Bernina 830 Record

by Laurel Parrish, a theatrical costumer (i.e., heavy sewing machine user) who blogs at Yarn Therapy about knitting and other crafty and lifestyle topics

Love it, hate it, or something in between? Unconditional love!
 
When did you buy this sewing machine? It was a gift – my high school graduation present from my grandparents in 1983. I had my heart set on a Viking like we had at school – I thought they were very fancy and exotic compared to the little Kenmore I had at home. My dad, however, did the research and discovered that Berninas were less expensive and (this is what really sold him!) far sturdier due to their all-metal construction. He shopped around and got a good deal on a slightly used Bernina 830 Record, which has served me like a champ ever since.
  
When was it manufactured? I believe it was a year old when they bought it, so it’s a 1982 model.
 
Where did you buy it? I don’t remember the name of the place, but it was a store in Ventura, California. It came with a free lesson, where the owner showed me the bells and whistles like the automatic tension and the buttonhole.
 
How much did you pay for it? No idea – my dad thinks maybe around $300. I’ve been trying to find out what the original retail price was, with no luck.
 
How many projects have you done on this machine? Wow – 20 plus years worth of projects! I guess the answer is “lots and lots!”

Describe the kind of work you've done with it. What haven’t I done with it? I work in theatrical costuming, and for ten years I made costumes freelance in my living room. My Bernina has cranked out lots of theatrical and dance costumes, countless alterations, and three wedding gowns (so far). I’m just getting back into making clothes for myself, and I’m doing a little quilting.

It’s also been a great machine to have in a costume shop because it’s so sturdy and holds up to many different people using it. I even hauled it out to the Hamptons once to do alterations for a catalog shoot!
 
What do you like and what do you hate about it? I love pretty much everything about it – it’s an all-metal super sturdy workhorse that handles all weights of fabrics equally well. I’ve used it on everything from heavy upholstery to delicate silks to ultrasuede and leather. It’s particularly good with stretch fabrics, which was very useful when I was making dance costumes.

It has a knee attachment for the presser foot lifter, which is invaluable for speed and precision work. The flat bed is nice and wide and easy to remove to access the free arm.

The best thing about this machine is its simplicity. It has a wide variety of stitches, but they’re all very straightforward and easy to use. Threading is a breeze – no funky wire loop thingie for tension; the thread just slides through a groove. You can’t wind a bobbin while it’s threaded, which doesn’t bother me – it does have two thread holders so you can wind bobbins from a second spool if you want.

I’m searching for something not to like ….. I guess the buttonhole could be a little more refined – they don’t look as nice on very lightweight fabrics. It’s really heavy – I consider it portable, but only with the aid of my luggage cart. It’s so heavy that I know if my apartment ever gets broken into no burglar would ever bother trying to steal it.


My foot pedal cracked in half years ago –  I epoxied it back together which held for a few years but then it broke again. Since it still works just fine, I haven’t bothered to replace it. Ebay has made it so much easier to find parts, though, that I will probably look for a new one soon.

I could go on and on and on about this fabulous machine….. I know the 830 is a popular machine these days, and I know how lucky I am to have one! If anyone has any specific questions about my machine, leave it in the comments!

Comments

[LINDA]

I understand why epoxy didn't work long. If you use 'JB WELD' it will hold forever and you will never have to replace it. My husband broke the spout off of my plastic plant watering can and he we used JB WELD and it has held ever sence. Not even a leak. That was 13 years ago. It is not a small can either. It holds a gallon of water. Try it you will like it. It is a 2 part system. Just mix the 2 and glue. Men use it on cars and stuff. Hope you like it.
Linda

[Jen]

I have this sewing machine too. I bought it used about 10 years ago at our local sewing machine store, and it is magical. I have a feeling that it has spoiled me, as it's the only sewing machine I've ever sewn on, and it really does take whatever you throw at it. I love that it's all metal inside, and that it's heavy.

Also, JB WELD! I knew that rang a bell! It is really spookily good. Try it out! My husband is a musician and uses it all the time.

[Lesley]

Hi Laurel,
I second everything you've said about the trusty Bernina! Can't wait to get back to it ...

[Olivia]

I have this machine also and I love it. I just wish I knew how to do everything that it can do! I bet your dad paid more than $300 for it. I've inquired about how much it would cost to replace this one and the lady told me a lesser model would cost $900 now.

[Olivia]

I have this machine also and I love it. I just wish I knew how to do everything that it can do! I bet your dad paid more than $300 for it. I've inquired about how much it would cost to replace this one and the lady told me a lesser model would cost $900 now.

[Olivia]

I have this machine also and I love it. I just wish I knew how to do everything that it can do! I bet your dad paid more than $300 for it. I've inquired about how much it would cost to replace this one and the lady told me a lesser model would cost $900 now.

[Missinglink44]

Whether you use epoxy or JB weld, you need to place a thin backing plate of somekind, as large as will fit underneath without interfering with the operation of the pedal. Thin plastic, thin aluminum (cut a piece off the side of a "pop" can) and glue/weld it in place along with the broken piece. Glued underneath to the bottom of the broken piece AND glued to the good part will keep it out of site and give strength to the repair...

[Holly]

I have a similar Bernina and just bought a new foot pedal online at a place called SewingMachinesPlus.com. They have almost every kind, genuine Bernina, for cheaper than I've seen. Go for it, girl!

[Nektaria Kalpakidis]

Hello,
Thanks for the info!
I bought a Bernina 830 at a garage sale a couple of years ago but the manual was missing. Does anyone know where i could perhaps get one?

[Katherine]

Try www.berninanorthwest.com....only a pdf, but free!

[Tess Elliott]

Loved your comments! I was blessed with a Bernina Record 830 when a friend's mother passed away and he didn't know anyone who sewed until my nephew told him I did. His mother had every attachment there is, and had obviously taken very good care of the machine. My only experience up to this point were cheap Singers, and a very old motorized all metal White (still beautiful and perfect for natural fabric straight stitching). The very first time I cranked up that Bernina, it was like Nirvana! You know how you fall for digital cameras for the instant gratification? This was better! Never experienced such a smooth feed with no horrible clacking! It's the Ferrari for sewing curves. I made a tiny magnet shrine in honor of the original owner, so I am reminded of how well the machine was cared for and how much I love the all metal machines. Have not touched bargain Singer since.

[Jeremy]

If you need any Bernina sewing machine parts or manuals, you can get them here: http://sewingpartsonline.com

[Claire Bramham]

Hi Laurel
I also have the 830 Record which was passed on to me by an aunt about 7 years ago and I've only just discovered the joy of making clothes for me and my daughter. Unfortunately the motor has just gone and it's going to cost me about $800 to replace it which left me in a quandry about whether to buy a new machine, but after reading yours and others comments I've decided to go ahead and get it fixed because I realise I'll never get another machine like it. Thanks.

[L Greenberger]

This is a fantastic machine, I bought mine in 1978 when I was a young girl selling Bernina machines mine is the 830 E (electronic), it has sewn everything you could throw at it and believe me I have thrown the impossible and each time it has chewed it up and spat out a master piece. I have also done the impossible as my Benina technician pointed out to me and worn the machine out as it will no longer sew fine fabrics and seems to pick and choose when to behave, the needle position tends to go where ever it wants some days and I have had no speed control for several years but it has made no difference we just sew one speed flat out. I will need to replace my machine now but what a fateful old friend it has been I do not have the heart to throw it out as it will remain in the sewing room after 30 years of hard labour it has earn’t its place, I have been looking at the new Bernina models and haven’t had the heart to make the purchase yet just cant let go what can I say I LOVE my Bernina 830E and no-one seems to match up to the old girl.

[sakeena ali]

hi
i am looking depseratly for a foot control for my bernina record 830, definitly happy to pay of course, if anyone has one out there pleease let me know

[Felicia Lamb]

Hi, I inherited my grandma's Bernina 830 and in transport I must of got jumbled around in the case because the Take-up lever broke off and this model is too old to order the part from Bernina. Does anyone have any recommendations on where I should look? Thanks Felicia

[Patty]

I have lost the instruction manual to my 830 that I bought in 1977. If you have a manual or a copy I could buy please let me know. I also cannot find the smaller red box with the the extra tools if you know of where I can get one of those. thank you,
Patty

[cheryl payne]

I also have this model Bernina, I was a 19yo selling Berninas and demonstrating them in Melbourne Australia in 1969. I have made many clothes for my children now aged 37 and 31. I am also looking for a another foot control, mine cracked and broke years ago. It has been a great machine

[Valerie]

I have this sewing machine.1978 my husband bought it for me.I am now making my daughter's wedding dress.Also I have my outfit to make.I have no problems buying spare parts in the UK.

[Nancy]

You can get a copy of a Bernina 830 Electronic Sewing Machine Guide by writing to:

Russ McCoy
PO Box 21612
Bullhead City, Az 86439

The original was lost and I got it from this gentleman. Very good service. I have also heard you can download it for free on the Internet - although I have never seen this. Nancy

[Julia]

Maybe it's possible to find a needle in a haystack. A dear friend has inherited the Bernina 830 and it sews like a dream, but I would like to find the original extension table that fits onto the sewing surface. I was wondering if anyone could steer me into the right direction of locating one.

[Carole Delhorbe]

Julia,
My Bernina 830 Record died last week, So,...I posted the extension Table on ebay yesterday
Item number: 320611760657
Item location: ruskin, FL, United States
Ships to: United States
Payments: PayPal See payment details
History: 1 offer

[mandy]

I have a Bernina record 830 bought in 1979. It was $800. It's a great machine!

[Carol]

I also love my Bernina 830 which I've used heavily for the past 35 years. I'm now having a serious problem regulating the speed. The foot pedal heats up after about 15 minutes of sewing and the machine speeds when I barely touch the pedal. Any suggestions?

[Hatch Chile Girl]

I bought my Bernina 830 with my student loan money in 1974 (I was actually taking a clothing class in college, so it wasn't really a scam!). I realized a few years ago that the 30 year warranty had expired - at purchase time I couldn't imagine becoming 50! So many happy hours of sewing, especially in the old days before becoming a parent and before going back to school. Now I'm lucky if I use it three times a year. But a girl can dream!

Now I'd love to repair/re-build a leather bag with it. Does anyone have specific tips for using this machine for leather?

Thanks!