Bernina 770 QE - 2 years later

It’s been two years since I upgraded to the Bernina 770QE, and I’m excited to share my thoughts on whether I still love it, if I miss my Bernina 330, and if I’d recommend the upgrade.

My sewing journey began over 25 years ago with a family heirloom machine, followed by a $100 Brother from Costco. On my 30th birthday, I got my Bernina 330, which became my workhorse through countless projects. I admit, I often neglected maintenance and pushed my machines to their limits (oops), so I’m especially grateful for the Swiss engineering and steel frame that make these machines virtually indestructible.

In 2020, I dove back into quilting during the pandemic. With more time on my hands, I started creating quilt tops, but the 330’s limited throat space caused some physical strain. My husband encouraged me to stick with it for a year to see if I was serious about sewing again and more consistently.

Fast forward to October 2022: a friend tipped me off to a fantastic finance event/sale (hint: it’s every October—one day only) at our local quilt shop. My husband and I went, and I ended up purchasing the Bernina 770QE with a 60-month 0% financing offer, which included two annual services. WOOHOO!

If you’re considering a Bernina upgrade, definitely keep an eye on that event—it’s a great opportunity!

Update: 2024 sale details are 72 months at 3.99%

I’ll begin by outlining the features of the Bernina 770QE, covering its performance, reliability, versatility, ease of use, any regrets or missed features, and concluding with whether I recommend the upgrade.

Features 

The 770QE offers a spacious 10-inch head space, a significant upgrade from the 6.3 inches on the 330. This extra room is perfect for larger projects, like free-motion quilting and king-sized quilts.

Automated Convenience:

• Automatic Thread Cutter: This feature saves time by eliminating the need for manual thread trimming.

• Programmable Foot Pedal: You can customize functions like raising or lowering the needle, cutting thread, and more.

• Larger Bobbin Spools: The 770QE uses jumbo bobbins, giving you roughly 70% more thread—great for longer sewing sessions without constant changes.

• Bobbin Warning Notice: No more surprises mid-project (and sweary words to accompany said empty bobbin - doh :P)

• Dual Feed: My absolute FAVORITE feature! It enhances fabric control, making it easier to handle tricky materials like wovens and you guys know how much I LOVE my wovens.

• Large Touch Screen: The 4.3-inch screen makes navigation intuitive and user-friendly.

• Embroidery Capability: This opens up new creative possibilities for your project to things such as quilt labels and spirit wear.

• On-Screen Support: Tutorials and reminders make maintenance easier.

The automatic thread cutter, larger bobbins, and dual feed are essentials I can’t live without.

Performance

The 770QE stitches at 1,000 stitches per minute, compared to 900 on the 330. This speed is a game changer when finishing quilt tops—pedal to the floor!

Reliability

In two years of use, I haven’t encountered any service issues or fabric thickness challenges that the machine couldn’t handle.

Versatility

I’ve made 20-30 quilts on this machine, several bags, and used various textiles, including webbing and vinyl. The 770QE hasn’t said no yet! While I didn’t initially get the embroidery module, I’ve thought about it for creating spirit wear and quilt labels. Time will tell if we welcome the addition to the family but I love having the possibility.

Ease of Use:

Comparing the 330 and 770, there’s definitely a learning curve. The 330 is basic—just plug it in and sew. The 770 has many more options, buttons, and menus. The local quilt shop offered a “Get To Know Your Machine” class, which was informative but packed with info. I often refer back to my notes or look for tutorials online. Once you’ve done it a couple of times, it becomes second nature.

Regrets? Missed Features?

Do I miss anything about my 330? Surprisingly, yes—its weight! The 770 is a heavy beast at nearly 32 pounds, while the 330 is only 17.6. If I had to travel for retreats, I’d likely choose the 330 for its portability, but I’d still want the 770 for my regular sewing.

Recommendations

Would I recommend the Bernina 770QE? Absofreakinglutely! It’s been a game changer for my quilt construction and bag making. I can’t wait to see how it performs for garment making, which I’m diving into soon.

If the 770 is beyond your budget, the Bernina 4 series (which replaced the 3 Series) is an excellent introduction. They’re durable and will help you figure out your sewing style, whether you’re a dedicated hobbyist or an occasional pants hemmer (hehe). The 5 series is also fantastic, offering dual feed and thread cutter features similar to the 7 series.

If you decide to join the Bernina family or upgrade, don’t forget to share and tag me—I’d love to congratulate you!

Happy Sewing!

-Alexis

Post is not sponsored by Bernina.