Bernina Nova 900

by Stephanie Newman, an Australian quilter and designer who blogs and posts gorgeous pictures of her work here

Love it, hate it, or something in between? Love it! Aaah my Nova 900 -- it is a sweet machine, with very groovy red trim on the handle, dials, and wheel; and the foot control is red and circular! It has Bernina's legendary precision and quality, and is a delight to sew with. I love how simple it is to use and love the sound of it as it sews -- it purrs like a kitten. It has functional stitches, straight stitch, zig zag, three step zig zag/serpentine, stretch overlock, blind hem, scallop decorative stitching, and buttohole -- all the basics. It does a wickedly good satin stitch. It has no bells and whistles, but you can get into the machine properly for thorough cleaning and oiling -- the whole free arm top is removeable, as is the central bobbin hook, so cleaning couldn't be easier. It's also fun to be able to see what goes on inside a sewing machine. It came with 7 or 8 presser feet, a darning hoop, an extension table, and accessories. The old style presser feet can still be ordered, too -- I've already ordered the 1/4-inch foot. Bonus for me, it takes the same bobbins as my Bernina Aurora 440QE, so they can share.

When did you buy this sewing machine? Early December 2009.

When was it manufactured? The records indicate they were made between 1982 and 1985 in Switzerland. I know they made them in the red trim (maybe the most common) as well as yellow and khaki trim versions. I don't know if different colors were released in different countries or not, but I've not seen the yellow or khaki version around my own state. I've only seen two others in 9 years of teaching, so unless there are many well hidden in people's homes, I think they're not very common here. My mechanic is sad they stopped making them -- he loves them for their reliability and says they can be easily fixed. Bernina parts are still available, so these machines can be kept sewing for a very long time. He tells me it will outlast several of my lovely electronic computerized machines.

Where did you buy it? Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.

How much did you pay for it? The sewing machine shop where I found it was asking for $399 AU, but I got it for $350 AU.

How many projects have you done on this machine? It's fairly new to me, so I've only had time to piece around 50 reasonably complicated quilt blocks with multiple points and many layers of intersecting seams; and I've sewn a micropolarfleece jacket, and repaired a couple of garment hemlines. What it has shown me is that it can handle both thin and thick layers easily despite having no adjustable presser foot pressure, and the stitch quality is typical Bernina: outstanding. My children have named it Supernova (because it is super), and I believe it had a previous life in a clothing manufacturing business -- I found the business name and "machine number 5" written underneath the removable free arm cover. I suspect it was part of a fleet working in a small scale factory or business.

I purchased it as a backup for student use in classes. At other times, it will be used at home for piecing and sewing clothes. I like to sew some large projects with several machines threaded in different colors, or set up for different techniques (for efficient use of time). When the children are older they will graduate to the Nova from the hand crank. If I ever see another available in good condition, I wouldn't hesitate to add a second to my herd.

Describe the kind of work you've done with it. Patchwork. Lots of patchwork! Garment construction in stretch knit fine polar fleece. This machine is going to be used.

What do you like and what do you hate about it? I love its simplicity. I can set the needle position where I like and dial up specific combinations of stitch length and width. If I turn the machine off, the settings stay put. I like the stitch quality -- stitches look the same on the front and back. I like the all-metal construction with colorful plastic trim -- it's cheerful but solid. The handle is convenient for carrying, but it is not a lightweight machine -- I struggled to carry it down the street when I couldn't find a carpark close to the store. That's fine: I don't like flimsy machines! There is a separate light switch on the side of the machine so you can turn off the bulb if you have a sunlight area for sewing and save some energy -- just remember to pull the power cord out when you are done. Because I worry I might forget to do so, I leave my lightbulb turned on as reminder the machine is still plugged in, and check to make sure I've pulled the cord out when finished.

Because it's mechanical, if I have to go anywhere where electricity supply is erratic (which it can be even where I live) there is no mother board to fry and no electronic components that might be damaged by rough bumpy roads. The one circuit board in the machine can still blow, but it is not so expensive to replace. It is a robust machine.

Like many older machines, this one plugs directly into the wall socket and has a nice long power cord. It is wired directly into the machine so you will never run the risk of losing it. The foot pedal is removable. The hard case is hinged and articulated; it wraps around the machine and has a couple of positioning lugs and a latch to secure it around the machine. I have seen some hard cases with colored linings that have places to store presser feet and bobbins; mine has a bucket for accessoriesbut is missing the lining. The handle and the flywheel extend beyond the case and are visible once it is in place.

Bernina USA has downloadable manuals for a range of their old classics (under the website's support menu) -- a wealth of information is included in the manual. There really isn't anything not to love here. There is nothing I hate about it at all.

In summary, the Nova is cute and a serious machine that's capable of sewing consistent high quality stitches at speed. I'd say if you see one, grab it while you can!

Comments

[EmilyKate]

Your Nova is so lovely! I bought one in not such a great state of repair from a garage sale, for $10. It doesn't have the flatbed extension plate, the light doesn't work, some of the feet were missing and the wraparound case was damaged. Oh, and the bobbin-winder that's supposed to be at the top of the machine is AWOL! I was taking a chance that it would even work but it turned out to be a fantastic bargain. I have cleaned it up quite a bit and it sews beautifully and precisely with perfect tension in the stitches.
I think you are right, not too many of these seem to have made their way to Australia. I have only ever seen one other one, at a friend's place- it had been her mother's.

[Stephanie Newman]

Hi Emily Kate,
I think you could very easily get a new lightbulb for your machine and you might be lucky, your mechanic may be able to get you, or make, a bobbin winder to function. Failing that try the Sidewinder- I know the Bernina bobbins fit it. Finding the extension could take some effort but the internet is wonderful- try listing in some forums that you are on the hunt for it, and of course online auctions are worth keeping an eye on.
You can still order feet of whatever sort you want to use from a Bernina Dealership- they will know what sort to order when you give them your machine model.
I'm so pleased yours works so well otherwise- they're a sweet little solid machine. I am sure you will be able to eventually find all the parts you like- and the hard case can be substituted for with a trolley case or Bernina softcover bag that you could order.
And, by the way, you have a very nice collection of various machines!

[KoiPondering]

OH this nova is adorable! I have an old Bernina minimatic 807. And admittedly it lit my love for vintage sewing machines, I have been on the look out of a new "grail" machine and I may have just found it! Its so darned cute!

[joan quinton]

i love my Bernina Nova 900, bought from David Jones Sydney in 1983 Cream/Biege model

My first modern sewing machine!!!
the word ELECTRONIC on the casing had an aura of sophistication

I still have it (my only sewing machine)
I have a wide range of feet and all the attachments
It has made every thing from wedding gowns, debut frocks, christening robes and many numerous outfits for my children and all the family,and home furnishings,
now with 16 grandchildren and 4 great grand children it is still busy....not forgetting my passion for quilting and patchwork and heirloom sewing

it does the lot, never misses a beat, runs like a rolls royce

Easy to service your self, I had one technician service and replaced one minor part about 12 years ago for the princely sum of $35.00

and your right the only missing part,
no matter how careful I have been was the bungee closure for the case
I have had a piece of 1/4" elastic in place for about 12 years..does the job!

My friends who are serious sewers with latest computerised sewing machines
if asked,.. would not part with their Novas,,,
thats why probaly there are not too many around in the public arena

just love my Bernina!!!

[Maya]

I just came across this blog when I googled Bernina Nova 900. I just inherited one from my aunt with all the accessories intact. just needs a bit of cleaning and oiling and otherwise it's in mint condition. I live in Minnesota so some of them did make their way over here I'm glad to say. I'm excited to get started sewing with it!

[sue]

hi just wondering if you are able to buy a walking foot for the bernina nova 900 have just starting quilting and require one for my machine

[Lesley Olivieri]

Hi, just found this site while looking for info about Nova 900. Good idea about it works now. I have seen a couple before but never questioned how they were different from my 850, 830 and 807. I am looking for a reliable machine suitable for my daughter, who is a beginner. So thanks for the information.

[PengPeng]

hi there,

just want to say that your post has helped me make the decision to go for a reconditioned Bernina Nova 900. Originally, when I had first cast eyes on the machine in the shop, although i have heard of how great Bernina machines are, i was still dubious as it was afterall a 30-year-old machine and the shop was asking for a lot of money for it (because it was virtually brand new with all accessories intact, even the three spools of thread that came with the machine were still there, and other bits and pieces like the brochure, receipt and EVERYTHING). and then i did some research when i got home, and came across your post and the next day, against my rational thinking, went back to the shop and got that Bernina Nova 900.

I did some sewing on it last night and IT WAS A DREAAAAMMMMMMM~~~~~ i have a Husqvarna Viking Emerald 203 but unfortunately it's not working at the moment, hence the need to scout for another machine and i am glad i bought the Bernina....words couldn't describe how smooth it was sewing with it. i was sewing through layers of oilcloth and it didn't even hum once !!

i am in love... and that's all thanks to you.

[Justine]

I have one too that I bought at a thrift shop. I have never even cleaned it and it sews better than my newer Viking husqvarna . I made a wedding dress with it.

[karin kightlinger]

I just bought one at Goodwill for 3.99 and it runs but I haven't sewn with it yet-I just couldn't pass it up!!! after reading everything I am really glad I did. I have had 3 Kenmores over the past 48 years but I think this is the machine I want!

[karin]

p.s. it is the tan model, and came with complete case all items but only one orig spool of thread, also the lady who purchased it took the class and her little sewing class instruction book, sewing samples and notes were with it. Also 3 extrs feet, double needle, was cleaned in 1988, purchased 1985. Seems to have been hardly used..oh, and 14 bobbins but only one with thread on it! Like new .. even the latch is perfect. HAD to buy it!!!

[Armand Magsamen]

When I saw that sewing machine, it reminded me of my mother and her hobby of sewing large quilts and blankets. It's amusing to know that even the 1980s sewing machines already had circuit boards, which are now largely associated with computers.

[Armand Magsamen]

When I saw that sewing machine, it reminded me of my mother and her hobby of sewing large quilts and blankets. It's amusing to know that even the 1980s sewing machines already had circuit boards, which are now largely associated with computers.

[Ava Venson]

I love the color of your machine. My mom has one with that exact same color, and she loves sewing too. It looks very tough, and it only cost $350! You're very lucky!

[Natalie Fawcett]

I've had my Nova since 1978, my mother had bought it for herself but it came with me when I married and it never returned to her.. It's the red and white model and has all the original accessories.. I just love it.... Glad to hear other posts that others were so happy too..

[elaine gowling]

i still have my bernina nova brought in 1977 so they were made in the 70's love it but having trouble with the walking foot i brought cant seem to get it in the right position needle keeps hitting the foot must be doing something wrong but love this machine paid for itself cost was $399 back then that was a lot of money would not upgrade for anything have all original bits as well and still have the warranty card 30 been service twice since i bought it so would recomment to anyone i live in tasmania and it was bought from the hobart sewing centre

[Patti]

Can a walking presser foot be purchased for the Nova 900? I love this machine! I've had it for 25+ years.

[Stephanie]

Yes you can get a walking foot from a Bernina dealership, the number 50 foot. You want to order the old style attachment shank for the pre 1630 models and it will fit your Nova 900.

You know, I stupidly sold this machine to a friend when I moved interstate, her need was greater than mine, and I have regretted it since...may one day find another and right now have my eye on an 807 minimatic as well...cannot resist a classic Bernina golden oldie in good order, much as I adore my modern Bernina herd.

[Ailsa]

I have a Bernina 900 that my Mum bought me for my 18th birthday (I am now 50). It has sewn many garments, pairs of curtains and more recently quilts. It isn't my main machine now as I wanted a machine with a few more bells & whistles on it (I use a Janome TXL607). My Nova works well but the bobbin winder is broken and the part for it doesn't seem to be available now. I will never part with it

[Stephanie]

You can use the Side Winder to wind bobbins for your Bernina 900 and keep using her!

[Sarah Peguero]

I just got my FAVORITE uncles 900!! im so excited to make stockings for my family, (a fond memory of him and my mom making ours) im new to sewing and i cant figure the settings out. its making big loops on the under side and getting stuck after about 3 strokes. any suggestions on the settings??

[Stephanie]

Good news! I missed it so much after selling it to my friend who had her eye on it. She sold it back to me a year after she bought it, as she had acquired another machine and didn't need to keep it as her second machine. She's a good friend and knew how much I loved and missed it! Its in the herd for keeps. There is something so satisfying about its sweet little sounds as it works and its perfect stitching.

[Susan G]

I now have a Bernina Nova 900. Thanks for your post on this great little machine. I'm trying to figure out if it will do blind stitch...and if there is a blind stitch foot for this little sweetie.

[Marcia Hill]

I just bought a Nova 900 on ebay and it has the yellow knobs. I hear they are found very often. It will be taken to workshops. I feared that something was wrong with it when it arrived, because it didn't stitch properly, but after fussing with the tensions both top and bottom, and oiling and cleaning, it is purring like it should. I like also that it doesn't weigh too much for transporting. I have an Aurora 430 but don't like to take it to class with the computer and it weighs a lot more. Love my 900! Marcia