Product ReviewsBernina 930 Electronic Sewing Machine

Bernina 930 one of the best sewing machines

This is one of the "last" models of high quality sewing machines to use all metal parts internally ... so it is a bit more robust than more recent models. At this point we have three of them ... (ok, anybody with that many sewing machines, not to mention the embroidery machine, etc.) has a problem, and perhaps some insight on what makes a machine good. One simple example ... when it stops, the needle is always "up".Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: kste7304

Legendary performance, iconic top of the line machine, a future heirloom.

Bernina machines are a little like a Rolex watch, you are buying exclusivity, prestige, oh and it also sews. And sew it does, very well. The stitch formation and selection is top-of-the class, but it is full of other pleasant surprises. Needle up, and single cycle of the stroke to bring up the bobbin thread are nice bonuses. A hidden bobbin winder that stops the motion of the rest of the machine to just wind bobbins, is a joy to use. A Basting stitch, or tailor tacking with stitches almost an inch long, is available at the flip of a switch. The "Red/Green" stitch switch makes for convenient changes between a straight stitch and a more complicated edge finishing stitch. Handy when you are doing multiple takes of the same 2 stitches. Finally; my real reason for buying this one, the Bernina "Knee Lift", allows you to keep two hands on the work and raise or lower the presser foot with a little side push of your right knee. Often it is mistaken for a speed control, and overlooked, but once you've begun working with two hands, you'll want to continue. (This is a standard Knee-lift feature on the big commercial machines). There are two versions of this machine, I own the earlier version. The later version has two more desirable features, a thread cutter in the back corner of the free-arm (it looks like a little silver button. Also, in addition to "Needle up" it has a heel press feature that brings the needle down, and stops (useful for turning corners). With 20 useful and decorative stitches, a built in world class 5-step button hole feature, this machine will spoil the user. Spoil yourself and get one while they are available.Read full review...

Best Sewing Machine EVER BUILD.

Esthetically beautiful clean design. ALL Metal construction so weight is expected, don’t complain, go buy cheap plastic if you do.
The engendering inside is WOW! You open and is a piece of art and enguiniety for a mechanical machine. MADE TO LAST A LIFETIME. The quality of the stitch is amazing! The zig zag, straight stitch and specially SATIN stitch is professional quality, if you are picky about the quality of the stitch as I am, this machine will pass any critic. Very easy to learn to use, also has several feet and decorative stitches.Read full review...

Verified purchase: No

Awesome!!

Machine was better than pictured and it was cleaned up. I would rate this vintage sewing machine more stars if possible! Thanks for a great machine and a really good buying experience!

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: galiley

Bernina 930 Record Electronic Sewing Machine

I HAD to have a Bernina Record 930 Electronic Sewing Machine when I found out all their special features, and that they are so reliable that people still pay as much as $1200 to $1500 on Ebay for a 25 year old Bernina 930 with the case & all accessories!

My favorite features -

High quality, heavy duty mechanical machine, precisely engineered and built of nearly all steel in Switzerland.

Automatic tension doesn't need changed for different thickness fabrics or threads!

Non jamming bobbin saves HOURS of frustration! Automatically stops with the needle in the UP position, completing the bobbin hook revolution, so you don't tangle up the bobbin thread in the hook when you try to remove your project.

Though it only numbers 26 stitches on it's stitch design section, it actually does 30 different decorative embroidery & utility stitches!

Free arm for convenient circular sewing such as sleeves, armholes, hemming pants, also has an extension table for big projects.

Extra long Basting stitches- choose from 2 lengths! Saves a ton of time when fitting!

Huge variety of presser feet available to make professional tasks fast & easy! Walking foot, cut'n sew (makes overlock stitch) & more

Built in buttonholer

The manual is a treasure trove of extremely helpful sewing information, including tips for sewing stretch fabrics!

Wide variety of precisely engineered presser feet make complicated tasks easy!Change presser feet with just 1 hand, clearly designed by people who actually sew!

If the serial # starts with 24 or 25, and it has the correct pedal, it has the "heel tap needle up/down" feature, so when you need to turn a corner, for example, you just tap the back of the pedal with your heel, and the needle goes down. Both hands are free to turn your project. Tap it again, and the needle goes up!(930s built before 1984 do not have this feature.)

5 needle positions

Adjustable feed dogs up for sewing, down for darning

Heirloom quality machine is easy to clean & maintain.

2 power settings- High Speed, or 1/2 speed to make complicated techniques & embroidery easier

Electronic version gives you the same strong needle piercing power for tough fabrics on both low speed & high speed.

Bernina designed and organized complete "sewing systems", so besides the sewing machine, the 930 System included a protective carrying case for storage and travel that was specially molded to hold & protect the machine, power cord, pedal, & each of these included accessories-

1. Toolbox with built in pin cushion, divided spaces for each of the included basic set of 10 presser feet, needle removal tool, screw drivers, cleaning brush, bobbins, & a fantastic darning hoop!

2. Extension table

3. Bernina 930 manual

4. Knee lift lever- raises presser foot, keeping hands free

If you are serious about sewing, and you hate dealing with finicky sewing machines, the Bernina 930 Record is what you need! The carefully engineered features will save you HOURS of time & frustration, one reason Bernina's are preferred by professional tailors & seamstresses.(940 professional & 950 industrial versions)

A free Bernina 930 manual can be downloaded & printed from
http://www.berninausa.com/news_detail-n862-r0-i2238-sUS.html

*You can join a free yahoo group called BerninaThirtySomethings to learn from other Bernina owners, and members who are Certified Bernina Technicians, who generously help members troubleshoot problemsRead full review...

Bernina 930 Sewing machine

I am falling in love with this machine. It took me a week to read the manual and realize that it has many options my old sewing machine didn’t have. I am now using it and marveling at how well it works. I have a lot of hemming to do with heavy material, and it handles this kind of sewing amazingly well—it doesn’t even strain when sewing Jean hems! I am thrilled!Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: sewvintageliz

Unreal quality

Fantastic machine for someone tired of dealing with computer operated machines in general. You will not find quality and craftsmanship like this in any modern sewer, regardless of price. As with all precision machinery, it is an absolute MUST to keep it oiled and well maintained. Just follow instructions and oil it regularly, and USE it often. Disuse is about the worst thing for this sewer, absent severe misuse.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: briaknot_0

The Bernina 930 is a rock solid workhorse.

The Bernina 930 is a rock solid professional grade workhorse. The last of its kind before all the bells and whistles added of the digital world. If you want an exacting, can do everything, solid machine, with little to go wrong or service, this is it! It's quiet and concise, easy to figure out and find your way around. It's an all-metal machine for the ages, which holds its value because of it. If you want a machine you can program to sew without you, look elsewhere. But this is THE machine for hands on sewing.Read full review...

Verified purchase:  Yes | Condition: pre-owned | Sold by: jennysmith451

Great durable reliable workhorse with amazing versatility!

This was one of 3 machines that cemented Bernina's place as the top producer of quality sewing machines. The 930 took years to develop and it was not released until the CEO of Bernina was absolutely satisfied by it's performance.
You will be too.
The snap on feet are so much easier to change, and they are quality made, not some molded plastic crap.
It's easy to use and everything about the design makes sense.Read full review...

My precious Bernina 930

Many years ago, a young woman owned a Bernina 930 sewing machine. She taught her daughter to sew and that girl won many ribbons and awards. But alas, the girl grew up and went to live in her own family, taking her childhood sewing machine with her. The mother became very sad. Every new machine that appeared in her sewing room had quirks and squeaks and made birdnests under the fabric. Her heart pined for her old Bernina. One day as she browsed Ebay, she beheld the auction of a Bernina 930. Eureka! She outbid everyone in her quest to own another Bernina 930. She won! Soon a large box came to her front door. As she opened it she thought she heard a soft purring sound. As the last piece of tape snapped, "Kitty" practically jumped into her waiting hands. They went joyously together to the sewing room. "Kitty" nestled into the old cabinet as if she had never been away. Now the woman has smoothseams, her stitches have perfect tension, the large bobbin holds twice as much thread as the others, and the only sound coming from the sewing room is a soft purring and a gentle sigh. And they lived happily ever after.Read full review...