Bernina 830 – A Hall of Fame Sewing Machine
If I were to start a Sewing Machine Hall of Fame, the first inductees might include the Singer 221 Featherweight and maybe a Singer 201, but… I would definitely include one. Bernina 830.
This industry-proven sewing machine has many a dedicated following…and more and more seamstresses want to join the 830 club. As a result, although it was only produced between 1972 and 1977, it is probably more in demand today than ever before.
Unfortunately, the prices reflect this: there isn’t a huge supply, but there is a huge demand. Expect to pay $350-$800 for a good used machine! The Bernina 830 is one of those rare and happy mechanical occurrences where the manufacturer just got everything right (sort of like a 1957 Chevrolet!). These metal and mechanical marvels purr as softly today as they did when they first left the dealer’s showroom.
The manuals have long been out of print, although copies are easy to find on the Internet. There are also online support groups (as I said, there is a dedicated Following!)
The 830 is a robust mechanical machine, without computers or chips. It offers 21 stitches, of which 15 are decorative. It has 5 different needle positions and you can vary the width and length of the stitch up to 4mm. you also have a five step buttonhole; this is the same as a four-step buttonhole, with a fifth straight locking stitch on one side of the buttonhole seam.
The controls manage stitch length (including reverse), stitch width, and stitch selection (straight/zig-zag mode or decorative stitch mode). There’s a 5-step buttonhole dial, as well as selections to drop the feed dogs and go into a “slow speed/high torque” mode for extra punch!
Finally, there is a socket that accepts the Bernina presser foot lift arm. Push with your right knee to raise the sewing foot (you can also manually raise it with the standard lift arm behind the sewing head). To really use the knee raise correctly, you have to use your left foot for foot control! This takes a bit of getting used to, but it’s nice once you get it done.
The 830 is a free arm machine, although there is a sewing “table” that slides and locks onto the free arm, which uses old style Bernina feet. These are bayonet mount feet that are incredibly easy to put on and take off (that’s what sold me on my first Bernina). Tea old style The foot is slightly shorter than the new style.
Once you join the Bernina family, you will find yourself in constant football takeover Fashion! There are dozens and dozens of feet, but you can get by with just a few. Standard feet on an original 830 include zigzag, embroidery, overlock, blindstitch, buttonhole, mini darning, tailored basting, 4mm hem, pleats (7 slots), lapel hem, zipper, and the low shank adapter.
Bernina “Old Style” feet are readily available. List price tends to be $20 to $30 per foot; Used feet can only cost a few dollars on Ebay.
I occasionally had coil issues on Bernina models, but never on the 830 series. It just works every time.
The Bernina 830 is a simple machine, but there is something special about being simple. If it’s simple and easy to use… then it has to be very, very good! The Bernina 830 passes this test handily, as the legion of hobbyist owners attest. If you get the chance to start your own Hall of Fame, you couldn’t go wrong by listing the Bernina 830 as one of the first inductees!