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.
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!
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
Posted by: LINDA | June 03, 2008 at 03:01 PM
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.
Posted by: Jen | June 12, 2008 at 07:21 PM
Hi Laurel,
I second everything you've said about the trusty Bernina! Can't wait to get back to it ...
Posted by: Lesley | July 28, 2008 at 06:19 PM
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.
Posted by: Olivia | August 18, 2008 at 02:51 PM
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.
Posted by: Olivia | August 18, 2008 at 02:51 PM
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.
Posted by: Olivia | August 18, 2008 at 02:51 PM
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...
Posted by: Missinglink44 | August 18, 2008 at 04:41 PM
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!
Posted by: Holly | August 22, 2008 at 01:49 PM
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?
Posted by: Nektaria Kalpakidis | September 21, 2008 at 11:47 PM
Try www.berninanorthwest.com....only a pdf, but free!
Posted by: Katherine | October 01, 2008 at 11:13 PM
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.
Posted by: Tess Elliott | October 18, 2008 at 01:54 PM
If you need any Bernina sewing machine parts or manuals, you can get them here: http://sewingpartsonline.com
Posted by: Jeremy | December 13, 2008 at 03:04 PM
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.
Posted by: Claire Bramham | January 28, 2009 at 01:00 PM
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.
Posted by: L Greenberger | April 15, 2009 at 06:55 AM
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
Posted by: sakeena ali | September 28, 2009 at 04:39 PM
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
Posted by: Felicia Lamb | October 19, 2009 at 08:48 PM
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
Posted by: Patty | March 08, 2010 at 05:57 PM
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
Posted by: cheryl payne | March 27, 2010 at 02:28 AM
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.
Posted by: Valerie | April 30, 2010 at 05:30 PM
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
Posted by: Nancy | May 09, 2010 at 05:16 PM
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.
Posted by: Julia | September 16, 2010 at 10:03 AM
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
Posted by: Carole Delhorbe | November 02, 2010 at 03:53 PM
I have a Bernina record 830 bought in 1979. It was $800. It's a great machine!
Posted by: mandy | December 21, 2010 at 12:48 AM
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?
Posted by: Carol | January 10, 2011 at 07:52 PM
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!
Posted by: Hatch Chile Girl | January 21, 2011 at 02:41 AM
It’s particularly good with stretch fabrics, which was very useful when I was making dance costumes.i'm in your side.
Posted by: Dance Costumes | February 14, 2011 at 09:47 PM
The original price for a Bernina 830 was
$1100US in 1971 - which is equivalent to $5800US in 2011 dollars. Ouch.
Posted by: Brooke | August 28, 2011 at 01:02 PM
I am in Wash DC area. I have three Bernina 830 Records for sale. Also a Bernina 1230( recently checked out by Bernina dealer) Jim 301 706 6474 ( 9 to 12 am) cell. If you call please be aware of current values( ck the Net) . It is best to make deals within 100 miles of your home .Please do not call beyond Dec 31 2011
Posted by: Jim Hennessy | September 01, 2011 at 09:20 AM
I bought my Bernina Record 830 in February 1975, just before the first of my 3 children was born. It served me well as they grew up - I made clothes and pyjamas for them over the years, and did a lot of craft projects with it. I am now using it to make clothes for my two grandchildren. It still works perfectly.
I live in Honolulu and took it to a sewing machine store last weekend to have it serviced. Price: $170! Instead, I bought some sewing machine oil and a brush (total: $6.00) and serviced it myself this evening, with help from the internet. I am thrilled!
Posted by: Nancy | October 11, 2011 at 01:47 AM
I am so happy to finds these posts. I have just received my grandmothers old bernina 830 record. I need to replace the foot pedal because it is cracked and not working and I don't have a manual so I need to know how to reverse stitch...can anyone help me?
Posted by: Katie Kelsey | December 13, 2011 at 11:19 AM
I bought a 830 Bernina Redord E recently.
It did't have a book or the knee lift bar.
Need to find them. Love it! I have a
top-of-the-line machine but return to the
830 to work on.
Thanks, Helen
Posted by: Helen Couture | January 01, 2012 at 02:12 AM
I, too LOVE my 830 Record...but I don't have a Manual...would you be willing to print it for me for a fee? Do you have the Service Manual?
I need a hard copy and found one printed for $28.00 plus shipping!
Ripoff!
Posted by: Nancy Jo Mulry | April 24, 2012 at 02:39 PM
I also own this sewing machine its a workhorse, have had it 25years has never gone wrong EVER and i had the fortune of coming across a bag full of feet for this machine on a carboot sale for 80 pence and sold all the duplicate feet that i had ,AND THERE WAS SEVERAL BUT WHAT A BARGAIN AND WHAT A MACHINE, LONG LIVE MY BERNINA
Posted by: Maz Creese-Warren | June 11, 2012 at 02:10 PM
I have the 830 and have issues sewing sunbrella. There doesn't appear to be any presser foot adjustment. Is there any way to adjust the foot pressure?
Posted by: [email protected] | June 27, 2012 at 07:54 PM