BERNINA Sewing Accessories

BERNINA sewing machines are designed for precision and versatility, and their range of accessories enhances functionality across sewing, quilting, and embroidery projects. Here’s a quick guide to the must-have BERNINA accessories that help you achieve professional results:

1. Presser Feet

With over 100 options, BERNINA’s presser feet cater to various techniques, from general sewing to embroidery and quilting. Each foot ensures stability, precision, and easy attachment.

2. Embroidery Hoops

Available in multiple sizes (S, M, L), these hoops are perfect for creating detailed embroidery designs on various fabric types.

3. Stitch Plates

Designed for delicate and specialty fabrics, stitch plates provide better fabric control, ensuring flawless stitches on tricky materials like silk and rayon.

4. Bobbin Cases & Bobbins

Precision-engineered bobbin cases ensure consistent thread tension, while high-quality bobbins optimize stitch quality across different BERNINA hook systems.

5. Slide-On Tables

Expanding your sewing area, slide-on tables improve fabric handling—especially useful for large quilting or sewing projects.

6. Protective Cases & Bags

Keep your machine safe from dust and damage with durable storage and transport bags.

7. Supporting Accessories

• Ruler Kits for precise measurements and even stitching.
  
  
• Magnifier Set & Sewing Light for enhanced visibility in detailed projects.
  
  
• Multiple Spool Holder for smooth thread changes.
  
  

8. Sewing Machine Needles

A selection of needles for different fabrics and techniques ensures better stitch quality and reduces breakage risks.

9. BERNINA BIG Books Collection

A valuable resource packed with sewing, quilting, and embroidery tips, plus insights on maximizing your accessories.

By incorporating these accessories into your sewing routine, you’ll unlock new creative possibilities and elevate your craftsmanship with every stitch.

Choosing the right accessories for your BERNINA sewing machine ensures optimal performance and prevents potential damage. Here’s how to find the best fit for your model:

1. Check the BERNINA Accessories Catalog

BERNINA releases detailed catalogs listing accessories compatible with different machine models. Machines are categorized (e.g., A, B, C, D), making it easy to identify suitable accessories. These catalogs are available on BERNINA’s website or through authorized dealers.

2. Understand Presser Foot Designations

BERNINA presser feet are labeled with numbers and letters indicating compatibility:

• No Letter – For machines with a CB Hook and a 5.5mm stitch width.
  
  
• C (Coded) – Designed for rotary hook machines with a 9mm stitch width and sensor technology.
  
  
• D (Dual Feed) – Compatible with machines featuring Dual Feed, such as the 8-Series.
  
  

3. Use the BERNINA Accessories Search Tool

BERNINA’s website offers a search tool where you can input your machine model to find compatible accessories instantly.

4. Refer to the My BERNINA Accessories Guide Workbook

This guide provides insights into different accessories, their uses, and how they enhance various sewing techniques.

5. Check Your Machine’s Manual

Your user manual includes essential information on presser feet, bobbins, and other accessories that work with your specific model.

6. Consult Authorized BERNINA Dealers

Dealers offer expert advice on accessory compatibility, ensuring you choose the right tools for your sewing needs.

Yes and no—some BERNINA sewing accessories are interchangeable between different models, but many are designed for specific machine series. Compatibility depends on factors like hook system, stitch width, and additional machine features (e.g., Dual Feed).

1. Presser Feet Compatibility

• CB Hook Machines (5.5mm stitch width): Use standard presser feet without special coding.
  
  
• Rotary Hook Machines (9mm stitch width): Require “C” feet, which have sensors for wider stitches.
  
  
• Dual Feed Machines: Require “D” feet, designed for models with the Dual Feed function.
  Some presser feet work across multiple models, but check for stitch width and feed system compatibility.
  
  

2. Bobbins & Bobbin Cases

• CB Hook Bobbins are not compatible with rotary hook machines.
  
  
• Bernina 7 Series (B9 Hook) uses a different bobbin design, which is not interchangeable with other series.
  
  
• Bernina 8 Series has a unique bobbin system, requiring specialized bobbins and cases.
  Bobbins are generally not interchangeable between different hook systems.
  
  

3. Stitch Plates

• Stitch plates must match the feed dog configuration and stitch width of your machine.
  Some stitch plates work with multiple models, but always verify compatibility.
  
  

4. Embroidery Hoops & Modules

• Some hoops are interchangeable, but embroidery modules are model-specific (e.g., 5 Series, 7 Series, and 8 Series modules are different).
  Check if your model supports a specific hoop size or module before purchasing.
  
  

5. Slide-On Tables & Extension Tables

• Must fit the free-arm design of the machine.
  Some tables work across models within the same series, but not universally.
  
  

6. Foot Controls & Power Cords

Older mechanical machines use different foot controls than modern electronic models.Power cords and foot pedals are not always interchangeable.

Use the BERNINA Accessories Search Tool on their official website.
Consult your machine’s manual or an authorized dealer.
Refer to the BERNINA Accessories Catalog, which categorizes compatibility by machine series.

If you're unsure about an accessory, it's always best to verify with BERNINA or a trusted dealer before purchasing.

BERNINA accessories are designed to enhance sewing precision and comfort, helping sewists achieve professional results with ease. These tools make stitching more precise, fabric handling smoother, and embroidery work more refined.

Specialized presser feet play a key role in improving sewing accuracy for instance, Embroidery Foot #6 is perfect for heavy satin stitching and appliqué, with a wide opening and a hole for sewing over cords and elastic threads. The Walking Foot is highly recommended for quilting and tricky fabrics, as it ensures even fabric feeding and prevents shifting.

Supporting accessories further enhance convenience. The Multiple-Spool Holder allows quick thread changes by holding several spools at once, while the Magnifying Lens Set (1.25x, 1.5x, and 2x) improves visibility for intricate stitching, reducing eye strain.

For embroidery enthusiasts, BERNINA offers modules and hoops that expand a machine’s capabilities. Embroidery Modules turn compatible machines into full-featured embroidery stations, while various hoops and adapters keep fabric taut for precise stitching.

Many sewists praise these accessories for transforming their sewing experience. The Walking Foot is a favorite among quilters for handling multiple layers with ease, while the Open-Toe Embroidery Foot (#20) is loved for its clear visibility and control in appliqué work.

Incorporating BERNINA accessories into your sewing routine enhances precision, creativity, and efficiency, making every project more enjoyable and professional.

Here are some essential accessories to consider:​

1. Walking Foot (Foot #50):

Ideal for quilting, the Walking Foot ensures even feeding of multiple fabric layers, preventing shifting and puckering. It's particularly beneficial when working with multiple layers or quilting projects.​

2. Open-Toe Embroidery Foot (Foot #20):

Designed for embroidery and appliqué, this foot offers clear visibility of the needle area, facilitating precise stitching and intricate design work.​

3. Ruler Foot (Foot #72) and Ruler Kits:

Essential for ruler work quilting, the Ruler Foot combined with Ruler Kits allows for accurate and consistent quilting patterns, enhancing the precision of your designs. ​

4. Border Ruler Kit:

This kit includes rulers specifically designed for creating borders in quilting projects, enabling you to craft consistent and professional-looking borders with ease. ​

5. Embroidery Hoops and Adapters:

A variety of hoop sizes and adapters are available to accommodate different project sizes and types, ensuring your fabric is held taut for precise embroidery results.

6. Essential Ruler Kit:

Perfect for quilting squiggly designs, waves, and nested circles, this kit consists of four pieces that aid in creating unique and intricate quilting pattern

1. BERNINA offers a variety of stitch plates tailored for different sewing applications. For instance, the 5.5 mm Stitch Plate with Sensor is ideal for sewing decorative stitches with a width of up to 5.5 mm and quilting with the BERNINA Integrated Dual Feed (BISR) function. It provides better fabric support, especially when working with fine, soft fabrics, preventing them from being pulled into the needle hole. 

2. Using genuine BERNINA bobbins ensures consistent tension and reliable stitch formation. These bobbins are engineered to work seamlessly with BERNINA machines, reducing the risk of stitching issues and enhancing the overall quality of your work.​

3. BERNINA sewing machines are equipped with built-in thread cutters that streamline the sewing process by automatically trimming threads at the end of a seam. This feature saves time and ensures clean, professional finishes without the need for manual cutting.

BERNINA's specialty needles and presser feet are designed to tackle specific sewing tasks with precision:

• For example, the Gold Jeans Needle is ideal for heavy-duty projects involving coarse fabrics like denim or canvas. Its medium rounded point and specialized coating enhance durability and performance.
  
  
• Specialty Presser Feet perform a specific task with utmost reliability and expertise. The Roller Foot #51, for instance, is excellent for sewing over uneven layers and bulky fabrics. Its roller design allows it to glide smoothly over textured surfaces, ensuring even stitching without fabric distortion.

BERNINA extension tables and free-arm attachments are generally designed to be compatible with specific machine models. It's essential to verify compatibility before purchasing. Consult your machine's user manual or contact a BERNINA dealer to ensure that the accessory will fit and function correctly with your particular model.

To maintain the longevity and performance of your BERNINA accessories:

• Regularly remove lint and debris from accessories using a soft brush. For presser feet and stitch plates, avoid harsh chemicals; instead, use mild soap and water if necessary, and dry thoroughly before storage.​
  
  
• Keep accessories in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight. Utilize storage boxes or compartments to prevent scratches and damage.

If you encounter compatibility issues with an accessory:

1. Verify Compatibility: Check the accessory's specifications against your machine's requirements.​
   
   
2. Consult Documentation: Refer to your machine's user manual for guidance on compatible accessories.​
   
   
3. Contact Support: Reach out to BERNINA customer service or visit an authorized dealer for assistance.

Replacement parts for BERNINA accessories can be sourced through:​

• Authorized Dealers: Visit local BERNINA retailers for genuine replacement parts.​
  
  
• Official BERNINA Website: Order directly from BERNINA's online store, ensuring authenticity and compatibility.