Choosing a sewing machine
Katherine opened Quilt Direct in 1986, and we have been helping people pick the right machine ever since. 40 years on, we still do it the same way. We ask what you sew, then match the machine to the work.
We stock Bernina and Bernette, and we are an authorised Bernina Diamond Dealer. Our servicing is done in house by engineers trained to Bernina International standards, so the machine you buy from us stays supported by us for as long as you own it.
What to think about before you buy
The sewing you enjoy. Start by thinking about what you sew now, but also what you would like to sew in the future. A sewing machine for patchwork and quilting may need accurate ¼″ piecing, excellent fabric control and, if you plan to quilt larger projects yourself, plenty of space to the right of the needle. For dressmaking, you may place more importance on buttonholes, handling different fabrics and a good choice of practical stitches. If you enjoy several types of sewing, we can help you choose a machine with the features that matter most to you, while giving you plenty of scope to explore new techniques as your sewing develops.
Stitch width. BERNINA sewing machines have a maximum stitch width of either 5.5 mm or 9 mm. The 5.5 mm machines are excellent for precision sewing and are particularly popular for dressmaking and patchwork piecing. The 9 mm machines give you additional scope for wider decorative stitches, while still offering excellent straight stitching when set up with the appropriate foot and stitch plate. The best choice depends on the type of sewing you enjoy and the techniques you want to explore.
Dual Feed. BERNINA Dual Feed helps feed 2 layers of fabric evenly from above and below, giving you greater control when piecing, sewing slippery fabrics, matching stripes or checks, and working on projects where accurate fabric handling matters. If you regularly sew this type of work, Dual Feed may be an important feature to consider when choosing your machine.
Space to the right of the needle. The space between the needle and the machine body can make a real difference, especially if you plan to quilt larger projects on a domestic sewing machine. More space gives you more room to manage the fabric and move your work comfortably, so consider the size of the projects you expect to sew.
What comes with it. BERNINA and bernette sewing machines include the essential presser feet and accessories you need to start sewing. From there, you can add specialist presser feet and sewing machine accessories to suit the techniques and projects you enjoy. When comparing machines, look beyond the number of accessories included and consider the machine features, warranty, tuition and ongoing support available.
Browse the range
Sewing machine questions we get asked
Which sewing machine is best for quilting?
The best sewing machine for quilting depends on whether you want to piece patchwork, quilt your own projects, or do both. For accurate patchwork piecing, look for good fabric control, a ¼″ patchwork foot, and a straight stitch plate. If you plan to quilt larger projects on your sewing machine, the space to the right of the needle also becomes important, giving you more room to manage the quilt comfortably.
Features such as BERNINA Dual Feed can be particularly helpful for accurate piecing and matching fabrics. For quilting, specialist feet give you different options for walking-foot quilting, ruler work and free-motion quilting, while the BERNINA Stitch Regulator (BSR) helps maintain consistent stitch length during free-motion work.
Computerised quilting is another option on BERNINA sewing machines with embroidery capability. Using an embroidery module, you can quilt with digital designs, including professional edge-to-edge, block, and border quilting formats. You can adjust designs to suit the quilt and, on compatible models, scale them without limitation while setting the stitch length you want. This gives you another way to achieve consistent, repeatable quilting across a project.
What is the difference between a 5.5 mm and a 9 mm machine?
The difference is the maximum stitch width the machine can create. BERNINA 5.5 mm machines are especially popular for precision sewing, dressmaking, and patchwork piecing, while 9 mm machines give you the added scope of wider decorative stitches.
A 9 mm machine can still produce beautifully precise straight stitching when it is set up with the appropriate presser foot and stitch plate. Standard BERNINA presser feet can be used across compatible models, while feet marked C are coded to allow 9 mm machines to make use of their wider stitch capability. Feet marked D are designed for machines with BERNINA Dual Feed.
Do I need an overlocker as well as a sewing machine?
A sewing machine is the right place to start for most people, but an overlocker can add a great deal to your sewing. It trims, sews and finishes a seam in one operation, making it especially useful for garment construction, stretch fabrics and knit fabrics.
BERNINA overlockers also offer a wide range of creative techniques, so they are not just for dressmaking. They can be used for decorative stitching, embellishment, specialist finishes and techniques that appeal to quilters as well as garment makers.
Many customers begin with a sewing machine and add an overlocker later as their sewing interests develop.
See our overlockers and coverstitch machines
Which presser feet will fit my machine?
BERNINA presser feet are highly engineered and designed to work across the machine range. Standard BERNINA feet fit compatible models throughout the range.
Feet marked C are for compatible 9 mm machines and allow the machine to use its wider stitch capability. Feet marked D are for compatible machines with BERNINA Dual Feed. Lower-range 5.5 mm machines cannot use C or D feet.
If you are unsure which presser foot is right for your BERNINA sewing machine, tell us your model and we can confirm compatibility before you order.
Browse sewing machine presser feet
How often will my machine need servicing?
Regular cleaning and oiling will help keep your sewing machine running smoothly. On BERNINA machines with the BERNINA Hook, we teach customers to oil the hook at the start of each day’s sewing, alongside regular cleaning and the care recommended for their individual model.
We recommend a professional service approximately every 3 years, or when your BERNINA stitch counter indicates that a service is due. Our in-house team carries out servicing, repairs and warranty work to BERNINA International servicing standards, from older BERNINA machines through to current sewing, embroidery, overlocker and Q Series models.
More on BERNINA machine servicing
What support do I get after I buy?
Support does not stop when you take your machine home. We offer Mastery Classes for the machines we sell, along with Open House, Creative Studio days and further sewing machine tuition to help you build confidence and get more from your machine.
Our team is also available by phone, email, video or in person if you need help with your machine, accessories or a particular technique. If you are comparing models, ask us what tuition and ongoing support is available with the machine you are considering.
See classes and tuition
How much is delivery?
Delivery is free on UK mainland orders over £150, including our BERNINA and bernette sewing machines. We send sewing machines by DPD or DHL using a tracked and insured service.
Different delivery charges may apply to the Highlands and Islands and the Channel Islands. Please see our delivery information for full details.
Buying from Quilt Direct
- Family-owned and founder-led since 1986
- The UK’s only BERNINA monobrand dealer
- Authorised BERNINA Diamond Dealer
- BERNINA and bernette sewing machine specialists
- In-house servicing and repairs carried out to BERNINA International servicing standards
- Mastery Classes, Open House, Creative Studio days and ongoing machine support
- UK Premier Stockist for OESD embroidery products
- Free UK mainland delivery on orders over £150
Need help choosing your sewing machine?
Choosing a new sewing machine is very personal, and sometimes the easiest way to decide is simply to talk it through. Tell us what you enjoy sewing, what you would like to do next and what matters most to you in a machine. Our team can help you compare the BERNINA and bernette range and find the model that best suits the way you sew.
Call us on 01822 810877, visit our BERNINA Studio in Tavistock, or contact the team for advice.
Thank you, as always, for sewing with us. Happy quilting!
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