Bernina 830 Sewing Machine

The Bernina 830 Sewing machine, also known as the Bernina Record 830 sewing machine, is a very popular mechanical sewing machine. The 830 shows stitch designs numbered 0 to 20, with zig zag as number 0, and straight stitch isn't listed with a number at all, so they actually were giving buyers more than the listed 20 stitches, they give you 22 stitch designs, plus a built in buttonholer!
Decorative Embroidery stitches & Utility Stretch stitches
non jamming bobbin
2 speeds give you higher control over embroidery & delicate details, but also higher speed when you need or want it!
Bernina's patented automatic tension, so you can sew with a wide variety of thread thicknesses, without having to constantly adjust the tension.
Free arm- darn socks, sew jeans hems, sleeves, collars & cuffs easier!
Extension table to make sewing large projects easier
Extensive photos & clear instructions teach you how to sew like a professional!
multiple needle positions
Household, NOT industrial!
Adjustable feed dogs,to darn or to do freehand embroidery!
knee lift for raising & lowering presser foot "hands free"! Quilters love it!
Two needle sewing capability
Wide variety of specialty presser feet make all sewing jobs fast & easy!
Handy red carrying case makes it portable for sewing classes & clubs!
Accessory case (red) keeps presser feet & accessories neatly in carrying case
Walking foot available, a favorite for quilters!
BSR also available optional for smoother freehand embroidery stitching!

Don't let anyone scare you off these older Bernina sewing machines, by telling you that parts are not available to repair them. First, they don't break easily, or often, & second, there are millions of these sewing machines, and while some parts are a little harder to find than others, but since there are millions of these machines around the world, some of these machines become 'parts' machines, & provide donor parts to keep your machine running! Don't give up on the best machines, because someone wants to scare you into buying new!

It is nearly all metal, with only two nylon or plastic type gears- one is the main drive gear, and the other is the gear which engages the stack of metal cams that create all of the different stitches. Apparently only the 700 & 800 series had these gears made of a weaker material than was used in the 500, 600 & 900 series. Some people insist it was so buyers would take them into the Bernina shop to be repaired, & they would be talked into trading them in, & buying the newest & more expensive model, but despite the weak gears, these machines are KEEPERS! They are absolutely worth the time & money to repair & maintain them, they would literally last more than a century if they are properly cared for, & the high quality stitching, & wide variety of stitching adjustments & applications would never have gone out of "fashion" were it not for the computerization of sewing machines. These mechanical Berninas were the top of the line in their day, and as you can tell by trying to buy them on Ebay, these machines remain the most sought after, & have the highest resale value of any sewing machines(some have a bit more electronics in them too, & have an E after the model #)!


look for support groups like Yahoo group BonosBerninas or BerninaThirtySomething available where you can get information free on how to fix, maintain & use your Bernina sewing machines, the most loved, & highest resale value of any sewing machine

This is an amAzing workhorse of a machine. I had just sold my Bernina 807 (which I bought in 1975 and wanted the 830) so that I could purchase this Bernina 830. In 1975 when I bought my first Bernina, I did a lot of research and test-driving re other machines.

It has every bit as much power as it did when new (as did my 807, which came with a 40-year guarantee). It runs smoothly & surely, with good tension still intact as well. There are 20 specialty stitches which can be used for any number of creative applications.

This sewing machine is a definite go-to appliance if you are looking for everlasting quality but refuse to pay $1,000-$10,000 for the new sewing machines on the market. Plus, I much prefer a machine that is NOT electronic so that one can troubleshoot themselves if necessary. Also, the manual is free online at the Bernina website.

So get on eBay ... buy this machine!! You won't be sorry for even one moment.

I bought the Bernina 830 because I bought a new one in the 1970's and it was destroyed in the 1990's when my house was broken into. I have owned 3 sewing machines since and none of them are as good a sewing machine as my old 830. So when this one showed up at a reasonable price on ebay I bought it. It runs like a Swiss watch. Everything works exactly as intended and the machine is extremely rugged. It actually has quite a few decorative stitches and does more that just a basic machine that it is advertised as. For several years I was determined not to buy the old 830 because it's too hard to get parts and the motor can't last forever, but I finally gave in and am glad that I did. It's worth it no matter how long it lasts. They simply do not make them like this anymore.

Fabulous machine in perfect condition. I bought this for quilting and home decoration sewing. I like everything about this machine. It is powerful in a quiet way, easy to use, and does everything I ask of it. I didn't like the price but it was fair considering the work they did before I bought the Bernina. I am very happy I purchased from this vender. Everything they promissed was delivered.

Bernina always makes a great product. Whether new or old.I have really enjoyed this machine.I currently own three Berninas and enjoy all of them.