Bernina Activa Research Blog

14 Responses to “Bernina Activa Research Blog”

1. Ervin on May 17th, 2009 6:44 am

   I have been a quilting instructor for years and a few years ago I was researching for a good machine to use in my classes with certain specifications: easy to use and transport, dependable and durable. So when I was visiting a local quilt shop during a class, I asked if there was an affordable machine the quilters would recommend. I figured they would know if anyone did! Unanimously, the Brother CS6000i was the recommendation. So I asked my hubby for this machine as a gift and he purchased it for me. I’ve had it over two years now and I have enjoyed it immensely; a really great experience all around. I have many machines (industrial machines, featherweight(s)to high-end Bernina’s and this machine is everything I hoped for: needle-down/buttonhole stitch/easy bobbin winder/multiple speeds/lightweight… I could go on and on. I’m still amazed at the great price it was and I use it at class and at home now. I do highly recommend using good thread… if you are making something and spending the time and effort, good thread is worthwhile! Good thread is not overly expensive and your product is only as good as your materials. Bottom line: amazing machine for the price and I recommend it to new students confidently and often.

2. Gallup on May 18th, 2009 6:11 am

   This is the best sewing machine I’ve ever used! I have been sewing for about 15 years on a basic (non-computerized) machine, which finally bit the dust. I kept an eye out for sales and specials to replace it, and this was the best deal, both in stores or on-line. The machine is extremely light to carry and yet is solid in durability. The other (very) nice thing is how quiet it is! I can’t wait for more sewing projects so I can utilize all the stitches and functions that it has.

3. Huey on May 19th, 2009 6:43 am

   I own 5 machines, my daughters each have their own also. This is our new favorite. Great decorative stiches. Be sure to get the quilt table that attaches. I’ve made 3 quilts on it so far. LOVE IT!

4. Utsunomiya on May 20th, 2009 6:35 am

   I am a beginner sewer and have been pretty impressed with this machine. I made my first quilt with it and it turned out great. It comes with a ton of accessories, is quick and easy to learn and use, and for what it comes with is a deal. The only trouble I have had is with thread tension, I seem to need to reset the tension everytime I need to reload the bobbin- but I am unsure if it is the machine or if it is my inexperience.

5. Jackman on May 21st, 2009 6:03 am

   This machine works great. The needle threader does not work. It is not installed correctly. For what I paid, I can thread the needle myself. I have used this machine steadily for the past few weeks. It is a pleasure to use. I miss some of the things you get with a more expensive machine, For this price I have a machine that is fun to use. I would recommend to anyone.

6. Barfield on May 22nd, 2009 6:32 am

   It’s been 30 years since I even touched a sewing machine. Within 48 hours of receiving this one, I’ve already completed 3 projects! The manual has easy-to-follow Quick Start guides. There is also a very helpful instructional dvd, which shows steps for set-up. The machine runs like a dream. I’ve already used 4 of the “special” stitches. The machine has a nice weight to it; comes with many accessories in a handy, hidden compartment; and, it is very quiet. This machine would be great for beginners or experienced sewers. I look forward to many good years of use.

7. Ives on May 23rd, 2009 6:49 am

   have had this machine for about a year. i sew mostly thin cottons and have not had any problem. easy & simple to use. sorry but can’t comment on the machines performance on thick, slippery or stretchy fabrics. am overall happy with this sewing machine.

8. Quijano on May 24th, 2009 6:13 am

   I can’t really say enough good things about this machine. I inherited my first sewing machine from my mother-in-law, an old manual workhorse Kenmore from 1981 that still sews really well. I wanted to get an all-electronic machine mainly for the pre-programmed settings and updated threading system.

   Like most electronic machines, this one is pretty easy to use. Pick your stitch with just a few presses of a button, then you’re ready to sew. Of course, you can modify your stitch length and width by sliding a lever or two, but it is nice to have everything set to optimum length and width automatically. The machine comes with a good number of stitches, although I honestly don’t stray very far from the regular old zig-zag and straight stitches. I will say that the overlock stitch looks absolutely identical to the ones created by a professional serger.

   The threading system is pretty nice, too. While it’s not quite as easy as the one on the Singer Curvy (where all you need to do is pull the thread through a slot and press a lever) I’m used to the complicated ins and outs of my old machine, so anything is a huge improvement. Singer calls it their “six second threading system” and, so far, I’ve found that claim holds up. The drop-in bobbin is very handy, especially for someone like me, who is used to fussing with an old-school side-loading bobbin. I guess it would be nice to have a bobbin that didn’t need to be drawn up (as seen in the Curvy and several newer machines) but it’s not exactly like pulling teeth with this machine. The presser foot lifts up enough so that you can fit your fingers underneath and grab the little “loop” that the bobbin thread makes, so now I don’t have to struggle with it at all.

   One small gripe I have with the machine is that the needle always ends in the up position. I know this is for easy withdrawal of materials, but it would be nice to have the option for the needle to end in the down position, if one so chooses. I do a lot of applique work that requires pivoting around tight corners, so it would be nice to have this option. However, I’ve just learned to release the foot pedal a bit early and then hand-crank the machine into the next stitch, leaving it in the down position so I can pivot smoothly.

   I think you’ll also find that the feeding system is pretty reliable. The machine has a six-piece feed system that has been very nice so far. There’s no feature to drop the feed dogs, but the included darning plate should suffice. The presser foot is pretty good at accommodating materials of various thicknesses without having to manually readjust the height (as in older machines). Finally, the little light is a nice, bright LED that remains blessedly cool no matter how long you sew.

   Overall, it’s just a really nice machine for the price. If you’re interested in upgrading to something with all the bells and whistles, I suppose that the Curvy would be a better option, but if you want something that works well, is easy to use, and nicely priced, try this one out.

9. Greenstreet on May 25th, 2009 6:58 am

   I bought this sewing machine for my teenage daughter. She loves the fact that, unlike my machine, this one is easy to thread. It has a lot of decorative stitches, many of which will probably never get used. So far it’s done well on medium to light weight material. Have not tried heavier stuff, like denim or upholstery fabric. I would have given it five stars if it had come with a carrying case. As it is, it gets four.

10. Deutsche on May 26th, 2009 6:29 am

    I have not sewed for a long time and consider myself an advanced beginner. I wanted to get back into sewing without spending a lot, yet I did not want just a basic machine. I found what I wanted with the 7470. It has a lot of cute decorative stitches and a couple built in alphabets in addition to the usual utility stitches. It comes with all the basic feet, a soft plastic cover, nicely done instruction manual, and all the other extras like needles and bobbins. So far I have made some nice home dec type of things and hope to start a garmet next. The 7470 is very smooth running and sews nicely. The menus are very easy to use. It has a mirror image, repeat inifinity stitch and can handle double needles. The sewing area is wide and sturdy. The machine threads easily, the bobbin is drop in, and the needle threader really works!! So far I am very pleased and think I did good getting this one!

11. Thorne on May 27th, 2009 6:37 am

    Don’t know a whole lot about it other than it seems to work great. My wife has operated sewing machines in the past but never owned her own… She was able to get it up and running in less than 10 minutes and has never looked back.

    For the price you can’t go wrong with this machine.

12. Forrester on May 28th, 2009 6:21 am

    I thought this machine was jam proof. There are a lot nice features to this machine, but my thread keeps jamming up. I’m thinking of returning it.

    4/1/09 -
    I cleaned out the bobbin area, removed any threads, and rethreaded top and bottom and it now works like a charm. I’ve had to do this twice so far, so I’m not sure if it is something that I am doing wrong. It works great now. I decided to keep it. I would like to change my rating to 4 star, but can’t seem to do that. My 20 year old daughter likes the alphabet feature and the dog stitch.

13. Cox on May 29th, 2009 6:14 am

    I bought this machine in Nov.2008 and have been using it for about 4 months now. I had an entry level Singer for 22 yrs and decided to upgrade to this electronic machine. I consider myself an intermediate sewer who mostly does alteration for my family(taking in, hemming up, etc), and some easy sewing such as pajama pants, window valances, pillow cases,etc.

    I am very pleased with the Singer Confidence, especially the price for the functions you get.

    2 things I totally enjoy: 1)the automatic needle threader is wonderful! The trick is to make sure you start out with the needle in the highest position, and just follow the pictures in the manual. 2) the auto thread tension works! The machine does adjust itself to the fabric. Although it’s still very important that the correct needle size is used. For just these 2 things, I find it worth the money.

    PS- The embroidery is small (alphabet, a dog, heart, etc) and I understand that this is an entry level machine for embroidering. You only get a taste of it. This is not a serious embroidering machine.

14. Estrada on May 30th, 2009 6:56 am

    I love my machine, I have made so many things with it since I bought it. It is very self explanatory, easy to follow directions, and well made. I can only share good things about this machine!! Must have for passionate sewers!

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