Initial Thoughts About Bernette 08 Straight Stitch Machine

[@ThimbleBook]

I have made a follow up video about the secondary thread path. Here is a link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJvWpJSboL2Eb9Esi=HkSXWGLFEMZ4bYGe

[@PatchworkPirate]

I bought the ef1 a couple of years ago at the Houston Quilt Festival (demo). I was able to get the machine and the full table for less than what the machine retailed for at the time. I absolutely love it (and the light green), and it is a beast! I use it for bag making, leather work, costume making, and other projects, so I absolutely recommend a 1600spm heavy duty domestic machine. What kills me about this particular machine is that while it is pretty much the same as the Janome HD9 (v2) and Elna elnita ef1, it has a lot more plastic on it (the dark grey) and they want almost 2X the cost! People would seriously be paying for a name when they could get the same machine for less! And if people want to save more, one could even get the older Janome 1600P-QC used - though they use the smaller L-class bobbin and not the jumbo that the others use.

[@Quilt4Joy]

I have the Janome HD9 Version 2 and love it. The version 2 has the larger bobbin and two paths for threading your thread. The second path is for heavier thread for sewing leather. I think the average price for the version two is somewhere between 1,200 to 1,400. This machine is awesome for piecing for quilters. I mostly use mine for bag making which it does a beautiful job.

[@ThimbleBook]

Great. I am glad you like the HD9. Most who have one do enjoy it.

[@PatchworkPirate]

It's great for bag making, too! I use my Elna elnita ef1 for a lot of that and leather work.

[@saf5938]

I have a Juki straight stitch and love it. 1 thing missing from the new Bernette is the knee lift. Using the foot pedal cutter and knee lift, piecing on the Juki is hands free; you only handle the fabric. Juki’s high and wide space and dropped feed dogs makes it great for fmq.

[@ThimbleBook]

There is a knee lift on the Bernette. But, the Juki is really nice. A great machine. Thanks for watching.

[@tbussey]

“Middle aged woman that loves Miss Clairol”, lol I almost spit my coffee out

[@Susietacoma]

That was funny commentary. 😂

[@Sam_the_quilter]

@@tbussey literally did the same. I think I might have choked a bit on nothing when she said that. Absolutely brilliant. Haha

[@stephenhorne764]

While many manufacturers are now offering a high speed straight stitch machine, a simplified high speed universal straight stitch/ zig zag with a 2.5 amp motor is what many of us who sew professionally would love for travel. I used to costume for shows and traveled a lot on tours. A machine that does the aforementioned would set itself apart from those who do professional garment making .

[@ThimbleBook]

I agree 1000%. This is something I've wanted for a very long time.

[@PatchworkPirate]

Not gonna lie, when I need a good zigzag I either break out my Janome HD-1000 or my old Singer 347 and go slower. I just have to be more careful w/the 347 because cams are a pain to find. :( I'd LOVE a really heavy duty zigzag machine if I had space for one.

[@vrccim5930]

Thanks. Informative.

[@Masroe]

Though, I would like the speed adjustment, and empty bobbin indicator, I’ll stick with my Brother PQ1500SL that I bought used for $400. It has drop feed and pin feed for difficult materials.

[@ThimbleBook]

Wow you got an excellent deal on that machine.

[@delphyne3699]

I love my Brother PQ1500SL too❣ It needs no button for speed control, because it is so easy to control that my 5 year old grandson is able to sew with it alone and without supervision.

[@Masroe]

@@delphyne3699 Agreed, the foot control is precise and easy for me to use even super slow. However, a speed control would be nice for my spouse and their lead foot. 🤣

[@delphyne3699]

@@Masroe 😅

[@PatchworkPirate]

I like to live dangerously and play bobbin chicken. I kid, an empty bobbin indicator would be cool, but as this is primarily a mechanical machine I think a computer option would just be something else to break/give out. I very rarely use my computerized machine anymore. :\

[@RussellWAbshire]

The Bernette 08 is the same as the Janome HD9 and has the added thread path for heavy duty thread. It only compares to the HD9, not the Janome 1600 nor Elna EF1, these do not have the added thread path to support industrial thread. The price comparison you showed is flat out misleading. The cost of Janome HD9 is $2399 MSRP with a street price about $1900. The Bernette line is the proper placement for this product within Bernina. If it were labeled as Bernina, it would be probably $4599 MSRP, in line with the 4/5 series. As far as the 'plasticly' look of the outer shell, look at every Bernina, for that matter, all the other brands. These machines (Bernina & Bernette) are full metal frames underneath. If the outer shell was also full metal it would weigh twice as much and not add to performance. I guess I'm on a rant because I watch some many 'reviews' that are not fully research and address pros and cons for a machine that it not within the reviewer's demographic. If $2000 is too much to pay for a machine for your use, then don't review a machine that costs more than $2000. Case in point, for the reviews of 'upgrades' from within the line (i.e., 790 Plus to 790 Pro), to make the statement 'is a new feature is worth $15K' makes the fact that the other many many base features of the previous model count for nothing. The price of the upgrade machine includes all previous features plus the upgrades. Fairer comparison would be to sell the old machine and put that money towards new machine...and the difference left over would be the question to ask if it's worth it. I'm sorry, I do apologize. I know that I have surely offended you but these reviews in this approach drive me over the edge. Btw, I have machines from basic brother embroidery only, Bernette B79, Bernina B700, Brother XP3, and Babylock Alliance, and they all provide the necessary features I needed (and looking for) in their price point. Again, apologies.

[@ThimbleBook]

As long as the comments are constructive, I am never offended. Thanks so much for watching and commenting. The 08 is priced appropriately for the features it has. But, I do always want to offer a cheaper option.

[@RussellWAbshire]

@SewingandCaring Setting the stitch length to zero is how to 'drop' the feed dogs. They actually make a quilting kit for the bernette 08 (and Janome HD9). All the 'straight' stitch machines are not 'premium' labeled machines for the fact of price point. None of the 'straight' machines have a free arm except for cyclinder arm industrial machines. Janome, Juki, Brother, & Bernette are in the $1000-$2000 price range. My Janome HD9 was closer to $1000 for it's street price.

[@elbanti]

Not 1600P. HD9. Exact same machine but I would prefer this than my HD9, looks sexy!

[@Susietacoma]

I was shocked that one cannot drop the feed dogs on this machine. That seems prehistoric.

[@marienaailes]

Can't drop the feed dogs? I would by the Juki.

[@jacksonskyler69]

I am totally agree with you. Honestly it’s a shame to bernett for labeling their name on the same machine as Janome or the same factory. I am very disappointed as soon as they announced and I thought the same as you and find this machines as identical to janomoe HD straight stitch machine. I believe they spend all the investment for time and money in b990.

[@hardmurakami]

Not much people left understanding Jazz

[@ThimbleBook]

Not many like Jazz, Blues, or Blue Grass. But, I was raised with this music and still enjoy it. Thanks for watching.

[@Quilt4Joy]

Does Bernina have a straight-stitch machine?

[@ThimbleBook]

No, Bernina doesn't have a high end straight stitch.

[@patriciapoot1180]

This machine isn't available in Europe (yet)

[@marianacary425]

It needs something to stand out from other straight stitch machines

[@UhOhCreations]

I found this to be an unfair evaluation of a machine that hasn't been tried yet. The b08 is better compared to the Janome HD9 2 with similar functionality, features, and abilities. Just because the Janome 1600P is a high speed straight stitch machine, does not make it comparable. It would be similar to comparing two different types of industrials, one that is meant for light materials and one meant for saddlery.

[@ThimbleBook]

I appreciate your assessment. Please do check out the follow video on the secondary thread path. Thanks for watching.

[@Susietacoma]

Thank you for your review! I already have a Brother new in the box from years ago. It has pin feed. Me, I would buy a Juki or Baby Lock Jazz II or equivalent Brother. Why pay more than $1,500 for a low end Bernette straight stitch?

[@quademasters249]

It's a target audience that they hope will spend $1000 more for a machine than one that's just as good?

[@ThimbleBook]

I didn't mention it, but the 08 does have a secondary thread path for thicker threads. Is it worth $1000 more? I'm not so sure because some love the additional path on Janome HD9 and say it lets them sew up to Tex 70. But, others are using the same Tex 70 on their non secondary thread path machines without a problem.

[@Quilt4Joy]

If you look at videos showing the Bernette 08 machine, the machine body looks like cheap plastic.

[@ThimbleBook]

08 is aluminum with a plastic face plate. But, I do understand what you are saying about the machine body look. Its different indeed. Thanks for watching.

[@patriciapoot1180]

IMO, why did they copy the 1600? Of all the straight stitch machines, the 1600 is probably the least likely machine you will buy because other brands offer so much more. Again, Bernina/Bernette is behind in technology. If they want to be different, add the zig zag stitch and be at the head of the market.