Bernina 770: Unboxing, review, info, and my experiences

Bernina 770 QE Plus review and unboxing: In this post, I will share my experience with the Bernina 770, along with plenty of tips and information.

The most important points at a glance

• In this blog post, I share my experience with the Bernina 770 QE Plus
• I test it according to my personal evaluation criteria
• And, of course, I provide an insight into the functions and features of the Bernina
• You will also get tips for purchasing and getting started with this machine
• I show you how the Bernina is cleaned, oiled, and threaded
• At the end of the post, I summarize my experiences for you

Actually, I wasn't really in the mood to get involved in the "new sewing machine" experiment. But things turned out the way they had to: I found myself wishing for a sewing machine with an embroidery unit. And because I found a wonderful local sewing machine shop, I just popped in there "without obligation."

And what was there? Well, what a surprise...

Although there are other brands in this sewing machine shop, everything ultimately revolves around Bernina. The entire building, which dates back to the 18th century, practically breathes the Bernina spirit. It's no wonder, then, that I had to state with a furrowed brow right away that the B480 wasn't really "the one" for me.

The specialist dealer led me to the B770 and simply showed me what it could embroider. She then took plenty of time to explain the machine to me step by step—not just the embroidery function, but everything else the machine can do. That was in November 2022. Since then, I have tested the machine on many occasions and for various projects, and I can now provide a well-founded report on the advantages and disadvantages of the Bernina.

Very important: I chose, ordered, and paid for the machine myself. For me, this is an important prerequisite for being able to state my opinion on products openly and honestly.

By the way: This special edition is rarely available anymore. If you are looking for this BERNINA (or if you are a dealer and still have some in stock), please send me an email at Sabine at SewSimple.de

Sometimes I succeed in putting dealers and prospective buyers in touch with each other. 🙂👍🏻

YouTube Video Bernina 770 QE Plus Unboxing, Experience & Info

These are the criteria I use to evaluate the Bernina 770 QE Plus

So, what does my personal evaluation catalog look like? Well, personal, for sure. I don't want to recite technical specifications to you, but rather describe how the machine works, what it comes with, what it can do, and how much I like it.

At the end of this post, you should ideally be able to decide for yourself whether a 7-series Bernina is a candidate for you or not.

I also did some research on the Bernina brand, took a look at a "naked Bernina," and documented the unboxing for you. In doing so, I have gathered more than just the "standard" criteria for this test and experience report.

It is important to me: I want to make my information and experiences available to you so that you can find the right machine for yourself. Of course, there is more information on purchasing sewing machines on SewSimple. Take a look:

• Juki DX7 Test Report
• Juki UX8 Test Report
• Bernina 480 Test Report
• Janome Horizon Unboxing
• Janome Horizon Test Report
• Buying an Overlock Sewing Machine
• Buying an Industrial Sewing Machine
• Finding the Right Sewing Machine

How do the individual Bernina sewing machine series differ?

Bernina often refers to the 7, 8, or 4 series, or different ranges. But what does that actually mean? A glance at the technical specifications of the different series makes this clearer, as they differ primarily in their construction. Often, an embroidery module is also available for individual models, as is other accessories.

The mechanics of machines within a series are identically constructed, but they differ in their functions, programming, and possibilities.

When buying a Bernina, you should think beforehand about which functions are important to you and also in which direction your sewing passion might develop over time.

What is special about Bernina sewing machines?

If you had asked me that a year ago, my answer would have been a shrug. In the meantime, however, I have been sewing on my Bernina 770 QE since November 2022 and am a bit better informed. Beyond many other unique features, I believe Bernina is characterized by the following points:

• Manufacturing in Switzerland: Bernina has a second factory in Thailand but also manufactures many machines entirely in Switzerland. This makes it the only sewing machine manufacturer that produces in the Western world.
• Functional presser feet: The factory in Steckborn produces around 500,000 presser feet per year. Each is manufactured and polished by hand. Unlike other sewing machines, Bernina feet are not interchangeable due to the special mounting method.
• Diverse presser feet: There are many specially designed, custom-made feet, such as the roller foot or the edgestitch foot, for which there is no comparable equivalent from other manufacturers. Overall, Bernina offers the widest range of presser feet available. This is especially interesting if you are planning special sewing projects or like working with unusual materials.
• Maintenance requirements: Bernina sewing machines are not "maintenance-free" machines that you can wear out without care. They consist of many metal parts (which is what makes them so heavy!) that must be oiled regularly. The maintenance itself is not elaborate; oiling is easy. You just have to remember to do it.
• Not a "throwaway" product: Experience shows that you don't fall in love with a Bernina spontaneously. It takes time to get to know such a machine and develop a feeling for it. And once that has happened, it can turn into a happy and very, very long relationship: Berninas can accompany you throughout a lifetime and hold their value very well (if you want to switch to the next larger model).

What does the Bernina factory floor look like?

You can visit the Bernina factory in Steckborn, did you know that? Of course, you have to register, and then you have the opportunity to tour the entire factory in about an hour and a half. I find that very confidence-inspiring.

However, Bernina is currently on a secret mission: Tours are suspended until summer 2024 because a novelty is currently being manufactured at the Steckborn factory. Naturally, I asked directly when I had Matthias Fluri (you might know him from the Bernina blog) on the phone. In his wonderfully dry manner, he said, "Well, it's probably not a swimming pool, is it?!"

I am very curious about what awaits us next year. I have to say, the beautiful machines of the last few years have set my expectations quite high. But let's take a look at the production at Bernina together:

What does a Bernina look like from the inside?

I was lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the inner workings of a Bernina from the 7 series. You can clearly see how many components are made of metal (and not plastic). This makes these machines particularly high-quality and durable.

Unfortunately, other manufacturers do not let you see under the hood regarding the construction of their machines so easily. I would have liked to take a look at a comparable model. Although, I currently couldn't say how "comparable" would even be defined.

Buying a sewing machine: My 12 personal evaluation criteria

Of course, you can evaluate a sewing machine based on many different criteria. But I realized that certain things are more important to me than others. Therefore, I place special value on the following points:

1. Is the user manual understandable and easy to follow?
2. Is the machine easy to thread?
3. Is the technology self-explanatory and intuitive to operate?
4. Does the machine come with useful accessories?
5. Is the sewing table large enough?
6. Does the machine have space for large projects?
7. What is it like regarding noise and vibration?
8. Are the presser feet easy to change?
9. Does the machine handle the start of seams well (even with jersey)?
10. Does it also handle thick areas?
11. Is sewing comfortable (threader, thread cutter, knee lifter, multifunctional pedal)?
12. Is the machine easy to clean and oil?
13. Does the machine score with sewing fun?

Unboxing Bernina 770 QE Plus

To give you an impression of how the Bernina 770 is packaged and what it brings to the table, here are the pictures of my unboxing.

Is the user manual for the Bernina 770 QE Plus easy to understand?

The Bernina user manual is a hefty volume, comprehensive and detailed. And it really should be. Because it is important to get familiar with the machine before you start using it. Otherwise, exactly what happened to me with the Bernina 480 will happen: a crash landing. I am convinced today that the B480 and I could have been very happy if I had spent more time familiarizing myself with how it worked beforehand.

For some functions, the images could be even clearer, for example when threading. But there are a lot of helpful videos where you can see exactly how it works.

Is the Bernina 770 QE Plus easy to thread?

The semi-automatic threading isn't for everyone. And yes, you have to get used to it first. But once you understand how the thread needs to be inserted into the threader, it works without any problems.

The same applies to the bobbin: it is located at the front under the stitch plate. Generally, I find it easier when the bobbin case is integrated into the stitch plate because the LED light can then illuminate the threading process. But that's just how the Bernina is designed. You get used to it quickly. However, it took me quite a while after cleaning to get the hook back in. It requires a bit of dexterity. And unfortunately, I lack that, especially when I'm in a hurry.

After a few tries, it’s going quite well now. The trick is to hold the hook with your thumbs and set it in at an angle by letting it snap into place at the bottom first.

Is the technology of the Bernina 770 QE Plus self-explanatory and intuitive to operate?

A Bernina like this has a mind of its own. Just turning it on and starting to sew is not a good idea. But once you have familiarized yourself with its quirks and functions and practiced with a few scraps of fabric, it becomes easier. I have to say, the large display made getting started very easy for me. After about half an hour (and a relaxed afternoon with the manual on the garden bench), I already felt quite confident.

Important: Do not expect yourself to grasp everything your new Bernina has and can do within a few hours. Try out the functions and possibilities one by one. In my view, getting familiar with the machine before you start is key with Berninas.

Does the Bernina 770 QE Plus come with useful accessories?

Depending on the model, the Bernina of course comes with more or less generous accessories. My Bernina 770 QE Plus included the following parts:

• Dust cover
• Accessory box for storing feet, etc.
• Free-hand system (knee lifter)
• Slide-on table (it clicks in!)
• 2 stitch plates (one of which has a small hole)
• Spool caps (for different sized thread spools)
• 5 jumbo bobbins
• 2 foam discs for the spool holder (prevent the spools from sliding)
• Stylus (for operating the display, but it also works easily with your finger)
• Seam ripper
• Height compensation tool: for sewing thick spots
• Universal needles
• Edge guide for the presser foot
• Screwdriver (for changing needles)
• Slotted screwdriver
• Angle screwdriver (for loosening the screws in the cover)
• Brush
• Small oil bottle
• Power cord
• Foot control (can be assigned various functions)

Several presser feet were also included:

• Reverse pattern foot: THE standard presser foot
• Reverse pattern foot for use with the built-in dual feed (has a small cutout on the back of the foot)
• Buttonhole foot: kept really simple at Bernina and is fun to use!
• Zipper foot
• Open embroidery foot
• Patchwork foot
• BSR (Bernina Stitch Regulator) for free-motion quilting

Important: Many Berninas are also available with an embroidery module, and it can definitely be worth considering buying such a combo machine. For me, that was ideal because space in my sewing room is quite limited and I cannot accommodate an additional embroidery machine. The embroidery module can simply be clicked on or removed, just as I need it. There is no need for a complex conversion of the machine.

Bernina blog moderator Matthias Fluri says about the Bernina 770 QE Plus: "From my perspective, the machine is currently the best choice for patchworkers and quilters. It offers plenty of space to the right of the needle, ensures a consistently precise stitch pattern, and has numerous features and accessories on board that make sewing easier and better, e.g., the BERNINA Stitch Regulator (BSR). Furthermore, it is embroidery-capable, meaning you can add an embroidery module immediately or at a later time if needed."

Is the sewing table of the Bernina large enough?

There are certainly sewing machines with larger slide-on tables. And I enjoy it when I have enough room for my projects. But especially with very large slide-on tables that are attached as extras, it is usually the case that feet with height regulators are involved and you have to balance the whole thing out first so that the height is correct and the table doesn't wobble.

With Bernina, the slide-on table is simply pushed onto the free arm until it clicks into place, and that’s it.

For me, perfect and user-friendly.

Does the Bernina 770 QE Plus have space for large projects?

With 25.4 cm to the right of the needle, the Bernina comes with a generous amount of space. For the 8 series, it's an impressive 30 cm. The question is: how much space do I really need? I mainly sew clothing, but I would also like to sew a patchwork quilt at some point. Therefore, I think it's good when both work. For me, the space offered by the Bernina is absolutely appropriate.

Unfortunately, the Bernina in the K. Fasset Edition is sold out practically everywhere. It is extremely popular. No wonder, it is not only a masterpiece technically, it also looks incredibly great. In the meantime, Bernina has followed up and has also released smaller Berninas with the Kaffe Fasset design^*.

Unfortunately, the small machines are quickly sold out everywhere. An alternative are the "normal" editions of the Bernina 475 Quilters Edition^* and the Bernina 570 Quilters Edition^*.

How loud is the Bernina 770 QE Plus? Does it vibrate when sewing?

The Bernina is a large machine with around 10,000 components and a considerable weight. If it is on a vibrating surface, for example in the middle of a table, it can happen that the whole thing starts to vibrate. The only thing that helps is to set up the machine near a table leg and/or sew more slowly.

How convenient is the Bernina 770 QE Plus?

Think thread cutter, securing function, needle threader, bobbin sensor, knee lifter, thread sensor, thread catcher. Yes, this machine is convenient.

You don't know what a thread sensor is? It is a function that lets the machine show you whether the upper and lower threads are threaded correctly. This way, you notice immediately if the bobbin is empty or if the upper thread has broken.

The thread catcher sits under the stitch plate and "collects" cut-off thread ends and lint. You can open it and then easily remove everything that doesn't belong there with tweezers. And depending on the project, that can be quite a bit... ;)

What about the sewing fun with the Bernina 770 QE Plus?

Once you have familiarized yourself with this machine and found out everything it can do for you, it's really great. At least that was the case for me. And I am far from finished discovering it. SewSimple keeps bringing new challenges to me, but also to my sewing machine. For me, it is reassuring to know that I can grow with my sewing machine. And with my tasks.

The fact that I am enthusiastic about the seams, stitch patterns, and possibilities is of course half the battle. With my OLIV shirt dress, I really went all out with the Bernina, take a look:

Is the Bernina easy to clean and oil?

Maintenance is really crucial for this machine. Simply sewing away without oiling it just doesn't work. The many metal parts must be able to work harmoniously together. And that requires oil.

However, it is not as if you have to be a sewing machine technician to get this job done. The Bernina has oil points. These are small felt pads placed at the critical points. They must be well moistened with oil. A sewing machine oil dispenser like this one^* is suitable for this. It has a long nozzle that allows you to reach the oil points easily.

Before you oil the machine, you should remove lint, dust, and thread ends. The thread catcher, which opens at the touch of a button and allows you to remove the thread ends under the presser foot, is also helpful here. The stitch plate is simply lifted off by a short push with your finger.

After oiling (read my blog post on this: Cleaning and oiling your sewing machine), you should run the machine for a few minutes. This is important so that the oil distributes well everywhere. While the machine runs (in neutral, so to speak), it warms up and the oil spreads into the smallest corners.

Afterwards, you should sew a few seams on absorbent fabric to get rid of excess oil (it shouldn't end up on your next sewing project). A piece of fabric under the presser foot also absorbs oil and helps to relax the machine's mechanics when the presser foot is lowered. This also protects the sole of the foot.

Should I buy my Bernina locally or online?

Honestly? I think both have their justification. I am actually an advocate of local shopping, so I love buying from local retailers. Unfortunately, I don't always find exactly the device or accessory I need there, and therefore I also buy online. Which I don't think is a bad thing. For example, Nähwelt Flach^* also offers many Bernina machines and accessories on Amazon.

If you buy a Bernina from a local specialist dealer, you can expect to receive good instruction and customer service there. At the latest since Corona, we have all developed the appropriate skills to gather information about the (sewing) objects of our desire on our own.

However, buying a Bernina online is also possible: There are now so many detailed tutorials, videos, picture instructions, and much more that no question remains unanswered. The good thing about it: You can watch the videos again and again, start, stop, and repeat them as often as you like. When it comes to new workflows, I do it by implementing the videos 1:1. The product videos from Bernina themselves are also really helpful.

Reading tip: Buying a sewing machine

Conclusion: How I rate the Bernina 770 QE Plus overall

All in all, I have to say: Initially, I really had my doubts about whether I would warm up to such a Bernina. And even though it has been living with me since November 2022, our getting-to-know-you process is not yet complete.

Which I think is good. I am motivated to grow with the machine, try new things, test my and its abilities, and be inspired by the possibilities. Because when I realize that a machine has some function, I often come up with a suitable project for it. Just to celebrate the function.

I think the many presser feet are really cool. Sure, nobody has every Bernina presser foot. You don't need them either. They are expensive (because they are handmade) and it is always a consideration which foot you actually need. Buying feet on suspicion is not that interesting for me. But sometimes it happens that I come across one (which feet should do, after all) and I think: Yeah, I want that. That happened to me now with the punch hole attachment, which you can use for sewing eyelets. I ordered it. As soon as it arrives, I will report on it in my blog post on the topic of sewing eyelets with the sewing machine.

By the way, I have the Bernina 770 QE Plus in the K. Fassett edition, because I like the design so much and I am a big fan of his work. I actually met him at the h+h 2023 in Cologne. A big moment for me...

It's actually a pity that I didn't have my Bernina with me. I would have loved to get it signed. ;) You can take a closer look at how the Bernina works in many of my videos. Feel free to click over to the SewSimple YouTube channel!

One thing is certain: After a somewhat longer warm-up phase, the Bernina has grown dear to my heart and I wouldn't want to be without it anymore.

I hope this test and review of my Bernina has contributed a little to helping you make a good, informed purchasing decision.

Happy simple sewing, your Sabine

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