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Bernina Bernette 334D Serger Review (2023 Update)
Note from the Editor: This Bernina Bernette 334D Serger Review was originally written in 2012, and has been revised and updated in 2023. Since the Bernina Bernette 334D has been discontinued, we have added alternatives such as Janome 8002, Juki MO644D, and Singer S0230.
When people know you sew, they give you all sorts of things. This reviewer has received fabric, elastic, spools and cones of thread and boxes full of zippers, bias tape, hem tape and trims. Someone even gave us a bag full of buttons of all shapes and sizes. Don’t laugh. That bag of buttons has saved many a blouse, handmade stuffed animal and suit jacket. You’d be surprised how often I’ve been able to find the perfect accent button in that grab bag.
Recently, someone gave us a Bernina Bernette 334D serger which honestly I have been eager to review for a good while now. It wasn’t brand new, but it was in great condition. Incredible as it may seem, after sewing since elementary school, we had never touched a serger before. Needless to say, it was quite an experience. For years, we trimmed seams and added overcast or overlock stitches on our sewing machines. With the addition of a serger to our sewing room, we had a machine that did the work for us while simultaneously sewing a perfect seam.
Bernina Bernette 334D Serger Overview
Bernina Bernette 334D Serger comes with all the standard features of a serger. The device is a little tricky to set up but upon inspection, you will be able to spot elaborate instructions provided on the machine itself. 334D is an old model but the device in itself is fairly long lasting. Unknown to many, this model is actually manufactured by Juki in Japan. Read a detailed review of this machine down below.
Bernina Bernette 334 is no longer manufactured. We recommend trying out alternative sergers that we have listed in this post.
The Bernina Bernette 334D has a built in molded carrying handle that is part of the body. A telescoping rod that can be raised to facilitate threading and operation lowered for storage and easy moving about.
Each of the four tension dials has a graphic at the center which displays the way finished stitches should look when the tension is set properly.
Dials on the right side regulate the differential feed and stitch length and width. The color coded threading guide is clearly marked.
What are some alternatives for What features does the Bernina Bernette 334D?
As I have already mentioned in this review, the Bernina Bernette 334D serger has been discontinued. Here are some alternatives that I would recommend instead.
The Janome 8002D serger is an easy-to-use serger device with the ability to perform really fast. With its high-speed and precision, you can create professional-looking edges and seams in minutes. The machine features a 3 or 4 thread overlock stitching capability, allowing you to finish raw edges, create rolled hems, and add decorative edges to your projects.
The Janome 8002D also has a differential feed system, which helps prevent puckering and stretching of the fabric. It allows you to adjust the ratio of the differential feed to suit different types of fabrics. The machine also has an adjustable cutting width and stitch length, allowing you to customize your sewing to fit your project.
The Janome 8002D is also easy to use, with color-coded threading guides and a built-in thread cutter. The machine comes with a range of accessories, such as spare needles, screwdrivers, and tweezers, making it a complete package for your sewing needs.
Overall, the Janome 8002D is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and versatile serger that can handle a wide range of sewing projects. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced sewer, this machine is sure to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.
Read the detailed review of Janome 8002 here.
Juki MO644D is a 2/3/4 thread serger with auto-rolled hem and a color coded threading breakaway looper adjustment for stitch length and differential feed. It does not sew very heavy fabrics but can work with lightweight and medium weighing fabrics really well. Stitching speed rides up to a good 1500SPM and working with this is rather easy. This device is really quiet while working on fabrics is very smooth. It is a really good device for beginners and people who dont do heavy sewing.
Read the detailed review of Juki MO644D here.
The Singer S0230 HD Serger transforms sewing with its time-saving capabilities. Seam and seam finish are effortlessly combined and trimmed simultaneously, streamlining your projects. With the flexibility of using 2, 3, or 4 threads and a Color-Coded Threading System, this serger caters to various stitch combinations. The Differential Feed ensures smooth sewing on stretchy fabrics without distortion, while the Built-in Free Arm facilitates precise work on small sleeves and cuffs. Operating at 1,300 stitches per minute, this serger ensures professional results, making it an ideal choice for garments, children's clothing, and more.
What features does the Bernina Bernette 334D Serger have?
The Bernina Bernette 334D comes with the following standard features:
- Color coded thread guide
- Ability to sew with 2, 3 or 4 threads and 1 or 2 needles
- Adjustable stitch length and width
- Seam guide
- Differential feed
- Adjustable presser foot pressure
Working on the Bernina Bernette 334D Serger
The first step in setting up the Bernina Bernette 334D is to raise the telescoping thread rod to its highest level. Our first real challenge in setting up this Bernina serger was learning how to thread this brand new toy.
After all, we are quite adept at threading sewing machines with only one needle and one bobbin. Occasionally, we even use a double needle, but FOUR different threads??? For some strange reason, this intimidated us.
Thankfully the Bernette 334D serger has a color coded chart stamped behind the looper cover door to help make simplify the threading process. It took a little while for us to figure out how to open the panel, but we attribute that to unexplained temerity.
The instruction manual we downloaded clearly tells the user to slide the looper cover opening knob to the right to open the drop down door. Once that hurdle was cleared, we settled our nerves and got down to business.
The first time we treaded the Bernina Bernette 334D, we were able to begin to understand how sergers work. The simple step by step instructions in the owner’s manual, coupled with the color chart inside the looper cover make what appears to be an extremely complicated task as easy as possible.
Anytime you work with four threads for the very first time, the process can’t be overly simple, but the manual and chart were very helpful in demystifying the whole thing.
The Bernina 334D serger comes with extra needles, tweezers, a lint brush and a threading wire, which make it quite helpful when trying to get through the complicated threading process.
Unfortunately, the threading wire was missing from this particular machine, but we substituted it with a conventional needle threader which did the job rather nicely.
The swing out presser foot makes threading the needles a lot less complicated than if it were stationary. By being able to move the presser foot out of the way, treading the needles went from being a challenging task to being a piece of cake.
Simply because we had never taken on a serger before and wanted to get a clear understanding of its workings before attempting to use our new toy, we chose to practice threading our Bernina 334D with four different colors of thread.
Doing this was not only helpful in helping us learn how to thread the machine, it was also helpful for us to understand how the whole serging process takes place.
We found this video on Youtube that gives you a quick look at how the Bernina 334d works:
After threading the Bernette 334D several times, we decided to play with several different thicknesses of fabric and different types of threads in order to get the hang of adjusting the presser foot and tension on a serger.
The presser foot adjustment screw rests on top of the Bernina Bernette 334D serger. Turning the dial left or right increases or decreases the amount of pressure that is applied through the presser foot. This feature is ideal for working with extra thick or very fine fabrics.
We didn’t think adjusting the tension on a serger would be much different from setting the tension on a sewing machine, but four tension dials meant making adjustments in the way we never looked at tension adjustment before.
One of the perks of starting with the Bernina Bernette 334D serger is that each tension knob has an illustration of the thread it controls and how that particular thread should look when the tension is set properly. In addition, the owner’s manual devotes an entire section to teaching users how to set the tension dials for all sorts for fabrics and threads.
However, we need to try everything for ourselves in order to understand how things work on the very basic levels. For starters, we tried a knit fabric and cotton, serger thread. Just for the sake of experimentation, we set all of the tension dials at 9, the highest setting. As expected, the needle threads broke. Quite honestly, we were a bit surprised the lower looper threads didn’t break as well. After re-threading yet again, we were able to find the perfect tension adjustment with just a little bit of maneuvering and things went smoothly.
As we changed threads and fabrics, we realized that adjusting the tension on the Bernina Bernette 334D was actually quite easily – even without referring to the table in the owner’s manual. The next step was to actually sew something on the Bernina Bernette 334D. To our pleasant surprise, we were able to finish all of the seams in a simple knit dress and matching jacket in less than fifteen minutes.
We chose to do the finishing work on our conventional sewing machine and by hand, but if we had decided to finish our new ensemble on the Bernette 334D, we certainly could have. The owner’s manual clearly shows the user how to hem on this machine. Optional components include a roll hem attachment that can be purchased separately from the manufacturer.
The easy to read seam guide is conveniently situated on the very front of the Bernette 334D, making it as simple as possible to get a perfect seam every single time. The Bernina Bernette 334D serger also has an adjustable stitch length feature that is preset at 2.5 millimeters. If necessary, the stitch length can be changed to suit the requirements of your particular project from one millimeter to five millimeters.
The only thing that really didn’t excite us about working on this Bernina serger was the mess from all of the fabric clippings falling onto the floor. We learned from reading the owner’s manual that the Bernina Bernette 334D originally came with a waste receptacle bag, but that particular item didn’t make it to our house. We are certainly not looking a gift horse in the mouth, but if you have white ceramic tile floors like we do, you must be prepared to sweep and mop your floor every single time you use the Bernette 334D.
We really like this machine, so setting it aside and not using it is not an option. This is the reason we came up with the idea to make a device using Velcro to attach it to our Bernette 334D. This way we will be able to catch all of the clippings that fall off as we’re sewing. The only other option is to constantly stop to clear away the clippings while I’m working.
Replacing the light bulb is as simple as turning off the power, unscrewing the light bulb from its housing and replacing it with a 15 watt bulb.
The owner’s manual has detailed instructions for replacing the upper and lower knives, complete with schematic drawings. The knives, however, are made from cemented carbide and do not need to be replaced under normal use. If a blade should be chipped, however, a replacement can be purchased from a local Bernina dealer.
Which fabrics work on the Bernina Bernette 334D Serger?
| Fabrics that work | Fabrics that don’t work |
|---|---|
Upholstery Leather/suede Fur Reptile skin Canvas/Twill Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers Knits(Medium to heavyweight only) | Plastic/Rubber Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers Knits(Medium to heavyweight only) Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester |
What accessories does the Bernina Bernette 334D Serger include?
Although the owner’s manual was not included with this gift, we were able to download one at the Bernina website.
According to the owner’s manual, the accessories that were included with the original Bernina Bernette 334D included a molded plastic waste receptacle, a lower knife, and a vinyl cover with a pocket which contained two screwdrivers, an oil feeder, four spool retainers.
Also included were extra needles, a lint brush, tweezers and a needle threader which were stored in specially designed compartments inside the lower looper cover. When we received our gift, the spool retainers were already in place. However, the original vinyl cover, oil feeder, needle threader, waste receptacle and screwdrivers were not included. Not to fear. This small inconvenience is easily remedied. We used this very serger to make our own cover and a cloth waste receptacle which can be attached to the machine with Velcro.
Our cover is much different however. This customized cover is made of a colorfully durable quilted fabric that allows our personality to shine through and sport a fancy trim. Unlike the plain vinyl cover that originally came with our Bernina Bernette 334D, our cover also includes an opening for the carrying handle – which, according to the drawing in the owner’s manual, was not a feature of the original cover.
Since we already have an oil feeder and a complete set of sewing machine screw drivers, the pocket is not really necessary, but we might added one anyway… just in case we find a need for one sometime in the future. Besides, we could use the pocket to store the waste bag when we are not using our Bernina 334D serger.
How to maintain the Bernina Bernette 334D Serger?
| 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 | Yes |
| Service by sewing machine repair professional | No | No | No | Yes |
Summary: Bernina Bernette 334D Serger review
The Bernina Bernette 334D serger is one of the best gifts we ever received. Although our sewing buddies had advised us to purchase a serger many years ago, we resisted, believing we could accomplish the same results with our zigzag sewing machines.
Unbeknownst to us, having a serger in our sewing room makes all the difference in the world. There are so many things we can do with our Bernina Bernette 334D that we couldn’t do at all; and the things that we could do with the sewing machine would have meant spending hours doing what can now be done in just a few minutes.
The fact that we don’t have a waste bag is a small inconvenience. The vinyl cover was lost long before this Bernina Bernette 334D ever came into our possession.
The cover that was included with our gift is quite literally falling apart. Now that we are hooked on serging, and planning numerous serger projects that will keep us and our Bernina 334D busy for several weeks.
The news about our recent awakening to the world of serging is a big joke with all of our sewing buddies. After all, they have been trying to get us to serge for years and now here we are… happily serging away, whipping up clothes and accessories at a whirlwind pace.
That’s OK with us. Let them laugh. Better late than never, right?
Bernina Bernette 334D- Review
Summary
The Bernina Bernette 334D serger is a powerful and versatile serger that is perfect for sewers of all levels. It has 3 or 4 thread serging capabilities, a differential feed, and a large number of stitch options. It is also easy to use and maintain. It is a great serger for sewers who are looking for a powerful and versatile machine that is easy to use and maintain. It is a bit more expensive than some other sergers on the market, but it is worth the investment for sewers who want a machine that can handle a variety of sewing projects.
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Happy Stitching.
I just bought this serger on Saturday and LOVE it! I have never even touched a serger before and got the hang of it pretty quickly. I can’t wait to start my first project!
Vernelle, love your site. May I join in. Thanks.
Jan Scott in Wetumpka, AL.
Hello, Jan –
Welcome to Sewing Insight.
I am delighted that you want to ‘join in’. Please feel free to do so at any time and invite your friends as well.
Happy Stitching!
Hi, I am new to this machine as I just bought it off eBay. This evening I had my first trial. After threading it up I sewed a sample which seemed fine. Getting used to the tension adjusters will I’m sure give me the perfect stitch… eventually. However, I noticed that the two stitch conversion attachment (little screw three top) was missing. Is this crucial? Do you know where can I buy one from? The seller says she hasn’t got it
I too received this machine as a gift but did not come with manual. Purchased one through download but never received it. Can’t get a hold of anyone at company so i lost my money. Where did you buy the manual?
Stacey and Maria – If you have still not yet received manuals for your 334D, you may want to go to the Bernina site. For some reason, the manual for the 334D isn’t available, but you can download a manual for the 234D. http://www.bernina.com/en-US/Support-5/Out-of-Print-Manuals-us/Sergers-Overlockers-us It is very close to the 334D. In fact, the only real difference I noticed is the fact that the 334D has adjustable stitch length and width controls on the right side.
I have an original manual for the Bernina Bernette 334D/334DS if you’d like it. I always scan them in to have a back-up in case I lose it, and so I’ve got it as a PDF. I just realized the biggest difference between the D and DS is that with the D, which I have, you can’t do any of the 2 thread stitches and I’m so bummed. I may have to upgrade machines. 🙁
I just purchased this serger, but it didn’t have a manual. Would it be possible to get the pdf. that you made of the manual from you? I am so excited to learn all about it!
Thank you.
I’ve just been given a 334DS with no manual. If
I could have a copy of your pdf I would be most
grateful.
Hope you can help me!
Thanks, Val
I just got the Bernette 334D from my mother, but she lost the manual. Can you please send me the pdf that you made?
Thank you. Christel
This is to update my previous comment:
I have the manual for a 334DS/S. I’m in search of the original 334D Manual if anyone has it. And, for those needing the manual for the Bernette 334DS / S I’ve uploaded it here in 2 parts because it’s huge…
Part 1: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxiTJH6ZnyhxS2FMUGh1RzBrR0k/edit?usp=sharing
Part 2:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BxiTJH6ZnyhxczlFam5tSDVVZzg/edit?usp=sharing
Really need a manual if you can send it. You were smart to scan it. Thanks so much. Lafcmoss@comcast.net
Christie
Adri, I have the 334D serger and cannot locate a free copy of the user manual. Since I’m currently unemployed, I’m trying not to spend money on a manual but need to know more about adjusting the tension. I would love it if you would be able to email me the PDF of your manual. Thanks!
Carol
It’s online, I think. I bought my Bernette new, do have all the documentation snd accessories. There is very little information that is not printed on the machine itself. I haven’t threaded mine in years, so this was a wonderful reminder of the swing out pressure foot. I had forgotten that!
I’ve had one of these exact sergers for years and still LOVE it! Just wanted to let you know that the roll hem option is built in rather than some special attachment one must buy. There’s a sliding lever by the cutting blade- I can see it in your photos. Slide it forward to get the usual overlock stitch to rollhem along with a few other adjustments that I’d be happy to tell you just as soon as I find my manual 😀 That’s why I’m online… looking for the settings so I can finish this dang skirt with a rollhem. Unless, of course, there’s some kind of additional device that rollhems as well in which case I need to find one. Thanks, great article!
Maria, if you want to send my an email, I will send you a scanned copy of my manual (sagrantz@yahoo.com).
Hello Stacey, I have just buied a bernette 334D but the owner didn’t have the manual, I will send you an e-mail to ask you for a copy of your pdf! Thank you in advance!!
Hej Stacy, jeg har lige fået en go men brugt maskine, men manualen manglede, så hvis du har tid, vil jeg også gerne have en kopi af dig. Min mail adr er : mjpsommerhus@live.dk , go weekend, kh fra Marianne
Bonnie – Thanks a million for the tips. I really appreciate them. I’ve been doing a lot more on the serger since I first wrote that review. I’m loving it more and more each day.
As for the manual… Stacey, if you are willing do share, you can upload it at manualsonline.com, a service that enables us to share manuals free of charge.
Thanks to all of you for visiting Sewing Insight. I look forward to sharing much more with you in the days to come.
Happy Stitching.
I am looking at buying one of these and wondering if it has a retractable knife? Do you know? Thank you!
Hi Emily just answering your question regarding the retractable knife blade . It doesn’t have one but the top knife can be moved out of the way by turning the nut ( thread) on the right side of the top of the knife, just pull and twist and the knife will move out of the way . eg for rolled hemming etc. Hope that helps . Sue
Emily –
Thank you for visiting Sewing Insight.
I have been working on this machine for well over a year now. Although I am not yet what I would call and ‘expert’ serger, I am certain that the knife on this one is not retractable. Another review of the owner’s manual confirms this fact.
I will say that the more I use this serger, the happier I am with it. Having a knife that isn’t retractable might be a slight drawback, but if the price is right, I wouldn’t let that little detail stop me.
Happy serging!
Does anyone know how to set the timing on the Bernette 334D? Is it worth spending $130.00 at a shop to get this done? And lastly what is the value of this machine? Not sure what direction to take at the moment!!!! Thanks for any ideas!
I know this is an old comment but I’ll answer it. I’ve had my 334DS for 26 years. I got it in 1994 and it was $999 AU. Never, ever have I run over a pin. It’s always cut like the day I opened it’s box. Other than getting frustrated with playing around with tensions after I’ve not used it for a while, this overlocker is amazing. I had it serviced 2 years ago, first time ever. It just didn’t need it, and to be honest it didn’t need it when it went in, I’d been shamed into it (by a friend horrified that it’d never been serviced). Of course I lubed it where needed and keep it clean and unless you damage it somehow, or you are gifted this machine you may not need it looked at either. However, I did get it serviced and I paid exactly the same amount you were told ($130). It was cleaned, tension discs replaced (apparently there was rust in there) and a new lower blade and as usual, new needles.
Money well spent, both times (purchase, and service).
Something I notice that none of the commenters have mentioned, and perhaps because it’s so blindly obvious: don’t start to sew with the aerial down. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve snapped a looper thread and had to rethread (remember you have to do them in order, you can’t just rethread only that looper)…just because I’ve left the aerial down. In fact I did this last night: Put the aerial down while I reached over the top of my machine, came back 20 mins later and boom! Snapped thread.
Ladies (and Gents) .. if you own this machine, keep it. I’ve moved house many times, no idea where my original printed manual is, but it’s always available to download from Bernina, and for free. Possibly also on manualslib .. I would have checked there next. Like another commenter, I also broke the spot where the cone stand connects to the machine, and it’s also duct-taped as that part is no longer available, but apart from that (and a little yellowing of the plastic from age), she’s a keeper 🙂 Thx for letting me post 🙂
Jean –
Thank you for visiting Sewing Insight.
Setting the timing on a sewing machine or serger is a very precise task.I often advise people to do a lot of minor repairs on their own. However, if you are not adept at things like re-setting timing or have a friend who has completed training as a certified sewing machine repair professional, my recommendation is that you pay to have it done the right way. Otherwise, you will continue to have problems with your serger.
I actually have the same situation with one of my machines… and I DO have a friend who completed a sewing machine repair course. I had her take a look at it. She diagnosed the problem and we agreed that I should have it repaired by a professional.
As for resale value… I saw one on e-bay for less than $50. The decision is yours… repair your Bernette 334D and continue to use it or practically give it away because it needs a repair. Two things are certain: 1-You can’t buy a new one for $130; and 2- Selling it will not bring in enough money to cover the price of a brand new serger.
just got mine from a garage sale. It is a tough learning curve. Would love to get a manual as well…mine did not come with one and I think I damaged my blades by hitting it with some pins…yiks. HOw do you know if you knicked the blade??
Lorna –
Thank you for visiting Sewing Insight. If you hit pins it’s a pretty safe assumption that you have damaged at least one of your blades.
You will most definitely have to take your 334D in for servicing. I suggest you contact your local sewing machine repair professional or possibly an authorized Bernina/Bernette dealer or repair facility. There is a difference. The personnel at most sewing machine repair shops are qualified to work on all brands. Some, however, are authorized by specific manufacturers. You can find them on the website of the company that made your machine.
When I got mine, I took it to the same place where I have my sewing machines serviced. The staff checked it out, cleaned it and was very helpful in showing me how to thread my new acquisition as well as how to use and care for my 334D. It was well worth the investment of time and money.
Most Bernina/Bernette dealers have sewing clubs. If you really want to master all that your 334D can do, you may want to look into joining one in your area.
Happy Stitching.
Thanks for the fast reply. Is there a way you can tell if you damaged your blades other than the obvious…not cutting fabric. If I get the manual do you think I can try and do it myself??
I have had one of these for years and although I don’t do a lot of sewing its great to have handy. Makes finishing off seams etc so much easier.
I remember when I got mine, back in the dark ages, we were shown how to make ruffles. my manual says I need a gathering attachment but there’s no picture so don’t know if I’ve got one or not. Does anyone know what this looks like, or if I can gather with the standard foot?
Dear Helen –
Thank you for visiting Sewing Insight.
I didn’t receive any of the presser feet with my Bernette 334D. However, the Bernina website not only shows pictures of the different server/overlocker presser feet, it also has video tutorials on how to use them.
I hope this link is helpful. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnTd-StUZ6Q&list=PL94245165A393DA5E&index=54
Happy Stitching.
I’ve owned this serger when Zuba pants were in! I sewed many a t-shirt, as well as tank tops, scarves, etc….my friend did the same on this machine. It’s worked well. My only problem is threading it….I really hate that! It’s a great machine!!!It’s gotten lots of use and required very little work.
I am very sad. I just took my 334D in for repair and it can’t be fixed. There’s a plastic disc inside and once it is cracked and broken–due to the age of the machine–they don’t get very many parts for them.
In the meantime, I loved mine. I had a costume design business and for constructing leotards and unitards, this machine was a Godsend.
Keep working with it…you’ll get it in no time.
I have the 334DS and the book says the presser foot swings out. How????? I have tried pulling, pushing to the side and it doesn’t move.
Would appreciate advise
Thanks
Lift the presser foot like normal. Then, lift it just a bit more with your left hand, and with your right hand you can push the presser foot out to the left a bit. You’ve got to click it back in place before you begin to serge again.
I have the 334D, also a gift from a friend. It’s been working beautifully but when I attempted to open the looper cover, it will not budge. It was working fine last time I used it; it’s been covered and no one else has touched it so I’m at a loss to understand what has happened. Does anyone have any ideas about what may be wrong?
I found this review helpful. Just need some clarification under the Fabrics segment. The fabrics with “x” means it is not suitable for use with this machine?
Thanks.
I think it means “beginner”
There is no real instruction to use same quality thread on all four cones, makes for confusion if using cotton and acryl cones together. The four threading “knobs”have the sewn seam upside down printed on them, the cut side faces left on tge knobs, but right on the actual sewn seam, it took me ages to realise that one. I was advised by the seller to thread first the “blue” and then the “red” coloured thread, makes a lot of easier threading. Lastly, turn by hand the “sewing” knob till the threads are at least 5 inches behind and pressed down by the [ressure foot.
My 334DS was given to me by my husband as a total surprise Christmas gift when he left for Desert Storm a few weeks before the birth of our daughter. I made 18-20 zuba. pants for our sons & many nieces & nephews that winter, & cosmetic bags, camo zipper bags, a bow case, & lots more while learning. I have put a drop of oil as shown on this machine every time I used it for over 23 years. It had its first servicing a few years ago because the thread rack was damaged when a hurricane damaged our home. I duct-taped it for a season but finally took it in. The Bernina shop owner said not to trade it for anything; he said it is still running perfectly due to the daily dose of oil. This week the
tensions became internally off. #1 is like #9, very tight. We took apart the tension dial and reset the worst one and it kept serging. But it is producing a
wavy lower looper thread and a non perfect looking rolled hem. I took it in for its 2nd service today.
Figuring out the tensions on mine drives me batty and I’d intended to buy a newer, self threading model so rang my service guy for recommendations. I was told the same thing by my service guy: it’s a workhorse, don’t sell or trade for anything. Bear
Am looking to buy a bernette 334DS in great condition. If any around please contact me
Hi, Barbara –
Thank you for visiting Sewing Insight.
You may be able to find one on e-bay or etsy.
Happy stitching.
I purchased my first serger over 23 years ago. It was the Bernette 334D. I have had absolutely NO problems with it until about two weeks ago , I turned it on and nothing happened. Took it in today to have it checked and found out the power cord is bad and is not available to be replaced. Serger is still in great shape but doesn’t do me any good without a cord and pedal. Hoping to find one somewhere.
Try EbaY. There are several available there.
Hello, Diane –
While replacement parts for machines as old as ours are difficult to find, it is not impossible. I have run into the same problem from time to time… especially when I took my machine to a store that sells new machines. You should have better luck going to a shop that specializes in servicing and selling vintage machines. Those places are veritable gold mines when it comes to locating parts for older sewing machines and sergers.
You might also ve able to find a power cord for your 334D online at some of the sewing machine parts sites.
Happy stitching.
It’s most probably not the power cord (they don’t just go bad like that all of a sudden) but a micro switch inside the foot pedal. It can be changed although the pedal is a bit hard to get open. D2msl is the name of the switch and it costs only a couple of dollars! At the sewing machine shops they want to sell you the whole unit to make a profit
How do you open the pedal? I’ve tried but i’m afraid Of breaking it?
Hi could you help me? I’m interested in buying my neighbours Bernette overlocker 334D and was wondering how well it copes with heavy weight fabrics such as curtain and upholstery fabrics? Thanks
Hello, Fran –
Thank you for visiting Sewing Insight.
The only fabric I have run into problems with on my 334D was with multiple layers of very thick upholstery fabric. Light to medium weight fabric works just fine. Two layers of the very thick fabric went through with no problems whatsoever, but more than that became problematic. When working with very thin curtain fabric, it is necessary to adjust the tension in order to get the proper stitch proportions. Follow the instructions in the owner’s manual, but I also suggest you test a few different settings on some scrap fabric to be certain of the proper setting for your specific task.
Happy stitching.
Thankyou for your help it was much appreciated
Your site is great, will enjoy participating in it. Joann
I love this machine when it works, and it has always worked for over 26 years until recently. Although now it sounds fine, it will not serge or let the thread stay over the looper as it is supposed to. Several people wrote me about rethreading and to always thread the loopers correctly, so I redid my threading, but that is evitdently not the problem. The lower looper thread will not stay over the upper looper, so the machine just lets the thread go straight through and does not serge. What could be the problem? I love this machine and want to use it!
Vernelle, I just read the June 20, 2012 review on the 334DS serger. About the serger waste on the floor; I use an oval waste basket between my feet to catch loads of the stuff. I serge mountains of flannel baby blankets for Threads of Love, & that small catch thing was useless for my needs. Still loving Sewing Insight. Thank You.
I need steps by step of the upper and lower blade change or even picture if anyone can help that would be great!
Hello, Brittney –
I assume you do not have access to the owner’s manual for this machine. If you do, take a look at page 22. There are very explicit instructions with photos that show you how to change the blade. If you do not have access to the manual, please click the ‘contact me’ link and send me a persona e-mail. I’ll scan that page and send it to you.
Hi Vernelle,
My name is Sue and I was reading the information you have generously provided about the Bernette 334D serger. I found one used and will have to replace the blade. I was hoping that you could send me the page on how to do this in the manual. Or, if you happen to have the entire manual scanned, that would be great too! Any help would be much appreciated!
Thank you kindly!
-Sue
HI! I just got this as a hand me down, and it hasn’t been used for a long time – got it threaded and it works, but the only problem is the lower loops are not being totally grabbed so they’re just loose loops. is this a timing issue or a tension one?
thank you
lauren
Hello, Lauren –
Since you say the machine has not been used in a very long time, I suspect it may be a timing issue. Did you take it to an authorized Bernina service provider before attempting to use it? Even though we know how to thoroughly clean our machines and even perform minor maintenance tasks, there are times when a professional is needed. It has been my experience that every hand me down machine – especially the ones that have been sitting idle for a long time – should be taken in for a check up before being put to work in a sewing room.
Happy stitching.
Hi,
I inherited a Bernette 334D from my aunt a year ago and it works wonders. I love the serger. I have a question. I want to make a Blind Stitch, i have not checked the accessories. Is there a special foot and how do i sew blind stitch? Do i have to remove the blade from the machine if i want to do that? Cause the blade might cut off of the fabric right?
I just found out my mother-in-law is giving me her Bernette 334DS! I am so excited! I used to own a Juki YEARS ago, but haven’t had a serger since. I quilt and embroider now. I don’t sew garments any longer since I didn’t have a serger. I made a little sundress for my 1 year old great niece, but I hate seeing the raw seams so I made it reversible. Turned out really cute, but what a PAIN! Anyway, I just finished reading ALL the previous posts (seriously all of them – hahaha) and I found the links to the manuals. Thank you so much! I downloaded both parts and saved them to my computer! I can’t wait to sew something! I have the cutest navy knit fabric that is begging to be made into a long skirt. I’m just going to sew a seam and then sew extra wide elastic for the waist band, then hem it up! Thank you thank you for all the GREAT posts! This sounds like quite a great machine! So excited!!
Hi
I also need the manual for the Bernette 334D, I bought it from my friends mother, but she lost the manual and I have no clue how to thread it.
Thank you!
The sewing ladies at my church recently received a donation of the Bernette 234 serger. I have her threaded and running, but I am not sure what needles to use. Any suggestions? It is not covered in the manual that I saw.
Thank You
I have the Bernette 334D and I had to replace the upper looper, and needles. Now it won’t loop. I have tried everything. What size needles do you recommend? The needle plate looks just like the one in book no broken pieces. Is there anyone that can help me. I would really appreciate it?
Thank you, Loretta
Something happened to the upper and lower needles when I was sewing, they won’t go past each other forwards or backwards,one hits the throat plate the upper. I need a repairman or number to call one. Thanks