Bernina Activa 220 review

We're Hiring! | Sewing Forums | Sewing Crafts And Resources | Sewing Blog | CONTACT US

Bernina Activa 220 review

by Tammy
(Shippensburg,Pa.USA)

I have used Singers all my life, but I have been researching for over a month now, and I've been to a lot of dealers checking out the different machines. I like to look at the guts of the machine that tells me a lot!

Well to my surprise Bernina Activa 220 is all metal gears and guts while too many of the others are plastic. I have learned a great deal. I took my Singer Futura to be fixed at a shop where they use to fix and sell them, they don't anymore but still work on machines, but the machinist is part time and is not certified "Humm" makes you think, part time not certified do they really know what they are doing?

Well they never got around to even looking at it, see I sew for people and I can't be with out a machine. The lady said the bobbin case was damaged the needle had knocked hunks out of it, replaced that well it skipped stitches they said it was out of time that the tech would have to tear it all down to re time it said this could have happened when shipped from overseas who knows we don't make anything in this country anymore!

Well a week went by they never looked at it so my husband found a man here close to home who works on all kinds of machines sewing & embroidery that is. He has been doing this for over 28 years, he sells Bernina machines and is certified to do so. He really knows his craft!

I got to see the guts of other brands and I was so shocked more plastic then anything else! He showed me so much if your machine takes plastic bobbins like my singer does,when you fill it the bobbin expands and can cause problems. After several visits I bought a Bernina Activa 220 - they're not cheap but that machine will walk over Heavy Denim Seams and no problems you can't do that with the Singer!

He took two Pant legs put the seams together doubled it and the machine walked over it! That sold me because I do a lot of denim. The machine is user friendly! My next machine is one of there embroidery machines.

The Bernina is well worth it, they stand behind the product. I want a product I can have faith in like I use to have in Singer that is sad it use to be a great product of good quality but I don't believe it now. Bernina Activa 220 sewing machine has changed my mind and given me faith in a machine that says and does what it says it will do.

Comments for
Bernina Activa 220 review

Average Rating

Click here to add your own comments

Mar 13, 2010
Rating

Bernina Activa 220
by: Cindy

Just purchased the Bernina Activa 220 and am in love with it. I still have to take my beginning class on how to use the machine at the sewing center where I purchased it. Even without taking the class I am able to use the machine because it is so user friendly. It is very quiet and sews beautifully.

I love how easy it is to wind bobbins, thread the needle, start and stop with the needle up or down, change stitch lengths and the list goes on and on. A quality machine that seems to handle tough jobs. A bit pricey but it is well worth it!

Once I tried the Bernina Activa 220 sewing machine I couldn't even look at less expensive machines because I was hooked! I was considering the Activa 230 but for the additional $500.00 the main differences were a one step buttonhole maker and more memory, which to me was not worth the money.

I am a little concerned with the light it comes with though. It seems to be kind of dim. I will be checking on what they offer for the CFL bulb.

Mar 15, 2010
Rating

QUESTION
by: Patrick

Hi there,

I live in Shippensburg, PA, even though I put Harrisburg, PA...where is the sewing perrson in the Shipp area? Does he do other models. I jjust took my machine all the way to HBG last week, and it is a hike to the area. Anyting will help.

THANKS,

Patrick

Sep 15, 2010
Rating

Ridiculous price of a replacement light blub
by: Deborah

I have a Bernina 153 QE for years and have loved the precision and ease of use. BUT my light bracket broke for no reason, the light dangled down (but still worked) and I caught it when pulling a thread to the left, now the light is broken.
The machine still works good, but the kicker is that I took it to my Bernina dealer for service and the bulb is $155 plus minimum $90 for installing it. My needle threader is not aligned with the needle, so I need that adjusted or replaced, so another cost to this, but again, it is optional. And the dealer would have my machine for approx. a month to repair it. It is so horrible to be without a machine!
Can anyone tell me why we should pay $245 to replace a light bulb? Or even $50 or even $25? This is very very discouraging to me. They should tell you this kind of thing before you buy a Bernina, as it is a huge factor in the decision making process. For this kind of money I can buy a brand new machine, or get an older machine on eBay.

Nov 26, 2010
Rating

Questions about materials
by: TJ NYC

I was wondering if the Activa 220 could handle sewing threw leather?

Also I don't understand the comment from September regarding repair of another Bernina model. Things break, it's gotten a lot of use from the sound of it. Either get it repaired or buy another one, quit your bellyaching.

(People think cause they spend money that things wont break or have a cost to repair, nothing is perfect, especially things from imperfect beings).

Thanks for any help on my question, and great review.

Dec 03, 2010
Rating

Bernina Activa 210
by: Joan

I have owned the Bernina Activa 210 for 3 years and couldn't be happier. It is a simple, basic machine, never fails to give 100%. Stitches are perfect all the time. Have made several quilts, doll clothes, patched garments, recovered a couch. It is wonderful and would recommend it highly.

Jan 25, 2011
Rating

Bernina Activa 220
by: Susan

I love this machine. The Bernina Activa 220 is always consistent, can easily drive through thick materials.

I am basically an art quilter. I am ready to upgrade in order to just try out the BSR, but the Activa 220 is great for free motion stitching when you get your rhythm going. My only issue with my machine, is that my thread sometimes gets caught in the back, on the metal area before you bring it through the machine.

I use a thread stand almost all the time. That works well, but sometimes it is frustrating as to why the thread keeps catching back there. It has been serviced regularly and it is not an issue of how the thread is wound on the spool. I use the vertical, horizontal rules. It's a minor thing, in the scheme of how well the machine performs.

I love it so much I am wanting to upgrade to the 430 so I can try the BSR and have the knee lift.
No complaints about stitch quality, ease of use and durability. It never really EVER has failed me. I call it my workhorse.

The Bernina Activa 220 was my very first machine, besides my Grandmother's Singer featherweight. I would probably not try anything other than another Bernina. Happy Sewing!

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How?
Simply click here to return to Bernina Reviews