BERNINA 880 PLUS Crystal Edition Review: Limited Edition Sewing and Embroidery Machine

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The BERNINA 880 Plus Crystal Edition is a limited edition sewing and embroidery machine collaboration between BERNINA and Swarovski. This high-end machine shines with real Swarovski crystals embellishing the front and comes bundled with extras including an embroidery module with improved technology, a suitcase system, and exclusive embroidery designs.

In this detailed review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the features and capabilities of the BERNINA 880 Plus Crystal Edition.

Overview of the BERNINA 880 Plus Crystal Edition

The Bernina 880 was introduced in 2014 as the new top-of-the-line model. It is a fully automatic machine with a seven-inch touchscreen that offers high-resolution images and brilliant colors. The machine is illuminated by 30 bright LED lights and has a variable speed slider, automatic tension adjustment, and an automatic drop feed function. 

In 2017, Bernina introduced the 880 PLUS model, which came with 58 new embroidery designs for a total of up to 462, 4 project designs, and 10 alphabets for a total of up to 21.

The BERNINA 880 Plus Crystal Edition is the top model among BERNINA’s line of sewing and embroidery machines. Some key things to know about this limited edition machine:

  • It features a shimmering faceplate adorned with genuine Swarovski crystals, giving it an eye-catching, glamorous aesthetic.
  • The embroidery module has been upgraded with BERNINA’s Smart Drive Technology (SDT), which provides enhanced stitch quality, quieter and smoother movement, and faster embroidery speeds.
  • Bundled extras include an embroidery module bag, a wheeled suitcase for the machine itself, 300+ exclusive embroidery designs, an inspiration kit, and more.
  • It includes innovative features like the Stitch Designer, Shape Designer, and Color Wheel to allow for further customization and creativity in projects.
  • With over 1,764 stitches and 462 embroidery designs built-in, plus the ability to import designs, this machine offers ample creative potential.

This machine is limited edition, so only a certain number were produced in collaboration with Swarovski. It retails for around $16,499 USD. Keep reading for full details on what makes this high-end model stand out.

Sewing Features and Functions

The BERNINA 880 Plus Crystal Edition comes loaded with features aimed at making sewing and embroidery easy, accurate, and customized to your creative needs. Here are some of the main highlights:

User-Friendly Features

  • Fully automatic needle threading – With the touch of a button, the needle is threaded quickly and easily.
  • Automatic thread cutter – The machine automatically cuts the thread at the end of a seam.
  • Automatic presser foot lift – The presser foot is programmed to lift automatically after a seam is sewn.

Precision Stitching Aids

  • BERNINA Stitch Regulator (BSR) – This foot maintains consistent stitch length while free-motion sewing at variable speeds.
  • BERNINA Dual Feed (BDF) – This evenly feeds fabric from above and below for precise sewing.
  • Needle penetration power – Provides extra power when sewing thick fabrics.

Customization Tools

  • Stitch Designer – Draw stitch designs on the screen to create new stitches.
  • Color Wheel – Edit embroidery design colors for customized palettes.
  • Shape Designer – Duplicate and arrange designs in customized formations.

Convenience Features

  • Jumbo bobbin – Holds 70% more thread than standard bobbins.
  • Quiet operation – Machine runs quietly at up to 1,200 stitches per minute.
  • Large workspace – 12 inches to the right of the needle for managing large projects.

With these features, sewing and embroidery are made more convenient, customized, and precise.

Embroidery Capabilities

The embroidery module on the BERNINA 880 Plus Crystal Edition sets it apart with enhanced technology and more capabilities compared to previous models.

Improved Embroidery Module

  • BERNINA Smart Drive Technology – Provides 55% faster speeds up to 1,000 stitches per minute, smoother movement, and enhanced stitch quality.

Helpful Embroidery Functions

  • Pinpoint placement – Precisely position designs on fabric using on-screen dots.
  • Undo/redo editing – Reverse design edits and combinations to return to initial state.
  • Invisible securing stitches – Securing stitches are hidden for clean embroidery results.

Creative Embroidery Tools

  • Shape designer – Duplicate and arrange designs in customized layouts and formations.
  • Color wheel – Edit color schemes by coordinating thread colors using an on-screen wheel.

With precise design placement, specialized feet like the open embroidery foot, and tools to unleash creativity, this machine takes embroidery to the next level.

BERNINA 880 Plus Crystal Edition vs Standard 880 Plus

The Crystal Edition of the BERNINA 880 Plus is distinguishes itself from the standard 880 Plus model in a few key ways:

  • Crystal embellishments – The faceplate and service panel are adorned with genuine Swarovski crystals for added glamour.
  • Limited edition – Only a certain number of the Crystal Edition were produced, making this a rare, exclusive model.
  • Embroidery module upgrades – The Crystal Edition’s embroidery module utilizes BERNINA’s improved Smart Drive Technology for enhanced performance.
  • Additional accessories – Special extras like an inspiration kit, embroidery bundle, suitcase system, and exclusive designs add value.
  • Higher price tag – The Crystal Edition retails for about $2,500 more than the standard BERNINA 880 Plus model.

So the Crystal Edition takes the technology, features, and performance of the 880 Plus and augments them with design upgrades, deluxe add-ons, and limited availability.

What Comes With the BERNINA 880 Plus Crystal Edition?

For sewing and embroidery, the BERNINA 880 Plus Crystal Edition comes with a wide range of accessories:

  • 10 Presser feet – Including 1D, 2A, 3A, 4D, 5, 20C, 40C, and BSR foot
  • Extension table
  • 3 Embroidery hoops – Large oval, medium oval, small oval
  • Embroidery software – DesignerPlus software voucher
  • Slide-on freearm table
  • Inspiration kit – Swarovski crystals, USB stick, special feet
  • Suitcase set – For machine and embroidery module
  • Bonus designs – 300+ designs, 35 exclusive crystal edition designs

With presser feet for various techniques, embroidery hoops and software, slide tables, and accessories like an inspiration kit and suitcases, this machine arrives ready to start sewing and embroidering.

Ease of Use

While it has an extensive feature set, the BERNINA 880 Plus Crystal Edition aims to make sewing, embroidery, and design intuitive and user-friendly.

  • Step-by-step tutorials – The machine’s built-in embroidery advisor provides tips and how-tos.
  • Easy editing – The large full-color touchscreen makes it simple to edit designs on-screen.
  • Pinpoint placement – Use on-screen dots to precisely align embroidery.
  • Automatic features – Programmed needle threading, presser foot lift, and thread cutting remove hassles.

Even with its professional-grade engineering, this machine is made to be clear and easy for home sewists to understand and operate.

Who Is the BERNINA 880 Plus Crystal Edition For?

This specialized limited edition machine is aimed at sewists who:

  • Have intermediate or expert mastery of sewing and embroidery techniques.
  • Work on high-end sewing and embroidery projects.
  • Appreciate and value design touches like Swarovski embellishments.
  • Want the newest and most advanced BERNINA technology for embroidery.
  • Primarily work on larger-sized sewing and embroidery pieces.
  • Have the budget for a top-of-the-line machine with added luxury details.

While beginners may find the 880 Plus Crystal Edition overpowered or advanced for their needs, sewists ready to level up their skills with professional tools will appreciate what this machine offers. The exclusive design and accessories make it suited for sewists who value premium details as well.

Pros and Cons of the BERNINA 880 Plus Crystal Edition

Here are the main benefits and drawbacks of this high-end sewing and embroidery machine:

Pros

  • crystallized design provides added aesthetic appeal
  • embroidery module engineered for speed, precision, and quality
  • excellent stitch editing and customization capabilities
  • user-friendly operation and built-in learning features
  • jumbo bobbin for reduced interruptions
  • generous 12-inch workspace to right of needle

Cons

  • significantly higher price tag than standard 880 Plus model
  • limited availability as a special limited edition
  • overpowered for basic garment construction and mending jobs
  • advanced users will get the most value from its capabilities

The upgrades to the embroidery module, special design touches, and extras in the bundle make the 880 Plus Crystal Edition a great value for the right sewist. But the price tags puts it out of reach for more casual sewists.

Is the BERNINA 880 Plus Crystal Edition Worth It?

For intermediate or expert sewists who prioritize high-end projects and appreciate luxury embellishments, the BERNINA 880 Plus Crystal Edition represents the cutting edge of consumer sewing and embroidery technology.

With its genuine crystal adornments, this special edition machine provides an unmatched sewing experience with excellence in its engineering. For sewists who can use and appreciate the upgrades to embroidery capability and other advanced features included, the added value is well worth the higher price. It’s built to be a heirloom machine.

However, more casual sewists or beginners may not utilize or care about the crystals and other enhancements – making the standard 880 Plus model a more practical choice instead.

Overall, the 880 Plus Crystal Edition delivers outstanding quality and performance worthy of its premium status. But it truly shines in the hands of a seasoned sewist ready to make the most of everything this exceptional machine can do.

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