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BERNINA 710 Review (2023 Update)
Note from the Editor: This Bernina 710 review was originally written in 2015, and has been revised and updated in 2023. We have added similar alternatives such as Janome 4120QDC, Brother SE1900, and Juki HZL-F600.
One of the machines in the new BERNINA 7 series is the 710, a brand new sewing and quilting machine that I had an opportunity to review on a visit to Once Upon a Quilt in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
Bernina 710 Overview
The Bernina 710 is a powerful and reliable sewing machine designed to meet the demands of even the most challenging sewing projects. With a wide range of advanced features, including 10 inches of throat space, 1,000 stitches per minute sewing speed, and 40 built-in stitches, this machine provides maximum precision and versatility for all your sewing needs. The Bernina 710 also comes equipped with a range of practical accessories, including a free arm and a range of presser feet, making it a practical and convenient choice for sewers of all levels.
The first things you notice on the BERNINA 710 are the shiny white and silver front and the large full-color LCD screen. Among other things, the touch screen is used to select stitches, access the on board tutorial, and adjust the stitch length and width.
The BERNINA 710 has a start/stop button, needle up and down, reverse stitch, a variable speed control slider, a stop stitch button, an automatic thread cutter, and an extra large free arm.
What are the features on Bernina 710?
The BERNINA 710 comes with the following standard features:
- 680 total decorative and utility stitches
- 29 utility stitches
- 11 one step buttonholes
- 2 darning programs
- 200 decorative stitches
- 23 quilting stitches
- 21 cross stitch programs
- 5 alphanumeric sewing fonts
- B9 hook – bobbin holds 80 percent more thread
- Upper and lower thread sensors
- On screen assistance
- On board tutorial
- BERINA creative consultant
- USB port
- Ability to change stitches while sewing
Working on the BERNINA 710
Threading BERNINA sewing machines and winding the bobbins are two of the easiest tasks associated with the 710.
This fully computerized machine has a stitch selection process that is easy when you get the hang of it, but, in my opinion, a challenge for the technologically challenged or beginners.
Utility, decorative, quilting, and alphanumeric stitches are stored in files. In order to access stitches, you must first go into the menu and select the type of stitch you want, then select the desired stitch.
Graphics will then appear on the screen, telling you which presser foot to use and giving you the default stitch length and width settings. Stitch length and width are adjusted on screen as well.
The stitch quality is, in a word, excellent. For this review, I decided to do something a little different and toy with the freehand quilting function.
I must say, with the BERNINA Stitch Regulator [BSR] in place, the BERNINA 710 did an incredible job. The stitch regulator, however, is not a standard accessory, and must be purchased separately.
What are some alternatives for Bernina 710?
We have reviewed several commercial sewing machines similar to the Bernina 710 and here are some alternatives we recommend.
The Janome 4120QDC is a top-notch computerized sewing machine that is both incredibly sturdy and light enough to move about with ease. It is a powerful sewing machine that can handle a wide range of fabrics. Despite the fact that this machine may appear to be pricey, less expensive alternatives just cannot match its level of excellence.
Threading is simple with the jam-proof bobbin, which also keeps your stitches from straying over the edge of your project. In the meantime, you can effortlessly regulate the stitching pace, make small adjustments, and pivot on corners thanks to the user-friendly control panel and LCD screen.
The machine will remain functional as your skill set expands with 120 stitch options and 7 buttonhole options. A protective case that comes with the device protects it from dust and other substances that can harm it. An instructional DVD is also included so you can learn more about the machine.
The Janome 4120QDC was created to be an all-purpose machine in general. It can complete practically any task you give it. It boasts a tonne of features that make it one of the most adaptable and powerful sewing machines available.
The Brother Embroidery Machine, SE1900 is a computerized embroidery machine that is perfect for beginners and hobbyists. It has 138 built-in embroidery designs, including a variety of designs for monogramming, home décor, and clothing. It also has 11 built-in fonts and a 5" x 7" embroidery field.
The SE1900 also has a number of features that make it easy to use, such as the touch-screen display and the automatic needle threader. It also has a number of advanced features, such as the My Custom Stitch™ feature, which allows you to create your own custom stitches.
The SE1900 is a great choice for beginners and hobbyists who are looking for an embroidery machine with a variety of features and a great stitch quality. It is not the most affordable machine on the market, but it is a good value for the price.
The Juki HZL-F600 takes the lead in the sewing and quilting machine industry. The tool has the potential to impress you with its professional performance and user-friendly features. Why should you invest in this machine? The reason is that it comes ahead with a sturdy motor designed to sew thick materials such as denim and several quilting layers, which other machines fail to do. Furthermore, you can unleash your creative side by making the most out of 255 stitch patterns and 16 buttonholes completely automatic. And do not forget the bonus part: it offers a large working space, bright LED lighting for you to navigate the instructions, and a box feed system to guarantee precision and ease so you can continue with your complicated sewing projects.
Which fabrics work on the Bernina 710?
| Fabrics that work | Fabrics that don’t work |
|---|---|
| Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester Knits(Medium to heavyweight only) Upholstery Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers | Fur Reptile skin Canvas/Twill Plastic/Rubber Leather/suede |
What are the accessories that come with the Bernina 710
The accessories that come with the BERNINA 710 include:
- 4 presser feet
- Reverse pattern
- Buttonhole
- Blind stitch
- Zipper
- Lint brush/seam ripper
- Screwdriver
- Owner’s manual
- Bobbins
- Needles
- Spool pin
- Spool caps
In addition, BERNINA offers a long list of optional accessories available for separate purchase.
They include dozens of additional presser feet, sewing notions and attachments specifically designed for use with the BERNINA 710, including the BERNINA Stitch Regulator, which makes working with extra thick layers of fabric a breeze.
How to maintain the Bernina 710?
| Maintenance activities | After each use | Monthly | Once each year | As needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clean race hook and feed dogs | Yes | No | No | No |
| Wipe head with soft dry cloth | No | No | No | Yes |
| Wipe head with soft damp cloth | No | No | No | Yes |
| Lubricate | No | No | No | No |
| Service by sewing machine repair professional | No | No | Yes | No |
Bernina 710 Summary
The Bernina 710 is a very good sewing and quilting machine. I wonder, however, why a machine that is promoted as being BERNINA’s latest and greatest sewing and quilting machine does not include the BSR as a standard accessory.
In my opinion, if I’m going to spend more than $4,000 for a quilting machine, everything I need to quilt successfully should be included.
One thing I really like about this machine is the on board tutorial. I also like the fact that you cannot make a mistake and use the wrong presser foot for a specific stitch. The correct presser foot identification is right there when you make your stitch selection.
The Bernina 710 is not for beginners—not even technologically savvy beginners. Although I am sure some people will disagree with me, I feel that when someone is learning to sew, they should not have to also be burdened with learning the intricacies of a highly developed computerized sewing machine.
There is so much to remember to do with this machine, I could easily see someone making the investment and then leaving it packed away in a closet somewhere because it is too complicated. In truth, it isn’t all that complicated, but it’s too much for a beginner to keep up with. On the other hand, someone who has mastered the basics of sewing machine operation and is ready to move up to a machine with more capabilities would probably do very well with the Bernina 710.
My only other reservation with the BERNINA 710 is the MSRP. I think if you’re going to charge this much for a sewing machine, it should not only sew and quilt, but also give you some embroidery choices as well. Of the three machines in the Bernina 7 series, the 710 is the least costly and the only one that offers absolutely NO embroidery features whatsoever. No doubt, if you are seriously interested in purchasing a BERNINA 710, your local BERNINA dealer will be willing to negotiate the price. Special pricing and discounts are also available from time to time.
If machine quilting is your forte, and you are in the market for a new sewing and quilting machine, I think you owe it to yourself to visit your local Bernina dealer for a demonstration.
Bernina 710 Review
Summary
The Bernina 710 is a high-end sewing machine that is designed for experienced sewers. It has a variety of features and stitches, including a dual feed system, automatic needle threader, drop-in bobbin, speed control slider, start/stop button, large LCD screen, and built-in tutorial. It is a great machine for experienced sewers who are looking for a machine with a lot of features, but it is not for beginners and can be expensive.
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Happy Stitching.
You missed an important feature of this machine. The 7 series machines and 8 series Berninas have a built intergrated duel feed that works extremely well and is not bulky or an add on like BabylockBrother Moveit foot, Janome/Elna Accufeed, but more in tune to a Pfaff IDT. The Bernina IDF in my opinion works as well plus you have the option of using a add on walking foot for heavy duty or mutiple layer processes. Since buying my 7 series machine I have only used the IDF, even with multiple layers with no problems.
This is a very simple machine to use and there is plenty to grow into if you are a beginner.
The BSR is a nice tool for a beginner free motion sewist, but not really neccessary to learn this skill. If one is not interested in embroidery, this is a great machine a lesser budget sewist who wants Bernina quality.
The 7 series machines handle FM sewing really welll, even this novice can do a decent job with no BSR. But if you want one and you want a 7 series machine, which will also give you option for embroidery, the 750 or the new 770 is more cost effective, and gives all of those things for basically the cost of the BSR plus a true auto basting stitch and several more feet. The new 770 gives the new #97D foot and the straight stitch plate for quilters, plus BSR and option to add embroidery. The 770 is a much better value in my opinion if budget allows.
I very much appreciate your comments about dual feed on this Bernina series. I have been using a PFAFF for years because of the dual feed. I am happy that Bernina offers dual feed and will be checking with my dealer.
Hi Vernelle,I have the Bernina B 710 which I like but it has an annoying problem when I first start to sew if I don’t hold the top and lower cottons tight the top cotton goes down into the bobbin and the machine jams. Is there any way to overcome it.I was told by my dealer that this had been a problem in previous models but had been sorted out evidently not!!!!!!!!!!!
I was having the exact problem and told my Bernina dealer about it when I went in for service. He told me that Bernina has come up with a fix, a new foot that distributes the fabric in a way that there is less of the fabric ending up pushing into the bobbin. I bought it and have tried it and it works very well, I am very pleased with it. It’s the 97D foot. Hope it helps you out!
Surely someone told you about the footplate that has one small hole. It will not allow the material to go down into the feed dog area.
You need a different foot plate. It has onechole for the needle withoit the ability to move the needle. On all my machines, i use this for peicing. The B710 is the most ppleasurable machine i have ever owned. I love it.
I had the same problem when I first got my machine. Get the straight stitch plate, that solvesd all of my troubles.
My true love has always been my 801 mechanical Bernina. Always! I bought a Pfaff computerized so I could have a Blanket Stitch and a built-in walking foot. At the time, Bernina did not have the IDF. I have disliked the Pfaff from day 1. I am an expert sewer, Art Quilter and Pattern designer. Rarely can I get the tension on the Pfaff correct for my threads. I am spoiled with my Bernina. Last week I would have thrown the Pfaff out the window, but I had just cleaned my windows!!! Ha ha. I AM going to buy another Bernina… with the integrated walking foot and stitch regulator. Still just researching which Bernina. I could pass on most of the decorative stitches. I’m not an embroidery girl. I would be interested in hearing any recommendations from people who use the walking foot, BSR and decorative/top-stitch threads. I use tons of Valdani top-stitch threads and Valdani Perle Silk threads on my machines.
Donna,
The BSR is useful to me when in mode 2 no feet and hands free.
The machine only stitches when the fabric is moved underneath it.
Nice when doing a long stint at the machine. The 7 series machines FM beautifully.
I would stay clear of the first generation machines 710, 750 and 780 and opt for the improved 740, or 770 which has the embroidery option, the 740 does not. Or if you prefer the smaller 5.5 mm stitches the 720 is another option, does not have duel feed.but sews beautifully and does have the thread cutters. Also has embroidery as optional.
Those would be my pick. I have the 790 and love it. Had the 750 and had lots of problems.
Unfortunately Pfaff machines are no longer made by Pfaff in Germany and haven’t been for a good few years; the name was sold out to a far eastern company and they make similar looking machines, but not with the previous quality. My very old Pfaff, bought in 1997 is as good as a Bernina, as once upon a time they were a comparable quality, alas, I can no longer get parts for it, so bought a mid range Bernina 570 QE, which is brilliant. I would not touch a Janome, I bought one before the recent Bernina, but totally inferior quality to my mind, more like the toy machines I used as a child!
Is there a hard copy of all the fancy stitches on 710 as it is time consuming going through all of the stitches?
I bought a 710 model over 3 yrs ago. I hate it. I too have to always hold the threads when starting to sew or I have a jam. But that is only 1 problem. I can not hem a pr of jeans. The machine will not sew over the thick seam, nor will it sew a top stitch on a pillow case if I have sewn a french seam. But the biggest problem is my machine will not sew a straight. It sews 4 to 5 stitches then goes to the right, then 4 or 5 straight stitches and then a stitch to the right. I’ve had it serviced twice and I have given up. I hate the machine and as you know, spent $4,000.
The straight stitch plate will solve all problems with fabric jamming into the machine when starting.
Ask for hemming jeans, they provide you with your accessories a small plastic jeans hemming jumper, like a jean-a-ma-jig, that works perfectly for having to get over large seam humps.
There is an error in this article. 710 does not include the lower thread sensor. Only the upper thread sensor. Lower thread sensor is included on the next (more expensive) model up!