Bernina Record 730

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.

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.

Comments

[dy-wen]

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..

[ulla]

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.

[Trudi L.]

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!

[Trudi L.]

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!

[Rose Carson]

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.

[Kathy T.]

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.

[dailyartworkgallery]

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.

[Amie K]

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!

[laura b]

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!