Sometimes while repairing old clothes, have you ever come up with ideas for designing unique items for yourself and your family?
Yes, you have.
But have you ever touched a sewing machine and figured out how to make an outfit?
The sewing machine looks extremely complicated for those who don’t know how to use it. However, do not let this fear (whether you don’t know how to operate the machine or not) to prevent you from creating extravagant costumes.
Because Bernina – a well-known sewing machine manufacturer who excels in household sewing machines will cast your fear away.
Table of Contents
Who Is Bernina?
Bernina is a Swiss-born brand name that penetrated in the sewing machine market since 1893. The founder of Bernina is Karl Friedrich Gegauf, the inventor of the world’s first hemstitch sewing machine.
What Makes Bernina Standout Among Sewing Machine Makers?
Bernina company was headquartered in Steckborn and is named after the highest mountain in the Eastern Alps. As ambitious as its name, Bernina has been transcending to the top position among high reputation and long-last sewing machines manufacturers in terms of producing household sewing devices.
From the first manual sewing machine, Bernina has been investigated and produced a wide range of sewing machines that utilize the latest modern technology. Its products consist of sewing, embroidery, quilting, crafting, and multi-function machines
Here Are Best Bernina Sewing Machines:
I will not let you get lost in the hundreds of Bernina sewing machines. Here are 12 best Bernina sewing machines selected and categorized based on their highlighted features for your easy decision making:
- Best Overall: Bernina 350 PE Sewing Machine
“The signature model of Bernina brand since it implies how good a Bernina sewing machine can reach with every great specification integrated in one model” - Best Compact: Bernette B37 Sewing Machine
“A joy to fresh users or travelers thanks to its versatility and compactness that comes with a great collection of stitch designs” - Best for Beginners: Bernette 33 Swiss Design Machine
“Won’t give beginners an awe but an “oh” for the simplicity in its navigation” - Best for Bargain: Bernette 35 Swiss Design Sewing Machine
“23 stitches, 1 automatic one-step buttonhole function – the perfect choice for seamstresses who want a fresh start in a budget” - Best Computerized Sewing Machine: Bernette 38 Swiss Design
“Mostly automated with an exclusive tied-off function – a breeze to sewers who love high-tech devices” - Best for Embroidery: Bernina B580E Embroidery Machine
“An embroidery beast with a wide range of pattern designs and stitches modifications that are smartly controlled on a touchscreen” - Best for Sewing & Quilting Machine: Bernina 530
“The best of both worlds to excel in both regular stitching tasks and creating beautiful quilts” - Best Multi-Functional Sewing Machine: Bernina Artista 630E
“Everything is possible with this modern, rich in features and stitch patterns machine” - Best for Travel: Bernette Sew and Go 1 Swiss Design Sewing Machine
“Portable with adequate functions – a perfect option for new-entry sewers to just “sew and go”” - Best Largest Working Area: Bernina 830 Embroidery & Sewing Machine
“Tackle big projects by providing you 50% larger working space and a great size bobbin, high-quality graphics of stitch information on the front screen” - Best for Designers: Bernette 340 Deco Swiss Design Embroidery Machine
“Overwhelm designers with its possibility to add up lively patterns and to deal with large scale projects up to 200 × 140mm” - Best Overlocking Machine: Bernette Funlock 44 Serger
“Top-notch, beautiful, and professional seams can be produced with 2-3-4 threads 15 stitches and numerous functions”
Best Bernina Sewing Machines Comparison Chart
It would take you more time to do the search alone than pay a little attention to the table below where I give some comparisons on all mentioned products above for your easy reference:
Please note that warranty is not specified on the website but in you’ll have it from the manufacturer’s website:
Limited Warranty for Bernette series (sewing machines & sergers) from the date you purchase your sewing machines:
- 2 years warranty for electrical parts
- 2 years warranty for printed circuit boards
- 10 years warranty for mechanical parts
Limited Warranty for Bernina series (sewing machines & sergers) from the date you purchase your sewing machines:
- 2 years warranty for electrical parts
- 5 years warranty for printed circuit boards
- 20 years warranty for mechanical parts
Top 12 Best Bernina Sewing Machine Reviews
If my comparison table above is not enough for you to make the final decision on which Bernina sewing machines to buy (sure it’s not), I will go in detail by reviewing the salient features, pros and cons of each product. Let’s dive in!
Bernina 350 PE Sewing Machine
(Best Overall)
When it comes to choosing the best Bernina sewing machine, Bernina 350 PE crosses my mind with no second thought. It can be considered the signature model of Bernina brand since it covers almost every great characteristic that a Bernina product contains.
To guarantee you with stylish sewing from the first seam, Bernina 350 PE offers you a stitch library of numerous stitches including 191 pre-programmed patterns, 18 utility stitches, and 3 high-precise automatic buttonholes, stating the 350 PE not just a useful companion in everyday patchwork but also a designer’s assistant.
Those stitch styles are well displayed on a black backlit LCD screen and easily selected by a very intuitive control panel. The most common 10 patterns are numbered and illustrated for your quick selection.
The smartest function that counts here how Bernina 350 PE makes room for 30 stitch-pattern combinations in its permanent built-in storage. Your favorite and frequent used stitch designs can be saved and available for the next use.
Coming with an extra-large table, Bernina 350 PE brings you a comfortable workplace for large-format projects while the LED lights will illuminate on your needle area for detail work on dark colored sewing materials.
Every function is built smartly for your optimal sewing experience. The needle threader that reduces eye fatigue from manual threading is also toughly constructed to confront heavy-duty material. The standard Free Arm that tackles cylindrical items like pants legs or sleeves can be activated with just a touch on a button.
Pros
- Lightweight, portable and durable
- Rich in functions with a handful of stitch patterns
- Friendly to users
Cons
- Average maximum stitch speed
- Expensive to purchase and repair
Key Features:
| Type: | Computerized sewing machine with 191 built-in patterns, 18 utility stitches and 3 automatic buttonholes |
| Maximum stitch speed: | 900 SPM |
| Maximum stitch width: | 5.5mm |
| Maximum stitch length: | 5mm |
| Others: | Comes with 9 needle positions, 3 manual thread trimmers, Start/Stop button |
Specification:
| Brand: | Bernina |
| Model: | 350 PE |
| Dimensions: | 19.5 x 17 x 15 inches |
| Weight: | 27.8 pounds |
Bernette B37 Sewing Machine
(Best Compact)
The Bernette B37 standouts among the most small-sized yet versatile computer-controlled sewing machines in the market.
Comes in a very eye-catching, lightweight yet well-constructed design, the Bernette B37 is simple to operate but full of crucial functions. It has more than 50 distinguish stitches including 17 utility and stretch stitches, 2 darning, 7 quilting, 19 decorative stitches and 5 buttonholes that bestow you a handful of solutions for your sewing projects. The stretch stitches are highlighted on its capability of dealing with elastic jersey fabrics.
The presser foot pressure can be adjusted when it comes to sensitive sewing materials. Coping up with multiple layer fabrics is not a big deal to the Bernette 37 thanks to its 2-step pressure foot lift.
The Bernette B37 is very easy to navigate with some buttons on its front. You can supervise the existing stitch, stitch length and stitch width via the LCD screen. You can also use the start/stop button to sew instead of the foot control.
Pros
- Petite with adequate stitch options
- Beginner-friendly, easy to navigate with simple selectors
Cons
- Can’t tackle thick fabrics
Key Features:
| Type: | Compact computerized sewing machine |
| Maximum stitch speed: | 700 SPM |
| Maximum stitch width: | 7 mm |
| Others: | · Designed with 50 built-in stitches including 5 one-step buttonholes
· Foot control and dust cover come as accessories |
Specification:
| Brand: | Bernina |
| Model: | Bernette B37 |
| Dimensions: | 19.2 x 16.5 x 11.2 inches |
| Weight: | 17.35 pounds |
Bernette 33 Swiss Design Sewing Machine
(Best for Beginners)
Simplicity is well defined in this Bernette 33 Swiss design sewing machine. Here beginners can find their first sewing companion that not just meets up their basic needs but will lever their skills.
The Bernette 33 is a mechanical sewing machine that says no to complication while sewing. It is featured with the semi-automatic threader that can partly take you off the frustration of threading through the tiny needle eye. The Bernette 33 owns a front-load bobbin so that you can supervise the shortage of threads.
Featured with 2 knobs at the front, this model allows you to choose from 15 patterns, 14 utility stitches, and 4-step buttonholes as well as customize stitch sizes while referring to the most commonly used designs described on the machine body.
Simple but rich in functions, the Bernette 33 offers you a reverse lever for stitch reinforcement, a manual thread cutter for easy trimming, and a surprising maximum stitch speed of 850 SPM to have your projects completed in day one.
The Bernette 33 comes in the package with a box including the top-notch quality accessories to assure your full solutions for your sewing purposes.
Pros
- Simple to use, lightweight and durable
- High speed that can be controlled
Cons
- Low in built-in functions
- High priced for a mechanical sewing machine
Key Features:
| Type: | Mechanical sewing machine |
| Maximum stitch speed: | 850 SPM |
| Maximum stitch width | 5mm |
| Others: | · Built with 15 patterns and 14 utility stitches
· Featured with reverse lever, manual thread cutter |
Specification:
| Brand: | Bernina |
| Model: | Bernette 33 |
| Dimensions: | 17.1 x 8.7 x 13.3 inches |
| Weight: | 15.8 pounds |
Bernette 35 Swiss Design Sewing Machine
(Best for Budget)
Comes in a very friendly-pocket price, Bernette 35 Swiss Design sewing machine is the perfect choice for seamstresses who want a fresh start in a budget.
The Bernette 35 is a mechanical sewing machine specified for fitting in new sewers’ budget. Despite being listed as one of the most inexpensive sewing machines of Bernina, the Bernette 35 consist of 23 stitches and seven presser feet (soles)
There are 3 knobs featured on the front to adjust the width, length, and pattern of the stitch. Using a wheel, you can modify the tension while sewing.
The Bernette 35 has 23 stitches and an automatic one-step buttonhole function, which is quite limited but are all fundamental stitches to serve your creative ideas.
There are 7 snap-on presser feet and 1 stable presser foot shank in accessories box to appropriately map to your sewing purposes. To sew through thick fabrics, you can use the 2-step presser foot lift, while the powerful motor of the Bernette 35 allows your needle to work on any kind of materials.
Pros
- Economical, friendly to users from all level
- High piercing power of the needle can sew through heavy fabrics
Cons
- Limited stitch patterns
- Manual needle threader and needler cutter
Key Features:
| Type: | Mechanical sewing machine |
| Maximum stitch width | 5mm |
| Others: | · Built with 23 stitches and one automatic one-step buttonhole
· Featured with 2-step presser foot lift, 7 snap-on presser feet |
Specification:
| Brand: | Bernina |
| Model: | Bernette 35 |
| Dimensions: | 17.1 x 11.8 x 14 inches |
| Weight: | 16.4 pounds |
Bernette 38 Swiss Design Sewing Machine
(Best Computerized Sewing Machine)
Claimed as the top model in the Bernette 30 series, the Bernette 38 stands for computerized models that offer a wide array of functions that mostly are automated.
The Bernette 38 gives you a great selection of 394 different stitches consisting of decorative, utility, buttonholes and stretch stitches which are highlighted for elastic fabrics.
8 one-step buttonholes and three alphabetical fonts for monogramming projects are featured on this model. All the combinations of patterns can be saved in the memory for later access. Some features like backlit LED sewing light and needle threader are also automated.
The most impressive function I found in this model is the automatic thread cutter and tie-off function. Just press on a button and your thread will be trimmed, then select the tie-off button to have your thread tied off at its end.
Capable of reaching the maximum stitch speed of 820 SPM, the Bernette 38 allows you to regulate the speed with a few touches on the control panel. To apply your needle to the presser foot, just hit the button to kick off double-needle mode and switch from single to dual-needle function.
To deal with some delicate materials, you had better modify the presser foot pressure. An extension table is attached to the sewing machine, giving you a more comfortable working space to tackle large surface projects.
Pros
- Lightweight and versatile
- Most functions are automated to advance your sewing time
- Numerous stitches patterns that can be saved in the machine’s memory
- Good for quilting
Cons
- Hard to use for beginners
- Generates noise while being used
Key Features:
| Type: | Computerized sewing machine |
| Maximum stitch speed | 820SPM |
| Others: | · 398 options of stitches
· 8 presser feet come in box · Storage for favorite patterns · LED light, needle threader, needle cutter and tie-off function are automated |
Specification:
| Brand: | Bernina |
| Model: | Bernette 38 |
| Dimensions: | 19.5 x 16.1 x 11.1 inches |
| Weight: | 22 pounds |
Bernina B580E Embroidery Machine
(Best for Embroidery)
Bernina B580E Embroidery has brought embroidery to the next level and will overwhelm the most creative seamstresses with a wide range of pattern designs and stitches modifications.
For it is an embroidery machine, the most highlighted features of this model are the library of 838 stitches in total including 100 adaptable embroidery designs, 7 alphabets for embroidery and 7 alphabets for sewing. Those patterns can be selected by twisting one knob. The lower knob is for stitch length adjustment.
The modern touchscreen is located straight to your eye for your easy supervision of stitch styles and stitch width. All the stitches can be rotated, mirrored, resized and sewn at the maximum width of 9mm, assuring your patterns to be bold and impressive. A stitch regulator is included in the accessory box to ensure top-notch quality for free-motion quilting.
Bernina B580E Embroidery will smartly memorize all your movements on pattern designs and be available for you to apply next time.
Pros
- Rich in stitches style
- Built with modern technology and well-constructed
Cons
- Costly to buy and fix
- Quite heavy to handle
Key Features:
| Type: | Computerized sewing machine |
| Maximum stitch speed | 820SPM |
| Others: | · 838 stitches in total
· A stitch regulator included for free-motion quilting · Provided with a modern touchscreen and 8MB memory for patterns record · Comes with an accessory box |
Specification:
| Brand: | Bernina |
| Model: | Bernette B580E |
| Dimensions: | 28.1 x 24.6 x 20.4 inches |
| Weight: | 63.5 pounds |
Bernina 530 Sewing & Quilting Machine
(Best for Sewing and Quilting)
Bernina 530 sewing and quilting machine is the best of both worlds for it is excelling in both regular stitching tasks and creating beautiful quilts.
Coming loaded with 148 stitches consisting of 22 utility, 117 decorative including 12 quilting stitches, the Bernina 530 offers you multiple solutions for making different seams. 10 usually used patterns are featured on separate buttons and numbered for your easy selection.
This model also has a memory to save your temporary and even permanent pattern designs for later use.
Needle can be automatedly threaded through the needle eye. 11 needle position, stitch length and width is adjusted freely with a very intuitive control panel and can be reviewed on the LED screen.
You can match stitch parameters solely to the sewing fabric and your desired effect to achieve your sewing intentions.
The bobbin can be wound while the sewing machine is working so you don’t have to bother turning on and off and distracting yourself. If you don’t want to stitch with a foot control, let’s use the Start/stop button instead. A free-arm table extension is also featured to support you in dealing with tube-shaped items.
Pros
- Smartly and flexibly working on both sewing and quilting projects
- Well-constructed, can work with large scale projects
Cons
- Manual thread cutter
- The stitch regulator is sold separately.
- Walking foot is not included.
- Costly
Key Features:
| Type: | Computerized sewing machine |
| Maximum stitch speed | 820SPM |
| Others: | · Equipped with 148 stiches that can be saved to memory
· 11 needle positions, adjustable stitch length and width, start/stop button. · Automatic needle threader, free arm |
Specification:
| Brand: | Bernina |
| Model: | Bernina 530 |
| Dimensions: | 21.8 x 18 x 15 inches |
| Weight: | 33.8 pounds |
Bernina Artista 630E Sewing Machine
(Best Multi-Functional Sewing Machine)
Bernina Artista 630E is a multi-talented workhorse that tackles every need for fabric embellishment. This is also one of the most sophisticated sewing machines that challenge quilting and embroidery projects Bernina has ever offered!
You can be overwhelmed with 480 stitches, 7 buttonholes and 70 built-in embroidery designs provided in this model. Thanks to the USB interface, a thousand designs can be downloaded online and easily applied to your projects.
A large, colored LCD touchscreen allows you to mix those patterns and create as your wishes. Stitch length and width can be adjusted by the multi-functional knobs.
The Bernina stitch regulator is optional but can enhance the smooth and evenness the stitches to be smoother and even, while the speed control can help you reach the maximum embroidery speed of 680 SPM. This model is also featured with a start/stop button that gives you an escape from foot control.
Pros
- Sturdy, durable
- Very versatile that tackles all types of materials
- A library of stitches and embroidery designs that can be extension.
- Excellent for sewing, quilting and embroidery
Cons
- The Bernina stitch regulator is sold exclusively
- Expensive to buy and repair
Key Features:
| Type: | Computerized sewing, quilting and embroidery machine |
| Maximum embroidery speed | 680 SPM |
| Others: | · 480 stitches, 7 buttonholes and 70 built-in embroidery designs
· Large, colored LCD touchscreen · Built-in needle threader and free arm · Adjustable Presser Foot Pressure |
Specification:
| Brand: | Bernina |
| Model: | Artista 630E |
| Dimensions: | 21 x 14 x 12 inches |
Bernette Sew and Go 1 Swiss Design Sewing Machine
(Best for Travel)
Light enough to carry for traveler sewers, at the first look you can mistake it to a sewing toy, but it turns out a perfect option for new-entry sewers to “sew and go”.
Bernette Sew and Go 1 is a mechanical sewing machine that stands out for its compactness and portability. Beginners will have it accompanied to their first sewing classes since it possesses enough features for your practice.
There are 10 stitches including a 4-step buttonhole, and a maximum stitch width of 5 mm featured in Bernette Sew and Go 1. Those stitch styles can be chosen by dialing a button in the front of the machine.
Comes as standard of this device are 4 presser feet and 2-step presser foot lift. This sewing machine provides adequate fundamental functions at a very reasonable price.
Pros
- Portable, affordable, youthful design
- Simple navigation
Cons
- Low in features
Key Features:
| Type: | Mechanical sewing machine |
| Maximum stitch width | 5mm |
| Others: | · 10 stitches including a 4-step buttonhole |
Specification:
| Brand: | Bernina |
| Model: | bernette-sew-go-1
|
| Dimensions: | 19 x 12 x 14 inches |
| Weight: | 15.95 pounds |
Bernina 830 Embroidery & Sewing Machine
(Best for Large Working Area)
It’s not just big, it’s also claimed as another best of both worlds. Bernina 830 is taking lead in combining embroidery and sewing functions in one machine.
Sewers and embroiderers find this model satisfactory since it offers a 50% larger working space than other sewing machines. The detachable embroidery module is 40 inches long. The quilters can find it pretty high with the foot lift of 15mm.
The maximum stitching speed of Bernina 830 is 1,100 SPM. For embroidery, the speed is 1,000 SPM. This model has the speed of industrial sewing machines but creates no vibration or lousy noise.
Compatible with the large working area, the Bernina 830’s bobbin is extra big to handle 40% more thread capacity than other sewing machines’. Stitches can be sewn in a 360-degree direction.
And the touch screen feature on the front gives you high-quality graphics of stitch information.
Multiple layers or thick fabric are not big deals to users thanks to the dual feed system. And you will find lots of embroidery designs and hoops in the accessories pouch.
Pros
- Work fast and smoothly
- Versatile for all kinds of projects and materials
- Wide working table
- Lots of accessories and extras
- Very versatile machine, for sewing, embroidery, quilting.
Cons
- Pretty heavy and costly
Key Features:
| Type: | Computerized sewing and embroidery machine |
| Maximum stitch speed: | 1,100 SPM |
| Maximum embroidery width: | 1,000 SPM |
| Others: | · Extra-large working table and a big bobbin |
Specification:
| Brand: | Bernina |
| Model: | 830 |
| Dimensions: | 25 x 20 x 20 inches |
| Weight: | 50 pounds |
Bernette 340 Embroidery Machine
(Best for Designers)
Bernette 340 Deco Swiss Design Embroidery Machine with Bonus Combo will take several designers; breath away with its flexibility while working in embroidery projects.
The Bernette 340 Deco has 100 built-in embroidery patterns which can be rotated, mirrored, resized and repositioned by some gestures on the touchscreen. Just drag your selected item to the spot and drop it there and let the Bernette take care of the rest.
This model boasts a comfortable embroidery area that can help you deal with large scale projects up to 200 × 140mm. You can effortlessly have some lively patterns on your cuff or sleeves with free arm as the standard of this model.
Pros
- Flexible, durable, editing possible
- Various designs that are built-in or can be downloaded online
Cons
- Very expensive and heavyweight
Key Features:
| Type: | Computerized embroidery machine |
| Maximum stitch speed: | 750 SPM |
| Others: | · Large embroidery working table
· 100 built-in patterns that can be customized · Multiple controls combined in a touchscreen · Comes with a combo of many embroidery accessories |
Specification:
| Brand: | Bernina |
| Model: | Bernette 340 |
| Dimensions: | 28 x 24.9 x 20.5 inches |
| Weight: | 50 pounds |
12. Bernette Funlock 44 Serger
(Best for Overlocking)
As the only representative of serger in my list, the Bernette Funlock 44 offers the top-notch, beautiful, and professional seams going along with numerous practical functions.
Looking complicated yet very simple to use, with 15 stitches and 2-3-4 threads, Bernette Funlock 44 Serger bestows enough stitches on you to handle every type of overlock. The threading is very user-friendly thanks to the color-coded path system, the separate needle threader, and the lower looper threading mechanism.
The sewing speed can be adjusted and reach 1,300 SPM while the seams are maintained uniform. Stitch width can be customized with one hand with a knife drive from below, and a waste collector is already there to get the cut-off. The LED light will enlighten your working area for you going details on dark fabric.
Seams are ensured its smoothness in knitted fabric and its crimp-free in fine fabrics by the differential feed.
Pros
- Produces professional stitch quality
- Color-coded threading path for easy threading
Cons
- Manual needle threader
Key Features:
| Type: | Serger/Overlocking |
| Maximum stitch speed: | 1,300 SPM |
| Others: | · 15 stitches and 2-3-4 threads
· Enhanced with waste collector and excellent differential feed · Wide overlock stitches: 3-7 mm · Wide roll hem stitches: 1.5 mm |
Specification:
| Brand: | Bernina |
| Model: | Funlock 44 Serger |
| Dimensions: | 16.3 x 13.4 x 14.2 inches |
| Weight: | 20.2 pounds |
Buying Guide
Before deciding which Bernina sewing machines to buy, you should consider the level of skill you are at
Bernina Sewing Machines for Beginners
Beginners need a user-friendly, compact sewing machine with fundamental features. For that, I recommend you buy the Bernette 33 Swiss Design Machine or the Bernette Sew and Go 1 Swiss Design Sewing Machine.
Both models are mechanical sewing machines, so they are quite low in features yet gives you enough basic tools. They both have a delightful design with direct navigation that will not confuse you at your first practice.
Bernina Sewing Machines for Intermediate Users
Now you are more experienced, so Bernette 35, Bernette B37 and Bernette 38 are your perfect matches. Those are computerized sewing machines that bestow more options of stitches on your hands.
They are all featured with LCD screen for your easy supervision on what you are doing. Most functions are automated to reduce your time of preparation before sewing.
Bernina Sewing Machines for Advanced Users
Im sure when you reach to a high level you need to be equipped with multi-functional sewing machines and Bernina will not let you down.
You can choose one among: Bernina 350 PE, Bernina B580E Embroidery, Bernina 530 Sewing and Quilting Machine, Bernina Artista 630E, Bernina 830 Embroidery and Sewing Machine, Bernette 340 Deco Swiss Design Embroidery Machine with Bonus Combo or Bernette Funlock 44 Serger.
These machines are known for its versatility to take decent actions on your sewing, quilting and embroidery projects. With a variety of built-in patterns and several smart functions, my recommend Bernina sewing machine above will lever your career from daily household sewers to proper designers.
FAQs
My Top Pick
Bernina 350 PE is the best Bernina sewing machine from my point of view. It grasped my attention at the first look and have my credit to introduce to you.
Bernina 350 PE is the signature model of Bernina since it owns every key feature that Bernina aims to provide in domestic series. This computerized model offers you a wide array of pre-programmed patterns that meet your needs from making a dress to embellishing it.
Constructed in smart technology, functions of Bernina 350 PE are mostly automated and will lessen your time in creation. Coming with an extra-large table and a bright LED light, Bernina 350 PE brings you a perfect workplace to expand your ideas unlimitedly.
For the optimal sewing experience, get yourself a Bernina 350 PE then get advanced in dressmaking career. Or if you just choose another option among the 12 best Bernina sewing machine, don’t hesitate to share with me in the comment below.
