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!

[Greg]

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

[Tref Davies]

@ 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.

[email protected]

[Janne Nordnes]

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!
[email protected]

[silverarrow]

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.

[Johanna de Graaf]

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

[Johanna de Graaf]

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

[mary cashman]

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

[Jennifer Heap]

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.
[email protected]

[OpaHall]

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!

[L Vermaak]

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!

[Jennifer]

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

[Janna]

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
[email protected]

[Lia]

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

[Jane]

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.

[Iona]

I have come across a 730, but it does'nt have a pedal!! Does anyone know where I could get one???

[NANCY ROLAND]

Would love some info on how to replace the VERTICAL TOP SHAFT GEAR ON OUR 730 RECORD BERNINA. THANKS

[jax black]

I have had a Bernina 730 since 1993 I bought it for 200 pounds uk...i ts great for heavier stuff and as I tech costume construction forr a living it came in very handy ...I paid 2000 for an electronic Jenome memery craft...which I barely use :( ...I have recently set up a little vintage business making new vintage for ladies who can,t find what their looing for at vintage fairs....long story short ,I have just finished a 1940s coat for a client and I used my 730 but I new it needed oiling. (Because of the niose :)) but had to wait until the coat was finished couldn't. Trust the oil wouldn't soill out...today was its day for an oveerhaul ,but I cannot get the top up ..I don't have a manual and I can't remember if I have to force it ..it could have seesed up due to lack of use...there are no visible srews or levers that relise. It...any ideas people...by the wayy I love mu Bernina baby and wouldn't part with it for anything...jax

[jax black]

I hae to say using a touch screen does nothing for your spelling ...the last post should have said I teach costume construction...anyway ..I have go the top of myy bernina 730 , you need brute force and a dinner knife in the centre front...all clean now ready for my next vintage project, do I make the green sil dress I have cut out or a cheeky little 1950s blouse for work ?

[Mary Conerly]

I have a 730 Bernina Machine for sale. It has 2 Manuals and many feet with many bobbins and in perfect working order as I had it serviced. I don't need it because I have an 830 that I wouldn't part with.

[Sandi]

I have a 730 but something has gone seriously wrong with it. I can only do straight stiches. The cams (or whatever they are called) spin around but don't engage. Does anyone have any ideas or has anyone else had this. Looking for someone to service it at the moment, but most places don't want to know about old machines. Would like to fix it as it works very well, like a tank.

[Terry Wong]

Does anyone know where I can get a straight-stitch needle-plate for my Bernina 730 please?

[Anna Bagnall]

My 44 year old Bernina 730 does not want to do zig zag stitches for me. I have oiled all the red spots but that did not help. Any suggestions?
Abagnall

[Gin]

My Bernina 730 recorder just stopped sewing in the middle of hemming a garment. When I press the presser foot, the machine just hums and the needle does not go up and down.
When I turn the wheel on the side, the needle does go up and down and the machine will sew (manually). I opened the machine and the belt does not look like it is broken. Does anyone have any ideas what is wrong with my machine?

[Jay Mueller]

I love my 730, but the pdf manual is virtually unreadable on the oiling diagram page. Much of it is logical but some is still a mystery. Bernina should have made a larger pix in the manual to start with. I'd love a good clear copy if it exists. Jay