****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
I'm not a sewer by any stretch of the imagination, but occasionally life calls for a sewing machine. As such I'm a bit hard on sewing machines because I clearly don't know my limits.I chose this machine because of the brand name, and the advertised qualities that state it can handle thicker materials and harder jobs, and so far it has. I have had to sew covers onto reflectix insulation for two different RV's windows. Each RV had at least 8 windows, and most weren't small. (The reasoning here is I moved into an RV full time two years ago; in reality I'll never be able to retire here in the US, so I moved into an RV to travel while I'm still young enough to enjoy it.)Living full-time RV life means the inevitable cold / stupid hot weather sometimes catches you, and having protection against those extremes makes all the difference in the world, hence the reflectix window coverings. I could have left them the shiny chrome color, but they look better with some fabric over them, plus, it adds an extra layer of protection.This little machine has plowed through several layers of different fabrics on reflectix with no issues. Some of the fabrics are burlap, flannel, and anti-slip fabric. I've also had to stitch a rug with thin rubber on the bottom. This little machine handles them all well and silky smooth.My only complaints are1- this machine weighs as much as a feather; I can lift it with one hand, and I'm a small female. Instead of a metal machine like they used to make, these new ones are crappy plastic just about everywhere. For a machine made to handle big, tough jobs, being so lightweight did lead to some moving around as I sewed bigger items.2 - I also found the cord to be a touch too short. Reaching the plug, the machine, and a table at a comfortable height left zero room for moving the footswitch anywhere but directly under the machine, and at a bit of a tilt at that. - I'm 5'1", so it's not like I was being unrealistic.3- The switch that lifts the foot up and down is in an awkward/weird position from other machines, and it is very short, thin, and plastic. When this plastic starts to break I would bet good money this is the first piece to go.All things considered, this little machine is a good one for tougher projects in regards to the thickness of fabrics and alternative materials. I only hope it lasts more than the new standard of 5-7 years, because at that point I'll just consider sewing projects a no-go. I won't spend the money on a plastic machine twice.I wish I had bought this brand decades ago when companies still used metal in their manufacturing. this new disposable mentality; "make em' cheap so they have to buy another more often" is both unsustainable and a little sleezy in my opinion.If you can find an older metal model I recommend it, but if not this little thing will work fine. Just don't expect to pass it on to any family. The only possible outcome after myself is the landfill.Welcome to 2022.So far, I love the Bernette 35. It is light weight but steady and serviceable. I plan to use it to make draperies and pillow covers and have made one pillow cover since it set it up yesterday. The setup took a little longer than I expected because you have to read the directions and look at the pictures carefully. I have been sewing for 60 years, and I think it is a my favorite machine. Haven't tried the different stitches yet, but straight sewing is easy stitches are a consistent size.I purchased this sewing machine may 2022, and tbh, it's a GREAT sewing machine, very solid, lots of features and very easy to use.the bad:the needle threader stopped working (broke) after a month of 2 times a week use, so not that long. I've tried to get a replacement needle threader only to be told that it's on indefinite backorder, with no ETA. I relied heavily on the needle threader to thread the needle. I have tried threading manually, but being a left hand threader, my hand blocks the light when I try to thread it and I can't see the eye of the needle.I am out of my 30 day return window, with a sewing machine I can no longer enjoy. anyone want to buy a GREAT sewing machine with non functioning needle threader? seriously.Machine is very noisy and won’t sew over multiple layers of fabric such as seams without bobbin thread getting caught underneath. Took it to an authorized Bernina/Bernette dealer to be looked at. Repairman couldn’t find anything wrong with it. Oiled it, etc. Got it home and proceeded to mend a child’s knit dress. Still noisy, tho not as bad as before servicing, but as soon as I needed to stitch over a seam, the needle froze due to bobbin thread catching up underneath again. As I’m past the return window, I’m out $300.I've had the Bernette for only a few days but so far I LOVE it. I'm replacing a Husqvarna Viking I paid $1200 for, which was a FORTUNE 40 yrs ago and it cannot be repaired. I called Viking..They said to junk it because parts were no longer available and they would not provide a repair manual for me to try to fix myself. (shame on Viking..it was supposed to last a lifetime so I would never buy a Viking again). I thought paying under $300 for the Bernette 35 is great! I wont feel so bad if/when it dies. Suggestion..buy a Bernette (not generic one) walking foot. It really makes this machine great. Sellers should offer a walking foot in an optional bundle. I have tested the Bernette on multiple layers, of denim and on a flimsy napkin and both did great. Only complaints..its got alot of plastic and does not come w a hard case. I love that it is not computerized as I have to deal w enough touch screens!I just got the machine today and it seems to working fine at the moment. I’m new to sewing with a machine so I can’t really give an input on how great it is. But it is poorly put together. I was testing it out and when I went to put it away, two screws were left on the table. I placed the machine on it’s side and see the two holes where the screws were supposed to go and notice it is missing washers as well. This is the reason I’m giving it 3 stars.Replaces a Bernina electronic that just doesn't want to behave (reverses randomly). Cost to fix last time was over the price of this machine. Wife decided she wasn't going to pay to fix it again.I have a 40 + year old Bernina which i love using but it's showing its age so after much deliberation i bought the bernette and I'm so glad i did ! The stitching is beautiful and this is such an easy machine to useI have other machines but this is best and the needle threader works every time. I'm a very happy owner!This is the creme de la creme of basic non-computerised sewing machines. It's wonderful to use, it glides through material. The main reason that I upgraded from a slightly less grand John Lewis machine was that it does buttonhole in just one step. That superb feature alone is worth buying this machine for but there are many more good features too.After 37 years my trusty Bernina had to be retired.Like other reviewers I didn't want to pay the high price to buy the same again.This little Bernette 35 is perfect. Sturdy and solid, with lovely stitches.And best of all it is a mechanical sewing machine with no computerised controls.Delivered on time. Quite easy to set up and already used for basic sewing only at the momentVery pleased so farI've been using an old Bernina which must be 55 years old - but is now resting in peace.Hope this has the same lifespanI was looking for something sturdy that would be used only once in a while. So, with the aid of You tube I found it easy to set up and use.
