Thinking about buying a Bernina QE 440..need some input

[eileenkny]

I am thinking about buying a Bernina QE440. I originally thought about buying an Artista but really have no desire to do embroidery so the 440 seems the next logical choice to me. I would love to hear some feedback about this model. Also, does anyone have any idea of pricing for this model? I don't have a dealership near me and I am going to have a travel a bit to make my purchase, so I am just curious as to pricing. Any input anyone might have would be greatly appreciated.
thanks,
Drew

[eileenkny]

I bought mine QE440 over a year ago. I love mine. I waited for a 'sale'. Bernina offers deals on their machines several times during the year. I believe...I spent just short of three thousand for mine. I bought some extra feet and some other things.
The embroidery package can be added later, but it comes with 180 stitches and alphabet if you want to do some decorative stuff.

I would recommend to anyone buying any machine take any classes offered to learn about your machine. I believe in getting the most for your money. Learning about how to use and do things on your machine will give you the edge that you need.

For me...it was the best investment and worth the wait.

FW

[eileenkny]

I love my 440. I got it last summer and have had so much fun with it. It makes everything just so easy. I didn't think I would want to do embroidery either, but my husband didn't know any better and when he bought the machine as a surprise for me, the ladies talked him into getting the embroidery module and I've used it more than I thought I would! (It's great for making fun quilt labels!) I still have the receipt and it came in at about $4,000 for both the machine and the embroidery module (my husband has a race car so his "toy" outprices mine by quite a bit!). I thought that I read that there was a price increase at the first of the year so I'm not sure of the current pricing. If you can find time to get to the dealer, it's definitely worth the trip. I can honestly say that I use it every day and am completely satisfied with it.

[eileenkny]

I too love my 440. I also have the embroidery unit.

Sheryl

[eileenkny]

I was shopping last year for a Bernina and felt the same way you did about not being interested in the embroidery features. I ended up buying the Bernina Aurora 430 model, which still has the BSR capability. I absolutely love my machine for both quilting(BSR is wonderful) and fashion sewing (best button holes I've ever seen on a home sewing machine). I had to add a couple extra feet for quilting and a single stitch throat plate and the entire package was around $2800. Of course, those are last year's prices, so you'll need to shop around.

I do wish the sewing machine companies would give those of us who are not interested in all the embroidery features more choices. I like many of the features on the higher end models, but they always seem to be bundled with all that embroidery stuff that makes shopping very difficult. I've been sewing for over 40 years and know what my needs are, so I hate wasting my time and the sales people's time listening to the pitch for all the models with embroidery features. Also, I don't want to spend all that extra money(no small amount) for features I won't use. That being said, the Aurora 430 fills the bill for me. Lord knows what the shopping experience will be for my next machine.

[eileenkny]

Add me to the "I love my 440" group! DH got mine for me for Mother's Day last year & it's been a dream. He did not get the embroidery unit but it can be added, I've had plenty to do so far w/o it!
Florence

[eileenkny]

I purchased one in October 07. It's the 440. I didn't get the embroidery function. I do my embroidery by hand. I love the 440, the BSR in wonderful. It takes a little practice but once you get it it's great! I paid 2999.00. I think the prices have gone up since I bought mine.

[eileenkny]

Not sure of the price of mine, DH bought as an anniversary present 2 1/2 years ago. I love it!!!! He was also talked into the embroidery unit (which I would have never bought) but have had a blast learning how to use it!!! Embroider more than I ever thought I would.

[eileenkny]

I'm another Bernina lover! I bought my Bernina 440QE in January of 2007 and paid around $2700 (after promotions and rebate). I am a pretty technical person and have taught myself a lot from the owner's manual. I plan to take a series of Bernina Mastery classes so that I can take full advantage of all the features of the machine! Maybe some day I will invest in an embroidery module, but for now I am quite content.

Good Luck!

[SoBelt]

I also have been thinking about purchasing the QE440, I was at the Quilter's Heritage in Lancaster, PA yesterday and priced, it is about 2800 show special. The embroidery module would be an add'l 600-800. I am mostly interested in the decorative stitches and the BSR. Thanks for everyone's input, it does help!

[SoBelt]

I got my 440QE in August of 2007 and I love it too! I didn't get the embroidery unit because I couldn't afford it at the time and figured I could always add it later. Good luck with your new machine. :lol:

[SoBelt]

Just curious, what's the difference between the 430 and the 440? I stopped at Hancock's Fabrics today, but the ladies in the Bernina area didn't know much about the machines. Will have to stop back again sometime during the week when the other lady is there.

Pat in Rockport, TX

[SoBelt]

Thank you all so much for your input! I am going to make the leap and buy the 440...well..just as soon as I have the rest of the money after my tax refund gets here. I can't wait!
Drew