Bernina L890 Serger review

My birthday is today!! I turned 66 and I've been sewing for 53 years! I bought this machine as a birthday present to myself.  I bought the Bernina L860 serger a year ago and regretted not buying the L890 almost immediately. I didn't think I would use the coverstitch feature though so I went with the L860. But I sew for my toddler grandchildren and I really want that coverstitch now. So I traded up and I'm so happy I did.

This is what a coverstitch is... 

My goodness is this machine awesome! Right away I was stitching away on my first pair of toddler pajamas. All due to the on board touch screen and the features called "Expert Mode" & "Guided Mode". I learned how to use these features on the L860 but I need the help of the new machine's Guided Mode to learn how to set up the machine for coverstitch. This is a dream feature! A video right on the screen to show me what to do.

I use the Expert Mode all the time. I find this quicker to set the machine up but when I need the help, right in Expert Mode is a little button to tap that will bring up the Guided Mode video if I need it. Stitch length, differential feed, thread tension, cutting width or any other stitch parameter can be adjusted while sewing. A simple turn of the mtc (Micro Thread Control) lets you modify the amount of overedge thread. See what I mean about this machine being a dream?

The air threading is wonderful!  A puff of air threads the lower loopers!! By pressing the foot control with your heel, you can easily raise or lower the needle by a half stitch. The machine also has needle up/down. The Free Hand System lets you raise and lower the presser foot with your knee, leaving both your hands free to guide the fabric. I really liked this when sewing the ruffles on my granddaughter's dress.

The L890 sews using 2, 3, 4 or 5 threads. It sews ANY type of fabric, particularly highly elastic and knitted materials, and threads.

The only thing I will miss that isn't on this machine is the needle threader that was on the L860. Due to the 5 needle positions on the L890 they couldn't put a needle threader on this machine. But, heck, I know how to thread a needle so I'm sure I'll get over it. Besides, there is a feature that lets you swing the presser foot out of the way to reach the needles easier!

I did buy a curve foot but I haven't used that yet. I will use it when I'm attaching neckline facings.

I took a Mastery Class from my dealer and it was so helpful and fun! I enrolled in the Serger Club at my dealer as well, my first class isn't for another 5 days but we will be making a 3-Pocket Serger Travel Bag which will carry notions, accessories, etc. I'll leave a review of the pattern we will be using after the class is held.

I highly recommend this machine. National Serger Month is every April and Bernina dealers have fabulous pricing during this month on all their sergers.