Contemplating New Machine Purchase

[MontanaGramma]

If you are expecting to be doing a lot of quilting I highly recommend purchasing a straight stitch throat plate. It has single hole for the needle to go through rather than the slot for zig-zag stitches. Because the thread always feeds straight down to the bobbin you will get better tension and no skipped stitches when you do free motion work!
Margo

Agree Margo. If you want to do free motion quilting a straight stitch throat plate is a must have. I did buy one for my sewing machine and the improvement is greate!! And you get the back of your quilt looking just as greate as the front!

[MontanaGramma]

I would like to get a new machine with BSR, so I have been checking them out and after reading some of the comments here I have decided to go ahead a bite the bullet and get the embroidery stuff too(even tho I haven't ever really thought I needed that). I am considering the 640E with the BSR and Enhanced EditorPlus software. Do you guys think I would be happy with that instead of the 730E. The price for the 640E new with BSR and software is about what I would pay for a 730E demo.
I don't think I can go wrong, but I just thought I'd check in here! Thanks,
Elizabeth :lol:

[MontanaGramma]

I haven't used the 640, but it seems to me that if you can get the 730 for the same price, why not do it. On Bernina's web site, there is a place that you can compare models and see all the features. I have the 730 and love it - my DH bought the demo model and I've never had a problem. One thing I love about the 730 is that you can save your designs on a USB stick and you don't have to hook the machine up directly to your computer. I'm not sure if the 640 can do that. I have the Designer Plus software.

[MontanaGramma]

Thanks for the reply. I would have to pay for the software on the 730E demo so that would be another expense. As I compare, I see there aren't that many differences. I am researching the website too. And I am getting excited! Elizabeth

[kmouse]

You will love the 640 with software. If you want to do any basic editing and personalizing designs, you need software and Ed Plus will take you a long way. It also has AutoDigitizing for turning basic pics to stitches (there are some limits to this but you can at least get started).

The 640 is a wonderful machine and, while I love my 200/730, I would jump at the software. you can always upgrade software if you wish (for that matter, the sm as well) but this is a great way to get stitching right away.

FYI, Editor Lite comes with the Auroras because they require the SM to use the pc to embroider. (( I LOVE the Anniversary Edition))

The 630 & 640 has a memory in the module itself so you can use the USB stick to transfer designs as well as a direct pc connect with your machine.

Have fun!

[kmouse]

Kmouse,
You are right, I can always upgrade. And because this is my first embroidery machine, I think I will like it either way cause it will be so new to me! I am still investigating and appreciate your input! Elizabeth

[kmouse]

Yes, let's here from some 640 and 630 owners. I'd love to know what you think of these machines(and I am looking at the embroidery models with the BSR). I know one difference is the 5.5mm vw 9mm stitch. Thanks! Elizabeth

[Margo]

I'm asking for opinions on the possible purchase of a Bernina with the BSR. I know that’s a loaded question to ask, as each user will have a variety of opinions. I’m mainly interested in those who were free motion quilters before they started using the BSR. I have another brand – it was TOL machine a few years back - that I’ve been practicing FM on with some success – key word – some. I test drove the BSR on the 450 but only used a small ‘quilt’ sandwich – approximately 10” sq – and the stitches looked good. The 630 sure looks good – of course the 730 is fab – it’s a difficult decision considering the $$$ involved.
Thanks Virginia

Virginia, I've done a LOT of machine quilting for the last 16 years and I loved my old Bernina but when I tried the 630 with the BSR last September, I knew I had found my new favorite machine! It makes consistantly perfect stitches all the time, although I do recommend making the stitch length shorter when using the BSR to make it more responsive. (That's a tip from Libby Lehmann) I have another embroidery machine with the 9mm feed dogs, but really like the 5mm on the 630. Yes, it's a lot of money; Yes, I'm glad that I was able to get it; and No, I have not regretted it for one minute!

[Margo]

I have the 630 and the 730. I'd be hard pressed to choose which one is my favorite. I'll go out on a limb here and say that I think the 630 is the "better" machine. It's performance is nothing short of perfection, whether sewing or embroidering.

The 730 however, has so many features I would just HATE to give up. I love the 16 way directional stitching. For those that quilt, this can be a godsend when you've got the middle of a large quilt bunched up under the throat of the machine. Just choose your direction, and let the machine do the work!

I really enjoy the thread cutter, although I can live without it. And I love the 9mm decorative stitches, I use mine a lot. The 730 is very, very smooth and quiet.

I prefer the embroidery screen on the 630 over the 730's. No, it doesn't have as many features, but I simply love the way it's set up, very intuitive, very crystal clear!

I use both my machines for embroidery and both for quilting.

Have you "Tinkled" today?

[Margo]

Virginia, a 200 upgraded to a 730 is basically the identical machine to the 730, the case is a little different. 9mm stitch, and yes it has the thread cutter. Just go to the Bernina site and view the brochure for the 730.

Have you "Tinkled" today?

Info needed again. I decided to check Ebay to see what is offered there. What about the 200E that's been upgraded to the 730E w/BSR. Does anyone know what the stitch width is and if it has the thread cutter or directional stitching.
Thanks again
Virginia