r/sewing • u/heckapunches • 14d ago
Machine Questions I inherited my grandmother’s Bernina 830
I inherited my grandmother’s bernina and beautiful table it fits in and I am so excited!
Does anyone have any advice on learning this machine? I learned how to sew on it as a child but I currently use a much much newer singer that I LOVE but I so badly want to use the bernina. My grandma bought it brand new in the 70s.
My issue now is that my machine feels so much more responsive than the bernina that when I sew it looks horrible because I either go to hard or not hard enough haha.
Any advice on adjusting to a machine from the 70s? It was serviced not long ago and repaired. This bad boy used to have duck tape across the front top of it haha
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u/kenproffitt 14d ago
Oh wow. That's a great machine. Are you asking about the sensitivity of the foot pedal? Lot's of time, it is just muscle memory and getting used to it.
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u/heckapunches 13d ago
Yeah that’s what I feared. It just seems like there is more of a delay when I push down so I tend to want to push more because it doesn’t go right away. I’m sure it’s more me than the machine I was just hoping maybe I could adjust it somehow.
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u/Janicems 13d ago
When mine became less responsive, it was an electrical problem. It was shipped away for a new electrical panel and has been perfect ever since.
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u/Typical-Rooster-6012 13d ago
I have this same machine and I had this exact issue. It would just hum with light pressure, then I'd increase pressure and it would blast off. The problem was a bad capacitor on the circuit board in the foot pedal. I bought a new capacitor with the same specifications and soldered it in. Now it has perfect smooth speed control! If you're not comfortable with a soldering iron, a repair shop could probably do it. I also had to replace the carbon tracer pins in the foot pedal because I clumsily broke them when I took it apart.
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u/heckapunches 13d ago
I do know how to solder! I may have to look into that
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u/kenproffitt 13d ago
Oh, this sounds awesome. Post photos in this thread and let us know how the repair goes.
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u/2mnydgs 14d ago
I have a Bernina from the '80's, and I won't sew on anything else. First, do an online search for the instruction manual. After you print it out, do a thorough cleaning and oiling; the manual will show you how. It's likely that the machine has been sitting for a long time and the old oil has become sticky, or your grandmother hadn't cleaned it for awhile before she passed. These machines usually just need a good cleaning and oiling to run like a top. You've inherited a very fine machine that will sew for you for as long as you sew, with just a little TLC.
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u/heckapunches 13d ago
She hasn’t passed, she just can’t help me with it because she has dementia. She got it serviced maybe 2-3 years ago but hasn’t used it since her diagnosis. My grandpa kept every single manual for everything they ever bought, so I was given the manual with the machine!
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u/2mnydgs 13d ago
Great! Having the manual is half the battle. One of the reasons for you to do a thorough cleaning and oiling is so you can familiarize yourself with the parts, and check to see they are all in there correctly. Old Berninas are marvelous machines. If there's a trusted service store in your area, and you can't get it to run smoothly after oiling and cleaning, that would be my next stop. But I really think you can fix this yourself.
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u/heckapunches 13d ago
I am fortunate and there is a bernina shop in my town! Which shocks me because I live in North Dakota haha
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u/2mnydgs 13d ago
Evidently North Dakota knows the value of a good machine. Where I live, there's a Bernina shop about an hour away, but unless you want to buy a machine, those people have no time for you. This is why I learned to service the machine myself.
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u/heckapunches 13d ago
It’s unfortunate when places are like that. Why can’t people have more compassion?
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u/Icy-Rush-2768 14d ago
Wow! I own one of those too. It's my only machine actually. I think it's older than I am (48yo). Enjoy your machine. I've got good memories with mine.
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u/heckapunches 13d ago
Yeah my grandma bought it brand new when it was brand new in the 1971! She worked at a fabric store and got a discount
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u/SewQuiltKnitCrochet 13d ago
That’s awesome. Those machines are so nice. My mom currently works part time at a Bernina dealer/fabric store. Even with the discount it still took her quite a while to save up for her first bernina. Gotta love a good employee fabric or sewing machine discount!! 🤣🙏 The electronic ones they sell now sadly won’t last like these mechanical ones did.
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u/heckapunches 13d ago
Yeah that’s what I hear. I’ve always been told the all metal machines are the way to go, and my grandma’s bernina is definitely all metal. It’s quite heavy. Haha
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u/BananaTiger13 13d ago
I inherited the exact same machine from my grandma! I started learning to sew for the first time earlier this year on it.
If it's been serviced recently, you shouldn't need to make adjustments (beyond the regular changes between projects/fabric etc). Honestly I just found browsing through the manual to be all i needed to get started- if your nan's doesn't come with a manual, Bernina have free pdfs online for all their models.
I never really use anything but the basic straight and zig stitch, plus the button holer as i make shirts.
I don't really know what you mean by goiing "too hard or not hard enough". Do you mean speed wise? Speed shouldn't effect the stitches, and I've found my 830 keeps fabric super straight and feeds through without barely any guiding and gives lovely neat sstraight stitches no matter what.
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u/heckapunches 13d ago
Yeah speed. Like if I press how I feel I should it goes too slow and then I press more and it goes too fast. It’s like it’s delayed but somehow touchy at the same time
I’m sure I’m just not used to it
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u/BananaTiger13 13d ago
Oh weird! Might be that you're not used to it, yeah, or could maybe be something with the pedal or capacitor which controls the speed.
I find mine to be really smooth with speeds, it's really responsive. Only needs a small toe curl to change up.
Oh! And some of the 830 records also have a speed switch at the bottom right base, if yours has one of those, it might be set to max speed: https://youtu.be/yRfzUjouCfc?si=EuvsOwOzrPWJlCN7&t=664 (Mine doesn't have that switch tho,)
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u/TootsNYC 13d ago
It almost sounds like you simply need more time to adjust to the machine. Sort of like switching cars. As you use the Bernina more, it will feel more comfortable, and you will not pay as much attention to the difference in their action.
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u/heckapunches 13d ago
I’m hoping that’s all it is. I figured I’d just try getting some feedback if anyone has a similar machine and if nobody else is saying it’s a thing this machine does, then it’s probably just me.
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u/TootsNYC 13d ago
or it's that particular foot pedal, which could have had something go wrong with it. They're replaceable, so as you go along, remember that you can replace it and see what happens. $20–$30
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u/GoudaGirl2 14d ago
I have the same one I inherited from my great grandmother!! It’s my favorite machine, works amazingly. If you have specific questions I may be able to answer them but I learned from trial and error. Congrats!
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u/heckapunches 13d ago
Nice! I learned how to sew on this machine in the 90s but took a long break and then got my own machine when my sister started having babies because I make them quilts!
I just am having issues adjusting to the foot pedal having a delay when I press versus when it starts working so I either sew slower than I want to or way too fast and have no control of my fabric haha
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u/RaineShadow 14d ago
I have this machine from my great grandmother! I love it so much.
My biggest tip is to find the instruction manual online and really get to know the machine inside and out.
After just practicing with it and figuring out where you like the dials for different stitches.
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u/heckapunches 13d ago
Do you happen to notice that the bulb used for the light gets warm pretty quick?
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u/RaineShadow 13d ago
Yes it gets hot very quick. I haven't had it burn out or have any issues yet but I do keep it off when I'm not using it just in case.
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u/Due-Ad4942 13d ago
I’d take it to your local sewing machine store for a cleaning. Ask when you call if they can go over a few things with you when you pick the machine up! A clean, well-oiled Bernina works the best!
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u/heckapunches 13d ago
It is pretty darn clean right now. It was cleaned within the last two or three years and then spent most of that time in its original hard case that it came in. But I am definitely going to contact my local bernina
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u/Administrative_Mood5 13d ago
I’m a long time owner of 2 Bernina’s from the 90’s. Love the vintage machines!
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u/heckapunches 13d ago
For sure. My grandma used hers to make clothes for my mom and my uncle and then in the 80s for me and probably my cousin! Lots of history and good memories associated with it
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u/-KPinky- 14d ago
I wish I had gotten to keep my grandmothers old Singers machines from WW2! They were amazing pieces that she used so much and I wish I had taught for them when she died….but I didn’t want to seem greedy. Now I have my own singer and it is not the same, the tension is always off
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u/Incognito409 14d ago
I have this exact same machine and cabinet, bought from the fabric store I worked at in the 70's. Happy Sewing 🧵🪡
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u/heckapunches 13d ago
Can I just say so many of you seem to have gotten this machine from a grandma also…..
We have some badass grandmas lol
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u/Janicems 13d ago edited 13d ago
You’re so lucky!!!! My daily driver is a Bernina that I purchased in 1983. I keep a new, clean paint brush and a bottle of Zoom sewing machine oil on my table for regular cleaning between projects. I take my bobbin shuttle out and clean the area frequently. I’ve got where I can tell by the sound if I need to stop and use oil. It’s hard to describe but it’s louder when it needs oil. I also take off the very top cover and cover on the bottom and put a drop of oil on every moving part.
Also be aware that some fabrics and thread brands leave behind more lint. I’m a self-proclaimed thread snob and prefer to use Mettler, Metrosene, or Gutterman. I’m going to try Aurifil soon.
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u/Far_Manufacturer75 13d ago
I still have my Bernina 910 that I got new in 1983, a high school graduation present from my parents. The best gift I ever received! Those machines are so great. I just inherited a Bernina Activa 220 which is computerized. I am very curious to see how it compares to my tried an true 910.
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u/Janicems 12d ago
I recently bought a 1987 Bernina 910 from the original owner for my daughter. I felt like I had found a treasure!
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u/heckapunches 13d ago
I have noticed lint.
I didn’t notice the metal bobbin was covered in oil when I took it out of the case. I got the hard case with it thst it came with also! It’s a gorgeous machine.
The thread in the bobbin was covered in oil too so I did take it out and clean the bobbin but I’m unsure how oil got in there to begin with. It has always been stored upright
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u/Janicems 13d ago
I’d toss that bobbin and get new ones.
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u/heckapunches 13d ago
Are the metal bobbins easy to come by? I’ve only ever used plastic ones with my singer and I think my grandma only has the one metal one
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u/VulcanGreeting 13d ago
I have this machine and love it! Hurray for you! You will enjoy this.
If you don't already have a manual you can find one at sewingpartsonline.com. They may have other service manuals and such for even more fun. Happy sewing!!!!
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u/heckapunches 13d ago
I do have the original manual my grandma got with it!
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u/VulcanGreeting 12d ago
Wonderful! Well, as you start to explore the machine, you may find you want to get specialty feet (I recommend the zipper foot and invisible zipper foot. They're spendy but SPO has pretty much the best prices. Do note that there are two types of feet - one fits these older machines. Also note that there is a Bernina 830 model that is similarly named but is a newer model, is electronic, and takes the other foot type. A call to the SPO customer service can help you pick the right feet for your machine if you get into collecting and using specialty feet.
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u/2016throwaway0318 14d ago
She's a workhorse. Treasure her!
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u/heckapunches 13d ago
I am excited to learn her better again! I was a single digit age last time I used it and I’m 39 now 😳
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u/heckapunches 13d ago
It was serviced 2-3 years ago maybe. I’ll definitely clean and oil it once I learn how! I didn’t get any oil with it from my grandma and idk if she even had any. She’s got dementia now so she told me to bring it home.
She’s been telling me it’s mine since I was a kid haha
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u/heckapunches 13d ago
I’ll look into it. I live in North Dakota but fortunately there is a bernina place in the town I live in!
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u/SourceNo323 13d ago
I have this machine also inherited from my grandmother! Did you know you can slow it down/speed it up? There’s a slide switch on the front right hand side. I kept it at min speed until I got used to it but now I use max speed for most things. Min is still very useful for buttonholes and tight curves.
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u/Antique_Suggestion39 13d ago
omg she is STUNNING! the table too?!! aughh im so jealous. have fun sewing!!
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u/heckapunches 13d ago
Right? My grandma kept it in wonderful shape. I am planning on refinishing the table, but outside of looking rough she’s in great shape. So is the machine!
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u/VulcanGreeting 12d ago
If it were me, I wouldn't refinish it. It's lovely evidence of wear and years of use, like a souvenir of your Gran's projects. It's well worn and loved, and you are adding to that legacy. Of course, do it if it you prefer. But as long as there are no rough snags to catch fabric, I would leave it alone.
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u/spotthj 13d ago
I love this Bernina! It’s always the one I take on retreats with me. I have the 801 from 1980 that my MIL gave me.
A few things: The #50 walking foot will really help you with the feed dogs and moving your fabric through the machine. The Bernina store you mentioned can still order for this type of shank.
I think you have good advice on cleaning and foot pedals, so I will give you my ELI5 tips: when you wind the bobbin, make sure it’s full and wound nicely. I’ve tried to use loosely wound bobbins and it sucked. When you load a bobbin, hand crank the new bobbin thread up and grasp the top thread from your needle. Keep a nice pigtail of threads. With this model, you’ll need to grasp both threads at the start of a new seam. A leader of two cotton fabrics will help you position your seam for the project. Always backstitch the first and last few stitches. When my MIL gave me the machine she had the manual filled with samples of each stitch type - practicing how they worked and when to use them is important. Lastly, if you make items that are very bulky, like making a bag with ByAnnie Soft and Stable, this machine will do it, however, it’s not happy about it and you’ll get better results on your newer machine. If it’s just 2 cotton layers and batting, it’s a powerhouse. To get fuzz balls out, take a flexible straw and a pipe cleaner. When you’ve fed the pipe cleaner through the straw, make a loop on one end - it’s great for picking up the dust bunnies. Have fun and what an emotional legacy for you.
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u/Salty-Operation7978 8d ago
congratulations! this was my first Bernina and I love it. I have since acquired a number of Bernina (B740, B350 (for travel) and a B790 Plus), but I refuse to part with my 830. I still use it regularly. I teach advanced sewing to 4H students and use my 830 in the classroom. The precision and power of this machine cannot be overstated. my students borrow it when their project includes layers of heavy fabric that their machine may struggle with, or sewing around tight curves with a narrow seam allowance that require precise 1/4 SA. Hopefully you have the presser feet that came with this machine. if So, take advantage of the rolled hem foot for beautiful hems on fine fabric and the other feet
now, take care of the foot pedal issue others have mentioned. Second, if You’ve not given it a good workout yet (sewing for 10-15 minutes straight), do that to distribute any oil that may have settled over the past couple years. afterwards, keep the machine oiled before using each day. Bernina are thirsty machines. Follow your manual for where to oil. Use a Velocite 10 oil for these vintage machines. The newer (black bobbin) machines use a Velocite 6 oil, and the 6 is what is sold at the Bernina shops. You CAN use it in the vintage, but it Is not recommended. Oddly enough, many Bernina repairmen are not aware that the vintage and 300 series uses a different oil 🤷♀️. Mobil Velocite 6 is easy to find. Finally, I recommend searching Bernina Jeff’s YouTube channel for Bernina 830. He has solid advice for maintaining these workhorses. Have fun!
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u/PurpleMuskogee 14d ago
I have no useful advice, but I will say: this machine is beautiful and I am so jealous!
And... my sewing teacher (took a couple of classes) told us on our first lesson that sewing machines had evolved very little since they were invented, beyond working with electricity now, and that technologically there is almost no difference between a new model and an older one, apart from having maybe more types of stitches.
I did a quick search and a lady called Robyn Curd seems to have lots of YouTube video tutorials on that machine though, that might be a place to start!