Bernina: Used 1530 vs new 220

Hello all,

This was to be a surprise for my wife, who is just getting into quilting. We had decided to get her a good tool that would last for a long time, and some local quilters convinced us that a Bernina 220 would be a good option. I guess other people had the same idea, since the dealer that had several 220s when I called didn't actually have any left when we got there (in another town). She did have a used

1530 for $100 more BUT that machine came with a walking foot, the knee bar, and the several other extras. I figure that stuff is worth at least a $100, so the question is would a used 1530 be better or worse than a brand new 220?

I bought the 1530 so I'd have something to put under the tree, but have until the end of January to decide whether to keep it or not. I know absolutely nothing about this, and my wife is fairly new to quilting. Her current machine is a 20+ year old (Singer, I think). I suspect she'll end up taking the 1530 machine to the dealer and doing a side-by-side comparison before making up her mind, but neither of us really know what questions to ask.

I'd appreciate feedback, comparisons, and opinions. Also any hint on certain things that some people like and others hate that she should pay attention to in comparing them would be appreciated? I suspect that the 1530 has lots of features she might never use, but probably has some extra (over the 220) that would be useful. She doesn't anticipate doing machine embroidery, but seems to like the quilting and it will also be used for general purpose sewing.

One big plus of the Bernina was supposed to be dealer support, and the used machine will have 2 years maintenance but the electronics will be out of warranty, so another question is how reliable will the 10+ year old machine be?

Hopefully there'll be lots of good info here and she can read this after Christmas to help her make up her mind.

Thanks, and Merry Christmas,

Reply to
NoQuilter
Loading thread data ...

I owned a 220 for a couple of months and was less than pleased with it. The Electronics fried on it twice and needed to be replaced under warrenty. The size of the Harp, or opening is too small to do anything but small wall hanging quilts. If you try to push a full sized bed quilt through the opening you will have nothing but trouble. Assuming the machine you are getting is in good shape, it will be of greater use for your wifes quilting needs. It is a very good machine and is still used and loved by many avid quilters. The The 220 might be useful for taking to sewing class and piecing or clothing construction, but not for any serious quilting of large quilts. I traded the one I bought back to the dealer for a 1008 mechanical machine and was glad to get rid of it. I would stick with the one you got, and be happy that you didn't get the 220. I have another Bernina model that is computerized, and that one works fine. It was made in the Swiss factory, and the 220 was made in the Thailand Factory, that is opperated for Berina, and makes the lower end machines. The feet that come with the 220 are not the best feet either. They are cheap snap-on feet and not the single piece cast feet that Bernina is famous for. So for my money, I would give her the one you got and I think she will love it.

John

Reply to
John

Reply to
Polly Esther

There is a Bernina group on Yahoo groups that is a help for folks with any Bernina that has a 30 in the model #...such as 930, 830, 1130, etc. Lots of good help there. I think some people have issues with the track ball --some like it some don't ..Anyway...ck out this group !! Good luck...Mary

formatting link
Here is from two posters on that site: I really want a good machine that is quiet, well built and easy

If you are looking for a used machine, you cannot go wrong with the

Here is another....I found the 1530 the most intuitive sewing machine that I have ever used. Can't speak for the other computerized Berninas. What I like about it is that you look at the screen and your sewing -- never have to look for the correct button. Your thumbs reach the track ball and stitch width and length balls and when they do, your fingers are in the perfect position to click the OK or cancel buttons. Absolutely perfect for a right-hander.

Reply to
MB

I'd agree with some of the others here that the 220 -- while it might be okay at first -- is something that your DW will "outgrow" in no time at all. I think it's mostly meant as a "second" machine -- one that travels to classes and that sort of thing.

If your only other choice is the 1530, I'd stick with it. It's a reliable machine, and lots of people still have and love them. However, you will run into a few little frustrations. First, as you noted, it's an older machine that is no longer under warranty; any failure to its circuit board could run into some serious expenses. Second, and not quite as dire, is the fact that it takes the older-style feet. While this in itself isn't a bad thing, you should know that Bernina isn't making any new types of feet in that style. You can still get the feet they've always made for it, but any of the newer ones are not available these days -- at least, that's what my dealer says.

If you can look at a few other machines, I'd suggest the 430 or 440. Both of them are outstanding machines that do everything a quilter could want. It all depends on your budget, of course. I had a 440 for almost a year before deciding to get the 630 instead; I loved that 440, but the

630 was even nicer, and I don't regret my decision. BTW, you may be able to find some gently-used 430s or 440s -- I'm not the only one who turned one in after the slightly-newer models came out.

Good luck!

Reply to
Sandy

I cannot say anything about the 1530, as I am totally unfamiliar with it.

I purchased an Activa 240 around 2 1/2 years ago. It has been a reliable little machine, which I take to classes, do applique and machine piecing. I purchased the machine for the first two items -- the latter was a wonderful bonus. I am also learning how to free motion quilt on some small quilts. When I took my machine class for it, they told me it had a full size motor -- same one as in the larger machines.

However, for a long term investment, the machine is missing a few things.

  • As some said, it has a smaller harp than other sewing machines. As I have RSI to my right wrist, it hurts too much for me to push large quilts around for machine quilting, so I don't ever plan to do anything larger than a lap quilt. Still, it would be easier to push even a small quilt around if there was more space in the harp area. If you have another machine on which quilting would be done, then this would not be an issue.
  • It cannot use the BSR, but one can learn FMQ without it. I must confess I am having a particularly hard time learning FMQ, but that may just be because I'm not very coordinated :-). The 240 can use most of the other feet that the Aurora 430/440 and Artista 630/640/730 do. Of course it cannot use the wider 9mm ones.
  • The machine only has two motor speeds; there are times at which I wish for more, but it is not something that would deter me from getting this machine again.
  • It does not have a presser foot pressure adjustment, but I think that is also missing on the Auroras.
  • It cannot do machine embroidery -- an option on the Auroras. While you may never become interested in doing that, it would be available if you ever change your mind about it.

Please note:

  • The 220 has snap on feet. I think the solid regular feet contribute to more accurate sewing, so that is something you might want to consider. It is an additional cost to get the solid feet on the 220.
  • The knee lift is an extra on the 220 -- it comes with the 240.
  • The 240 has a brighter light -- optional on the 220.

Bev in TX

Reply to
countryone77

As far as I'm concerned a machine bought for a quilter needs a big harp area. I tend to stick with lap quilt size quilts and would still find problems manouvering on anything smaller. I've looked at Berninas when I've passed them in shops and always thought how small they are!

I was only on my second quilt when I got my Janome 6500 (superceded by

6600) and wouldn't change it for the world. True it was higher up the price range, but I'll never need to change it. Its a good solid workhorse with all the adjustments of tension, speed, needle position you could wish for, together with a lovely big harp space. Mine also came with the extension table to give a larger work area included, and lots and lots of feet. Buying extras for Berninas necessitates taking out an extra mortgage!

I think if you start with good tools a new hobby will be so much easier - nothing worse than trying to do a good job with tools not made to tackle what you're trying to achieve at any time - even worse for a beginner.

I don't know anything about the 1530 at all I'm afaid.

Sounds as though your wife is going to have fun doing the comparisons.

Sally at the Seaside ~~~~~~~~~~ (uk)

snipped-for-privacy@yahoo.com wrote:

Reply to
Sally Swindells

I concur and I do love my Bernina, BUT, I am coveting my friends Janome 6500 (superceded by 6600). I was with her when she bought it from my Bernina dealer also a Janome dealer. No, I would not trade my Bernina in or sell it , I would have the Janome 6500 (superceded by

6600) too. I have a collection of SMs

Another but is, if my only choice was between the 1530 and the 220 I would take the 1530.

Bonnie, in Middletown, VA

Reply to
Bonnie Patterson

That's true if the quilter is going to do the quilting on that machine. If all she is going to do is piece, the smaller machine may be okay. The larger harp area is not so important if all the quilts will be quilted by hand or sent out for quilting. And if she wants to take the machine to classes and retreats, the smaller machine may be perfect. I don't think I'd want to lug a Janome 6600 to a class or retreat.

Julia in MN

Reply to
Julia in MN

Thanks for all the good responses so far. I also liked the "heft" of the 1530 over the 210 and 230 they did have in the store. I hadn't thought about having to take it to classes and stuff though.

I didn't set them side-by-side, but the harp (I'm guessing this is the round space to the right of the needle, for rolling up stuff and scrunching it through the machine) didn't look any bigger on the 1530 than on the 210 (which should be identical, physically, to the sold- out 220).

Does the 1530 have a larger harp? Some responses seem to imply it does.

Also, Bev, I figured out RSI and FMQ but you lost me on BSR?

It sounds as if she needs to mainly decide on whether or not she likes the track-ball interface, and if she likes it the 1530 is the better of these two machines. Thanks also for not mentioning actual prices, I'll have her look here and maybe follow up. I'm already pushing the budget at this level, and can't really go any higher right now. We were hoping the Bernina would hold it's value, and if she really gets into the quilting she can trade up later. I guess that's another reason I like the used machine over the plastic 220.

Thanks again, and Merry Christmas

Reply to
NoQuilter

Oh boy! Trading in a used sewing machine is exactly like trading cars. The machines drop in value a huge amount the first year or so. That's why a nearly new used machine is such a great buy- it will usually still have some warranty and be considerably cheaper than brand new- just like trading cars. Also, like trading a car, there is that ridiculous numbers game- charge more for what's being purchased so they can give the trade-in a greater value. This includes the 'famous' statement "if you trade it in within a year we'll give you what you paid for it". Ridiculous! It's still a used trade-in... they cannot resell it as new for the same price as a new machine, can they? There's no way they can legitimately give you what you paid for it and remain in business very long.

If what you want to buy costs $2K at one dealer and your trade in is valued at $1K- then you have to give the dealer $1K cash plus your trade in, right? If what you want to buy at another dealer (same purchased machine as in the previous example) is priced at $3K and they say your trade-in is worth $2K- you STILL have to give the dealer your machine and $1K cash, right? So many people think the second example is a 'better deal' cuz they are getting $2K for their trade-in instead of *only* $1K. It's apples and oranges. All that matters is how much cash you have to put with your trade-in.... NOT what the trade-in value may be or even what the sale price on the purchase may be. As long as what you are buying is comparable at both dealers it's just a numbers game that means nothing. If you don't have a trade-in it's cut and dried- what you pay in cash is what you pay at either dealer. It's the trade-in that muddies it all up.

Leslie (worked in auto dealerships for a hundred years and saw this twenty time a day), Missy & The Furbabies in MO.

Reply to
Leslie & The Furbabies in MO.

The Auroras (430/440) *do* have a pressure adjustment for the feet. :)

Reply to
Sandy

If she really wants to do a lot of machine quilting later The Janome

1600, Brother 1500, Juki TL-98 are all larger harp machines that are not expensive. They do a good job of MQ'ing and make a good addition for any quilter moving in that direction. She may want a Featherweight or Janome Jem too for classes. No shortage of machines she will want in the future if she gets really into quilting! I wonder about lugging a computer machine around. That just doesn't seem a great idea to me. Taria

Julia >

Reply to
Taria

Don't feel bad. The BSR is Bernina's new Bernina Stitch Regulator, which makes free-motion quilting (FMQ) much easier, since you only worry about where you're going, rather than also worrying about keeping the stitches even.

So much of owning a sewing machine is personal preference, so you're wise to see if your wife likes that track-ball interface. Some people do, some don't. You've also brought up another advantage to the 1530 over the 220, in that it's already lost its initial "new car" value, since it's used.

Good luck to both of you! :)

Reply to
Sandy

Exactly.

Actually, Leslie, the trade-up policy is a fact at most Bernina places. I took advantage of it a couple of years ago. I'd bought my 440 in March, and by November decided I wanted the 630. My dealer gave me exactly what I'd paid for the 440 in credit toward the 630. My quilting buddy in Phoenix did the same thing at her Bernina dealership -- no problem at all trading up and getting full credit, as long as it was within the first year. :)

Reply to
Sandy

Are you able to wheel and deal on the price of the new machine when they give you the full trade in? MSRP compared to actual sales prices can be a huge difference.

Taria

Sandy wrote:

Reply to
Taria

But, Sandy, think about it. Your trade-in is now an almost 1 yr. old USED machine. They cannot possibly resell your trade-in for the same price you paid for it. There HAS to be a HUGE built in profit margin on the new machine that is traded for to offset the 'loss' in selling your trade-in at much lower price than a brand new machine just like it.

Say you bought your machine for $3K. Then you traded it in on a sm that sells for $5K within the year allowed for trading at full purchase price- you would turn in your machine plus $2K cash to buy the $5K new sm, right? They cannot possibly sell your trade-in for that $3K- what it sold for new. Somewhere they must take the loss on your trade-in.... they'll prolly sell it used for $2K. Where is that difference between the $3K (full purchase price) that they allowed you towards the new machine and the $2K they can resell your trade-in for? They certainly cannot take a $1K loss on every trade-in. It's called an 'over-allowance' in the auto business and that is deducted off the profit on the new one sold. And you can't do that unless you have a large profit margin to absorb that over-allowance/loss- of $1K in this example.

I was horrified when buying the TOL Janome included a "free" $4K sewing table. There must be at least a $3-5K built-in profit margin on the TOL sm to 'give away' a sewing desk that they prolly pay $2K each to buy in quantity to turn around and 'give' it away with the TOL sm. Their $3-5 built-in profit margin would be reduced by the $2K that Janome pays for the 'free' sewing desk- therefore, the dealer would 'only' make a profit of $1-3K on the TOL sm- reduced by the cost of the desk- just the same as an over-allowance on a trade-in.

Everybody has to make a profit to stay in business. There's no free ride. Wish there was.....

Reply to
Leslie & The Furbabies in MO.

I'm absolutely sure you're right, Leslie. But I'm going to have to pay that original price, no matter what, unless I buy a used machine. When I was buying, there were no used ones in the model I wanted, so .... At least I *did* get all of my original purchase price towards the newer one -- some companies have a huge mark-up and then don't give a full-price trade in. I figure it was worth it, in my case. :)

Reply to
Sandy

My Brother 1500 is great but it only does a straight stitch. If anyone wanted to applique with it they would only have a straight st. available...

Reply to
MB

If the 1530 is as heavy as my Bernina930 I wouldn't advise taking it to a class just because of the weight. I once left the case home and brought just the machine but that was so darn slippery I never did that again.

Reply to
MB

InspirePoint website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.