My New Sewing Machine

[launderess]

Saw a Bernina sewing machine at good price (they usually go very dear money), and before one knew it.....

Already have a Pfaff 1209 and Elna Supermatic that see use, but nothing major. Mostly used for mending and running up things like cushion covers or pillow slips. So just what one is going to do with a Bernina Record 930 haven't figured out just yet. But better think of something soon before one's head is handed to one on a plate! *LOL*

So far have only unpacked, threaded and tested some stitches. Not sure if am liking this machine compared to the Pfaff or Elna, but that will take a bit of time. Need to open up the bobbin and feed dog area to clean out any lint along with doing a bit of oiling.

This machine is huge compared to either the Elna or Pfaff. She weighs a ton as well, which makes shifting it about rather a chore. Don't think case will fit in cubby with other sewing machines, so may have to find another spot.

Sad thing is many sewing machine repair places in our area have shut. Common wisdom dictates taking any new "vintage" machine in for a once over tune-up including cleaning and lubrication. Am not hauling a nearly 50lb sewing machine about city, and finding a trust worthy place seems elusive. There are horror stories about of repair places that did more damage than good, leaving people with a machine that is worse off than when they started.

So far am liking the foot pedal raising bar feature. Using that knee activated lever one can raise and lower feet without taking one's hands off material.

None of the embroidery stitches move me, but my Elna Supermatic has tons of beautiful ones, so that's me for you.

 

[tolivac]

GOOD-an all mechanical machine--no chips or boards to go goofy.Just keep it cleaned and lubed-a machine like that could last almost forever!See ones like this at the sew&vac shop here.And yes I have a few sewing machines in my collection.They are interesting and fascinating!Its another tool you can make things with.

 

[tolivac]

Closed sewing machine repair places-folks buy cheap singers and whatever at WalMart-when the thing dies---they scrap it and simply buy another one-like the disposable vacuums.The Sew&vac place here sees it all the time.The low cost machines aren't worth fixing.Your Bernina is-they were made to be serviced and parts are available.I have a Bernina and a Pfaff in my collection-well made!!!My Stepmom used to have a Pfaff she bought in Germany.

 

[mattl]

My favorite machine is a Singer Rocketeer from the late 50's.  All metal, built like a tank.  I bought mine on ebay and you could tell it was well cared for.  All original accessories, clean and well lubed.  Had an expert repair guy go over it, said it will last for decades.

 

I have one of those cheap Singers with every stitch imaginable but it feels like crap to use. I'm sort of on the lookout for a commercial machine, at some point I will have to learn upholstery.

 

I'm sure you will like that Bernina, it looks great.

 

[tolivac]

I have a Singer Rocteteer machine-found at a yard sale-was driving by and spotted it-hit the brakes!!!It is in one of those sewing machine desks.Bought it,took it to the vac place and fixed up easily!Just needed a cleanup and lube job!WORKS WELL.

 

[gansky1]

 

 

Bernina's Record series (7xx,8xx,9xx) were some of their best and still sought-after by many.   Bernina still supports these machines, though only through dealers for access to parts & service.  Like Miele, parts outside of the Bernina networks can be hard to come by and a few have been discontinued, like the foot control (the "electronic" bit).

 

Replacement foot controls are available by after-market manufacturers and work exactly like the original, which do go out with heavy use.  The symptoms are jumpy starting and "skipping" of the motor while running as well as "browning"  or slowing of the power to the motor.  Bernina will condemn the machine for the lack of the foot-control availability.  Ebay, etc. are good sources for another but, buying a used original will likely bring you back to a non-working unit in time.   I don't recall for sure if the 930 had the dual-function foot control - press forward for normal sewing, press toward the back (heel) for one-half stitch function (essentially a needle-down function for turning fabric without tying off - knee lift is a huge help here..)  This likely was the next, 1130 series that was fully electronic pushbutton for stitch selection, dedicated needle-down setting, etc.  The electronic foot control still provides a consistent control for speed, quicker response for starting and stopping.

 

This machine will sew through layers of fabric with ease and Bernina's CB Hook system was one of the very best ever designed, they still use it in their model line today.   The manual will show you cleaning/maintenance procedures, do not oil except where it shows in the manual (one drop in the hook with bobbin case removed) - oil is not your friend in these precision Swiss mechanisms.   I have a 910, a step-down in the line from the same era, it's a beast and will outrun most anything.  There are still many specialty feet available, the walking (dual-feed) foot is a very nice one to have if sewing filmy fabrics or several layers of different fabrics (like quilting).  

 

Enjoy it, you nabbed a really great machine!

 

 

[brisnat81]

Hi Laundress and Greg

I recently bought Mum a 930 to replace her early 90s Elna that had worn out from use. I paid $450 for the machine and another $100 to have it serviced and a couple of capacitors replaced. The service agent here also said that the needle return is the only electronic component and when that fails, it’s no longer replaceable, it’s failure however doesn’t stop the machine from working, you just have to raise your own needle.

The foot pedal is motor controller only, there is no reversing function. I do love the two speed settings, low speed for fine work, like collars and T shirts and high speed for long straights. The only thing I don’t like, is that to switch between straight and zigzag, your supposed to change the stitch selector as well as stitch width. This was Berninas first model with stretch stitches and seemingly this was how they implemented it. Models before and after let you use one stitch selector for straight and zigzag. Having said that, I’ve generally just left it on zigzag and control the stitch width.

The service advisor here said that the 930 is generally cheaper than the 730/830 due to the increased electronics, IE the DC motor and the needle return, but the motor control is generic parts and repairable. The 700/800 series here sell for upwards of $1k in nice condition. It’s rare to see a 900/1000/1100 series for more than about $500 due to perceived repair ability.

The family I bought mine from, also had the owners original 530. She had ended up with dementia and had gone back to using the 530 because it was more familiar. The 930 had basically sat in its box for the last 10 years. I had to stop myself buying the 530, even though the condition was lovely, it was stuck in straight stitch only and b) I didn’t need it.

I learnt to sew on the 1000 series in high school, so it’s all very familiar to me. They are rock solid machines and I think this one will definitely see mum out to the end of her days.

 

[launderess]

Reverse stitching on 930 leaves one a bit "meh". One must push down stitch length knob and raise it up to "0" while machine is sewing. Long as knob is held there machine sews in reverse, upon removing one's hands thing returns to previous forward sewing setting. Minor quibble, but still is bit of a bother. My Pfaff simply has a lever one pushes down then releases.

Capacitor going on 930 machines is a known issue. When or if it happens replacement is a bit of work, but can be done.



Have seen 930 Record and 930E Record machines go for several hundred to nearly one thousand or bit more. Much depends apparently upon condition and what's included with sale. Machine with good amount of feet (Bernina feet cost dear), and other accessories will fetch more than just one being offered on its own.

My Pfaff 1209 has built in walking foot, this was sold as a separate accessory attachment for Bernina. If one happens to show up for very little money may be tempted, but again since Pfaff has that option may not bother.

Don't know if heel-tap/needle up function of foot control is working as should. Will sit down when have time (after cleaning and oiling machine) to run somethings up to give a real workout, then will see what there is...

If worse comes to worse know can get back at least what one paid and bit more by selling machine on locally. So there's that to consider if not totally happy.

Saw an 1130 on local CL few weeks ago going for < $200. But it was far and would have required driving as no mass transit was in seller's area. Looked again few days later and it was gone. Was only half interested as am leery of electronic machines from 1980's (like Pfaff's great 14xx series). Mainly because often certain key parts like motherboards are often NLA. Once that goes and cannot be replaced you've got a very heavy brick.



https://sewing.patternreview.com/review/machine/40

My Pfaff has built in needle threader, this Bernina does not, which is hard on one's eyes (am getting on you know...). Have a few various manual needle threaders so am sorted.

So far am loving tension settings! Right out of gate simply began sewing with perfect tension without having to adjust anything. Ability to change feet just just a lever instead of having to unscrew/screw is good as well.

 

[launderess]

@gansky1

"I don't recall for sure if the 930 had the dual-function foot control - press forward for normal sewing, press toward the back (heel) for one-half stitch function (essentially a needle-down function for turning fabric without tying off - knee lift is a huge help here..) "

FWIU there are two models of Bernina Record 930, and 930 Electronic. Later is one with with fancy foot/heel control for needle. Lucky me has said model....

By 1980's it seems all major players in domestic sewing machine market (Singer, Pfaff, Elna, Bernina, Brother, Viking, Janome, etc....) were all introducing partially or fully electronic machines. How useful all this fancy wizardry is varies by user I suppose.

My totally mechanical Elna Supermatic does tons of utility and embroidery stitches. Granted being cam driven one has to stock up on those bits, but still...

 

[whitewhiskers]

I can't imagine or recall Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced BOOKAY) using a sewing machine. It would be totally beneath her to use such an appliance.

I love the case that came with the Bernina. Very few machine sold today come with a hard case. My Husqvarna 145 (mechanical) is a total dog. Guaranteed to jam during a sewing project. Also not a fan of front loading bobbins. My mother's Singer 99 from 1958 had a drop in bobbin and sewed great, even if it did only one stitch.

 

[askolover]

I have a Pfaff 130 from the 50's.  It's in excellent shape.  I put it in my treadle and use it that way.  I rarely use electricity to power my sewing machines unless it's a stitch the manual ones can't do...then I get out my Brother machine or Brother serger.  Buttonholes are easier to do on the Brother but the Pfaff will do them also.

 

[launderess]

Twice in my lifetime passed perfectly working commercial sewing machines out on curb for taking, but left them where they were.

Both instances were when local dry cleaning shops closed and for some reason didn't take sewing machine. So it was put out with basically "take me" signs.

Last time occurred just a few weeks ago when walking local avenue and passed a dry cleaning and alterations shop had long know of old. In window as sign about a new business arriving, and all previous things inside were gone. Nice Juki commercial machine complete with table was out side for the taking.

While one was tempted, really have no room as such machines must be left set up permanently. More to point machine and table weigh a ton and had no way of getting them back home. Well could have perhaps arranged something, but without any promise machine would still be there when returned....

Next day walking by same shop and machine was gone. Someone got themselves a nice deal, and hope machine went to a good home.

As for machines that do straight stitching only, IIRC that is basically what most commercial machines are like. Maybe some will also have a zig/zag, but pretty much most machines are one sort of stitch only. When you think about sewing in a commercial setting that is what happens. Good basic straight stitch will handle majority of sewing needs.

This is one reason those vintage Singer Featherweight machines are always in high demand. They do one thing, sew a beautiful straight stitch. Oh and they are portable. Just thing for taking to sewing classes.

 

[twintubdexter]

<span style="font-size: 14pt; color: #339966;"> I have always admired people who know how to use a sewing machine, both electronic and older mechanical machines. A few years ago a lady friend sold me this Bernina machine for practically nothing. She said she no longer had any use for it. Granted it is several years old but seems very complicated. I have the owner's manual, a special book about the machine and even a videotape of how to use the embroidery attachment (I think I still have a VCR somewhere). In addition I think it has some type of tutorial built into the machine. I think the machine can be connected to a computer that runs Windows XP. I have an old laptop that does that too. I purchased this Singer cabinet and modified it to fit the Bernina. The cabinet came with an electronic Singer which I understand is not the world's greatest machine but I have kept it because I appreciate the design of it. Somewhere in a closet is a Singer "Golden Touch n' Sew" which I have used several years ago just stitch a straight line.</span>

 

<span style="font-size: 14pt; color: #339966;">When I was younger, I had this ridiculous idea that owning a sewing machine would put a dent in my machismo. I thought the vertical cabinet would disguise the fact that there was a sewing machine in there. Now when someone asks "what's that thing for?" I just tell them that's where I keep my lingerie.</span>

 

[askolover]

I have to resist every time I go to Goodwill and see a sewing machine.  I don't have the room.  But I do enjoy refinishing those tables and returning frozen machines to usable function and selling them to good homes.  I have one out in my shop right now to start working on as soon as I get the plants back outside in the next week or so.  The machine is perfectly functional now so I'm ready to begin the refinish.  It sews beautiful straight and zigzag.  It's a Japanese machine from the 60's or early 70's.

 

[lotsosudz]

I have 2 Machines

I have a 1958 Singer 403 slant needle machine, that does a beautiful straight stitch, as well as a multitude of other stitches. I also have a mid-eighties Elnita machine, which is a Elna, that is made in Japan, Under the specs of the Swiss, and the supervision of the Swiss. That was the only way the Swiss would allow the Japanese to incorporate their name into it. It's a great, full featured machine with a free arm as well.

Hugs,
David

 

[launderess]

@twintubdexter

Tons of men are into sewing now. In fact there has always been a good number of men who sew from tailors, factory workers, hobbyists, dress/suit makers, etc..

https://malepatternboldness.blogspot.com

https://shirtartistry.blog

https://artbygene.blogspot.com

4H club and other youth pursuits have badges and other projects for either sex that sews.

Sewing is like anything else, it just takes learning and practice. No one starts out being an excellent cook, baker, or anything else, it takes education and practice.

Happily today there are tons of books, videos, and digital format ways to hone one's sewing skills. That and check out local colleges or high school for evening or weekend classes.

Since you have an embroidery machine can always start off monogramming or otherwise applying designs to things already made. Use various embroidery designs from vintage Elna Supermatic to decorate pillow slips, top sheets, table cloths, napkins.... Think your Bernina easily handles terrycloth. Why not monogram or embroider something on bath or hand towels?

Want practice in making simple hems? Purchase yardage of napkins or hand towel fabric, cut to desired length, then start hemming... That's how it was done in old days before such things came ready made, and even afterwards. You only have to hem top and bottom as selvedge edge doesn't require.

 

[askolover]

Napkins and tablecloth are how I got started 25 years ago.  Then made some pillows, then a Christmas wall hanging...and the rest is history.  These days I make napkins on the serger with a rolled hem.

 

[twintubdexter]

Laundress...

<span style="font-size: 14pt; color: #339966;"> Thanks for your very friendly and informative post. With summer approaching, maybe this would be a good time to sit down and try and learn how the machine works. Where I live, you go out in the winter when it's 70 degrees and stay in during summer when the temperature hits 120 or more. I'll start with an easy project...</span>

 

[warmsecondrinse]

I was doing an internship in the costume department of the main theatre at UConn in Storrs (aka 'Snorrs'), Conn.

We had to sew a whole bunch of things together. It was all straight line. The it moved on to more complicated stuff which I can't remember. What I DO remember is being at work one afternoon when suddenly Kitty Carlisle was standing next to me and asking if that was her costume for that evening's performance. She was just as nice as she appeared to be on To Tell The Truth. She was very interested in what we were doing, how we liked the job, etc. There were just three of us at the time and she spent 15-20 minutes chatting. That was my first brush with fame and she left a very positive impression on me.