Is a Bernina 830 low shank or high shank? What kind of sewing feet can I use?

Yaeh

Bernina uses a proprietary type of presser foot. They have changed over the years. Your 830 uses a two prong or fork style presser foot. They have two prongs going upwards at the end that attaches to the needle bar. Your machine was designed to use the style that has the thicker prongs but can also use the thinner prong presser feet. If you need to sew something thick like blue jean hems or sew really fast, the thicker prongs will be more stable on your machine since it is what it was designed to use that foot. Also use Bernina bobbins too. The Singer bobbins fit but are just slightly different in size so the sewing won't be as smooth and will also cause wear to the machine over time.

Bernina uses a different foot than other machines.

Look for presser feet that are specifically for Bernina (watch out--Bernina has old-old-style, old style, and new-style presser feet). So if you have a Bernina 830 Record (all mechanical, pre-1980 manufacture), you can use old-old-style and old-style feet, but NOT new-style Bernina presser feet!). Old-style presser feet usually have black labeling. Old-old-style presser feet are metal with the labeling stamped into the metal or some have no labeling at all.

If you have the newer Bernina 830 computerized model, you will have to purchase the new-style Bernina presser feet (usually they have red labeling).

The new-style are not interchangeable with the old-style and old-old-style feet, and vice versa.

However, the old-style & old-old-style will usually work on Berninas manufactured prior to 1998 (ie the 1260).

You can also purchase a Bernina adapter shank (look on eBay and verify that it will work on your particular model) or ask at the Bernina store. Then you can purchase a set of snap-on feet that will work with the adapter.

Bernina Presser Feet

BERNINA Sewing Machine Feet

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