Bernina 930 machine

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Bernina 930 machine

by DINA-MARIE BESTER
(BLOEMFONTEIN SOUTH AFRICA)

In 1984 I bought my Bernina 930 sewing machine and there was a time that I used it a lot.

For the last couple of years I did not sew as frequently as I should have. Last week when I used my machine smoke was pouring out where the motor of the machine is.

I will be taking it in for repairs and a quote but feel convinced that it is the motor that burnt out.

However I will be looking for a new model as I loved my Bernina 930.

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Bernina 930 machine

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Apr 09, 2009
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930 Record
by: Anonymous

I bought this machine new in early 1984. I love it. It is my third sewing machine and the brand recommended to me by a friend in the 1970s. He was a manager of the Singer sewing machine store!

Apr 12, 2009
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Looking for Bernina 930 parts
by: Anonymous

This was my older sisters sewing machine and had set for some time before it got to me. So I took it in for a overhaul and have loved it, till, now, they are not able to repair it as they can no longer get the parts !!!

I'm wondering if I should buy a Bernina or will that one also be a problem down the road for parts as well? Can some one help me with this decision please! Thank you.

Jun 06, 2009
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The Bernina 930 is still the best
by: Janet

I sold Berninas for a short time. Obviously, I had to own one in order to truly promote the machine.

Over twenty years, two children, numerous holiday pageants, clothing, and home furnishings the Bernina 930 is still the best machine I have ever used.

Sure, it is very utilitarian compared to the new machines, but I would never give it up. If my daughter is lucky, she will inherit it!!

Jun 14, 2009
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Won't find another like Bernina 930
by: Dorothy

There is not another machine like this one. The Bernina 930 is truly a work horse.

I bought mine 25 years ago after taking a quilting class (this was the machine used in our classes) and I was hooked.

Basically maintenance free. You will not find another like it.

Aug 11, 2009
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Love my Bernina 930
by: Nancy

I love my trusty bernina 930 that I have been using for over 20 years. It has gone through diaper making to prom dress making and hopefully wedding dress making- well maybe not the wedding dress making part but definitely the future grandchildren making.

I am looking for an embroidery sewing machine and have no idea where to start. Any ideas? Thanks, Nancy

Sep 11, 2009
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Bernina 930 Electronic
by: Mitzi

I own a Bernina 930 Electronic since the 1980's and it is still working beautifully as of 2009. I would like to add some comments to your review.

This model does not have a button for automatic bobbin winding. It does not have automatic bobbin winding. The bobbin has to be manually removed from the bobbin case, placed on the bobbin winding mechanism on top of the machine, then the bobbin is filled with thread. The bobbin is then removed from the winding mechanism and placed back in the bobbin housing. Automatic bobbin winding was invented some time later.

It does not have thread cutting when you finish sewing. You must clip the thread with scissors.

This machine does not automatically stop with the "needle-down". When you take the foot off the pedal, the needle always stays in the up position, free from the fabric. It is true that if you tap the pedal once you can sew one stitch at a time, but the needle will always return to the "needle-up" position. The only way to place the needle in the "needle-down" position is to manually turn the flywheel until the needle penetrates the fabric.

The "needle-down" feature did not become available until later in the history of Bernina machines.

You mention "making buttons"; I think you mean buttonholes?

It has a knee operated lifter that lifts the presser foot. This feature would be extremely useful if the machine had an automatic "needle-down" position, but, as I said, that had not been invented yet. Those sewers who applique and mend can readily understand this, because as you get to the corners of an applique, you want to lift the presser foot and pivot the fabric, but this would be much easier if you could have the automatic "needle-down" feature.

Despite the lack of 21st century features, this is a great machine, very strong and never requires repair. I just simply brush off the lint from the internal mechanism as often as possible and this insures perfect sewing. The internal mechanism can be exposed for cleaning/oiling by just lifting the outer plates that cover it.

Thank you
Mitzi
Cold Spring Harbor, NY

Jan 29, 2010
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Bernina 930
by: Grace LaSota

I cannot say enough wonderful things about my Bernina 930. I purchased this machine when I was pregnant with my second boy in 1981. It's impeccable reliability more than outweighs the heavy purchase price!! I have made many wonderful gifts, clothes, craft items and accessories.

I ran a small home business wherein I was sewing at least 12 hours a day, six days a week, for 15 years on my Bernina. I have only replaced the bulb twice in twenty eight years, and have had no mechanical problems whatsoever. My Bernina 930 is easy to clean and maintain. I love this machine and will never, never trade it in. Thank you Bernina!!

Mar 25, 2010
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Bernina 930
by: Dot

I have had my Bernina 930 since Dec 1983. I owned a clothing store and a Bridal shop. I did all the alterations in the store on my 930.

I am retired now and still sew for people and if it stops so will I. I have 4 machines and this one is my favorite.

Mar 29, 2010
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Bernina 930
by: Lori

I bought my Bernina 930 many years ago (23?). I love the way it sews. It is so smooth, and never gives me trouble.

However, I have developed Rheumatoid Arthritis and began looking into the quilting 440e machine. The 820 is awesome too, but WAY too pricey. I am trying to decide if I should keep my 930 when I get my new machine or not. I probably will since it has become an old friend and will be an excellent spare.

I always recommend Bernina. They are expensive, but they last forever. You will never go wrong with a Bernina.

Mar 31, 2010
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Bernina 930 electric
by: Arlene

I love my Bernina 930 and would not trade it in for any other machine. i have had it for over 30 yrs. i have not had to replace any parts. i do tons of sewing. as a teenager i was sewing my prom dress on my mother's singer sewing machine.

her machine would not sew the stretch fabric. my aunt who had a bernina was the one who finished my dress in time for my prom. after that i made my mind up that one day i would own a bernina machine. my 1st bernina was a very basic machine.

2 yrs later i up graded to the 930 and have been totally happy with it. the salesmen have tried very hard to get me to trade in but no thanks!

Apr 11, 2010
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Bernina 930 Record
by: Edith Jay Cree

About 1985 I purchased a Bernina 830 sewing machine and just loved it. I was making a lot of bathrobes for Christmas presents and I had the bushings burn out. This was in 1987.

I needed to finish these robes and I couldn't wait for the 830 to be repaired. When I was in the shop they demonstrated the Bernina 930 record to me and said if I bought it they would throw in the Bernetta Serger. I did buy the 930 that day and got the Serger.

I took the free lessons and there has hardly been a day since that I haven't sewed on it. I've used it for everything to making drapes, slip covers, clothes, mending horse blankets and other horse items. I have never had any trouble with this machine except for the feed dogs wearing down and having to be replaced.

I'm still sewing up a "storm" with this machine and I wouldn't trade it for the world. I have used others but none as great as this machine. I had my 830 "bushings" repaired and gave the machine to my daughter who is still using it.

Her daughter has been in many horse shows and my daughter made her daughters outfits as well as matching ones for the horse. They have won many awards. I sometimes wish I had kept my 830 but I know it went for a good purpose.

I've put in my will who I want to have my 930 machine. Lately I've made drapes and lots and lots of baby items for my grand-daughter who is expecting her first baby in a couple of weeks. I take this machine with me when I travel so I can repair "whatever" for the relatives and friends. A truly GREAT MACHINE.

The Serger is my favorite too and I use it constantly. I've only had the bushings go bad in it and the repair man said it looked like it had sewed a million miles. No other problems with it either.

Aug 29, 2010
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Bernina 930
by: Anita Twitchell

I absolutely love this machine. My mother bought it for me back in '95 as a gift. It was a previously loved machine when I got it and it's still loved to this day.

I've had my Bernina 930 sewing machine for 15 years and it's still going strong. I've sewn leather, multiple layers of tapestry, linen, cotton, you name it...I've sewn it on this machine. I'm a costumer and I've sewn tons and tons of outfits. They're all still stitched today.

I've hauled it everywhere. Yes it's heavy, but it's one of the things I like about it. It's something that's hard for me to break. (Being the klutz that I am.)

Everyday I thank my mom for finding this machine for me. The Bernina 930 is fabulous and I will have it always. I'm sure it will still be sewing up a storm up until the very end of my days.

Aug 29, 2010
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BERNINA 217, BERNINA 930, BERNINA 830
by: MAVIS MCDONNELL

When I graduated from Fashion Design Design school 1n 1979, the first thing I did was buy myself a graduation gift by purchasing an Industrial Bernina 217, I loved the machine. Its durability and ease of use inspired me to buy another Bernina to tout around when I traveled back and forth from Hawaii to Los Angeles. I purchased the first Bernina 930 Model. It hasn't disappointed me yet. I still have my two Berninas. I have sewed 3 wedding dresses, all my daughter's clothes from kindergarten to high school graduation.She was always proud to wear one of a kind clothing. Recently, I bought my daughter a Bernina 830 model. She now is busy sewing her own projects. These machine are work horses with great durability ease of usage and beautiful stitches. I'm a Bernina believer for life.

Aug 29, 2010
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bernina 930 record
by: kay

i have had this machine since it was new. i sold it on ebay and the lady that bought it said it would not sew the stitches. i tested the stitches before i listed it and they sewed fine. when i got the machine back, the stitches would not sew correctly. she said the bernina repairman said the cam(?) was worn out. has anyone had any similar problems with these machines? i had not used most of the fancy stitches.

Sep 21, 2010
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locating Attachments
by: Melissa

I dropped my machine off (Bernina 930) to be cleaned and serviced. My cousin gave it to my son and me. He was very concerned about losing the attachments, but I have dealt with this store before and was not worried about losing them. MISTAKE! When we picked the machine up we had no attachments; to make it worse, they did not record attachments on my receipt when I dropped the machine off to be serviced. Now I have this lovely machine and no attachments. Does anyone have any suggestion about how I can get the attachments? Does anyone want to sell the attachements to their worn out machine?

Sep 26, 2010
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Need presser foot knee lifter....
by: Coque

I need a 'presser foot knee lifter' for my Bernina 930. If anyone has one that they are willing to part with, please contact me. I have read several threads where folks posted that they did not use the lifter so please contact me if you don't use yours....I lost my 'lifter' while moving to a new home. Also, I am willing to trade my carrying case for a 'lifter'.
I LOVE my 930. I purchased it new in the 1980's and have never had ANY trouble with it.

contact me at coquessia@yahoo.com

Oct 30, 2010
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Need a walking foot for Bernina 930
by: Anonymous

I have used my Bernina 930 machine on and off for 25 years and simply adore it. Yesterday I accidentally broke off one of the arms of the walking foot. Does anyone have a walking foot for this model that they are willing to sell? I do so hope that someone will rescue me! I can be e-mailed at marianprinsloo@vodamail.co.za thank you so much.

Nov 06, 2010
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Bernina 930
by: Jeanne

I bought this in 1984 and literally have not had any trouble with it - normal service is all. I love it! The Bernina 930 sews perfect stitches and never has a tension issue. I've made my clothes, my boys and husband's western shirts (lots of them), quilting, mending, alterations, etc. Jeans are a breeze to repair....the mending stitch is great for patching little boys's jeans.

The free arm works great and has the extension table. The only trouble I've had is with the foot pedal...which is broken and will have to be replaced. I'm a happy camper....26 years later! Jeanne, Grand Junction, CO

Nov 10, 2010
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I need the sewing table
by: Linda

I'm looking for the sewing table that originally came with the 930 bernina. If u have one to sell please contact me @ crofam2@yahoo.com

Nov 21, 2010
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Thread Cut/Needle Down Position
by: Anonymous

I have a Bernina 930 that I have used for the past 25 years. I love it! The only time it has been in shop is to be cleaned/tuned up. I read Mitzi's remarks about the no thread "cut" and the no "needle down" position. The thread cutter is the little silver dot on the arm of the machine behind and to the left of the presser foot. To put the needle in the down position one only has to press down with the heel of the foot, this will put the needle in the down position, very helpfull when appliqueing. Love, love, love my Bernina!

Nov 24, 2010
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Bernina 930 knee lifter wanted
by: Dona

If you know of a knee lifter for the Bernina 930 for sale, please contact me at louisefour@hotmail.com. Thanks.

Nov 25, 2010
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930 Bernina
by: Cecelia

Brought it in 1983 and have made hundred of decorative flags, womens suits, mens suits and shirts,quilts, curtains and etc. I was getting ready to start a new project that is taking 31 yards of fabric and I noticed that the presser foot was not hold the fabric as tight as it had been so I took it in for a check up and cleaning. They adjusted the feed dogs and oil and cleaned it after 27 years. I truly love my 930 Bernina machine. No thread jamming ever. It was well worth what I paid for it in 1983 and if I ever see one for sale I'll buy it just so I will have a spare.

Jan 29, 2011
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Feed dogs problem
by: Melissa

I went to turn the feed dog dial to lower them but it won't budge to the right ( below the # symbol) Does anyone know a trick to turn it?

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