The Bernina Aurora 440 QE is the quilter's edition of a high-performance sewing machine. Features and functionality built in to this model provide a great deal of convenience and flexibility for machine quilting aficionados.

Features

Bernina Stitch Regulator (BSR) : This patented feature "sees" the fabric and regulates stitch length accordingly. It is very handy for free-motion sewing projects.
Stitch Library : This collection of 379 stitches includes 181 practical and decorative stitches, 3 alphabets, 7 buttonholes, and 32 quilting stitches, 3 of which are hand-look stitches
Temporary Altered Stitch Memory : Changes made to the stitch length, width and needle position are kept in memory until the machine is powered down.
Ergonomic Design : Features such as the control panel, LCD screen, thread cutters, CFL light and Free Hand System are located for convenient, comfortable use.
Start/Stop Button : Used in conjunction with BSR to quilt without the foot control
Slide speed control : Adjust sewing speed and bobbin winding
Automatic needle threading
Separate winder motor : Wind bobbins while sewing
Digital view screen : Displays presser foot pressure, presser foot recommendation and stitch display numerically and graphically
Free hand system : A knee-operated mechanism that raises the presser foot and lowers the feed dog keeping hands free to guide fabric
Variety of Presser Feet : The Aurora 440 QE is equipped with a Standard Presser, Overlock Foot, Buttonhole Foot, Zipper Foot, Blindstitch Foot, Darning Foot, Embroidery Foot, Patchwork Foot, Walking Foot, BSR Foot

Pros :

The Bernina Stitch Regulator is a huge convenience for machine quilting. There are two settings, BSR1 and BSR2. The machine runs continuously under BSR1 and is ideal for stipple quilting, patterns with curved lines or no sudden direction changes. Under BSR2, however, the machine only runs when the fabric moves. This setting is best for more elaborate, detailed design work.

The Aurora 440 QE features a unique lighting system. A cool fluorescent light wraps around the needle area illuminating the entire bed with a bright, white light. It provides a crisp, well lit work space even without a secondary light source.

The Aurora 440 QE provides additional control over needle position. While most machines set needle position as a feature of stitch width, this model includes it as a separate setting. Needle position may be monitored via the view screen.

Cars typically include maintenance reminders, but not sewing machines. The Aurora 440 QE viewing screen features an oil can icon to indicate a need for cleaning and oiling the machine, as well as a wrench/screwdriver icon to indicate the need for servicing by a dealer. This is a convenient and practical means of insure proper upkeep of the machine.

The users manual accompanying the Aurora 440 QE is a considerable improvement over most guides. It covers machine settings for particular stitches as well as examples of uses for each stitch. Given the variety of possible stitches, this resource is very helpful in getting the best performance from this sewing machine.

Cons :

The view screen has a few issues. Constant flashing of graphic settings can be distracting at first. Stitch graphics rather than numbers appear on the view screen. These graphics can be difficult to recognize or match to the display card.

Although the quarter inch foot on most sewing machines includes a guide edge, there is not included on the Aurora 440 QE. It is necessary to measure this distance by hand first in order to properly line up fabric.

Also, the Start/Stop button does not work in conjunction with the speed control. It is necessary, instead to use the foot pedal instead. While this does not interfere with the machine's function, it is a bit inconvenient.

Related : More Sewing Machine Reviews