Bernina Aurora 440QE

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Bernina Aurora 440QE

by Stephanie
(Australia)

In 2009 I was able to purchase my first Bernina, the Aurora 440QE sewing machine as an ex-show demonstration model, and am absolutely smitten with it. I have a high end machines from Husqvarna and have also used two Pfaffs extensively and sewn on less expensive models produced in Asia-and apart from my Husqvarna, the Bernina is everything and more I could have imagined. It oozes quality. They are not inexpensive but they are high performers-worth the money.

Perfect, balanced stitching across the board...easy tension adjustment. The Bernina Aurora 440QE sews everything I have thrown at it to perfection. Two good BSR modes for different sorts of freemotion quilting sytles. The BSR evens out human error factor when you learn to work with the BSR system,and produces very few uneven stitches so long as you work within the parameters of the foot.

There is even an alarm you an set to help you learn these parameters so you know if you are going too fast for the sensor in the BSR foot! Regular darning foot included if you want to change stitch length in your work for creative effects.

The hook can be pulled apart for really good cleaning-love it! Clean every couple of bobbins changed for perfect quiet performance.
Buttons on display are easy to understand and press even wearing quilter's gloves. All the important stuff is right up front and not hidden behind menus and sub menus.

Stitches included are pretty as well as functional and very precisely sewn. Stitches for many applications such as appique, piecing, decorative use, joining batting and the usual dressmaking ones are included. Most beautiful buttonholes!

All the accessories are Swiss made and hand polished. They function exceptionally well and there are lots of options for additional specialty feet. Additional accessory guide is included with the machine...be warned, you will want to add more feet to the Barbie's Wardrobe that comes with the machine if you do specialty techniques.

There is also an optional embroidery unit that I don't have but may add later on if I want to.
Very solid, heavy and reliable machine-like a workhorse mechanical but with computerized controls and the ease of use that offers. It is an easy machine to learn to use.

Something I love is the temporary altered stitch memory- the machine will remember adjustments you make even whilst switching between stitches during a sewing session. It reverts to the preprogrammed stuff if you press clear or turn the machine off. The machine is well tested in the real sewing world too, its been around since the mid 2000's and is not a first generation product-has been updated and improved over the years. It was the first model with BSR though.

I would also buy another Aurora 440QE tomorrow without hesitation if I had the money! They are made by the only family run sewing machine company in the world, who are obsessed with quality and precision - and it really shows in the excellence of this product.

Comments for
Bernina Aurora 440QE

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Dec 02, 2009
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Bernina 440QE
by: Charlotte

This is my first Bernina. Previously I sewed with a $99 Kenmore for years and it was a real workhorse. My husband talked me into the upgrade for a birthday present as my quilting endeavors became more advanced.

I really like the machine for sewing. No complaints. However, they talked me into the $1,000 embroidery module when I purchased it and that has been nothing but trouble. I am trying to run it on Windows VISTA once in while, it will work like a charm, but mostly I have to continually restart the software and computer to coax out anything.

Recently I had to have my PC overhauled due to a virus. They did not reload the Bernina software and now I can't get it to install at all - keep getting a "unknown security error 102". If anyone has had a similar problem and can tell me how they fixed it, I'd appreciate it because otherwise, I am stuck with a $1,000 paperweight.

I tried to take the class at the dealer where I bought it but the class was 90% BSR and 10% embroidery module - they had a lot of trouble getting it to work as well and finally coaxed out one design as we were leaving at the end of class.

My attempts to contact Bernina have gone unanswered. Very disappointing considering what we paid. I would have expected to get excellent customer service as well as a quality machine for that price.

Dec 02, 2009
Rating

Aurora embroidery
by: Stephanie

Charlotte I would be following up with your dealership and if they refuse to adknoweledge you, go to the Bernina head office in your country and explain you have not had joy from the local dealership. They'll want to know if someone is not doing the right thing.
Bernina do have excellent customer service.
Your problem may well be with the computer but it would be best to let the Bernina people check incase by chance there is anything amiss with the software.
I don't have embroidery module or software or experience with them, so I can't offer any more advice about those things, sorry! Goocluck with resolving it.

Jan 29, 2010
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Bernina 440QE
by: Cyndi Peterson

My first Bernina was a 930 electronic which I purchased 25 years ago. I used it extensively to sew clothes for my five children and home decor and quilting. It still runs perfectly! The only repair it has needed is the foot pedal...last year!

I purchased my Bernina 440QE in 2008 and I love it! Lots of new techniques and info to learn...but it sews,quilts and embroiders beautifully. (I wore out 3 motors in my old other brand machine in 5 years before I owned a Bernina...I definitely needed a dependable heavy duty machine!)

Mar 13, 2010
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Bernina 440QE
by: Corky

Always have your Bernina serviced by a CERTIFIED BERNINA TECH. I took my to a Bernina Dealer who did not have a certified tech. Big mistake. I was too lazy to drive back to the city I purchased it.

I will NEVER make that mistake again. It has been a nightmare. I love my Bernina 440QE. I thought it had become possessed. I have had three Berninas and love them all. Just beware where you take it.

Mar 19, 2010
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Use Bernina authorised technicians
by: Stephanie

Totally agree with Corky's comments on using a certified and up to date with their training Authorised Bernina Technician for your servicing- anything else could produce all sorts of not great results- plus where I live if you did go elsewhere you would void your warranty.
The best machines after all deserve being serviced by those that know them best.

May 14, 2010
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Machine Embroidary, frustration and limitations
by: Lynn

This comment has to do with the embroidary unit and the Artista embroidary software. Learning to use the embroidary unit had a very steep learning curve and I had to hire computer techicians (note the plural), before I finally found someone who knew how to get the computer to talk to the sewing machine. How it is working beautifully and with ease now. However, can't say that I have truly enjoyed the embroidary process and often wish that I would have just stuck to creating quilts. Embroidary is unforgiving. You make a mistake and generally you have to start over. I don't think for me it was worth the investment, which can get very expensive, once you add all the thread and products needed to stabalize the fabric.

May 14, 2010
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with regard to previous comment
by: Stephanie

This review is for the Aurora 440 not the Artista machine- I do not have the embroidery module but of course there are additional expenses beyond the machine purchase price- fabric, and thread especially...stabilisers, extra tools. Quiltmaking is also not an inexpensive craft but I do not begrudge the cost for the joy it brings to my life. I do know people who embroider with Artista machines-a range of different models, and they love the work they are able to do.
Its always important to choose the machine to suit the sorts of projects you will want to sew most of the time.

May 26, 2010
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Bernina Aurora 440 QE
by: Nancy Hodge

Before retiring a year ago, decided sewing all my life, I needed a good machine, always wanted a Bernina! Selected a Aurora 440 QE. I LOVE MY BERNINA!

When I bought it, there was a red light that was on when doing the stippling and moving the fabric made the machine stitch! Now I have not been able to remember what all I have to do to get it to work. I feel like I am missing a step or a function or feature. Probably something really simple but I just cannot make it work to do stippling properly and to make it when you move the fabric the machine sews!

When given the lesson, the lady talked about everything but the machine, and I noticed she is not there anymore. I am feeling very stupid and wish I knew someone else who had the same machine I followed the instructions to the letter but nothing works. What am I doing wrong or what are the exact steps to make it work? am I missing a setting?

I can do everything else and I have purchased many attachments and feet and have no problem rolled hems ect. walking feet no problem. That stippling is not coming out for me.

Also I still go to my Jamone to do a nice satin stitch, can't get a good looking one on the Bernina. Thank you.

May 26, 2010
Rating

Red light on the BSR
by: Stephanie

To get the red light on- this is the light that is on when the BSR foot is activated- you need to plug in the foot, Then press the BSR button on the front panel- it has a picture of scales and the word BSR written on it. When the BSR foot is plugged in the button needs to be turned on for the foot to work properly. Now, press number 2 on the stitch selection panel. This is mode 2 BSR, the fabric will move only when you do. If you press button 1 it moves slowly and will speed up as you put the foot pedal down faster, but it sews by itself when you first start. You switch betwwen mode 1 and 2 just by pressing the stitch selection button number 1 or 2 (the straight stitch or the zig zag button).
To deactivate the BSR foot as you must if you need to change the needle, or remove the foot if you have your machine turned on, press the BSR button again and the red light will turn off.
The red light also deactivates after a few moments as it is waiting for your commands, so if your light is off but you have pressed the button, you only need to move the fabric and start sewing again and your red light should be back on again. Just remember, red light means the BSR is active! If you do not have the red light on, the foot is not reading the movement of the fabric so your stitches will not be regulated.
Have fun with your BSR!!

Aug 24, 2010
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Machine seems great, Doc is a horror
by: Bobbie

I just bought the Aurora 440 QE - mainly to get the BSR. I had a quick walk-through at the store and tried out a few of the functions. (Buttonholer, fancy stitches, BSR, etc.)

When I brought it home and tried to remember what he told me in the store, I couldn't remember everything and so (of course) looked in the manual. That manual is the worst piece of documentation I've ever had to read. Not only is it not helpful, in some places it simply makes no sense. I kept asking my husband to read something to try to figure out what they were saying. He couldn't believe it either.

Does anybody know where I can buy a better document? I really don't want to have to spend the afternoon in a class to learn it.

Bernina: write a better English language document!

Luckily, with a few extra calls to the store, and by viewing the demo CD I was able to figure out what I needed.

Then I spent the weekend using the BSR on a lap quilt. I LOVE IT. Now I'll finally get around to finishing all of those quilt tops that I have.

Aug 24, 2010
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Re docs and CD's
by: Stephanie

How interesting that the demonstration CD which contains lessons on how to use the machine and is (essentially a training CD with exercises to follow) was not included in your machine along with the manual. Perhaps things are done differently overseas, as in Australia these are sold as part and parcel of your machine and accessories. The CD picks up where the manual leaves off. It was not an additional purchase but was included with the learning material in the box. If I were you I would be contacting Bernina USA and checking whether this is a standard inclusion in your country, and if so letting them know it was not included in your machine's box- Also, was your machine box sealed up once you took delivery of it? If it was open perhaps your dealership removed the CD.
I have not found the manual difficult to understand at all with the CD to visually explain additional things such as using the buttohole foot.
Also there is good help on the BSR on the Bernina USA website, surf around as there are tutorials to watch there that are helpful and inspiring.

Sep 08, 2010
Rating

manual
by: SandiMacD

I must agree that the Manual is not user friendly for new Bernina users. It assumes that you know what Programing is, how the Memory relates to Pattern Begin/End, when you want to use the function, etc. For example, a satin stitch is not mentioned in the Manual, it assumes that you already know what it is (an alteration of stitch #2). The CD is not useful unless you own a PC. It will not work in a DVD player or a MAC computer. The Bernina site videos are what is on the CD.
I found some good references, though. I started with a used copy of the book, "A Step By Step Guide to Your Bernina, by Jan Saunders. Although a little dated, it was the best purchase I made. Chapters 1, 8-9 is exactly what should have been in the Manual. I have a 430 and without her book I never would have been able to start sewing a project with it. Another resource is to look for the Yahoo Bernina Groups.
As years went by I saved up for the Bernina Books- unfortunately they are not inexpensive. The book "Mastering Your Bernina" is what will explain what to do with your stitches, when to use them, and why you would want to alter them. The Feetures books (Volume 1-3) explain how to select a stitch, a foot, a substitute foot, alterations to the stitch, pressure needed on a foot, needle and needle position, stitch names, what the Bernina stitch icon looks like, etc. It comes with color pictures and detailed information on everything including accessories. I hope this helps other new users.

Sep 08, 2010
Rating

DVD/ manual
by: Stephanie

I don't understand when you say the dvd with the machine is the same as the videos on the site. Those videos are definately different to the dvd I got with my machine. I have watched both! On my cd there are sections on different uses of the machine- and projects also- to practice doing all sorts of things from sewing a buttonhole to using the memory functions (for example to write text), as these things are better and more easily explained on the dvd. There are step by step instructions with a virtal Aurora machine with buttons that you interact with the cd with before the next screen will appear, basically it is a training cd to help you learn where the buttons are on the mahcine and how they work. I found it very helpful to learn my way around the machine.

I did not have a Bernina before the Aurora and it is my first experience with the brand- I figured out lots of things simply by playing too, as initially I was lazy and didn't read the manual for things like altering the stitch length or width- as that is self explanatory with the symbols on the machine- I found it easy to figure out. I do not know if this dvd is only with machines in different geographical areas or not, perhaps this is the case if you did not receive yours and your box was unopened when you received it.

If you are running a mac you should be able to watch the dvd if you have parrallels or similar pc simulators running. Most companies only release a cd or dvd in one formaat and they go with the format most widely used across their customer base.

Sep 08, 2010
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CD/DVD
by: Anonymous

Reply to Stephanie: I got my 430 in Jan 2005. It came with a CD, not a DVD. My CD will not play in a DVD player, only on a PC that handles CDs. I went online in 2005 and 2006 and again in 2008 and saw the Berniana video files which I was told were the same as the CD. I was told by my dealer that they did this because of the problem that others had, not being able to play the CD.
Bernina has twice (at least) changed their site and the current videos are different now. From your posting, it appears that the Auroras may come with a DVD instead of a CD. That is VERY good to know! I am glad that they improved the content so that you were able to find what was not in the Manual.
For me, it was not that easy and I needed the other resources. That is why, in 2009 I bought the Mastering Workbook and the Feetures Volumes.

Sep 08, 2010
Rating

Manual
by: Stephanie

Whoops I meant CD-Rom not DVD, technologically challenged- one disk looks like anohter to me, i just put it into a computer and see what happens!
The front of mine has the sunray design on the front, indicates the disk is for the 430-440QE and in a band of red at the bottom the text Instructional Presentation CD-Rom.
I just loaded it into my computer and it has tabs down the bottom with the following titles: set up, garment, Home Dec, Craft and Quilt Each topic has projects and virtual training for different things you would need to be able to do in order to produce crafts under each of these headings.
There are also tabs for accessories,
Information, and Index. The index is great, there is a video gallery, a maintenance video, the instruction manual, weblinks and credits there.
Just thought you might like to know what is on the Cd-Rom. I don't know what videos they had on the website years ago or if even if the subject matter is the same but that the presentation could be different- but I am glad to have this tool for learning included- it is jam packed full of good information.

The projects are interesting- if you made them you would certainly develop a higher level of understanding of using the machine than if you do not bother to sew them. I think this Cd-Rom is really clever in the way of adding visual learning on top of the printed paper manual.
I see on the back is is copryight 2005 so I'm guessing it has been included in machines since that time. On the back cover are quotes from Libby Helhman and Ricky Tims.

Jan 08, 2011
Rating

Bernina 440 qe
by: Deni

I bought the Bernina 440 qe sewing machine for the BSR feature and have been using it with delight. It made free motion quilting easy and fun with very little practice. Great machine but be sure to keep it clean and oiled for best performance.

Smooth stitching, easy to use controls and great attachments. I got the magnifying set and found it great for very detailed work. Have found nothing that I dislike and I've been sewing for 50 years with many different brands. This has been my best machine ever!

Jan 08, 2011
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difference between the 440QE & 450
by: JK

I wanted to know if there is much difference between the Aurora 440QE & Aurora 450? other than the BSR, which can be bought separately and plugged into the 450...

Jan 09, 2011
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difference between the 450 and 440
by: Anonymous

The biggest difference that comes to mind that I know of is that the 440 is a 5.5 mm oscillating CB hook and the 450 is a 9mm wide stitching machine, maybe rotary hook design but am not sure about that as I don't have a 450 and know only of others online who have them. The machine is very geared to fashion sewers from what I have heard, additional stitches for decorative use.
If you want to do alot of straight stitching because the 450 is a 9mm machine you might want to get the straight stitch plate esp if you are doing work on fine fabrics or patchwork with straight stitch.
If you visit the Bernina website in your country there should be a brochure will all the info you will need, and your dealership should be able to explain it more. Sorry to not be able to be more help- have fun testing one out.

Jan 09, 2011
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440 vs 450
by: JK

Thanks for your info. The 450 does have the rotary hook, so will look into what that means.

Jan 12, 2011
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bernina aurora 440 quilters edition
by: Tessa Paaymans

I am a 16-year old and I absolutely love this machine it is amazing! The bernina aurora 440 quilters edition sews pretty much anything with ease and after about a week I knew how to use all of its computerized accessories. It was a big step up from my mechanical machine but this is amazing I love the buttonhole length memory making buttonholes a breeze I would recommend this to moderately and experienced people who know how to sew.

Jan 22, 2011
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Needle position off center
by: Anonymous

The Aurora 440QE is my third Bernina machine and I absolutely love this machine. I have noticed recently the needle is slightly left of center. This is making piecing quilt blocks difficult. Any suggestions? Also this past week my machine shut itself off and then on again while I was sewing. The screen goes blank as well. This happens randomly and not every time I sew.

Jan 22, 2011
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off centre needle
by: Anonymous

I'd suggest to take it straight in to your Bernina Dealership for servicing and adjustment. If there's anything amiss they can fix it under warranty assuming you're still within the electronics warranty period. I'd also just check your power cord is properly plugged in and isn't loose, that might explain why you lost power all of a sudden and then resumed again, if the power cord is being bumped during work without you noticing it. You may have loosened it without realising over time. Needle positions on many brands of machines are adjustable if they become misaligned.- just ask your Bernina mechanic to fix that for you when you have it in the dealership, its not unheard of and an happen to any brand of machine.
Goodluck and happy sewing!

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