Bernina Virtuosa 153 QE

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

Bernina Virtuosa 153 QE

by Iris Mathis
(Austin, Texas.78745)

I purchased my Bernina Virtuosa 153 QE sewing machine at the end of 2001, it was a brand new machine. Since I was working outside the home I rarely used it.

I began sewing and quilting with it maybe a year or so after I bought it. On July 30 of this year the plastic/metal shuttle hook broke.

Is this a mechanical part still under the 20 years limited warranty? I have sent three e-mail to Bernina USA and have not gotten a reply. It is quite frustrating.

I will recommend that when buying any sewing machine to make sure the shuttle hook is made of only metal.

Comments for
Bernina Virtuosa 153 QE

Average Rating

Click here to add your own comments

Aug 21, 2009
Rating

Bernina dealership
by: Anonymous

You need to contact a Bernina dealership directly. Bernina USA does not interact directly with customers. A Bernina dealership should have a repairman that can help you and and tell you if there is a 20 year warranty on that part. Good luck and I would love to see a posting if your are succesful in getting your Bernina fixed.

Aug 22, 2009
Rating

Another Unhappy Bernina Owner
by: Cathy L

From my dealings with Bernina: Heaven help you. You will not get any help from a dealer. If you do, they are few and far between. I have dealt with Bernina dealers and Bernina USA since 2004 and they only care about the bottom line.$$$$$$
They (dealers) are NOT for the customer. I have heard of a worthy dealer in Missouri and only 2 in Arizona. Even then I think it's a crap shot
if you don't hit them on a good day. I would sell
my 200e in a second if I could get what I have in it but gad! What kind of person would I be if I passed along a lemon of a machine to another person? Not a nice one for sure.

Aug 24, 2009
Rating

bernina virtuose 153 QE
by: helena llewellyn south wales uk

i have never owned a bernina but i know that it is not only bernina that don't want to know their customers plight but pfaff are exactly the same. i had to threaten a court case to get anything done to my 2170. it's a shame that we have to go this far to get satisfaction for our money. they must think we are stupid or they can't be touched once the machines are sold to us. my advice to you is to contact trading standards and make a formal complaint in writing to the firm you bought it off and to bernina stating that unless the problem is fixed you will sue through the courts for the return of your money, as said machine is broken and of sub-standard quality. please don't be quiet or they will just treat you like a lemon and the longer it drags on the less chance you have of getting anything done. i kept complaining and complaining and bombarded pfaff customer service with emails until someone actually took notice of me. that wasn't long when i threatened legal action and that i would take my machine to germany to see the boss personally. that shook them. you must be forceful and don't put up with them dragging it out. regards helena

Sep 05, 2009
Rating

I love my Berninas
by: Maggie

I have owned three Berninas and have never had any problems with the machines. I have an 830, a 153 and a 440. I bought the machines from three different dealers and all three have been great to deal with. I am a home economist and often get asked about sewing amchines. bernina is really the only brand I recommend for anyone who is serious about sewing/quilting.

Oct 13, 2009
Rating

Bernina dealer that might help you
by: Anonymous

The Redding Bernina dealer "Sew Simple" may be able to help you with the warranty. They have been helpful for parts for my Artista 185.

2223 Larkspur Ln
Redding, CA 96002
(530) 222-1845

Hope that helps.

Oct 24, 2009
Rating

Hoping someone has info for me......
by: Country Quilter

Is there anyone out there who can help me? Please??

I am desperate to find information about switching stitches using the cps. My dealer no longer supports the cps system so will not switch the stitches. They say the software was not upgraded as Windows improved over the years so the system is obsolete. The dealer tells me that switching the stitches is now impossible. Contacting Bernina directly was a dead end. Does anyone have advice for me?

It is frustrating to have this lovely machine without being able to switch stitches, which in itself was one of the main reasons I purchased the 153 QE. I so hope someone here will respond to my inquiry. I cannot find anyone associated with Bernina or the dealer who sold me my machine who will even talk to me.

Regardless of Bernina's reticence, the machine is a beauty to use, and actually the only problem I've ever had has been with Bernina the company and not Bernina the machine.

It's just a shame that Bernina has not lived up to its reputation - truly a shame as this was a special purchase from my mom just before she passed away from cancer. She used to love to watch tv with me in the room bent over my latest project, and wanted me to have a machine that didn't snag and catch like my old Brother did. I still appreciate her gift, and I work to not confuse my angst at Bernina with the joy of the gift.

Blessings,
Country Quilter

Oct 30, 2009
Rating

Country Quilter
by: Lorisews

I have the same machine as you and have been told by 2 dealers that you can change it out yourself if you have extra stitch card ......I had 2 made for mine yrs ago.
I'm giving you the name of my dealer here in AZ and perhaps they can help you...
Bernina Southwest Quilt & Sew
480 964 8914
I bought my QE 153 in '99 followed by my deco 600 and a few yrs ago a 1100DA Serger
The dealer has changed hands and they still had my info....... took my machines to another Bernina dealer and never will do that again !!!!
Hope this helps

Oct 31, 2009
Rating

Thank you for your response!
by: Country Quilter

Thank you for your comment, Lorisews. I'm not sure what a stitch card is, but I will check with the AZ dealer and see what I hear. Thanks soooo much!

Nov 24, 2009
Rating

re CPS
by: Country Quilter

I have printed off the instructions on how to access and transfer stitches from my computer to the same machine.
If you email me at patriciaharleyjones@hotmail.com I will endeavour to email you back the instructions.
Good Luck I hopte this works

Jan 29, 2010
Rating

Bernina 160 virtousa Quilters addition
by: Kim

I bought the Bernina 160 virtousa Quilters addition sewing machine over 10 years ago and love it. Prior to buying this machine I went through a cheep machine every year with much frustration. The wrong machine can turn you off to sewing. I love the multiple needle positions and different stitches available. It is so easy to use that I have let my son sew small projects on it.

Mar 11, 2010
Rating

loopy bobbin stitches on 153
by: Anonymous

I have a 153 that I purchased in late 2003 . . . did little sewing with it until I retired 2-1/2 yr ago and now use it daily. I have always found free motion stitching a challenge with the Bernina but now I'm getting loopy stitches on the underside sometimes . . . not always . . . had it serviced last month (no improvement) then took it back to the dealer who said maybe the hook (plastic on that model) needed to be replaced -- had him do that and it seemed better initially but now stitches are poor again. Has anyone else had this problem? Any suggestions??? Please, please.

Jun 04, 2010
Rating

Bernina 153qe
by: Anonymous

so far i love the Bernina 153qe. i got it used. i paid more for this used one than all of my new ones. i have a singer 7256 and a brother sq9000 i love the old bernina best.

Jun 21, 2010
Rating

loopy bobbin
by: Anonymous

Sorry to be basic, are you using the correct bobbin or perhaps the bobbin tension needs tightening.

Jun 26, 2010
Rating

Bernina virtuosa 153
by: Anonymous

I love some aspects of the Bernina virtuosa 153 sewing machine - Does anyone know how to do the hand look quilt stitch. I tried following the instructions in book but mine still looks different. I hate the instruction book.

I still have never figured out how to use the threader - one of the reasons I bought the machine. Does anyone have any tips? Thanks

Jul 26, 2010
Rating

Bernina Virtuosa 160 Buttonhole
by: Esther in England

I purchased a Bernina Virtuosa 160 about 12 years ago, specifically for the buttonhole facility. It worked just fine for about three months and then misbehaved by sticking when sewing the reverse bead. Hence, my project was ruined. I have had the machine repaired twice and still it won't work.
Any suggestions from my American cousins, would be much appreciated.

Aug 04, 2010
Rating

contemplating purchase
by: Anonymous

I have an opportunity to buy a Bernina Virtuoso 153 and have been reading the comments in this link. I have to admit it is making me a bit reluctant even though the machine is only $700 and used very little. I am using a Jenome now and have been very impressed with it and it was less than $400. It even has a clutch that prevents needles from breaking on heavy projects. I would appreciate any advice anyone has to give me. Thanks so much.

Aug 08, 2010
Rating

BERNINA
by: Anonymous

I'm surprised at what people expect from Bernina. I love my Bernina , they are amazing machines. The dealerships are the issue. Look for honest people and places of business and problems would be solved. They are not all honest.Do your homework and look for an owner of a 153 and they can show you how to transfer the CPS system. And turn in all complaints of bad service to Bernina and they will handle the problems accordingly.They may not tell you what they are going to do but they know that bad service ruins their name. Bernina didn't get the top by turning a lousy product and they have been at the top for a long long time.

Aug 18, 2010
Rating

re:contemplating buying 153
by: Jackie

I bought my 153 QE in 2001 new and have LOVED this work horse for all these years. I have loved it so much I refused to sell or trade it when I bought the 200. I think you will be happy with this machine. My initial convincing to buy this machine was the needle up/down option. Soon after, I realized the hands free knee lift was invaluable. Go for it, you will not be disappointed!

Aug 23, 2010
Rating

agree with the last 2 comments!
by: Anonymous

have had my beloved purple 153QE since Dec 01 (or is it 02? not sure on that point...bought a second one from my other home) and it has (knocking on wood here) never ever given me a problem, is in use most weekends...whenever I think I'm having a problem, I stop and repeat my mantra, the machine is always right...and, 100% of the time, it's something I'm doing incorrectly (not the Bernina).

I purchased my 153s from Dan at the Pumpkin Patch in Lee, MA, and he has been fabulous...not sure what all these complaints are re dealers!! My ONLY regret is that I bought the last model before they began offering the stitch regulator, which I could use (my workaround is to put my machine on half-speed when I'm free-motion quilting and it is a big help).

Sep 06, 2010
Rating

connecting to computer to download stitches
by: charsews

I have a Bernina Virtuosa 153 and want to change out my stitches. When I tried to do it, I no longer have a computer which will accept the cable. Have any of you found a way to connect it. The new computers have 3 rows of dots & the cable only has 2. Also, I need a cable with 2 male ends in order for me to put on the cable. Any ideas. I am not computer savy at all, so any help would be appreciated.

Oct 01, 2010
Rating

computer cable
by: Anonymous

That is exactly what I would like to do. Now that I have a new computer the cable does not connect and I am wondering if there is such a cable that will connect the two. My project now has to wait until I can next get to the shops.

Nov 03, 2010
Rating

reputable Bernina Dealer
by: Old Peacock

For those with Bernina questions and concerns, there is a great Bernina (Viking, Singer also) in Ann Arbor Michigan. Ann Arbor Sewing Center and their contact information is:
Ann Arbor Sewing Center 5235 Jackson Rd. Ann Arbor MI, 48103 (734) 761-3094
vikingsewing@vikingsewing.com
I bought two machines there -a White Serger and a Bernina 230, and they are just great to answer questions and for repairs. I recommend them!

Jan 01, 2011
Rating

Threader
by: Anonymous

There is now a replacement for the auto threader, I had a problem with mine as well check with the dealer.

Jan 03, 2011
Rating

bernina 153 qe
by: Seamsrit

I have three Bernina machines a 200, 153 and a 220. I love all three of them. The dealer that I use for service and for purchases on any parts or new machines is in Portland Michigan. The name of the shop is Around The Block Quilt Shop, I am sure if you contact Steve he will be able to help with the problem you are having.
I also have never had a problem with the Bernina company standing behind there products. I have been a professional seamstress for 30 years and have been using Bernina's for the past 20 and have been very happy.
I wish you luck with your machine.

Apr 18, 2011
Rating

Disappointed in Virtuosa 153
by: Patty O

I loved my Virtuosa 153 when I bought it about 4 years ago. I didn't mind taking it to the dealer for tune-ups every 9 months or so....then the shop closed. Since then I've given up on buttonholes (they NEVER come out right), the stitches are hit or miss and the darn thing breaks at least one needle per session. And it won't sew anything thicker than one layer of denim--no matter what size needle I use.

I still use it every day, but my seam ripper gets a workout and my neighbors always know when I'm sewing because the air gets blue! Any recommendations for a replacement?

Jun 06, 2011
Rating

Should I get repaired?
by: Dee

I bought a 153 QE in 2001. Never used it much because the bobbin system on the machine kept me in tears. Probably haven't used it 40 to 50 hours in the last 10 years but have made sure to take good care of the machine. In the last few months I have decided to really work at getting the hang of the machine and was doing well with it until it died. Took it to the shop and repair man called and said it will cost $450 to fix. He said I should come in and look at a new model. My dilema is should I stick with Bernina - this one hasn't been a good example or do I get it fixed and hope it works for a good while or buy another brand. Please let me know what you would do.

Oct 14, 2011
Rating

Bernina
by: soandsew

I can't say a bad thing about Bernina, both Bernina dealers I deal with are wonderful!(Orange Park and Jacksonville, FL) I was having a time with the loopy bobbin thread this past summer while working on a big project for a bridal shower...embroidered aprons for all the guests at a kitchen shower...I took my work into the shop, along with my bobbin case, because the tension seemed too looseeven after I adjusted it. I was afraid I may need to replace the bobbin case, but They were so good! They checked the case and replaced the tension spring on it right then! Minor $... Problem solved! I bought the 153 Virtuoso before I bought my 170 PQE, and traded up after a few months after going to classes at Bernina. But I never had a problem with buttonholes or anything. I have the CPS system on my 170 also, but I am still able switch designs out with my desktop computer.

Jan 12, 2012
Rating

bernina 153 not happy NEW
by: Anonymous

i have every problem ,with this machine not happy not happy not happy

Jan 12, 2012
Rating

bernina 153 not happy NEW
by: Anonymous

i have every problem ,with this machine not happy not happy not happy

Jan 13, 2012
Rating

Bernina dealers NEW
by: Linda

I have been sewing with Bernina machines for the past 25 years and I have loved all of my machines. I currently have a 200 (that has been upgraded), a 153 and a 220. I have a dealer in Portland, Michigan and I have to say they are the best people in the business. I would never purchase another brand of machine and I sew an average of 60 hours a week ( I own a custom bridal shop), so keep searching for the correct dealer, they are not all bad or hard to work with.

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