Do you quilt? If so, you know the frustration of quilting by machine. It can be a tricky process, with lots of small pieces that get in the way. After all, quilting is about precision and accuracy. If you’re looking for a smooth machine experience, you need a good machine that will help you get the job done.
A well-equipped Bernina quilting machine is the perfect tool for crisp, clean quilting. Read this article to learn more about the best Bernina quilting machines, how they differ from each other, and how you can choose the right one for you.
9 Best Bernina Machine for Quilting & Buying Guide 2023
While all the models have different features, some are better suited for quilting than others. In this article, you’ll learn about the different Bernina machines, as well as their pros and cons. Let’s get started.
1. Bernette 38 Swiss Design Sewing Machine
This sewing machine is a great choice for quilting enthusiasts. It provides the perfect balance of features, performance, and value.
The Bernette 38 sewing machine is a computerized swiss made sewing machine. While it may appear cheaper than some manual Bernina sewing machines, its outstanding features makes it one of the best quilting machines to go for.
As a member of the Bernina family, the Bernette 38 is one of their top and finest models. With 394 built-in stitches, 8 buttonholes, and alphabets, the Bernette 38 is a bargain for its price. This sewing machine is neatly designed to give a proficient and modern look.
With 21.7 pound weight, it can easily fit into tight spaces. Its white body frame and black underbelly are an addition to its classy touch and also impacted its sturdiness and durability.
Equipped with an extension table, eight presser feet which can serve different stitching objectives, four bobbins, and other sewing accessories. It also has a hard case that can be used to cover and protect the sewing machine when not being used.
With the ability to perform almost all sewing crafts such as sewing and quilting, the Bernette 38 however, cannot be used for embroidery. The extension table comes in handy when working on large projects and can also be totally removed when not being used. You can store your stitches’ design on its memory by connecting to wifi, they will be saved and available when needed.
The computerized Bernette 38 has an automatic needle threader and an automatic thread cutter. It also suggests presser foot is perfect and should be used for each fabric, and stitches design. The machine will also guide you through how it can be used effectively.
Highlighted Features:
- 394 built-in stitches
- 8 one-step buttonholes
- Automatic thread cutter
- Storage
- Easy to use
- Durable
2. Bernette 33 Swiss Design Sewing Machine
The is a sturdy, reliable machine that has been designed for both beginners and experts. It can handle both light or heavy duty fabrics with equal ease.
If you are a beginner who wants to perfect the art of quilting, the BERNETTE 33 is what you should be checking out. One of the most lightweight machines available at 0.44 pounds.it has a perfect level of sturdiness and durability despite being lightweight. It comes with a large accessory box where you can store all your crafts-related items.
The capable and efficient Bernette 33 is a heavy-duty machine that can be trusted when working on large projects.it comes with 14 stitches patterns on its side and a stitching speed of 860 stitches per minute. Its speed is adjustable and beginners can set the machine to a reduced speed for comfortable quilting.
Its five different dresser feet allow you to work on various projects. It also has a 4 step operation buttonholes and a bobbin that is loaded from the front. It comes with a presser foot which adjusts the stitching speed according to the user’s preference.
The Bernette 38 presser’s foot can be lifted in 2 steps which makes working on thick fabrics and multi-layered projects easy and smooth. It is also accompanied by a free arm motion, LED backlight, and dual stitching needles.
Highlighted Features:
- Portable
- Semi-automatic needle threader
- Noise-free
- 4 step buttonholes
- Large accessory box
3. Bernette 35 Swiss Design Sewing Machine
The machine’s precision stitch quality ensures great results every time, while its adjustable stitch length and width make it simple to master any technique.
Unlike the Bernette 38, the Bernette 35 sewing machine is not computerized and has to be used manually. But this portable sewing machine has lots to offer quilters thanks to its impressive features.
The Bernette 35 is an affordable and perfect model for both professionals and beginners. The 15.8-pound weight machine is compactly designed with a durable and sturdy solid body. It comes with three knobs that aid stitch designs and adjust the stitch’s length and width. Its metal-made chassis ensures longevity, and an extension table to easily work on large projects.
The Bernette 35 efficiency level is outstanding. its automatic needle threader world perfectly when the small lever gets pulled, its automatic thread cutter trims the extra thread when its button gets pressed, and the stitch length and width from 1mm to 4mm.
Along with its 23 built-in stitches designs, and adjustable thread tension the Bernette 35 has a stitching speed of 860 stitches per minute. This machine speed is adjustable at the user’s convenience. It also has a 1 step buttonhole and seven different presser feet for your different quilting projects.
To provide a firm grip on your fabrics, the presser foot can be lifted in two steps. It also comes with a free arm, storage compartments, a universal bobbin, and a 25-year warranty.
Highlighted Features:
- Easily modified functions
- Sturdy
- Durable
- Automatic buttonhole
- Seven presser feet
- Easy to use for beginners
4. Bernette 37 Swiss Design Computerized Sewing Machine
This sewing machine that offers you everything you need to quilt your project. Whether it’s a big or small project, this machine can handle it.
If you are the type that loves a quiet workspace, the Bernette 37 will be the right pick for you. User friendly, affordable, and entirely noiseless. Unlike the Bernette 33, the Bernette 37 lacks portability thanks to its 25.9 pounds weight. Its white body and black underbelly give it a simplistic design, while its LCD display which looks different from other models shows its various settings.
It comes with a foot pedal which is not primarily responsible for the start of the machine with the inclusion of the start/stop button. Its 50 built-in stitches with the inclusion of quilting design and buttonholes make it an impressive variety for professionals. Its 700 stitches per minute speed can be reduced to the user’s choice.
Unlike most Bernina sewing machines, the Bernette 37 comes with a drip-in model bobbin instead of the usual front-loading bobbin methods. There is also an automatic needle threader, a presser foot adjuster, and a LED light that brightens up the work area. The machine is easy to use but can be tricky with thick materials. You also get a 10-year warranty when you buy.
Highlighted Features:
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- start/stop function button
- 10-year warranty
- Perfect for medium-sized projects
5. Bernina B 530 Sewing Machine
It has all the features that are needed in hard-core quilting. This Bernina offers a drop feed function for free motion work.
At 33.7 pounds, the Bernina B 530 is the heaviest machine on our list so far. Designed with a professional and grim look thanks to its LCD display screen and the multiple buttons surrounding it. With the Bernina B 530, you can adjust the needle position, modify the stitch length and width, and adjust the presser foot pressure.
It also has memory storage where you can save your stitches designs and an outstanding 148 built-in stitches which include 117 decorative stitches, 22 utility stitches, 12 quilting stitches, and 4 alphabets.
Its 900 stitching speed per minute provides the professionals with speed and efficiency. Although it did not come with a stitch speed regulator, you will have to personally buy this and attach it to your machine if you wish to have it.
You can choose to operate the machine using the start/stop button or with the foot controller. With a 7.5 inches workspace, It also comes with an extension table and a free arm motion for quilting.
Highlighted Features:
- Wide range of stitches
- Automatic one-step buttonhole
- Optimum stitch control
- Freely modified 11 needles position
- Memory storage
- Laid-out control panel
- Silent quilting machine
- 3 built-in manual thread cutter
6. Bernina 350 PE Sewing Machine
This Bernina comes with a lot of features. It also has an automatic needle threader system to save you time and effort.
With a speed of 900 stitches per minute and 115 distinct stitches, the Bernina 350 PE is brilliantly designed to efficiently take on different sewing tasks and provide outstanding results in a short time. It is very easy to use the machine even for beginners, the automatic buttonhole function reduces stress and makes your work comfortable.
This basic Swiss innovation sewing machine has the ability to automatically sew loops while creating hundreds of new decorative designs. Like the Bernina B 530, Its provisional memory option permits you to store and access these conceptions in the future.
Equipped with a touchscreen that can be easily operated, the Bernina 350 PE comes with an illuminated workspace to brightly oversee your project thanks to its LED lights, and an extension table that relieves your free hand sewing.
It also comes with a built-in needle threader, accessory box, dust cover, and lots of different sewing accessories to give you a splendid crafting experience.
Highlighted Features:
- CB hook system
- 900 stitch per minute
- LED sewing lights
- 9 needle position
- 3 manual thread cutter
- Start/stop button
- Built-in needle threader
- Memory storage
- Comes with multiple accessories
7. Bernina B580E Embroidery Sewing Machine
This machine combines exquisite design with the highest quality standards, combining form as well as function in perfect harmony.
Thinking the Bernina 350 PE is expensive, well the Bernina B580E is much more expensive and its remarkable features should justify the price. Durable and sturdy as it should be predictable for a heavy-duty machine. Its weight makes movement difficult and it is advisable to be placed in a certain preferred location.
Equipped with 838 stitches which include 186 decorative stitches,.you’ve also got 7 alphabets for sewing and 7 alphabets for embroidery. You can also access 100 embroidery designs on the embroidery mode.
The Bernina B580E is on par with the Bernina 350 PE when it comes to stitching speed per minute. It has an easy-to-navigate touchscreen and storage where stitching presets can be saved and a tool-filled accessory box.
Highlighted Features:
- High-resolution touch screen
- 935 stitches
- 100 embroidery designs
- Accessory box
- USB port
8. Bernina Artista 630E Sewing Machine
It offers optimum sewing performance with its high-end technology and is loaded with features to make your quilting experience easy and enjoyable.
A versatile machine that is qualified for sewing, quilting, and embroidery. The Bernina Artista 630E has a colored touch screen for easy management. It has multi-function knobs that can be used to adjust stitch length and width with the infinite ability to scale, position, and rotate designs.
It also comes with built-in embroidery designs which include floral, quilting, and children’s motifs. You can also choose to be creative by combining and editing designs and the alphabet on the screen.
With 900 stitching speeds per minute, the speed controls allow you to set and adjust the machine speed to your preference. Its abundance of 674 stitch patterns also makes it a comfortable machine to work with while its LED light brightens up your work.
Highlighted Features:
- 674 stitch patterns
- 11 needle positions
- Color touch screen
- Built-in needle threader
- LED lights
- Free arm embroidery
- Start/stop button
- Speed control
- Adjustable presser foot pressure
- Multifunctional knobs
- Built-in embroidery designs
9. Bernette Sew and Go 1 Swiss Design Sewing Machine
This sewing machine is a pleasure to use. It gives professional results and make your creative ideas come true.
A mechanical machine for those who preferred to manually operate their machine without the presence of a computer screen. It is a machine that can be used to learn the basics of sewing which is why it is often the perfect machine for beginners.
Fully equipped with all needed accessories and basic stitches and moves at a decent speed of 750 stitches per minute.
The Bernette Sew Go 1 can be easily moved thanks to its 15Ibs weight. It has a front-loading hook system, a 4 step buttonhole, basic feet to get you started, and comes with an easy-to-understand manual for setup.
Highlighted Features:
- 10 stitches
- Front-loading hook system
- 2 step presser foot lift
- Manual thread cutter
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Lightweight
Factors To Consider Before Buying Bernina Machine for Quilting
Bernina is one of the best quilting machines on the market. It can handle delicate fabrics and threads and comes with a variety of features that make quilting easier. However, not every machine is the same.
The right machine will be the perfect fit for your needs and your budget. Here are some important factors you should consider before making a final purchase:
I. Features and Extras
The features and extras of the Bernina machine range from the number of patterns it can handle to the type of feed dogs it has. These are important considerations when finding a new machine. After all, you want a machine that is able to handle your needs.
Some other factors to consider would be whether or not your machine will be compatible with other brands of machines as well as what accessories you need in order to use your new machine. For example, if you need a vacuum cleaner or an embroidery hoop, those are things you should probably keep in mind when purchasing a new machine.
If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional sewing machines, then Bernina might be for you. Bernina is known for its high quality and durability, which makes it perfect for everyday quilting needs.
II. Weight and Size
The weight and size of the machine are two of the most important things to consider before buying a quilting machine. Both the weight and size should be proportional to your needs. A lighter quilting machine is easier to handle and transport, but it may not hold up as well over time.
Meanwhile, a larger machine will have more power, but it may also be too heavy for some users. Before making your final decision, consider how much space you have in your house or garage and how easy you will be able to move the machine around when necessary.
III. Reviews and Ratings
Bernina has an A+ rating on HomeDepot.com and a 4.3 out of 5 on Amazon. Consumers can also find reviews through various online forums like QuiltingSewing.com and online stores like JoAnn Fabrics, which have many positive Bernina reviews.
IV. Thread Type
The type of thread you use on your machine will depend on the type of fabric or thread that you are using for your project as well as the project itself. If you’re working with cotton, polyester, silk, or wool fabric, then you will want to use either 100 per cent polyester sewing thread (for polyester) or 100 per cent cotton sewing thread (for cotton).
On the other hand, if you are working with more delicate fabrics such as lace or sheer fabrics that may rip easily with a heavier weight thread, then you’ll want to use thinner threads like silk embroidery floss or sheer topstitching thread instead of needlepoint floss or heavier topstitching threads.
Is a Bernina Sewing Machine Worth the Money?
The Bernina sewing machine is one of the most popular brands among quilters. The company makes several different models, each with its own unique features that are perfect for different quilting styles and needs. If you’re an experienced quilter and know what type of machine you want, you might find an affordable option or two in the selection below.
For beginners who are just getting started, a good place to start would be with a basic Bernina sewing machine. Many beginner-friendly machines come standard with all the bells and whistles that more experienced quilters need to get their projects done.
Does Bernina make a Long Arm Quilting Machine?
Yes, Bernina does make a long arm quilting machine. Longarm quilting machines allow you to sew through much more fabric than a regular Bernina machine because of the extended arm. This is especially helpful when you are working with thick fabrics or difficult-to-reach areas.
Conclusion
There are many different models of Bernina quilting machines. To find the machine that is right for you, you need to understand what type of project you are planning on doing and what features matter most to you.
Do you want a machine that can sew through thick fabrics? Is precision important? Are you looking for a machine with built-in embroidery capabilities?
The best way to get to know which type of Bernina quilting machine will be best for your needs is by talking to an expert in the field.