Just came across this and just had to comment. I bought my 1130 32 years ago. Couldn't afford the 1230. Just seem REALLY weird to see it described as "vintage". It's done me proud and is still powering through anything I throw at it. It's done upholstery, curtains, baby gear, bridal outfits, and alot of clothes and quilts. And I now own some truly vintage machines, 3x530's from the late 50's, a 540 Favorit 1958, and a 730...love them all.
Had, a problem with the reverse push in button also. Reverse work on full time reverse, so I knew reverse motor worked. I found a new old stock printed circuit board on line for a 1130. I have a 1130 also and reverse circuit board look the same. It was 😭 a little different where the eyes come out at the bottom of the machine but it fit. Put the machine back together and now reverse works. Maybe this will help you out. Chuck
I haven't used the letter program function for years on my great 1230. My machine is about 28 years old. It still sews great and gets serviced to keep it in good condition.
Still loving my 1230 after all these years. Took it in for tune-up recently and purchase a 535 which sews twin-needle knit hems much better. However, I am disappointed that for the price I lost simple 1230 features I took for granted. 1) I happen to really love the permanent reverse feature, but the 530 requires 2 menu selections to get there which I find too much of a bother. 2) The regular reverse is a tiny button just below the thread cutter which I’m always accidentally choosing. 3) What bothers me the most is that I cannot back off one stitch by reversing the handwheel, or reposition the needle exactly where I need it to be for appliqué work. Overall I sew a lot of knits so I’m happy with the 535 but it is not near as nimble as my beloved 1230.
Purchased my 1230 from a retired master quilter I am determined to put this machine to good use. I promised her this beautiful machine would be in good hands with me and will use it to sew and serve others. Your video is very informative and will replay your videos several times till i learn everything.
This is SO helpful, because HEAVEN FORBID I would r-e-a-d t-h-e m-a-n-u-e-l. :o) I got a really nice used 1260, and I absolutely LOVE it. I can't wait till you do your video on the auto buttonholer. Thanks so much. :O) Annette P.S. AND my girlfriend is getting a 570, and she's GIVING me her 1630, so I watched those videos, too, even before I have it.
I have one and love it. Will never part with it. I was told today the light/on switch was wearing out and you can't get parts, so I'm never to turn it off. Must be a part somewhere. Otherwise, it's golden.
I was just gifted a 1230 & have never had a computer machine. It has not been used for more than 8 years but has been stored in an air conditioned home. Before I put this machine to use I want to make sure it is clean (I have rebuilt vintage Singers from top to bottom) . Can you do a video on basic cleaning and oiling of this machine as well as threading?
Hi Jeramy I have a 1080 Bernina wondering if you can tell me where I can buy the manual for it I’ve searched and do you have a video on this 1080 machine thankyou I found your video great 😊
I am in need of maintenance information on the feed dogs on my 1230. Switch sounds like it is no longer connected tho I can manually raise the feed dogs. Can you help?
hello, i found the same model in mint condition with complete inclusions (hard cover, complete presser foot, catalog, complete accessories) and i would like to ask is it worth it to buy the 1230 instead of a brand new singer heavy duty (6335M Denim)?
I pushed the basting stitch button on my beloved 1230 last night and the needle no longer goes up and down! In 30 years, I'd never used this stitch, and now I'm wondering if this is going to take a trip back to the service center. Didn't know this was a quirk of this machine. Has anyone else had this problem?
Mine did the same thing only it is an 1130. I found the problem in this video: czcams.com/video/oh95Us0nNXU/video.html I don't want to take my machine apart myself, so I'm having it repaired. It is just a stuck lever and is associated with the basting stitch.
Thanks for the tip. I took mine to a Bernina dealership for the fix. Unfortunately, the one I referenced in this post, was for a 1230 I'd just sold online They buyer found the flaw, and I thankfully, she was willing to take it to a dealership near her where I paid for her repair.
I have a question. I just found one at the thrift store and I tried it at home and it is only feeding the fabric backwards. In a regular machine the fabric goes away from you but the one I got it feeds it towards me. Do you have any idea on how to fix it?
There should be an attachment in your toolbox that looks like a tiny grey "tube" with a rubber collar on one end. Push the rubber collar over the bulb. It grips the bulb, allowing you to gently push it in, and counter-turn it about 45 degrees which will dis-engage and release it from the machine. Do the same in reverse when you're putting in the new bulb.
Just came across this and just had to comment. I bought my 1130 32 years ago. Couldn't afford the 1230. Just seem REALLY weird to see it described as "vintage". It's done me proud and is still powering through anything I throw at it. It's done upholstery, curtains, baby gear, bridal outfits, and alot of clothes and quilts. And I now own some truly vintage machines, 3x530's from the late 50's, a 540 Favorit 1958, and a 730...love them all.
These reviews are so useful. I am in the market for a used Bernina and the information is just great.
Thanks Jeremy, this was interesting. I have my Mom's 1130. Made my very first quilt on it! I'll be looking forward to your next video...
Had, a problem with the reverse push in button also. Reverse work on full time reverse, so I knew reverse motor worked. I found a new old stock printed circuit board on line for a 1130. I have a 1130 also and reverse circuit board look the same. It was 😭 a little different where the eyes come out at the bottom of the machine but it fit. Put the machine back together and now reverse works. Maybe this will help you out. Chuck
I haven't used the letter program function for years on my great 1230. My machine is about 28 years old. It still sews great and gets serviced to keep it in good condition.
Same here! I'm thinking about trying it.
Awesome reviews Jeremy! I have a 930 and found your reviews thorough and informative. Thank you.
I bought my Bernina 1130 30 years ago and use it a lot, but it’s still great.
Still loving my 1230 after all these years. Took it in for tune-up recently and purchase a 535 which sews twin-needle knit hems much better. However, I am disappointed that for the price I lost simple 1230 features I took for granted. 1) I happen to really love the permanent reverse feature, but the 530 requires 2 menu selections to get there which I find too much of a bother. 2) The regular reverse is a tiny button just below the thread cutter which I’m always accidentally choosing. 3) What bothers me the most is that I cannot back off one stitch by reversing the handwheel, or reposition the needle exactly where I need it to be for appliqué work. Overall I sew a lot of knits so I’m happy with the 535 but it is not near as nimble as my beloved 1230.
Wonderful. Looking forward to the 1630 review. Thank you so much.
Purchased my 1230 from a retired master quilter I am determined to put this machine to good use. I promised her this beautiful machine would be in good hands with me and will use it to sew and serve others. Your video is very informative and will replay your videos several times till i learn everything.
This is SO helpful, because HEAVEN FORBID I would r-e-a-d t-h-e m-a-n-u-e-l. :o) I got a really nice used 1260, and I absolutely LOVE it. I can't wait till you do your video on the auto buttonholer. Thanks so much. :O) Annette P.S. AND my girlfriend is getting a 570, and she's GIVING me her 1630, so I watched those videos, too, even before I have it.
I have the "big sister" 1260. It is my favorite machine.
I also have a 1260. Love love it. Bought in 1997.
I have one and love it. Will never part with it. I was told today the light/on switch was wearing out and you can't get parts, so I'm never to turn it off. Must be a part somewhere. Otherwise, it's golden.
I was just gifted a 1230 & have never had a computer machine. It has not been used for more than 8 years but has been stored in an air conditioned home. Before I put this machine to use I want to make sure it is clean (I have rebuilt vintage Singers from top to bottom) . Can you do a video on basic cleaning and oiling of this machine as well as threading?
And I was surprised, too, that it doesn't have the auto bobbin winder. :o)
Thank you !
Thanks Jeremy. That helped a lot. Where did you get your cabinet? Thanks!
kevmrth it is made by Fashion Sewing Cabinets. I forget the model number but they were recently available at Allbrands.
Jeremy Dickerson thanks for the info!
Hi Jeramy I have a 1080 Bernina wondering if you can tell me where I can buy the manual for it I’ve searched and do you have a video on this 1080 machine thankyou I found your video great 😊
Can u show how to change the bulbs ?
I am in need of maintenance information on the feed dogs on my 1230. Switch sounds like it is no longer connected tho I can manually raise the feed dogs. Can you help?
Can you program the needle up down, or do have to push the needle down button each time?
I was gifted an 1130 and LOVE my machine! Probably more now than my newer one.. I was also told the computer boards cannot be replaced. Is that true?
i was told the same thing
Is there any difference between the 3A, 3B, and 3C buttonhole Presser feet?
hello, i found the same model in mint condition with complete inclusions (hard cover, complete presser foot, catalog, complete accessories) and i would like to ask is it worth it to buy the 1230 instead of a brand new singer heavy duty (6335M Denim)?
the slightly used bernina (riccar) model is priced at $180 no issues while the brand new singer costs $265
Thank you!!!!@
I pushed the basting stitch button on my beloved 1230 last night and the needle no longer goes up and down! In 30 years, I'd never used this stitch, and now I'm wondering if this is going to take a trip back to the service center. Didn't know this was a quirk of this machine. Has anyone else had this problem?
Mine did the same thing only it is an 1130. I found the problem in this video: czcams.com/video/oh95Us0nNXU/video.html I don't want to take my machine apart myself, so I'm having it repaired. It is just a stuck lever and is associated with the basting stitch.
Thanks for the tip. I took mine to a Bernina dealership for the fix. Unfortunately, the one I referenced in this post, was for a 1230 I'd just sold online They buyer found the flaw, and I thankfully, she was willing to take it to a dealership near her where I paid for her repair.
I have a question. I just found one at the thrift store and I tried it at home and it is only feeding the fabric backwards. In a regular machine the fabric goes away from you but the one I got it feeds it towards me. Do you have any idea on how to fix it?
Oh my, are you sewing backwards?! ..with the reverse on?
My repair man could not change the light bulb how.do you change light?
There should be an attachment in your toolbox that looks like a tiny grey "tube" with a rubber collar on one end. Push the rubber collar over the bulb. It grips the bulb, allowing you to gently push it in, and counter-turn it about 45 degrees which will dis-engage and release it from the machine. Do the same in reverse when you're putting in the new bulb.
Can ANYONE PLEASE help me? I cannot get my needle to pick up my bobbin thread >
Try lowering your presser foot when bringing up your bobbin thread. When the foot is up there is no tension on the top thread.