by Melissa of tinyhappy
Love it, hate it, or something in between? I really like this machine- even though there are few things wrong with it- the needle isn't quite aligned properly and is prone to shifting during sewing. This means that the zig-zag and other decorative stitches don't work very well, but i don't mind. I love the weight and sturdiness of it, and its quiet purring noise as I sew. And its olive green and cream colour scheme, of course.
When did you buy this sewing machine? A friend who I met through blogging, Emily http://www.ravenhill.typepad.com/ lives nearby, and, after reading on my blog that I hadn't brought my sewing machine with me from New Zealand, she very kindly brought me the Bernina Record to borrow. I think she found it in a thrift store here in Norway a while ago. It came in a beautiful old suitcase-style box, with some great accessories- a chunky green foot pedal, and a green tool box, with little drawers for keeping threads, bobbins and needles in.
When was it manufactured? 1965-66
How many projects have you done on this machine? Quite a few since January. I make baby shoes to sell in an etsy shop, and have made a few batches of those, plus about 20 other small projects for friends and family.
How many projects have you done on this machine? Quite a few since January. I make baby shoes to sell in an etsy shop, and have made a few batches of those, plus about 20 other small projects for friends and family.
Describe the kind of work you've done with it. Most of my projects involve basic straight-sewing- but I have been really thrilled with the neat, even stitches that this machine makes. I bought an overlocker in Sweden, so I use that to secure my seams and edges, rather than the zig-zag stitch. This machine is capable of doing a total of 22 different stitches, and I think if I took it to a repair shop to fix the needle, these would work better. But for the kind of projects I've been doing, the straight stitch is adequate.
Hey, I have the same machine!
Go get it fixed - the embroidery stitches are very very cool!
Also, there should have been a photo of the machine when it's open - the mechanics are absolutely gorgeous..
Posted by: dy-wen | May 13, 2008 at 03:57 AM
My mother (now 91) had this same machine for years and years. She sewed clothes for all six of us children, for herself and even some skiing outfits for my father. And later for the grandchildren. Now my younger sister has the machine, and it is still working.
Posted by: ulla | August 15, 2008 at 02:57 PM
I just inherited my grandmother's Bernina Record 730 machine but it came without a user's manual and I cannot figure out how to make it do zig zag stitches or what most of the knobs on the machine do. I would greatly appreciate it if you could help me out. Thanks!
Posted by: Trudi L. | February 02, 2009 at 05:51 PM
I just inherited my grandmother's Bernina Record 730 machine but it came without a user's manual and I cannot figure out how to make it do zig zag stitches or what most of the knobs on the machine do. I would greatly appreciate it if you could help me out. Thanks!
Posted by: Trudi L. | February 02, 2009 at 05:52 PM
I have one of these machines too, Mum found it when she was cleaning out her rental property. Somehow she found a manual for it, and has given me a photocopy of it, so I could scan it and send it to you. I'm not sure how comprehensive it is, but it will be a start!
Mine has a few issues with lots of layers, and something on the front fell off so I took it to get serviced and it goes fine now. The service notes said 'very tired'. I've made quite a few things with it, and currently in the process of recovering my couch for the second time with it.
Posted by: Rose Carson | February 26, 2009 at 11:01 PM
I bought this machine in 1967 while I was living in Germany. It's great to see a blog on this machine; I've never seen this model in the U.S. Mine uses a converter plug as it was sold for the European market, which makes it run a bit slower.
I haven't used it very much but just got it out again as I recently retired. I still have all the original accessories, manual, etc. I also have an "overlock" presser foot, which I have never used. Excited to hear that it does great embroidery, etc. as I plan to make doll clothes.
Just a note, as this is a totally mechanical machine the special stitch lever needs to be used periodically or can get gummed up and then the machine needs to be serviced, which is quite pricey.
Posted by: Kathy T. | March 08, 2009 at 11:09 PM
About the needle alignment.
Lift the lid, and look for a small spring that will press out a small metal pin just behind the needle alignment knob, You can se that it should rest in one of the four scores. Drop a little alcohol. Turn the knob several times. Use a needle to force the pin to come out if necessary. If the spring is not broken the alcohol will dissolve any clog and the knob will be working properly!
Hope it will help. I had the same problem and it worked for me.
Posted by: dailyartworkgallery | March 14, 2009 at 03:44 PM
Hello!
I just inherited this machine too! It was my grandmother's and she use this machine to make clothes for all 8 of her kids and then for me (the first grandchild) as well. All my clothes up until I was 7 were handmade by my grandma. My problem is I have no idea how to use it! I don't have a users manual and I'm looking for any type of tutorial. Any helpful links or tips would be useful!
Posted by: Amie K | May 04, 2009 at 12:57 PM
I just uncovered my mom's Bernina 730 from the 60's. I originally posted it for sale for $30 on Craigslist. When I got 20 responses within a day, I thought something was up- and realized this a machine worth holding on to! I would also love to know how to access a manual or other pertinent tips or sites to learn some of the features- e.g. how to use some of the array of feet. Thanks!
Posted by: laura b | July 11, 2009 at 01:16 AM
Just finished replacing the top vertical gear on mom's 730. Re-timed the machine, a gave it a proper cleaning, and oiling. You need to properly oil all the points on top and below. The cam that drives the custom stitches has oil points. The needle continuing to move in a zig zag pattern disturbing the look of the custom stitches is caused by friction on zig-zag eccentric shaft. This has 3-4 oil points, and after working in, will fix the custom stitches problem.
-gerg
Posted by: Greg | November 21, 2009 at 03:06 PM
@ Rose Carson
If you did scan the manual, I'd love a copy as well? I've just inherited my great aunt's 730, and it's so beautiful that I want to make it my main machine.
tref@cheerful.com
Posted by: Tref Davies | December 01, 2009 at 08:01 AM
Hi.
I also have this machine and no manual, I think my mom bought it 7-8 years before I was born! I so badly wish for a manual -so if anyone can help I'll be very gratefull!
I live in Norway, so english or any scandinavian language (exept finnish) is fine. I hope someone can help... my mom used this to make me clotes, and now I'd love to use it for my daughter's clotes :-)
-I just need to know how!
snacksy_73@hotmail.com
Posted by: Janne Nordnes | January 02, 2010 at 09:03 PM
Hi Janne
If you read Norwegian I can at least copy off my manual. (I though you might because of your name). It's a great machine, and it's easy to get it serviced, attachments and pressure feet are still available.
Posted by: silverarrow | January 08, 2010 at 08:02 PM
Hi All,
Looks like you will be able to download the Bernina 730 instruction manual in PDF file for free from the following website:
http://www.devicemanuals.com/guide/Sewing%20Machine/Bernina/BERNINA-730-Sewing-Machine-Instruction-Manual-==TVRVMU16WXc=.html
Johanna
Posted by: Johanna de Graaf | January 26, 2010 at 09:32 AM
P.S.
Just found the link to the PDF's of various Bernina models, including the 730. on the website of Bernina USA. They can be be downloaded for free:
http://www.berninausa.com/news_detail-n486-i2238-sUS.html
Johanna
Posted by: Johanna de Graaf | January 26, 2010 at 10:53 AM
I have this model Bernina. We bought it new at Rustic Hills shopping center in Colorado Springs,1968. I still have all the accessories and suitcase. The only thing not working is the light assembly. This machine is a real work-horse! Mary Cashman
Posted by: mary cashman | April 16, 2010 at 04:12 PM
I too need the instruction manual, I am sewing on my Grandmother's machine which is the same as yours. She has sewn and sewn on it for decades. But she recently passed away and I'm having troubles with my pinwheel quilt I am trying to make for my daughter. If anyone as any suggestions or could email me a copy in English as I am American in Arizona I would greatly appreciate it. I just wish I had learned more from her on the machine before she got Alzheimer's. She was a great seamstress.
azjen1@yahoo.com
Posted by: Jennifer Heap | May 26, 2010 at 05:59 PM
I have this machine, it was a gift from my mother-in-law. I LOVE it, I got a 180 almost 10 yrs ago so haven't used it much but about to set it up for my 12 year old daughter.... 3 generation to use it!
Posted by: OpaHall | May 30, 2010 at 12:39 AM
I just inherited my mothers's Bernina Record 730 machine but it does not have a user's manual and I cannot figure out how to make work stitches or what most of the knobs on the machine do. I would greatly appreciate it if you could help me out. Thanks!
Posted by: L Vermaak | July 12, 2010 at 10:54 AM
Hi
I've recently been given a bernina 730
I've oiled it in all the right places but I too have the issue of the needle not being straight and it has started missing stitches when I am doing a straight stich?
Any ideas?
thanks very much
Jen
Posted by: Jennifer | July 13, 2010 at 02:02 PM
My grandmother and her sister's all use Berninas, so when I started looking for a sewing machine to homemake a few things she sent me a 730 Record for my birthday! The problem is that though I have sewn, I've never set a machine up before! The Bernina manual's images are very dark, and though I think I've done most of it right, when I press the pedal and the needle bobs, it deposits no thread and after a few bobs the thread actually comes out of the needle eye! It's very hard to find help online. Once I figure it out I'm building a step-by-step photographic How-To for other stumped users. Any help would be appreciated O_O
weyrcat@gmail.com
Posted by: Janna | July 19, 2010 at 03:38 PM
I inherited mine (with tons of feet and fittings) from my Aunt who moved to Dubai. Its was her mothers before.
It is an absolutely fabulous machine!! And the Darning function lets you do free-stitching!! (something which some newer basic Bernina's and Elna's cant do!!)
I made an embroidery with mine.
I still need lots of practice with the settings. But I enjoy this hobby more than anything!
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=7432943&l=0d11099e91&id=671120459
Posted by: Lia | October 17, 2010 at 07:16 AM
Make sure you use the correct feet for the type of sewing you are doing. Bernina has videos to demonstrate each foot, and they are just the same for the new as the old.
Under the power cord outlet on the right side of the machine is a switch that will make the machine run slower, for more control, or faster (regular speed) Also, it's great for buttonholes. There are a couple of flat knobs on the right side. The top is for the buttonhole action. You can look up online - that's how I found out how this works. It requires that you pull down on the handle for the stitch position and zigzag width turn knob.
I don't know what the other flat knob below the buttonhole one is.
I inherited my machine when my mother moved. FINALLY got my hands on it, even though she stopped sewing years ago, she would NOT part with it.
Posted by: Jane | October 27, 2011 at 07:48 PM
I have come across a 730, but it does'nt have a pedal!! Does anyone know where I could get one???
Posted by: Iona | November 25, 2011 at 12:02 AM
Would love some info on how to replace the VERTICAL TOP SHAFT GEAR ON OUR 730 RECORD BERNINA. THANKS
Posted by: NANCY ROLAND | December 29, 2011 at 08:52 PM