Bernina is one of the leading suppliers of sewing machines. It’s a reputable, trustworthy, and respected brand that’s been present in the sewing world for a century.
Located in Europe, this brand does it all with sewing machines created for both industrial and household purposes. They produce machines with both beginners and serious sewers in mind.
A few of their models deliver advanced overclocking capabilities. Additionally, the everyday presser foot you probably know and love was made by this brand. I’m sure you didn’t know that.
Also, some of their high-end models have computer software and USB connections. However, enough of Bernina as a brand. Let’s talk about Bernina 830. It’s one of their most popular units.
Without further ado, let’s jump into my detailed and unbiased Bernina 830 reviews. And determine if it’s worth it. Will this model respond to your needs? Let’s find out!
Machine Specifications
Type: | Computerized |
Dimensions: | 25 x 20 x 20 inches |
Machine weight: | 20 pounds |
Built-in sewing stitches: | 150 |
Built-in embroidery designs: | 400 |
LED sewing lights: | 30 |
Automatic needle threader: | Yes |
Automatic thread cutter: | Yes |
Upper & lower thread indicator: | Yes |
Needle stop up/down: | Yes |
BSR functionality: | Yes |
Sewing speed: | 1,100 stitches per minute |
Embroidery speed: | 1,000 stitches per minute |
Table of Contents
Bernina 830 Reviews
The Bernina 830 is loaded with an ample amount of working spots that bring creativity out of everyone. If you’re looking for a luxurious sewing machine, look no further than 830.
You will fall in love with this unit at first stitch. Whether it’s a zigzag or straight stitch, there’s the popular Bernina stitch regulator that provides even high accuracy at the highest speed.
Additionally, free-motion sewing and free motion quilting can be performed on this model. Interestingly, this unit provides enough versatility to mix different embroidery designs and stitches.
You just have to choose your preferred option on the screen. 830 features a large coloured touchscreen that enables users to combine and drag designs which is a dream come true for crafters.
As you can notice, Bernina 830 is a super-versatile sewing and embroidery machine. However, is this the right model for your sewing needs? Let’s take a close look at the features and discover.
A Lot of Space
The 830 model provides double the space of a regular sewing unit. And 50% extra space than the largest top-notch units on the market.
A 15-inch extended arm, a complete 12 inches to the right of the needle, increased height clearance and 12 1/2 inches of diagonal room (regular units provide only 8mm) lavish you with space to spread out and manoeuvre.
When you add the embroidery module, this unit is 40 inches long.
Isn’t that impressive? The optional jumbo hoop (16 x 10 inches) provides the most room for embroidery as well, without having to reposition or rotate.
830 also provides extra space beneath the needle. 15mm clearance beneath the foot enables sewers to pivot and customize their heaviest layers of fabric. It’s the highest foot lift in the market.
Fastest Speeds
This sewing machine can sew up to 1,000 embroidery stitches per minute and 1,100 stitches per minute. It’s the fastest of any household sewing machine out there.
That’s impressive when you compare to the embroidery speeds of other models reaching 750 SPM only. What’s even more impressive is that at high speed, 830 doesn’t vibrate.
It purrs like a kitten and provides outstanding stitch quality. At top speed, your embroidery is impressive and professionally-made. Even your wildest patterns turn out flawless.
The best part? You can easily adjust your speed with a slide-speed control. It’s located right on the front of your unit. The convenient location makes everything easier.
Jumbo Bobbin
The patented jumbo bobbin delivers 40% extra thread capacity. This way, whether you’re embroidering or sewing, you can spend more time making and less time prepping.
Additionally, this innovative bobbin is convenient. The hook swings out, the bobbin releases and opens with a single touch of a finer. There’s no need to take off your projects.
This front-loading bobbin is conveniently placed. This jumbo bobbin was made with a simple purpose — to make your sewing as enjoyable and easy as possible. It’s free of vibration.
There’s no problem if your needle breaks and you can monitor on screen how much thread you have left which is amazing. You can just relax and play with your new sewing buddy.
Complete Stitch Control
Unique features such as the popular Bernina stitch regulator gives users the ultimate stitch control. This presser foot turns free-motion sewing into a simple and exciting process.
Whether you work fast or slow, your patterns will remain beautifully consistent. Only this model delivers 260-degree-multi-directional sewing on 9mm stitch patterns. Also, you can adjust the width and length of all the stitch patterns. But that’s just for starters.
There’s also a quick-reverse option. This feature allows users to step back into the same holes. This way, new holes aren’t created going backwards and forward.
Additionally, the altered stitch memory enables sewers to memorize their changed stitch patterns when they turn off their sewing unit. Or if the power goes off.
Centred Screen
Only Bernina has a centrally situated touch screen. This way, you can watch both the screen and needle with one glance. This screen offers vivid colours and HD graphics.
It’s a 7-inch ultra-responsive touch screen. You can find all the settings on the main screen with easy-to-read, large icons for the effortless navigation. It’s great for newbies.
Bernina Dual Feed
Working with lots of layers, ribbon or tricot? The popular Bernina dual feed is inbuilt to this machine to provide the greatest control when you’re dealing with stubborn fabrics.
For even greater control, this feature can be fine-tuned to your certain material. It’s ideal for velvet. This great feed system also provides the ultimate in manoeuvrability and visibility.
Then, when you select, it flips up and tucks away. You also have the optional walking foot which is a nice option, especially for channel, outline or grid quilting. You can utilize this foot to quilt, then bind utilizing the Bernina dual-feed as well. The standard feed system is precise and durable.
Automatic Threading
This one-process threading system was made by Swiss engineers. I love the automatic needle threader. It prevents eye strain and saves time. It’s perfect for people with poor vision.
Just take the thread up via the guide, let it proceed into the slot on top, slide it along the left side of the machine, press a button, and your needle is threaded. You can also thread 830 manually.
3 Spool Holders
The Bernina 830 features 3 spool holders. The multi-spool keeper holds small, medium and large cones. The telescoping feature and vertical holders make for easy, trouble-free thread release.
Additionally, the bobbin winder is situated on the front of the unit for simple access. And it allows you to pick speed and amount of fill. As you can notice, 830 is a feature-rich, versatile machine.
Bernina 830 Pros and Cons
If you want to own a special sewing machine, buy 830 today. It’s one of the best Bernina sewing units for a few good reasons that I will uncover and summarize in the ‘pros’ section.
The Bernina 830 sewing machine will make the most out of every single pattern. But here’s the kicker: it can sew up to 1,100 stitches per minute and 1,000 embroidery stitches per minute.
It’s one of the fastest household sewing units on the market. The best part? It doesn’t produce noise and vibration even at highest speeds. The Bernina 830 one of the greatest Swiss inventions.
Have you ever run out of thread on the bobbin in the middle of a project? This machine will make sure it never happens again! It has a big bobbin and 360-degree multi-directional centred screen. Also, you will get a lot of extras such as free loops and designs. Let’s summarize the pros and cons.
Pros
- Automatic threading
- Lots of decorative stitches
- 1,100 sewing stitches per minute
- 1,000 embroidery stitches per minute
- Capable of producing quality stitches on different fabrics
- Capable of producing quality stitches on multiple layers
- 360-degree multi-directional centred screen
- One of the fastest sewing units on the market
- Tons of impressive functions and features
- A wide selection of free accessories
- Easy to switch presser foot
Cons
- A heavy sewing machine
- Expensive to purchase and expensive to repair too
- There’s a learning curve for absolute beginners
- Need a lot of time and effort to get to know the sewing unit
- Might need minor needle customization
- Super confusing to utilize at first
What is a Bernina 830 Worth?
The Bernina 830 isn’t budget-friendly. On the contrary, it’s expensive. But it’s worth every penny. 830 is made with experts and advanced users in mind.
It’s available at Amazon and Sewing Machines Plus. However, you can also order this sewing machine at Bernina’s official website. It costs around $13,000.
When Did the Bernina 830 Come Out?
The Bernina 830 is the first Bernina sewing machine with electronic foot control. It’s one of the greatest Bernina inventions and top-of-the-range units for 11 years (1971—1982).
What Can a Bernina 830 Do?
The Bernina 830 sewing and embroidery machine is made with both beginners and advanced sewers in mind. It’s the perfect hybrid for those seeking a machine that can embroider and sew.
This combination machine provides great value for money. It’s not cheap. However, when you consider all the impressive features and functions, it’s reasonably priced. 830 isn’t your typical machine.
You will get a colour touch screen, 30 LED lights, drag and drop function, 11 monogramming fonts, 1,100 stitches per minute and 1,000 sewing stitches per minute, 400 built-in embroidery designs, etc.
You will also get a history option for recent patterns, 150 built-in sewing stitches, 3 spool holders, alarm clock, foot control with kick-back function, automatic thread cutter, and BSR functionality.
How to Update Bernina 830?
If Bernina has released a new version of firmware for your machine, you can visit Bernina’s website and download the step-by-step guide on the firmware update.
How to Clean Bernina 830?
The Bernina 830 sewing machine needs regular cleaning and lubricating because of the new bobbin and hooks mechanism. It’s recommended by Bernina technicians to lubricate your machine at the beginning of every day.
Also, don’t forget to treat your sewing buddy with a yearly service.
How to Oil Bernina 830 Sewing Machine?
Each day, sit down and take a minute to apply a single drop of sewing machine oil to the hook system of your Bernina 830 sewing and embroidery machine.
This ensures a smooth day of sewing and long life for your sewing machine. Regular maintenance is the key to longevity. Start by opening the bobbin case door.
Then, take off the Bernina bobbin. Keep your left hand beneath the Bernina assembly to stop movement and rotate the handwheel in your direction.
Finish when you notice the revealed copper wire on the surface. If you’re a beginner and wonder where to oil a Bernina 830 sewing machine, don’t worry. It’s straightforward.
Utilize the oil that comes with your sewing machine. Apply a single drop of sewing machine oil onto the copper wire. Import the bobbin and shut the bobbin door. It’s a breeze.
If you have a Bernina sewing machine, it’s recommended to clean and lubricate your sewing unit every 2 to 5 bobbins. You will notice the difference in the running sound instantly.
Add a sewing machine to the hook. The Bernina 830 sewing and embroidery machine’s hook system has metal against metal when they run. Therefore, they get dry over time.
However, with regular oilings, your Bernina will provide the Swiss precision stitch it’s created to provide. Please, watch the following video on how to oil your Bernina properly.
How to Thread Bernina 830 Sewing Machine?
Regular features on this model include automatic thread tension adjustment and self-threading on both the bobbin and upper thread. Taking the stress out of adjusting the correct tension for certain fabric and thread kinds makes the whole sewing experience more enjoyable.
For the same of these Bernina 830 reviews, I opted to complete a couple of basic embroidery tasks and concluded that threading 830 is simple. Winding the bobbin too!
It’s identical as winding any other bobbin. The larger size and bright sensors were immediately obvious. The bobbin appears more like a shortened spool of thread than a bobbin.
The automatic bobbin winder terminates itself when the bobbin is complete. Just put it into place under the needle plate. It’s even easier to thread the upper thread. The Bernina 830 threads itself.
All you need to do is press a button. And before you know it, your sewing machine is threaded and ready to pick an embroidery design. But with so many to pick from, it was hard to make a choice.
The unit is capable of rendering patterns with as many shades as you can imagine but I finally selected a simple, single thread floral pattern for starters.
Once I identified the design and made the size choice, all that was left to do was press the start button. And watch the machine do the rest. It’s very capable.
The stitching was fast and precise, making a jumbo single colour embroidery pattern in just minutes. 830 threads itself thanks to the built-in needle threader.
How to Thread Bernina 830 for Embroidery?
The Bernina 830 owners don’t need a PC connection for embroidering. You can pick from the 400 inbuilt designs and 10 monogramming fonts.
Threading this combination machine is effortless thanks to the automatic needle threader. This amazing feature prevents eye strain and saves you time.
Thanks to the Bernina embroidery software V6 or ArtLink embroidery software, your creativity will now know no limits. The Bernina 830 is breathtaking!
It’s capable of making 1,000 embroidery stitches per minute. You can access the wide selection of motifs and settings at the touch of a finger via the touch screen.
You can resize, mirror, rotate, and edit your designs in a flash right on the large colour touch screen. It’s a dream come true for every needleworker.
Bernina 830 Accessories
Bernina provides a broad selection of accessories that provide free rein to your imagination. Select from their range of presser feet and speciality Bernina add-ons for different projects.
- Bernina stitch regulator
- Reverse pattern foot
- Overlock foot
- Buttonhole foot with slide
- Buttonhole foot
- Zipper foot
- Blindstitch foot
- Button-sew-on foot
- Patchwork foot
- Sideways-motion foot
- Free-arm slide-on table
- Free-hand system
- Magnifying lens set
- Multiple-spool holder
- Small embroidery hoop
- Medium embroidery hoop
- Large oval embroidery hoop
Bernina 830 Manual Download
You will receive a manual with your sewing machine. You can also download the manual if you open the Bernina’s official website. It’s well-written and easy to follow.
Bernina 830 for Sale
The Bernina 830 sewing and embroidery machine is a computerized model with many exclusive features and impressive functions. It’s not your regular combination machine.
It’s expensive but worth every penny. You can find this Bernina unit at both in-person and online such as Amazon or Sewing Machines Plus. It’s also available at Bernina’s store.
Conclusion
Overall, 830 is a luxurious hybrid. It’s a great choice for passionate sewers or smaller business owners. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly sewing machine, look elsewhere.
With such a hefty price tag, this isn’t a sewing machine for the sewer who’s not obsessed with sewing. If you want a unit for hemming, repairs and alterations, consider other models.
Maybe a budget-friendly Bernette would be more suitable for you. However, if you’re passionate about sewing and making unique garments and home accessories, opt for Bernina 830.
The Bernina 830 machine is one of the highest-rated embroidery, quilting, and sewing in the market. It’s also one of the fastest sewing machines. It can produce 1,100 stitches per minute.
And 1,000 embroidery stitches per minute. Having to switch the thread each time a pattern needs a new colour is annoying. However, it’s a small inconvenience when you consider the results.
Besides, only a few embroidery units created for home use can switch thread colours without your help. This combination unit does so much I get spoiled and expect it to do everything for me!
As I already mentioned, it’s expensive. And nobody would want to invest such a large amount of money into a sewing unit and not provide proper maintenance. Luckily, 830 is easy to maintain.
Of course, your sewing machine shouldn’t be exposed to extreme cold or hot temperatures or moisture. The accessories, especially the extra needles, presser feet, feed dogs and needle plates require proper storage. If you take good care of your accessories, when they come in contact with your machine, they will perform properly and cause no problems.
Hopefully, my detailed and objective Bernina 830 reviews can help you determine if this model is worth your time and money. I’m in love with this hybrid.
However, I’m also aware of the fact that not everyone will find it amazing and useful as I did. 830 isn’t a regular combination machine. It’s not for everybody.
It’s expensive but worth every penny. You can find this Bernina unit at both in-person and online such as Amazon or Sewing Machines Plus. It’s also available at Bernina’s store.
Have you ever used this Bernina model? Or know someone who did? If so, share your experiences in the comments below. I would love to hear your opinion.
Julie Dahm
If that is the case that it is worth every penny, then why has the value/price TANKED on the resell circuit? I’ve seen 830 models like new with less than 40 hours of use for sale for $1500.00 with their embroidery units and all original items. Far cry from the 13 grand they originally were. Any idea why this is happening?
Sara Treat
Dear Julie,
Thank you for your comment.
I have no clue why this is happening but you can contact Bernina and get an answer first-hand.
Have a wonderful day and stay safe.
Love, Mary.