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Bernette

Won't be buying a Bernina again. I waited 20 years to buy my own sewing machine and chose a Bernina Bernette.

I don't do enough sewing to justify something really expensive with lots of features but the one I bought was AUD$499. Used it less than 30 hours (in 18 months) and the flywheel jammed and wouldn't rotate and the bobbin case came loose.

Have returned it to be repaired where I purchased it from to be told that they don't sell Bernina anymore because of the problems they have had with them. If they can't repair the problem easily I will need to take it to a Bernina dealer to do the work under warranty.

Having heard this and seen the complaints about Bernina sewing machines what I really want is my money back as I don't have the time to keep taking a sewing machine somewhere for repairs if I use it rarely.

Comments for
Bernette

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Jul 01, 2009
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Bernette
by: Anonymous

A Bernette is really not a true Bernina. At first it was made by Brother for Bernina. I would never ever sell one to someone. They are not made by Bernina. I am sorry Bernina even puts their name on it. They wanted to offer something low end and to get that low, it has to be not Swiss made.

Aug 16, 2009
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Not Happy With Bernina Bernette 55
by: Anonymous

I am not very happy with the Bernette 55 sewing machine. It has limited presser feet and the zipper foot does not allow one to stitch close due to the bulky back design.

Also, it has a problem with thread breakage and bobbin tension. It boils down to "you get what you pay for". It is also becoming quite noisy. I'm looking at Pfaff now.

Mar 26, 2010
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I need help.
by: Jo

I bought a Bernette 65 in August and have had nothing but troubles with it. The bobbin tension is off and I can,t get it regulated. I have only done a little zig zag on it, I took it back to the store and they don,t do repairs. So now what do I do ? Please help me !!!

Apr 04, 2010
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Bernette problems
by: Anonymous

Can't find a dealer who will do repairs. Machine jams because the wheel on the right is off center and binds after a few minutes. Any suggestions?

May 17, 2010
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Bernette 55
by: Le

My daughter has had the machine about 2 years and sews quite a bit. No real problems. But I agree their does seem to be a problem with the tension sometimes. It has been a good starter for her and I have bought quite a few presser feet for various tasks.

Jul 22, 2010
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bernette is a starter machine
by: Anonymous

I have had a Bernette for 14 years and I can say that overall it has been a great little machine. I have sewn off and on with it over the years, and have come to learn that since it is the basic machine in the Bernina line, it is limited on its capabilitles. The only time I had trouble with it was when I used poor quality thread,failed to keep it cleaned and oiled in between projects, or used too many layers of heavy material.This machine simply was not made for that type of sewing. For those who have experienced problems, it may be wise to consider what type of work you are doing for the capabilities. After all, there a machine for every type of project.If you take care of your machine, it will take care of you!

Jul 29, 2010
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Tension problems
by: Anonymous

I bought a Bernina Bernnette 65 about four years ago .Within 6 months there were problems. On reurning it to the supplier I was told I was not threading it properly and using the wrong thread.
I sorted all my threads out and took extra care threading etc.However nothing improvedand as I needed to be sewing so reurned to my Mother's old Singer which never causes any problems.When I again went back with the Brenina we went through the same routine again... I's me, I'm not using it properly etc etc.I was persuaded again that I was doing something wrong
but still the machine tension is totally inconsistant. I am very relieved to find that other people are having the same difficulties.
The machine is one huge frustration!!!.

Oct 03, 2010
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Bernina bernette 80e
by: Alanna Kunz

Purchased new, 2010. I Love my Bernina bernette 80e sewing machine but it does have some glitches. First thing to go was the bobbin case. It was rough, chewed up and full of holes. I had to replace it (30.00) within the first 4 months. Second to break off was the needle threader. As I was stitching along , bit of plastic were dropping onto the fabric. I did not bother to have that fixed.

Third is the gnarling of thread beneath. I find I must stop an average of 5 times while making one item to open the bobbin place and clear away thread. It jams a lot. Other than that it sews like a dream.

Oct 18, 2010
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Will NEVER buy a Bernette for Bernina again!
by: Anonymous

A tiny screw is missing from my machine. The part probably costs less than $0.10. Because of this missing part, my sewing machine is no longer functional. And NOBODY does repairs or sells the screw. I was told by the seller that "they make sewing machines to be disposable nowadays". I do not understand how a $600 machine is disposable.
I also agree with the other comments. My machine also frequently had problems with the tension and tangling of thread on the underside of the fabric.

Dec 11, 2010
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Good machine but a bit fussy
by: Anonymous

I've had my bernette 65 for 4 years now but have only recently started sewing a lot on it. I was having tension problems have mostly resolved them. Because its a beginner machine a lot of peope don't know how to care fr it properly (I didn't). Getting it serviced once a year, keeping it clean, especially in the tension and bobbin case, changing to new needle every few orojects is necessary. Also, its important to use the right size needle and match the thread to the needle. When I started paying strict attention to these things my tension issues greatly reduced. Especially to thread! Poor thread gums it up every time. And thread that is too thick on a fine needle or vice versa also messes it up.

I've sewed bags, dresses and even made a leather bag on this machine and the results were beautiful! But it took some learning about sewing, using the right accessories and machine care to get there.

May 19, 2011
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Thank goodness I saw these reviews!
by: KIWIGRAN

Thank goodness I found your site. I had been considering buying a Bernette machine (the H70 model) but now won't touch them with a bargepole! I Had no idea they weren't made by Bernina (their leaflets certainly don't give that impression). I had a Pfaff (now 40 years old and still working OK) which I gave to my daughter and another, which is now 25 years old but beginning to get a bit cranky. As I don't do as much semi-professional work now decided to go for something less sophisticated. Maybe I'll just stick to my cranky Pfaff till it finally dies altogether!

Jul 11, 2011
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Fake machine
by: Anonymous

If I had a stick of dyanmite at this very moment this Bernette 65 would be on the moon!!! What we should do is bring a class-action suit against Bernina for ever insinuating they made it! I have lost $100 on repairs, still doesn't make a simple seam without skipping and wasted untold minutes ripping out to try sewing it again!! Oh I do wish I had my old Singer back.

Oct 12, 2011
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Bernette 80e
by: Anonymous

Have had a Bernette 80e for years and love it. No problems.

Jan 27, 2012
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Bernette 80e what a nightmare!! NEW
by: Anonymous

My Bernette 80e rarely sews a straight line w/o some problem with tension or the evil thread jam!! I thought it was me but after reading these reviews and comments I realize it is a low quality machine. So disappointed.....

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