Things I 💕LOVE & HATE 😤 about my Sewing Machine | Bernina 535

[@jtcavallo3655]

You can buy an adaptor for the Bernina that lets you use generic feet I got mine from Madam Sew and use it all the time.

[@seisaisan4855]

Yes. Just wanted to say the same. Regular 5mm feet will fit just fine with that adapter. 7mm or 9mm maybe.

[@vivienlee610]

Really??? I'm in the UK so will have to look.

[@MichelleSewsAgain]

First of all…your hair looks fantastic! Thank you for joining in the tag! You did a great job highlighting your love/hate issues with your machine. I LOVE your button hole feature…that’s really cool. The instructional feature is also pretty impressive. I appreciate your input ❤

[@MariSews]

It was fun to reflect back on this purchase. Thanks for the tag

[@vivaldi1948]

I bought a new Bernina about 2 years ago and I love it! It's a 570 QE and I also sprung for the embroidery attachment. There is a definite learning curve but the more I sew the more I learn. Did you say button holes? I was flabbergasted at how easy it was to sew a button hole and how perfect they were. I bought mine from the local Bernina dealer at an independent fabric store. They have free classes to orient you and you can take them as many times as you need to. Plus the employees really know the machines. I can't recommend one enough. I did save for almost 4 years to get one and a Koala cabinet but I'm so happy with them. The cabinet was shipped to my house and the owner of the store came to my house and assembled it for me. Happy sewing!

[@MariSews]

Oh! You’re sewing in style 😀 and yes, the buttonholes are beautiful

[@maddiecedeno8989]

Mari you crack me up….😂 yessss they are freaking expensive. Currently, I have 3 Berninas (in addition to a baby lock accolade serger - LOVE IT & singer cover stitch. I bought 2 berninas used and 1 my husband bought me brand new - its the 880 Plus Crystal Edition…I have to say that I have not used that new to its capacity. After seeing this video of yours I feel convicted to be more appreciative of what I have. I am going to take more classes about it so I understand it more and not just become a hoarder of machines. I wanted this one because of its speed and quality of embroidery. I do a ton of embroidery. The one I mostly sew on is my sweet baby Bernina Artista 200 which is over 15 yrs old. I bought it used from the dealer and was an exceptional deal. I also have a Bernina 830 that I take to classes. Yes they are so heavy! The feet’s are definitely investments. Taking classes to use your machine to the most advantage is key - an advice I need to tell myself! Treat yo self to another box of bobbins - life is short! Love & besitos 💋💨

[@MariSews]

Wow! What a nice hubby. 😃 I think that hoarding machines would be easy to do. How do you say know when you see a good deal? And, although I always forget about my bobbin issue until I’m ready to sew a new color, I’m definitely getting another pack. Have fun with your classes, Maddie! Im sure your embroidery is beautiful

[@Ohio_Memory_Bears]

This sounds like a great machine! ❤

[@dizzyquiltsandsews]

That button feature is super cool!!! I had to laugh when you were talking about machine feet all over the house because I have the exact same problem. I currently have 3 regular sewing machines and their feet don’t mix and match which is infuriating. I really like how honest you are about what you like and don’t like on this machine. Thank you for sharing!! 💞

[@MariSews]

It took a while to figure out that button situation but now I couldn’t live without the thing 😂 also, those damn feet!

[@PetraRobinson-gm8nh]

I switched from a Brother Inovis F420 to a Bernette B77 * made by Bernina * and I LOVE it. I'm going for the Bernina that you have, but the price was just too steep for me. I am now very happy not to have got the Bernina and instead chose the Bernette B77. What also made me decide against the Bernina is the high prices for extra feet, bobbins.... My Bernette B77 has a drop in bobbin and the machine tells me when it is almost empty, the same goes for the top thread. It has many functions of the Berninas. I have no regrets.

[@szelop]

I have a vintage Bernina I love. It’s a 1020 & it sews through layers like butter! Amazing when sewing the masks with the pleats. Unfortunately it’s too heavy for me to travel with so I’m probably going to sell it & buy a lightweight machine. I have a Janome 1600PQC if I need heavy duty. Congrats on your Bernina! I’m sure you will love it for years!

[@lynnshepard7485]

Great video, Mari! I recently purchased a Brother Stellair sewing/ quilting/ embroidery machine. I love the huge embroidery hoops, the one touch button for automatic threading, the throat distance, and the built in embroidery and quilting designs. It’s also wireless, so I will be able to import purchased embroidery and end to end quilting designs easily. What I’m not wild about is how difficult it is to change out the metal needle plates. So many screws to maneuver with tremors affecting me! I’m happy I didn’t trade in my Elna 680 Pro so I can use it now that it’s back from servicing. It doesn’t have the embroidery and quilting features, but it sews beautifully. And the pop up needle pates…Epic! The downside (or upside, depending on your perspective), is the 9mm stitch length. It’s difficult to find feet for it, even through the shop where I bought it. It’s taken 3-6 months to get them from ordering. That may be a function of the dealer, though. Either way, I do love both machines. I suspect I’ll love the Stellair even more once I get the muscle memory to remember how to find some of the obscure features. 💗💗💗 Sew on with joy!

[@MariSews]

One touch threading and pop up plates sound absolutely amazing! I ran into manufacturing issues with feet, too. Who wants to wait months for a special foot when you need it now?

[@ttirella5608]

Love your energy

[@MariSews]

Thank you!

[@cruznk9]

There are 2 styles of feet for Bernina - the old style for machines manufactured 1954-1998, which have the two pins on top, and the new style for machines manufactured after 1996. They're solidly built too and I buy them on sale. I recently bought a new Bernina and the extra feet I bought with a Bernina 25 years ago now fit the new machine. What's not to love about that? I have found that some of the cheaper feet sold with other brands of machine are not so well made. A walking foot that came with my Brother machine had a warped sole straight out of the box. I've had some nice machines of other brands but my Berninas are my favourite machines. They're just so well made and reliable, and there are a lots of little features here and there that indicate someone put some thought into designing a good machine. They're the icing on the cake. The enjoyment I get from sewing with a Bernina is like the enjoyment some get from driving a luxury car. It's worth paying extra for the quality.

[@buntywales533]

Hi Mari. Thanks for sharing your opinions on this machine. I recently bought the Bernina 475qe and ordered an invisible zipper foot which came, as advertised, attached to a low shank adaptor foot for use with 3mm zips. If my memory serves me well, I paid about £42. Hope that you are able to find one in the US. Love watching your videos.

[@MariSews]

I could definitely use an adapter shank! I’ll take a look for one. Thank you

[@allyfain]

I got mine at a Black Friday deal, paid half off yay. Was able to add the Embroidery Module too, $$$ on bobbins for switching woof. I slapped a bunch of stickers all over mine. But I'm in love, hope you are too yay

[@MariSews]

Wow! You got an amazing deal! I’m so jealous

[@georgemcduncan5391]

You are so cute. And funny. Sweetie you now own a Mercedes. It costs more because it really works. Totally enjoyed your video. Happy Holidays to you. I give you a year and you'll never touch your bother again.

[@MariSews]

You’re right about that! It really does work great!

[@susankuhlman6514]

I have owned two Hyundai Elantras and at 100,000 they were shot. I drove a car of my daughters, but she sold it, so I had to buy a car while interest rates and costs were high. I bought a 2010 Prius and it is great. The extra cost of is worth it.

[@PracticalStitches]

Gorgeous machine❤

[@MariSews]

Thank you

[@pamalalargent1036]

Yes! I have a Barina 570 and I love love mine! Yes they are expensive, My machine will tell you when you're getting low in bobbin thread, you should get the feet 95 it's for bias tape, all you have to do just to cut your bias tape and stick it in the feet you don't have to iron it or fold it it does it all for you❤

[@MariSews]

Oh! I’m definitely going to add that foot to the list! I have it for my coverstitch but never thought about my sewing machine! Thanks 🙏🏼

[@pamalalargent1036]

I had mine for a long time. You should buy the book of feet. I know some of the feet is kind of expensive, but you would like that book I have one you'll be amazed what all it can do. It makes everything so much easier.

[@MariSews]

Never heard of it. I’ll look it up. Thanks

[@InAgatasCottage]

Great video Mari :) Thanks for tagging me :)

[@MariSews]

Can’t wait to see what you say

[@gregc3312]

I have my basic Bernina 215 and it is a great start for any beginner super affordable , also not as heavy and all the extras are more affordable

[@MariSews]

Thanks for sharing this info!

[@notesfromleisa-land]

You can get offbrand bobbins at a significant discount that will fit your Bernina. The needle torque on a Bernina is fantastic. I still have my Bernina 1030. I did upgrade to a B530, and I bought it on closeout when it was discontinued at significant savings. All the branded stuff for Bernina is expensive. You can by off brand bobbins, walking feet etc for significantly less. It has regular sized bobbin, but no thread cutter. The feet for Bernina's are expensive. As another viewer noted, you can get an adapter to use with your other snap on feet. The quality of the Bernina feet are superb, and I prefer them to some of the cheap snap on feet that can be wiggly/jiggly.

[@MariSews]

Thanks! I now have an adapter and Knock off bobbins and I’m a happy girl!

[@notesfromleisa-land]

@@MariSews It does pay to be cheap!!!

[@MariSews]

💯

[@djembroiderystudios1517]

you should call Hinkletown Bernina Shop they are a huge dealer in PA and can ship and have great prices for Bernina.

[@MariSews]

Thanks for the recommendation. I’ll definitely keep them in mind

[@njame2137]

Can someone link the bernina foot adapter please ? Great video 😊

[@SewMyTime]

Love your round up Mari. Really honest. I can only drool at more expensive machines but when I have fantasised about a more expensive model ( I have the Bernette B38), the cost of the extras with Bernina does put me off. The extra feet for the Bernette are way more expensive than for other machines too.

[@MariSews]

It’s really crazy how expensive all the accessories are. I’m going to have to find an adapter for my machine so that I can use snap on feet.

[@lynnleipold2617]

There is an ankle adapter for Berninas.

[@MariSews]

@lynnleipold2617 someone very kindly sent me one. Best gift ever!

[@joanweissenburger632]

I agree the feet are expensive and only fit specfic machines. You also have to find a dealer that really cares about you not themselves. I boughr a trade in and they didnot even give me a bobbin no needle, and a cord that was spliced together. The threader does not even work. Was told thats how it w as given to them. I do not even think they looked at it. Guess it was my fault for not checking it out better. The Viking dealership are so much more friendly and helpful. Glad you did this video. ❤ ya

[@MariSews]

That’s horrible. I can’t believe they sold you a machine like that!

[@daisybatiz1734]

Siiiii muy cierto Mary las maquinas modernas nos facilitan muchos pasos que realmente toman tiempo, yo tengo la Pfaff Creative 3.0 y tambien sale costosa pero me encanta, Disfruta tu maquina que esta hermosa y te facilita muchas cosas. Dios te cuide.

[@MariSews]

Estoy de acuerdo. Gracias!

[@luciatat4084]

A solution for the too few bobbins problem would be to learn to aproximate about how much thread you need for your project. You then can use the little ramains of thread for hand basting. I learned this and usually I am very close every time. You just visually remember about how much thread you use for different projects and with enough exercise you’ll get very good at it :) . Also, it s better to have to thread again then being left with too much thread on the bobbin. I aspire to buy a Bernina machine too and the only thing I think would probably be a little bit of an inconvenience is not being able to see the bobbin as I always had machines with top loading. But I think the quality of those machines and the quality of the stitches are worth the small inconveniences :D

[@MariSews]

Thanks for the tip. That’s a great skill to have. I’ve learned to not care much about the color of my bobbin. 😂 I now have a lot more bobbins tho so I can get close to my top thread now.

[@seisaisan4855]

I'm a Bernina owner and besides many pros there might be one problem in owning them - servicing. In in Houston and we have only one (one!) dealer in the entire city of 8 mln ppl! The dealer is back logged with service orders for over 4 weeks! No service alternative. The service starts from $120. Long wait it's practically a monopoly! And shortage of parts! Compare that to Janome! 5 service centers! No shortage with parts.

[@MariSews]

@seisaisan4855 I hadn’t thought of this but that is a problem

[@sheenaschultz6935]

I have a Bernina and a Pfaff. I purchased an adapter Bernina foot that I can use with all of my Pfaff feet. Sheena

[@MariSews]

I’ll have to look that up! That would save me so much grief

[@bjquilts29]

You can buy a snap on foot adapter for your Bernina. I bought mine from Amazon. One can be bought from other retailers. Also, doesn't your machine have a sensor for low bobbin thread?

[@MariSews]

I have one now. Thank you. It’s so useful. And no, there’s no bobbin sensor. It would’ve been handy

[@LouRao]

Why didn’t you just get a JUKI TL-2000Qi ($799) or a Brother PQ1600S ($999)? A semi-industrial straight stitch machine is made for heavy-weight materials and is perfect for purses and bag projects. If you wanted a non-straight stitch machine, you could have gotten the Janome Memory Craft 6650, which also handles anything you throw at it. The high-priced Bernina machines have gone downhill in terms of longevity due to a lack of quality control and poor craftsmanship. Plus, the inside shell of the Bernina 535 isn’t all hard metal to handle tough jobs in the long term. The sewing machine motor, type of gears, and metal frame front and back will determine how the machine will perform with different types of materials and the number of layers. That said, you may be lucky to get three years of use with any of the Bernina sewing machines before things start to fail. But I wish you all the best and hope it lasts for many years to come😎

[@doloresw]

One day when I get much better at sewing I'll upgrade to a really nice machine but for now I have the singer quantum stylist 9960.

[@MariSews]

That’s definitely a good way to set a goal. Personally, I’d spring for one when I feel like I spend most of my free time sewing. It’s an hours game for me.

[@carmensalome]

I love that machine! I’m a singer girl at heart.

[@doloresw]

Question , do you still plan on doing the video for those pretty baskets on your storage closet

[@MariSews]

I am. I want to make some for my stairs so I need to film the tutorial

[@doloresw]

@@MariSews can't wait to see it 🙂

[@sewterie]

Thanks Mari. And I love Adam! lol. I have mostly all vintage machines and I have the ruffler foot and the buttonholer for them and they did not cost anything near what you paid. (sorry). My modern machines are a Brother serger 1034D and a Brother BB370. Thanks for sharing your likes and dislikes. Stay well.

[@MariSews]

He’s so fun! Isn’t he. I have one vintage machine but it drives me nuts. 😂

[@sewterie]

@@MariSews So sorry it drives you nuts. I restore vintage machines and just love them. Wish I could help you out with that. 💚

[@susankuhlman6514]

I have now owned three machines that I hate. Two were Viking and one Jacome. At least the Jacome did a nice job BUT it constantly goes out of adjustment costing me $100.00 each time. I have stopped sewing. I was on a Zoom with my quilting friends and each person did a show and tell of their sewing rooms. OMG I noticed that they did most of them were on older machines! I remembered my mom's Singer that I used for years (until my sister stole it) I oiled it, etc. but it was never serviced! I also became annoyed with the sound of modern machines having learned to sew with the nice "sing" sound of a Singer. A repair shop has told me that they will teach me how to adjust the Jacome and now I lust after a Singer 401a and of course, a 200, they Rolls Royce of any machine. I do not know what kind of Singer my mom had, but her nice furniture for it implies a 200.

[@MariSews]

Sounds like you’re well on your way to regular sewing again. So happy that you’re figuring out what makes you tic 😁 it really does make a big difference

[@victoriahannah1633]

I think if I was you I would ask for bobbins for Christmas and my birthday.

[@MariSews]

Why didn’t I think of that? Genius!

[@dammitmother]

A quick correction - I don't know where you were charged $43 for 5 bobbins, but it should be more like $24.

[@MariSews]

Thanks for sharing. I hate getting ripped off.

[@Jin04115]

Berninas are so expensive. I cant justify getting the 16k one that i want. I hear so many good things about them though.

[@MariSews]

It sews beautifully but I’m not sure I’d get another.

[@stevene.874]

Yes, Bernina is a nice brand, but so is Brother if you had purchased the right Brother model for the work you do.

[@MariSews]

I’m sure you’re right. Ultimately, I’m happy with my Bernina.

[@bedahobbs6355]

Your dealer can order the feet and they will ship them to you.

[@LiseDuclos-u1b]

Just found your channel and have subscribed. You should check out Janome machines. I have been sewing for over 50years and have tried all the brands in the past. Janome's are hands down the strongest and best hands down in my opinion. I am looking forward to your machine covers episode. I hope I haven't missed it. Thanks for being so awesome.

[@allyfain]

i think the walking foot sucks for real. i paid 20 off of 275 woof.

[@MariSews]

That’s a tough one!

[@carmensalome]

I am surprised the feet are not universal for all Bernina…..bummer .

[@MariSews]

I was too. It was such an annoying thing to discover.

[@normacooper6377]

Everything for Bernina seems very expensive.

[@careya]

Every little thing is crazy expensive. I bought mine used, and it is a good machine, but I’d probably go with a different brand next time.

[@MariSews]

💯. I’m not sure if other high quality brands are like this but this is nuts