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BERNINA 880 Review (2023 Update)
Note from the Editor: This BERNINA 880 review was originally written in 2015, and has been revised and updated in 2023. We have added alternatives such as Janome Horizon Memory Craft 9850, Brother Inno-vis NQ1700E, and Janome Memory Craft 500E.
A site visitor asked for a review of the Bernina 880. I am pleased to say that while visiting Once Upon a Quilt in Ft. Lauderdale, I was able to fulfill that request. It wasn’t until I did this review that I came to understand just how similar the 880 is to the BERNINA 830.
There are, however, some very distinct differences between the two machines. More about that when we tie off the loose ends below.
BERNINA 880 Overview
The BERNINA 880 is a high-end sewing and embroidery machine that is designed for professional and advanced home sewers. It features a large 12 inch throat space, which provides ample space for quilting and sewing large projects, as well as a maximum stitching speed of 1,200 stitches per minute. The machine also includes a color touch screen display that allows users to easily select and adjust stitch settings, as well as a built-in embroidery system that provides precise and detailed embroidery designs. Other important features of the BERNINA 880 include a dual feed system that provides even and consistent fabric feeding, a large embroidery area of up to 15.7 inches by 5.9 inches, and an automatic thread cutter that saves time and effort. Additionally, the machine includes a wide range of presser feet and accessories, including a freehand system that allows users to easily raise and lower the presser foot. Overall, the BERNINA 880 is a top-of-the-line sewing and embroidery machine that provides advanced features, precision stitching, and reliable performance, making it an excellent choice for professional sewers and advanced home users.
The BERNINA 880 that I reviewed had the optional embroidery unit attached. There a large full color seven inch touch screen along with a series of function buttons above the needle that control the following functions: start/stop; needle up/down; thread tie off and cut; design start/stop; reverse stitch; presser foot up/down and an automatic needle threader.
The see through bobbin cover and thread sensors help you make sure you have enough thread on the bobbin before starting an embroidery design or an intricate sewing task.
The BERNINA 880 is illuminated by 30 bright LED lights and has a variable speed slider, automatic tension adjustment and an automatic drop feed function that raises and lowers the feed dog depending upon the selected stitch options and machine settings.
Two USB ports, a headphone jack and a port for connecting a monitor enabling computer connectivity and easy downloading of updates and additional embroidery designs are located on the right side of the machine, beneath the balance wheel.
The needle plate has seam guides on the left and right sides of the needle as well as diagonal guides to aid in a wide range of creative sewing and patchwork tasks.
What are some alternatives for BERNINA 880?
The BERNINA 880 is an industrial grade sewing machine that costs quite the big buck. Here are some alternatives that we also recommend looking at.
Are you searching for a compact-size embroidery machine? Then, with Janome Horizon Memory Craft 850, your hunt just ended. The machine can impress you with its versatility and abundance of great features. It consists of sewing and embroidery modes, allowing you to easily switch between the skills. Moreover, the machine provides you with up to 200x 280mm hoop capabilities to ensure precision, especially during embroidery, and the latest needle threading system lets you do some vibrant stitching.
- A wide array of more than 200 built-in stitches
- 175 embroidery designs
- Sturdy frame to manage hard fabrics
- Editing capabilities
- Prompt touchscreen for easier navigation
- Expensive, especially for beginners
- Slow speed of embroidery
This model by brother is a feature packed commercial device that gives you access to over 5000 optional design options from iBroidery.con besides the ones available onboard. It also has inbuilt memory to store your patterns and designs. 2 LED lights have been built-in for visual convenience alongside advanced needle threading mechanism and automatic thread tension to ensure adequate precision. The majority of features on thai model si automatic and set up to the user’s convenience. The quality of delivery is excellent and snooth and the device works incredibly fast saving you a considerable amount of time. A large work area is provided to accommodate larger sewing and embroidery projects. The working area is also well illuminated with LED lights.
The Janome Memory Craft 500E empowers designers to express their unique style through personalized, embellished, and monogrammed creations. Its intuitive features, including a full-color touchscreen and on-screen editing functions, offer unparalleled convenience. With a maximum embroidery size of 7.9" x 11" and 160 built-in designs, this machine caters to intricate projects. The automatic thread cutter, advanced needle threader, and USB import capability enhance efficiency. Navigating through its advanced features is seamless, thanks to the vivid and user-friendly LCD color touchscreen, making the MC500E a versatile and inspiring tool for creative endeavors.
- Empowers designers with personalized, embellished, and monogrammed creations
- Full-color touchscreen and on-screen editing functions for unparalleled convenience.
- Maximum size of 7.9" x 11" accommodates intricate projects
- Some users, especially beginners, might find the advanced features a bit overwhelming
What are the features on BERNINA 880?
- 1764 total stitch options
- 400 embroidery designs
- 12 alphanumeric fonts
- 20 buttonholes
- 40 utility stitches
- Sews up to 1200 stitches per minute
- Embroidery speed up to 1000 stitches per minute
- Stitch memory
- Full color touch screen
- Large removable extension table
- Extra-large bobbins
- Free arm
- Dual feed
- On screen animation and tutorials
- Automatic needle threader
- Reverse stitch
- Shape designer
- Stitch designer
- Stitch distortion
- Color wheel
- Mirror image
Working on the BERNINA 880
One of the things that I really like about the BERNINA 5, 7 and 8 series is that all of the machines are threaded the same way. The bobbin winding mechanisms and procedures are identical as well.
This similarity makes it extremely easy to move from one machine to another with ease. Not only are the bobbin winding and threading steps identical, the easy to follow on board threading guides make each of these sewing, quilting and embroidery machines even easier to set up for use.
Once threaded, selecting the desired stitch setting is quite simple and user friendly. The challenge is deciding which of the more than 1700 stitch options and 400 on board embroidery designs to select.
Unlike most other reviews, I decided to take the time to sample an embroidery design rather than a series of utility and decorative stitch options.
After the design was selected, the touch screen changed to a dual display that showed the embroidery design on the left as well as a grid displaying the size details of the selected design.
This feature enables the user to make the design larger or smaller to suit their specific needs for the task at hand. I elected to go with the default size setting. All that was left was to make sure the correct thread color was loaded and press the start/stop button.
The BERNINA 880 is faster than practically any other home embroidery machine I have seen or reviewed in the past. It is also relatively quiet and has almost no vibration at all.
For a machine that is so fast, this is a definite plus. Usually, machines that sew at speeds up to 1000 embroidery stitches per minute also come with considerably more vibration than this one.
The embroidery design produced by the BERNINA 880 was p erfectly executed. When a thread change is required, the machine stops and sounds a chime, letting you know that you attention is required.
The on board multiple thread stand makes thread changes quick and efficient. The on board thread guides are most helpful in making the thread changes fast and error free. Each stitch is precise and well-formed. The final product was flawless in every way.
Which fabrics work on BERNINA 880?
| 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) Denim Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers | Leather/suede Fur Reptile skin Canvas/Twill Plastic/Rubber |
What accessories come with the BERNINA 880?
Standard accessories:
- Snap on presser feet
- Standard
- Buttonhole
- Buttonhole with slide
- Overlock
- Blind stitch
- Zipper
- Button
- Open embroidery
- Sideways motion
- Patchwork
- Long shank adaptor
- Knee lift
- Screwdriver
- Lint brush
- Extra bobbins
- Extra needles
- Owner’s manual
- BSR – BERNINA Stitch Regulator
- Extra bobbins
- 3 Embroidery hoops (1 small/1 medium/1 large)
- Extra-large extension table
- Dust cover
- Instructional DVD
- 360o Directional sewing
Optional accessories:
- Snap on presser feet set
- Jeans foot
- Tailor tack foot
- Darning foot
- Free motion couching foot
- Eyelet embroidery foot
- Edge stitch foot
- Bulky overlock foot
- Cordonnet foot
- Zipper foot with guide
- Gathering foot
- Braiding foot
- 2 Cording feet (3 groove/ 5 groove)
- Free motion embroidery foot
- Applique foot
- Quilting foot
- 4 Pintuck feet (3, 5, 7 and 9 grooves)
- Piping foot
- Invisible zipper foot
- 3 Sole walking foot
- Patchwork foot
- Double corded foot
- Zigzag hemmer foot
- Rolled hem foot
- Ruffle
- Binder foot
- An assortment of non-stick and clear presser feet are also available
- Leather roller (aids in working with sticky fabrics)
- 2 Multiple spool holders (3 spools or 15 spools)
- Thread guide for free motion couching foot
- Circular embroidery attachment
- Seam guides
- Slide on free arm table
- Patchwork
- With scale
- Left or right hand
- Buttonhole cutter with wood block
- Cutwork needles
- Crystalwork punches
- Stylus
- Embroidery unit
- Pintuck attachment
- Cutwork template
- Straight stitch needle plate
- 9mm needle plate
- Embroidery hoops
- Hoop ‘n Buddy-z
- Mega hoop
- Jumbo hoop
- Short shank adaptor
How to maintain the BERNINA 880?
| 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 880 Summary
The BERNINA 880 is an ideal addition to any sewing room where home embroidery is a major area of concentration. This machine is fast, precise and quiet.
It is not, in my opinion, a good choice for the person who only engages in home machine embroidery on a sporadic or occasional basis, but a definite asset for the true machine embroidery enthusiast.
When compared with the BERNINA 830, the 880 has the following advantages:
| Feature | 880 | 830 |
|---|---|---|
| Total number of on board stitches | 1764 | 1430 |
| On board utility stitches | 40 | 32 |
| On board buttonholes | 20 | 10 |
| On board embroidery designs | 400 | 150 |
| On board sewing alphanumeric fonts | 11 | 11 |
| On board embroidery alphanumeric fonts | 12 | 10 |
| Maximum sewing speed | 1200 | 1100 |
| Maximum embroidery speed | 1000 | 1000 |
| Stitch distortion | Yes | No |
| Stitch designer | Yes | No |
The BERNINA 880 actually comes in two different models… the 880 which I reviewed and the 880 Silver edition, which is pretty much identical to the 880, but comes with many standard accessories that are listed here as optional.
The decision as to whether to get the standard 880 or the 880 Silver edition is entirely the choice of the consumer and their particular sewing and embroidery preferences.
Whether you opt for the standard version of the 880 or the Silver edition, you will be pleased with your selection. I strongly recommend anyone interested in either of these machines visit their local BERNINA dealer and ask for a demonstration.
The sales team will be more than happy to take time to show you the BERNINA 880 and all that it is capable of doing. In addition, anyone who purchases a BERNINA 880 or 880 Silver will have the added advantage of free classes, where they can learn how to use all of the features and accessories step-by-step.
I couldn’t find anything at all wrong with this machine with the possible exception of the fact that it is priced out of range for many home budgets. The manufacturers’ suggested retail price [MSRP] is a bit high, but not this machine is not as pricey as some of the other machines in its class that I have reviewed.
The really good news is that the MSRP is just that… the SUGGESTED selling price. Each and every BERNINA dealer is authorized to negotiate the final selling price and the details of the deal so that practically anyone who is genuinely interested in acquiring one of these sewing and embroidery machines can get a deal that is comfortable for them and their individual budgets.
BERNINA 880 Review
Summary
The BERNINA 880 is a computerized sewing and embroidery machine that is designed for both beginners and experienced sewers. It has 1,764 built-in stitches, including basic utility stitches, decorative stitches, and quilting stitches. The machine also has a number of features that make it easy to use, such as a needle threader, a top-loading bobbin, a free arm, and a large LCD touchscreen. The BERNINA 880 also has a built-in embroidery module, which allows you to embroider a variety of designs.
Overall, the BERNINA 880 is a high-end sewing and embroidery machine that is designed for both beginners and experienced sewers. It is a good option for those who are looking for a machine with a lot of features and that is easy to use.
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Happy Stitching.
Thank you so much for your review. I have looked at this machine and thought the saleswomen told me that the 880 threaded differently them all the other Bernina? ?
I have the 880 and also the 830 and there are a few differences. They do thread the same. The 880 has a updated screen and you can do stitch manipulation and program am the pedal. Beyond that I haven’t noticed any difference beyond the kinks are worked out from the 830.
It does thread differently. You MUST hear the click when threading the top to the needle. There are lots of variables with this machine.
I have finally gotten my 880 in great shape. The problem was the bobbin door sensor. There was a recall on them and my dealer didn’t adhere to it. Finally ……. the sensor was replaced and it runs like a clock now.
I had just purchased a replacement when I learned of this fix. Now I am selling the machine, for a good price. Too bad, but it is what it is. I just don’t want to have to deal with this dealer anymore. All of the presser feet are included plus lots of other add ons. If any one is interested, let me know.
I live at Saint Augustine Fl.
It has a different auto threader that really is good if they work. I have an old 830LE and mine works great. I did find a manufacturing fault in the threader after I had it in the shop to repair it. I took a picture of the threader at close range and then zoomed it in and I found a spring installed wrong. It held the little centering device to one side and about 90 percent of the time, it wouldnt thread. Now it threads about 100 percent. I bought it used with very low times on it. It was bought new and traded back in for a lower model. The mention of the see through bobbin window in the extension table is really nothing to brag about. The Bobbin is completely out of site. The bobbin thread can’t even be seen when the door is opened until I push the little bobbin release and look at it. The 830, and I assume the 880 has a complete different bobbin compartment. When the door is opened, the bobbin Turns over 180 degrees and comes out to you. When you close the door, the bobbin turns over 180 degrees to the inside and is out of site. none of the other Berninas do this that I am aware of. It is 6;00 AM my time and I was on my machine at 3:30. I love it, but it does have a high learning curve, especially for an old man who never sewed anything before. Don’t give up on learning it.
I am considering an 880 but was told that it was not compatible with a Mac operating system, that you needed windows to run additional software.
I’m not aware of that, but the only thing I worked with was adding designs to be used. That was easy as pie. Use a stick to download your designs, then stick it in the slot of the machine. They say it is progress
Do you still have the 880le for sale?
I don’t know about that. Perhaps go to bernina website to check it out.
Sorry to say that my 880 has to have a very bad grade….as does the dealer. My 880 is 1.5 years old and has been in the shop more than out. Always told nothing wrong with it. It died three weeks ago, went to Bernina heaven, also known as Chicago. Haven’t heard a word on it. People with 830s are fed up as well.
Update on 880. After having the machine in for repair 5 times in 1 year, they sent it to BERNINA, because it just died. Previously I had been told there was nothing wrong with it. It came back two days ago, from BERNINA. The problem was a bad CPU board, and a nicked CPU tape. It now embroiders like a dream and sews beautifully. Fingers crossed that it stays this way. The dealer, Paula’s Fabrics, at Jacksonville, Fl charged me 330.00 for shipping and labor, because she said it was over a year old. Unbelievable, but true. After being in her shop 5 times for the same problem, and I even asked her to send it back after the 4th service visit. On my way out the door she scolded me because she had had to pay the tech for all of the visits my machine had made. Speechless!
Hello, Mary –
Thank you for visiting Sewing Insight.
I am in complete agreement with you. The tech at the Jacksonville store should have been able to recognize the issue with the CPU board and tape on the first visit. If you are unable to recoup your losses from the dealer, why not express your concerns to Bernina USA directly. While some manufacturers might not care about customer satisfaction, I know for a fact that Bernina takes customer service very seriously. You can send an e-mail directly to the manufacturer by following this link. https://berninaofamerica.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/requests/new?ticket_form_id=19940
Happy stitching.
No use In complaining to Bernina. If their dealers sell enough product they can do NO wrong. I’ve been there with 2 Berninas. They do not care about the customer…money is their top priority!
I woud not use that dealer if at all possible. That is so uncalled for, plus she should have sent your machine to Berinina way before she did.
You pay for the warrantee when you buy the machine. It seems like she waited until the year was up to save herself money. Meanwhile you have a lot of headaches. Hopefully that is over now that Bernina resolved the problems.
Are you still happy with your machine after repair please let me know
I too have had more problems with my 880, than any other machine. I am an experienced seamstress, with 30+ years of heavy use. In less than a year, my 880 had been in the shop for major repairs 5 times. I have barely had a chance to use it. Now it is off to Chicago. Very frustrating. I have not even attempted any embroidery yet…all issues are with standard sewing. I give this machine a definite thumbs down.
I am totally with you on that 880. I’m thinking babylock. But not at Paulas Fabrics at Jacksonville.
I’m just really afraid to buy any other sewing machine. I don’t think anything is made well in today’s world no matter what it is. After about $17,00.00 in cost of machine, repairs and extra feet I can’t possibly buy anything. I have seen all my life and now I’m so frustrated. If I sell everything I will just give sewing up which I can’t believe after so many years of sewing. I feel sad instead of the excitement I use to have.
Do you still have your 880? I am so frustrated I would like to sell all of my bernina things. I just bought a 560 to use because mine was gone for so long. Not even one month old and the bobbin sensor comes on causing the machine to stop sewing. Got my 880 back this week with a hefty bill of nearly $500.00 charge .
I don’t know if all machines are like this today or not. I have sewn all my life and never had to have a repair on my machine.
I can empathize with your complaints and concerns. I was a Bernina devotee until I bought the 880, with great expectations for a terrific machine, although terribly expense.
I was also completely dissatisfied with the dealer, Bernina customer service, and the machine. It is difficult to get beyond so many problems with the threading and bobbin seizing up, that you cannot begin to enjoy the machine.
I made the decision to trade in for a Baby Lock Destiny and it was one of the best decisions of my life. I love this new machine and the dealer that provides responsible and customer-focused service and free classes.
I am totally with you on that 880. I’m thinking babylock. But not at Paulas Fabrics at Jacksonville. Right now I have the same problem you had…..for the second time. This time I had the yellow screen telling me the machine failed. Duh! Like I hadn’t figured that out. I will never buy another Bernina, and definetly not from Paulas fabrics at Jacksonville.
This is what I learned about the bobbin sensor. There was a new program for the sensor. The factory sent the bad upgrade to the dealers. They then realized that they had done more harm than good using the dealers upgrade. They then learned that there was also an upgrade(fix) for the bobbin sensor for the machine owners. The dealers had to install the owners upgrade to the bad machines, and they now work like a ding dong.
In the months that all of this was going on, I bought a Destiny 2, and now use that. I still have the 880, and would like to sell it, but first I would like to spend some time getting acquainted with the destiny. Who knew sewing could be so complicated. The dealer that installed the new sensor program in my machine did a great job. I was totally shocked when I heard the whole story on the upgrade. It’s the dealers that are flubbing the service. Lazy and have their hands out for the almighty buck. I’m going to sell my 880 for 5000.00, which is a steal but it is what it is. I have everything in the world for that machine, will miss it……so, I hope everyone else whom had that problem can get it fixed and get on with our love of sewing. ❤️
I do still have my 880. After $200.00 more spent on it and a different dealer it works great! Has taken me 4 years of frustration and back and forth to dealers as well as Bernina in Auroa IL.
I think I might actually love my machine now.
Thanks for letting me know about an update available for the 560 bobbin sensor. Almost afraid to take it in. Don’t really care for the dealer where I purchased it and I’m not certain they have the knowledge to fix it.
I am so sick of my 880. The bobbin system has had issues 4 times since Thanksgiving. My dealer is 50 miles one way through Atlanta. Im so fed up
Follow up on Bernina dealer in Jacksonville, Florida… I have a friend who lives there and will drive all the way across the state to get her Bernina serviced before she will take it to Paula’s Fine Fabrics. The store does not have a good reputation when it comes to service. I would definitely contact Bernina USA. I really don’t know how she has stayed in business this long.
I am extremely satisfied with my local Bernina dealer In Lake Mary FL. Service is top notch and if they can’t fix it, it goes to Chicago. The drive from Jacksonville would not be wasted….and they have beautiful fabics and knowledgeable staff. Always on the cutting edge (lol) of new stuff and designs. Bernina Sewing Center
Thank you for your message. I thought it was just me. She is meaner than a snake, when you take a machine in to be fixed. I don’t know how bernina keeps her.
Thanks for that bit of information. I was beginning to think it was just me.
Mary Jo Mark, are you still looking to sell your 880? I’d like to buy a Bernina but our local dealer’s prices are out of my league so I’m looking at used ones. I’m in Tampa.
My 880 has also spent almost more time at the dealer than at my home. Most recent was it just would not turn on. After 3 weeks at the dealer, it got a new circuit board. This machine has been very frustrating for me.
I have a Bernina 880. Had problem with a rough spot inside that the dealer was going to put electro magnetic tape on it. Not acceptable. Insisted on new machine. Four months with new machine, needed new circuit board. Got it home and only the light will turn on. Feel like I have spent a huge amount of money for a night light. Waiting to hear back from the dealer. Very frustrated!!!
I have had nothing but problems with my 880 I got it in December 2015 it’s now April 2016 and it’s in the shop as usual things fall out break off it jams you want to for your finger it freezes and you can’t turn the needle out to get that out of your finger unbelievably dangerous machine and I can’t tell you how many things of gone with screws just fall out Thread doesn’t go in the uptake lever The people who sold it to me act like I’m doing something wrong to the machine and I’m not They keep telling me I can only use one kind of thread and the bobbin system is completely useless I ruined several projects and destroyed many quilts with Loopy threads all over the back when it looks fine on the front My patience is about at an end
This is getting worse and worse. How can they keep selling these machines when they know there are huge problems.
I am a Bernina customer at the Lake Mary, FL store. I couldn’t agree more with Pam LF. They do an outstanding job. Lessons on how to use and maintain your machine are also FREE with any machine you buy there. Help is always available with any problems you encounter. Definately worth the trip if your machine has problems and you want it fixed properly.
I have a 830 LE that has never worked well for more than a couple of days of sewing. It’s in the shop a lot. My Bernina dealer in Winston-Salem, NC is concerned about her bottom line; the advertised superior service is there if you can haul the heavy beast to the dealer and pay outrageous $ for parts & repairs every other month. I love the machine’s features but it is too buggy for me to recommend to anyone. Bernina should be embarrassed by the 830! Currently I have a blown circuit board; if I buy it & install it myself it will be Andre $400
I own a 830LE. Second one for me. The first was REALLY broken right out of the box. Second one, replaced by dealer, has worked beautifully. Dealer in SLC UT is stellar. Rhonda will stand by her customers. Second dealer, in La Plata, is awesome as well. They know the machines! Shopping for a good dealer is first step. There are two dealers in neighboring area that everyone seems to have problems with. For machines like these, I recommend NOT taking it right home, but open at store, and sew on it, for a few hours. Some have major problems, some have minor problems. If the computer has any issues, the machine has major problems. That first machine went back to Switzerland for repairs. But once you get it working, this sews beautifully. And in a class full of other brands, I get a lot of questions about this machine once the other brand owners see it running. It is quiet, fast, stitches superbly, and has the biggest hoop they have ever seen. But, once it is all working, don’t leave it plugged in when not in use and put it on a powerful surge protector device when it is in use. It is a computer first and foremost. I have been both the frustrated unhappy owner and the thrilled owner who can’t wait to sew on it. Shop the dealer first, then make them spend time with you if you are having problems.
How does one justify spending $14,000 on a sewing machine? I have been in the home dec business for many years, love to sew, craft constantly. I would love to own the Bernina 880 but just cannot understand how to justify the cost.
Well, be careful with the 880……it has a whole slew of problems. Mine is in the shop now….fly wheel frozen and sewing is impossible.
Thanks so much for sharing your experience. I have wanted this machine, but I think I will hang onto my Artista 730 E. It still works well. Also, I LOVE my old Bernina (it’s a 1010). The old 1000 series machines have beautiful tension.
I have been a huge fan of Bernina machines until now. I have had my 880 for almost 2 years and wish I wouldn’t have purchased it. I have had in the repair shop several times and the dealer gets frustrated every time I call about issues. Parts have already been replaced and broken inside. I would not recommend this machine to anyone. I even take all the extra care, cleaning, and daily maintenance this machine requires. Save your money and frustration!!!
I have never owned a bernina sewing machine. I thought I would buy one because that’s all I ever heard anyone talk about. You just had to sew on a bernina, nothing like it. Well I bought one the 880 I wanted it all. Well mine was in the shop in 6 months time and the part part broken was not covered under warranty. It’s been over a year and the tension was off. The trip cost me $150.00. Then they called and said my needle threaded didn’t work. I told them I knew that and had told them that when I dropped it off. I was told it wasn’t part of the $150.00. That would be extra and they would have to keep it longer. The original owner of the shop knew she was going to close when she sold me the machine. Didn’t tell me. Now no one even wants to work on it. They say they didn’t make the commission. I really wish I had never seen this machine. I loose sleep over it. What do you do after spending that much money? So disappointed.
I purchased an 880 in August 2015. Except for a required bobbin assembly replacement (mine wouldn’t engage, 2 months after purchase), all has been fine. It’s very touchy, however. The computer wants to outsmart the seamstress. The “problem” with Bernina, is that they are on a constant quest to sell you more accessories, until you are too deeply invested to abandon their products. They do make a quality machine, however.
I bought a Bernina 880SE. So many of my friends have Berninas and love them. I have had BabyLock and loved the user friendly machine. I think I jumped into a boiling vat of oil when I purchased the Bernina. It is very heavy and to lug the machine to a 3 minute fix and back home is ridiculous. I have had it a year and have used it twice both times back to the dealer. I can not bring myself to use it again just thinking of having someone come to the house to move it to my car then to the dealer — so it sits. I should have got the Destiny which has so many more things I would use. This particular Bernina is not user friendly. The bobbin threading gets me … use a dental tool to see if threaded properly when I can not even see what I’m looking for. I am embarrassed and feel so dumb that I cannot use this machine.
One thing that no one tells you unless by accident…..when you are threading the needle, hold the thread taught the whole way thru the process. You have to hear a click that the disks have gotten the thread. Otherwise, it would be like walking on slippery ice….no traction at all. Hold at thread beginning with hand at the spool, and hang on to the thread with the other hand till you get to the needle.
One thing that no one tells you unless by accident…..when you are threading the needle, hold the thread taught the whole way thru the process. You have to hear a click that the disks have gotten the thread. Otherwise, it would be like walking on slippery ice….no traction at all. Hold at thread beginning with hand at the spool, and hang on to the thread with the other hand till you get to the needle. Then, as far as setting the bobbin, you have to be sure that when you grab the thread you take it to the left, with your right hand, and click it into the spring at that left side. Once it is in that loop, bring it to the right. It has to be set securely.
I bought my 880 almost 3 years ago. It was the second one sold by the dealer. It has sewn over 5 million stitches. I have never a serious issue with it. It sews beautifully. I have never paid for a repair. I love this machine and am very pleased with my purchase. I have been lucky to have had two very good technicians work on my machine. (I moved last year) These machines require an experienced, well trained technician. The dealer is important, but I think the technician more so. Before I moved, I talked to my dealer/technician about the dealer in my new location. He assured me that I would get good service and I have. I
Lucky you! Enjoy and happy sewing.
I would like to hear from anyone who has used the 880 BSR on a quilt frame (doing machine quilting), how has the 880 performed?? I have an 820 and it is a wonderful machine on the sewing table. I also bought the Bernina quilt frame and have found the 820, using BSR, has a nasty habit of skipping stitches going in certain directions. I have been through many conversations about tension, thread, needles, speed, batting…..nothing fixes the problem and I believe even Bernina isn’t trying to hide this problem on the 820. So did they get it right this time with the 880? I’d love a response.
No! They did not get it right. Read all if the comments…..no one including self is happy with that 880. Stay away from it like it is the plague.
I am very happy with my 880. I purchased mine before they started shipping so I have had it for a long time. It has been almost two years since I have taken it in for maintenance and I think I have taken it in 4 times. Two right after I got it and then 2 more in the last 3 years and they were for annual maintenance. I will be taking it next week because I need the latest update. You must have a good dealer and experienced technician. If I wasn’t a Bernina girl, I would look at the top of the line Brother. But since I have 4 Bernina’s and love all of them, I will stay with them.
NO! My 880 has been to the factory 3 times, continues to not sew…..it’s in the shop now. Been on the table and not working for 7 mos. it just never ends! I am of the mind that they are using trashed pieces in the machine.
I’m sorry to say mine was also in the shop for repair constantly. Went back to the headquarters in Aurora 4 times. I finally just traded it and that was scary because I didn’t even
Know if I wanted another BERNINA or not. I lost most of my money I paid for the machine. I could not recommend the 880 to anyone. Some people love them. Makes me wonder how theirs can be so different. I was told I didn’t know how to work mine. I’ve been sewing for 50 plus years.
It’s great to hear good news on the 880. So happy for you.
I have finally found a great Bernina tech., whom also owns the dealership that she works in. Sadly, I found this great gal right after I bought the destiny 2. Never the less, I love the destiny and hope to find a like minded sewer that would like to buy this revitalized 880. It’s all in the tech! Can only say now,, that when you buy a new sewing machine, be sure the person selling it and working on it, is very good at what they do. My problem has been a very lazy dealer whom whines a lot.
Here it is 2018, July. Machine is back on the bench. Makes me grind my teeth!
I too purchased a Bernina 880 when they first came out. I was working full-time and didn’t sew all that much, I’m a quilter, but I’ve been sewing since I was a teenager (now age 79). I would go months without sewing anything. Then, when I had a deadline to make something on it, it wouldn’t sew. It’s been in the shop numerous times, a couple hundred dollars cost every time for service. I just got it back from the latest forey into the shop; sewed a 6 1/2″ block with zig-zag stitches. Then I discovered the automatic stitch width knob didn’t work and had to manually adjust the width of the zig-zag stitches. Now I’ve tried to sew two 12 1/2″ straight-stitched blocks, and the tension is all messed up. So, I don’t know how or why that happened. Previously I was having trouble with the machine refusing to sew because the bobbin was a problem or the top thread was a problem and it refused to sew anything. I want to get rid of this machine. I’ve never had these kinds of problems with any other machine I’ve ever owned (Singers, old non-computerized Bernina, Janome, etc), and I’ve owned a lot of them.
Love your site.
Greetings all. While doing my due diligence on a prospective purchase I found these coments. Is the Bernini 880 really that troublesome?
My alternatives are the Janome Horizon 15000 or the Destiny 2.
So far the Destiny 2 has escaped harsh criticism.
I really thought that the 880 was a winner.
Anyone had problems with the green button flashing telling you ready to go but won’t for? Sent a video to Bernina USA to make sure I wasn’t doing anything wrong
This is the 830 model.
Just left my Bernina dealer. Was thinking about trading my 830 for a 880. Thanks for the reviews and helping me make up my mind. I certainly don’t want to throw more money away on another headache!
I live in the uk and have a 820 and a 830. I don’t know your problems with Bernina in US but service in the UK is excellent. They picked my machines up wednesday serviced them and replaced any bits and did updates on a they were returned the following Wednesday. The service was 150 miles from my home. Cost £210 each. Included all carriage and taxes. Minor fault reported picked up again on Monday and returned Thursday free of charge. That is good service.
I have a Bernina 880 plus that i purchased in February. One thing that i experienced to be concerning, is that the machine is very noisy at higher speeds. I am always afraid something might break. I have been embroidering for many years, but this is by far one of the noisier machines i have used. Tension on the sewing side is very often an issue, as the machine is not fond of lighter fabrics. I have tried to use the sewing advisor that sets the tension and other setting for specific fabrics. Not a plan at all. As soon as you select one of the lighter fabrics, the machine tangles the thread and pulls the fabrjc into the needle plate. So i have resorted to just ommiting that “feature”. The sideways motion stitches are never the same, not even in the same row of stitching. I have the bernina artista 200 that has been upgraded to the 730,and it stitches FAR beter than my 880 plus. On the embroidery side, in the smaller hoops, the machine stitches very well. Very good stitch quality. But in the bigger hoops like the maxi and jumbo hoop, the stiching becomes very inacurate and sloppy at higher speeds. The machine has fantastic sewing features if they would work properly, and is definately a sewing and embroidery computer. From the many reviews that i have read, it does not really seem that Bernina is doing much to solve problems on a more permanent basis. In South Africa we as the people are treated as the problem. In my opinion i will never buy or recommend anyone buying a Bernina. Sewing is supposed to be fun, fulfilling and pleasureable. Well let me just stop there. I will say though, i love my Janome MC12000 and i would not trade it for anything in the world! It is super quiet, efficient, stiches perfectly even at top speed, and has no problem stitch anything from chiffon to vinyl and fur.
I have put together comments for nearly two hours here, giving you long and drawn out comments about my life (mostly). But I decided the details were not as important as the message, so I am trying to be more concise. It is not important to explain how I know these things, I just do.
1. I have had 4 Berninas, and I loved them. But then I purchased a JANOME! The JANOME has a top loading bobbin, and does not need oiling any time! You can get out any thread tangles, or nests just by loosely holding on to the fabric and jingling the hand wheel back and forth. It usually comes out in 30 seconds.
2. There are no schools to teach sewing machine repair. Probably because in the over all scheme of things most people are throwing out sewing machines and just replacing them, just like computers.
3. If you become an owner or a tech for a sewing machine brand, you must pay for any training you receive and it is usually held at a location hours away from you and you must pay for your transportation, etc, also. And this is NOT required. Is it any wonder your servicing isn’t done right.
4. Back about 25 years ago I worked in a business that where Singer machines were sold. They had only a 90 days warranty. Most people had to bring them back for repair before their 90 days was up (some the same day they bought them) but the machines had to be sent away for repair and they always came back after the 90 days were up, so the people ended up having to pay for their repair.
5. Sewing machine dealers are not required, or even offered, proper trainging for running a business. But they are required to put out money up front to get in their initial inventory of mahcines. This is not any differenet from cosmetic sales (like Mary Kay) or insurance sales (like State Farm).
Lastly, back in 2004 I was offered a Bernina dealership were they dictated the location, the hours, and the inventory, with the initial investment of $20,000.
At the same time JANOME contacted me. I was to put together my own plan, and the investment was $10,000.
My experience has been the exact opposite. I have an 880 manufactured in 2018 and I absolutely LOVE IT! I use the machine to sew clothing, leather, quilt tops, bags, embroidery, and FMQ. The selection of feet is amazing, to name just a few: I love the binding foot to bind my quilts (I’m busy and it’s worth every penny), the ruffle foot to make fast, adorable ruffles, and the BSR for FMQ. The only time it has been back to my dealer is for annual service. After taking classes for the machine offered by my dealer I have found it to be easy to use, easy to maintain, quiet (even during embroidery), strong, fast and dependable. Yes, tension must be adjusted for different fabrics and I have found my machine likes a different bobbin tension for embroidery vs. sewing. Also, if fluff settles around the 4 bobbin sensors they can’t do their job properly. This can lead to a bobbin error message and the bobbin case may not swing out when the door is opened. There is a remarkably simple solution to this … keep the sensors clear. I use a clean Tooltron Micro Applicator Brush to gently remove lint from the sensors every time I clean and oil the machine (i.e., with each bobbin refill). The only instances I have had to clear the sensors more often was when sewing with Annie’s Soft and Stable, when doing embroidery, or during FMQ.
The crew at my dealer, Quilt ‘N Sew Connection in Prescott Valley Arizona, is fantastic and the tech is amazing. I enthusiastically recommend the 880 to those who are at an intermediate or advanced sewing level and are comfortable with computers. I would buy this machine again in a heartbeat. For reference I’ve also owned and sewn on Kenmore, Singer, Janome, Brother and Juki machines. I’ll stick with Bernina.
Thanks for this informative review.
I have an 880 that has been into the same dealer since I purchased it. It just continues to come out worse than when it went in. I paid $640 in 2023, got it back and it was broken still… I then took it back in 2024 and just received it back and the bobbin doesn’t work properly, the cutter only cuts the lower bobbin thread and not the top thread, there was a piece of thread in the cutter that I personally had to remove. The bobbin sensor eyes were covered in black dirt/dust like substance… I had to use qtips and 99% alcohol to clean them. I know this machine has a bad rep, but also the dealer technicians are just horrible! How do I get a machine back after “repair” and this is what I end up with?? How is this “fixed”?
I am looking at dealing with a different dealer at this point as the tech’s clearly are just taking my money.
https://youtu.be/f4a-NpvReYc?si=BTwDB0AAENhEHUS_