Bernina 1260 machine

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Bernina 1260 machine

by Mary Ellen Dahm
(Elizabeth, Colorado)

I have had my Bernina 1260 for over ten years. I have it maintained on a yearly basis. I clean and oil it faithfully.

It has not given me an ounce of trouble. I have stitched seven wedding dresses, many other items of clothing and many quilt squares.

I love the fact that the thread never blobs up under the plate and it just has been a delightful machine for me. It is out all the time and used almost on a daily basis.

The only negative is that I cannot seem to get a quilt rolled tightly enough to be able to do any kind of quilting on this machine. I would recommend this to anyone.

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Bernina 1260 machine

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Oct 23, 2009
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Bernina 1260 is the Best
by: Diane LaChapelle

The Bernina 1260 is the last machine made completely in Switzerland and is a classic. Mine is 15 years old and sews as well now as when I first got it. With 37 stitches, custom memory stitches, automatic buttonholes, and all the feet and stitches that enable jersey stitching, quilting, piping, pintucking, rolled and straight hems, and ... well you name it and this machine does it. Lots of power, and the very best even, accurate stitches you can do no matter what the fabric. I have made everything from upholstery to silk dresses and jackets.

If you can find one that has been maintained, buy it. People who own this machine never give it up.

Oct 31, 2009
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Bernina 1260 -Quilter's Platinum Edition
by: Elaine

I bought my Bernina 1260 several years ago from my daughter when she bought a different brand sewing machine. I love the 1260 because it has so many settings that I use. It has a needle threader that is handy to use, but recently when I used it, the metal piece inside got bent and I can no longer use it.

I've been trying to find one to buy, but haven't had any luck. If anyone has one that they aren't using or know of somewhere I could buy one, I'd appreciate it.

Apr 13, 2010
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Bernina 1260 electronic model
by: Traudi Manno

I've had my Bernina 1260 electronic sewing machine for 12 years, mainly using it for straight stitching(quilting). I recently had it in for repair because the decorative stitch panel was not working.

The Bernina repairman told me that the gears were almost shot and that there wasn't much life left to the machine. Needless to say, I was shocked! I am not a heavy user and no-one else sewed on the machine. This was to be the machine that I would hand down to my daughter in a few more years.

My next shock came when the nipple on the sewing table broke off in the hole, so now I have to support it with a kleenex box until I can get something more permanent. This morning my Bernina seam ripper broke in half! This suggests to me that the plastic that was being used to make these items was of poor quality.

My mother-in-law has has had her Singer sewing machine for 50 years with major usage. I also still have my White Jeans portable machine, which has had NO repair or maintenance, and is still running well after much use and abuse for 25 years!

I am very disappointed and feel that the $3500. that I spent 12 years ago was NOT a very good investment.

Aug 25, 2010
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Great machine
by: Anne Watson

I bought my Bernina 1260 brand new about 13 years ago and have only made two quilts.
I have never really used it very much. I love the needle positioner, knee lift and easy reverse.
A couple of weeks ago the reverse button decided not to work and I have been quoted over $400 to have it fixed.
Trying now to decide whether to pay the money or quit it as a deposit on something else - but what, as I don't need such a fancy machine.
Has anyone else had this problem?

Aug 29, 2010
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I own a Bernina 1260 Model
by: Judy

I have sewn many projects on my Bernina 1260 from children and adult clothing to sewing quilts. I love my machine and it is a charm to use. I bought it new in 1990 and still runs like it's brand new.

Nov 27, 2010
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I love my 1260! So much that I might buy a second one.
by: Lara Greene

I bought mine new in 1994 after years of cheap and slow machines. I researched and chose very carefully at the time and it is the best investment I have ever made.

I sew professionally, for a living and cannot even begin to guess how many stitches my 1260 has stitched over the years. I have only ever had truly minor issues, especially considering how much I sew.

- one of the plastic pegs to hold the table on broke off.

- The part which holds the needle in place cracked and had to be replaced

- one little red light went out and needed to be replaced

- I suspect my knee-lift mechanism needs a bit of adjustment

My machine is all scratched up from pins and use. I am horrible about taking it in for service unless there is a problem but I am good about cleaning my machine. In 16 years it's been serviced three times (I know, I am bad. But the machine is great!).

Now I need a third machine for work and I want another 1260. I bought a Bernina Activa 240 about 6 years back and it is no where near as good as my old 1260!

When I find another 1260 for sale I will definitely buy it.

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