Bernette 46

[Franceslovesfabric]

Does anyone know anything about the Bernette 46? At our show, it is a special price of $129. It would be nice to have a small, lightweight machine to take to bee and to class. Any input would be appreciated.

Frances in Austin

[Conipur]

I have a Bernette 56 I paid $199.00 for something lightweifht to take to class. I don't know if there is any comparison, but it sews fine and has nice decorative stitches. I was able to get a walking foot to fit that was not expensive.

[Lorchen]

I have been told that even though Bernina dustributes the Bernette machines,they are not made BY Bernina, but FOR Bernina.

So far I have heard nothing negative about the range of Bernette machines. Just remember that you do not buy a Bernina but a Bernette. I don't know about the US, but here in the UK there seem to be quite a number of people who think that these are machines made by Bernina in Switzerland. I suspect that these machines are just fine for light use. I have recently seen a Bernette that looked mega-cute and was very inexpensive. It had a black body with a floral motiv. Aaaahhhh.....

[Franceslovesfabric]

Lorchen,
My daughter bought that machine for me as an early Christmas present. I used it once and knew that I wouldn't be happy with it. I returned it and bought a Bernina 350. I'm very happy with it. It's half the weight of my other machines so it's nice to take places. I have it set up in the family room so I can sew while DH and I watch tv. I'm making my daughter's wedding quilt on it.

[Lorchen]

Big difference in price between the Bernette 46 and the Bernina 350, Frances. I bet you made the right choice longterm (and don't forget to share a picture of that wedding quilt when it's finished). My machine for taking to workshops is still a Frister & Rossman Cub4 that my mother bought for me in 1977 ("Every wife must have a sewing machine!"). Sometimes one of these old 'heavy metal friends' seem to be a lot more reliable than some of todays machines. Saying that, I'm planning to treat myself to quite an expensive Bernina later this year.