Bernina 165E and Bernina BSR

by Barbara
(Jamestown, CA)

I have two Bernina's because I do a LOT of embroidery I also have a Singer Quantum XL6000 computerised machine.

You can download designs from your Laptop or Desktop to the machine free from the Internet.

I also have the PSW Personal Soft-Ware program, this is extra $ but allows you to digitize and make many changes to designs from the Internet. For embroidery I prefer the Singer.

The machine automatically threads itself right from the upper thread spool. There are two upper thread spools that change one thread color, when that color is finished, rewind that spool and re-thread the second thread. You can then set up the next thread and so on.

The machine will automatically rewind the bobbin thread when it runs out, that in itself is a time/bother saver. The machine cuts the thread automatically when finished with any color.

The Bernina sewing machine has the Multi Hoop feature this allows you to stitch very large designs and there are many built-in designs.

You can also save a design in memory (this is feature I don't like it is hard to remember which 'box' you placed designs in - but maybe I haven't learned this yet!)

There is a Work Book that you can download that is different than the manual that comes with the machine and worth downloading. It's a step by step lesson plan.

Great customer service for questions!

I like my Bernina very much for general sewing and it has much sharper built in designs than the Singer.

You are lucky if you have a Bernina dealer close by your home. (as I do) The Bernina classes are fabulous, and free but cost $$$ if you didn't buy the machine from that dealer and repairs are expensive because of the shipping.

I think the BSR is well worth the price. I didn't buy the embroidery unit, that is extra $$, I already have an embroidery machine, but my two friends did and rave about them.

It boils down to picking any machine that it the best for what you sew. I quilt and embroidery a lot.

Look around first, buy the best you can afford.