 years and love it.
Had to replace self threader as it fell apart in my hand.
I’m on a bobbin vase loaner as the metal threader came apart, go figure.
I run my machine daily at least 10 hours plus.
It’s a work horse, and I love the embroidery unit I bought with it.
I’ve been sewing for over 50 years, and ran through 8 sewing machines.
Wedding, prom and drapes.
Love my Bernina 770QE
Hi Morgan, I just purchased the Bernina 770. I love,love,love it. I will be going to a class next week to learn “how to use it “. Can’t wait. I thought it was very expensive too, but I decided it would be my last machine so it was worth it.
I am trading up from a Bernina 570QE to a 770QE. My first machine was a 54 year old Elna for basic sewing which I loved but I couldn’t do creative, free motion quilting. I only use Mettler thread because it works best (I don’t use Aurifil because it’s expensive in Denver). I had a problem with the 570 thread cutter that caused it to go to the shop twice in the first year. The second repair worked and I’ve really liked it. I’m getting the 770 because of the throat space and how quiet it is. I’ve been using a BSR for a year and love quilting with it. Bernina takes a bit to learn but it’s really worth it and I look forward to my new machine which will come in about a week. Happy sewing everyone!!
Hi, I put my deposit down on the 770 QE Tulla Pink and so nervous but I have been seeing a brother 100 dollar machine for a long time and it’s great for piecing but that’s all. They tell me not coming till October. I have quilts that’s need to be done. I’m so excited I hope if I do have questions your blog will help.
Annie
Hi, I bought a Bernina 165 way back in 2003. I love it. I reccomend Bernina to all my friends. Mine has had some glitches here and there and a very few repairs. I mostly sew crafts and clothing. I have owned from a Singer , Brothers, to a Janomi. I like the versatility of the Bernina best. However, it has out priced my income ability to replace what I have. I wish you the best with yours.
I am thinking about purchasing this machine mainly for machine quilting. Do I really need the embroidery module? I can’t see me using it but is it worth the extra money? Is it compatible with other software on the internet?
Loved all the information and hints. Thanks ladies. I am thinking of buying this machine too. I have had a BERNINA Aurora 440 QE for about 10 years and have loved it. Am looking for a larger throat space though now and is the main reason for the change. I love BERNINA have not had any problems at all with my present machine and it sews beautifully. I love the BSR function as well.
Hi –
You had replied to another person – “The other issue I have is with the last thread guide above the needle…my thread will always come loose from it. Other owners seem to have this issue too as it’s been discussed in a Bernina FB group I’m in. Once again, not a big issue and when it’s time to have it serviced, I’ll make sure they fix is so that it no longer pops out.” I’m having the same trouble and wondering if you’ve found a fix yet?
Thanks!
I’m looking for a machine that is good with free motion embroidery and free motion quilting. I have a new Husqvarna Epic 980q and always have to fiddle with the tension. Even the Sewing Mastery video for free motion quilting shows how you need to keep adjusting it. I’m done with this machine and want something that works as good as my old Janome 9000 🙂 Thanks for any advice!