Bernette B79 Sewing & Embroidery Machine Review – Best Buying Product

I’m thrilled to share my experience with the Bernette b79 sewing embroidery machine after using it extensively for over a year. This combination machine offers a wide range of features, making it an excellent choice for those looking to “level up” their sewing game. While I purchased this machine myself, please note that this post contains affiliate links.

If you’re new to sewing and seeking a beginner-friendly machine, I’ve compiled a list of recommendations in a separate blog post. Beginner machines typically have fewer bells and whistles, making them easier to use initially.

You might be thinking, “Of course, this Bernina blog will feature a glowing review.” Yes, it will be a super amazing review, but it will also be an honest one based on a full year of using the Bernette 79 machine. I think it’s important to share some additional points that shape my perspective.

Having had a negative experience with a combination machine seven or eight years ago, I was understandably nervous about trying out this new machine. The previous machine, which constantly jammed, was fussy, and only performed well when sewing two completely flat pieces of quilting cotton together. At the time, I was going through a denim phase (which avid blog readers may question if it ever truly ended), so the machine and I did not get along.

Before committing to taking the Bernette b79 home and sharing it with you, I wanted to put it through its paces, specifically with a variety of fabrics. I took swatches from my stash and a list of techniques that had previously caused issues for me or others to my local Bernina/Bernette dealership (shoutout to All Things Bernina in Westgate!) and thoroughly tested the machine.

Spoiler alert: the Bernette B79 passed all the tests! The Bernette 70 Series, launched in the summer of 2019, includes three models: the b70 DECO sewing machine, the b77 embroidery machine, and the b79 sewing/embroidery machine combo. I opted for the Bernette b79 as it offers the benefits of the b70 DECO along with the embroidery perks of the b77.

I believe the Bernette b79 is perfect for my needs, as it features a 6″x10″ embroidery field for adding embellishments to my sewing projects while also being a high-quality sewing machine with more stitches and features than I’ll ever need. My favorite feature is the built-in walking foot, but the programmable foot pedal and knee lift are also cool features that enhance the machine’s usability.

The bernette 79: A Versatile Sewing and Embroidery Machine

The bernette 79 is an exceptional combination sewing and embroidery machine that offers a wide range of features for both sewing and embroidery enthusiasts. As part of the bernette 70 series, this machine stands out alongside its counterparts: the bernette 70 Deco, an embroidery only machine, and the bernette 77, a sewing only machine.

One of the key features of the b79 is its removable embroidery module, which can be easily attached to the machine for seamless machine embroidery. This versatility allows users to switch between sewing and embroidery projects with ease.

The bernette 79 comes equipped with a comprehensive set of accessories, including a variety of presser feet, two stitch plates, a regular bobbin case, and a high tension bobbin case specifically designed for embroidery. Additionally, the machine includes a knee lift, a foot pedal, and three embroidery hoops in different sizes, providing users with everything they need to start creating right out of the box.

With its impressive range of features and included accessories, the bernette 79 is an ideal choice for those seeking a high-quality sewing and embroidery machine that offers both versatility and convenience. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crafter, this machine is sure to meet your needs and help you bring your creative projects to life.

bernette B79 Machine Features

Needle Down and Back Kick Function: A Dynamic Duo for Seamless Sewing

The bernette 79 boasts an impressive array of features that make it stand out among other sewing and embroidery machines. Two of these features, the needle-down setting and the Back Kick Function, work together seamlessly to provide an exceptional sewing experience.

The needle-down setting ensures that the machine always ends a stitch with the needle in the down position, piercing through the fabric. This feature is particularly useful when you need to pivot your fabric, as it keeps the material securely in place and maintains continuous stitching. No more struggling to keep your fabric aligned or dealing with uneven stitches!

Complementing the Needle Down setting is the innovative back kick function on the foot pedal. While pressing your toes down on the pedal starts the machine, and lifting your toes off slows it down and stops it, the B79 introduces an additional motion. By pressing your heel down on the pedal, the presser foot slightly raises into a hover position. When combined with the needle-down function, this makes pivoting your fabric a breeze, ensuring precise and effortless maneuvering.

Another noteworthy aspect of the foot pedal and hover function is its usefulness when starting a new seam. By lightly pressing the pedal with your toes, the presser foot lowers to the hover position and pauses before the machine begins sewing. This allows you to perfectly align your fabric and achieve that ideal 1/4″ seam every time.

With the Needle Down and Back kick functions working together, the bernette 79 offers a level of control and precision that makes sewing a truly enjoyable and efficient experience. These features showcase the thoughtful design and attention to detail that went into creating this exceptional sewing and embroidery machine.

Auto Thread Cutter: A Game-Changer for Quilting and Embroidery

The auto thread cutter is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated and appreciated features of the bernette 79. The challenge of trimming the bobbin thread when ending a seam in the middle of a quilt is a common issue that quilters encounter when using domestic sewing machines.

The b79 offers multiple ways to activate the auto thread cutter, either by using the dedicated button on the front of the machine or by programming the kick back function. This flexibility allows users to choose their preferred method, ensuring a seamless and efficient sewing experience.

In addition to its usefulness in quilting, the auto thread cutter also proves invaluable during machine embroidery. Most embroidery designs include multiple color change steps and areas where the design jumps from one spot to another. The auto thread cutter automatically cuts the thread at the end of each color step, preparing the machine for the next color. Furthermore, users can program the machine to cut jump stitches, eliminating the need for manual trimming after the design is stitched out.

Thread Cutter Tip: Patience is Key

When using the auto thread cutter on the Bernette B79, it’s essential to take your time. Moving the fabric too quickly after cutting the thread can cause the thread to snap back through the needle, requiring rethreading. To avoid this frustration, wait for the machine to complete the entire process—cutting the thread, raising the needle, and raising the presser foot—before removing your fabric.

Presser Feet and Bernette Dual Feed: Versatility and Compatibility

The Bernette B79 showcases its versatility through its compatibility with presser feet from other Bernette models, such as the b35, thanks to the Universal Presser Foot Holder. This feature allows users to utilize their favorite feet, like the Patchwork foot, across different machines.

Moreover, the b79 boasts the Bernette dual feed system, which eliminates the need for a separate walking foot. When engaged, the dual feed helps feed the fabric from both the top and bottom, ensuring even feeding and reducing puckering or shifting, particularly when quilting. The dual feed works with presser feet that have an open back, providing a convenient and integrated solution for quilters and sewists alike.

Touchscreen Display: Intuitive and User-Friendly

The bernette 79 features a stunning 5-inch, LCD touchscreen display that simplifies the process of viewing and selecting embroidery designs. Users familiar with BERNINA machines will instantly recognize the high-quality user interface, ensuring a seamless transition and easy navigation.

Maximum 6″x10″ Embroidery Field: Ample Space for Most Projects

While not the largest embroidery field available on the market, the 6″x10″ embroidery size offered by the Bernette B79 is more than sufficient for most hobby sewists. Larger embroidery fields often come at a significantly higher price point, making the bernette 79 an excellent value for its capabilities.

Dual Feed: Effortless Sewing on Slippery Fabrics

The built-in walking foot, or dual feed, is a standout feature of the b79. Easily engaged by pulling down on the back of the presser foot lever, this feature ensures even feeding of both the top and bottom layers of fabric, making it ideal for working with slippery fabrics.

500 Built-In Sewing Stitches and Designs: Endless Creative Possibilities

The bernette 79 comes loaded with an impressive array of built-in stitches and designs, including standard straight and zig-zag stitches, as well as 133 decorative stitches, 17 buttonhole stitches, 35 quilting stitches, 7 alphabet fonts, and 208 embroidery designs. These motifs can be easily edited using the touchscreen or the included stylus pen.

Programmable Stitch Patterns: Personalize Your Creations

In addition to the built-in designs, users can create their own custom designs and save them to the machine’s memory, allowing for endless personalization and creativity.

USB Port for Importing Embroidery Designs: Expand Your Design Library

The b79’s USB port enables users to import thousands of additional embroidery designs, ensuring that you’ll never run out of fresh and exciting projects to tackle.

Permanent Quick Reverse: Secure Seams with Ease

The Permanent Quick Reverse feature allows you to program stitches to create an automatic lockstitch at the beginning and end of a seam, saving time and ensuring consistently secure seams.

Automatic Thread Cutter: Convenient and Efficient

With the press of a button, the automatic thread cutter takes care of trimming your threads, streamlining your sewing process. For those who prefer, a manual thread cutter is also available on the left side of the machine.

Semi-Automatic Needle Threader: Say Goodbye to Threading Frustrations

The semi-automatic needle threader eliminates the hassle of threading the eye of the needle. Simply guide the thread through the machine’s guides and pull down the lever to effortlessly thread the needle.

Drop-In Bobbin: Easy to Load and Monitor

The drop-in bobbin system features a jam-resistant design, allowing for quick and easy bobbin placement. The clear bobbin cover enables you to monitor your thread supply at a glance.

Large Throat Width: Ample Space for Quilting and Large Projects

With 9 inches of space to the right of the needle, the bernette 79 provides ample room for quilting and tackling larger sewing projects with ease.

Fast Stitching: Get More Done in Less Time

Boasting speeds of up to 1,000 stitches per minute, the b79 ensures that you can complete your projects efficiently without sacrificing quality.

Presser Foot Knee-Lift: Hands-Free Control

The knee-lift system allows for hands-free control of the presser foot, providing added convenience and flexibility while sewing.

Programmable Foot Pedal: Customizable Functionality

The foot pedal can be programmed with a back-kick function to automatically finish a seam and cut the thread, further enhancing the machine’s efficiency and ease of use.

10-Year Warranty: Peace of Mind for Years to Come

The Bernette 79 comes with a 10-year warranty, ensuring that your investment is protected and that you can enjoy this exceptional sewing and embroidery machine for years to come.

Bernette B79 Performance: A Closer Look

Now that we’ve explored the impressive features of the Bernette B79, let’s dive into its performance to understand how this sewing and embroidery machine truly shines.

Design and Physical Attributes: Elegance and Functionality Combined

The Bernette B79 boasts an elegant, all-white design that adds a touch of sophistication to any sewing space. The machine’s aesthetic appeal is complemented by its functional features, such as the five-inch LCD touchscreen, which provides easy access to a wide range of embroidery designs.

The conveniently located USB port allows users to import and download numerous embroidery designs, offering unlimited options for creating beautiful stitches and personalized projects.

Embroidery Performance: Versatility and Creativity Unleashed

With seven embroidery fonts and 208 embroidery designs built-in, the Bernette B79 provides a wealth of creative possibilities right out of the box. Users can easily combine, rotate, and flip design elements on the touch screen to suit their project requirements.

The editing and lettering modules further expand the machine’s capabilities, offering an additional 100 fonts and 300 embroidery designs to choose from. This extensive library of embroidery motifs ensures that users always have fresh and exciting options to explore.

The B79 also offers a choice of three embroidery hoops in different sizes: 2 X 3 inches, 5 X 7 inches, and 10 X 6 inches. Each hoop features a quick-release mechanism, and the machine’s computer instantly recognizes the selected hoop, displaying designs accordingly.

Spacious and Bright Working Space: Comfort and Visibility

One of the standout features that make the Bernette B79 a popular choice among sewists is its generous 6″ X 10″ embroidery area. This ample space allows for the creation of larger, more intricate designs.

The machine’s 7 mm stitch plate enables users to create decorative stitches with lengths of up to 7 mm, further expanding their creative options.

The B79 ensures a well-lit working environment with four LED lights that provide 230 mm of bright illumination around the needle area. Additionally, the slide-on-free-arm extension table offers extra comfort and space for handling larger projects with ease.

Convenient Sewing: Streamlined and Efficient

The semi-automatic needle threader streamlines the sewing process, ensuring smooth and productive operation. The presser foot automatically lowers and adjusts its position, while the thread cutter securely holds the thread in place.

The automatic tie-off function is a time-saving feature that eliminates the need for manual backstitching to secure the thread. With a simple press of the tie-off button, the machine automatically cuts the thread, allowing users to move on to the next step in their project quickly.

In conclusion, the Bernette B79 delivers exceptional performance, combining elegant design, versatile embroidery capabilities, a spacious and well-lit working area, and convenient sewing features. This sewing and embroidery machine is an ideal choice for hobbyists and enthusiasts seeking a reliable, feature-rich machine to bring their creative visions to life.

Pros And Cons Of The Bernette B79 Sewing and Embroidery Machine

Pros

The Bernette B79 sewing and embroidery machine comes packed with a range of features that make it stand out from the competition. Let’s take a closer look at some of its most notable advantages:

1. Four Inbuilt LED Lights: The machine boasts four built-in LED lights that provide ample illumination for your workspace, ensuring that you can see your projects clearly and work comfortably even in low-light conditions.
2. Easy Design Storage: The Bernette B79’s software makes it simple to store your designs directly on the machine, allowing for quick access and organization of your embroidery projects.
3. Versatile Embroidery Format Compatibility: The Bernette B79 can read a wide range of embroidery formats, including DST, JEF, EXP, and PES. This versatility ensures that you can work with designs from various sources without the need for file conversion.
4. One-Button Stitch Securing: With just a single button press, you can secure your stitches, saving time and effort while ensuring that your projects are neat and professional-looking.
5. Programmable Foot Pedal: The machine features a programmable foot pedal that allows you to tie off the stitch and cut the thread automatically. This convenient feature streamlines your workflow and reduces the need for manual intervention.
6. Built-In Walking Foot: The integrated walking foot makes it easy to sew through slippery fabrics or multiple layers of material, ensuring even feeding and reducing the risk of puckering or shifting.

Cons

While the Bernette B79 offers numerous benefits, it’s essential to be aware of a few potential drawbacks:

1. Startup Time: Some users have reported that the machine takes a bit of time to start up, which may be a consideration for those who value a quick and immediate start to their sewing sessions.
2. Weight and Portability: The B79 is slightly heavier than some other sewing machines, which may make it more difficult to transport frequently. If you plan on moving your machine often, this is a factor to keep in mind.

Despite these minor drawbacks, the Bernette B79 remains an excellent choice for sewists and embroidery enthusiasts seeking a feature-rich, reliable, and user-friendly machine. Its extensive range of capabilities, combined with its ease of use and high-quality performance, make it a top contender in its class.

What’s In the Box? A Comprehensive Bernette B79 Package

When you purchase the Bernette B79 Combination Sewing and Embroidery Machine, you’ll receive a complete package that includes everything you need to start your sewing and embroidery projects right away. Let’s take a closer look at what’s included:

1. Bernette b79 Combination Sewing and Embroidery Machine: The star of the show, this versatile machine is ready to help you create stunning projects with ease.
2. Accessories: The B79 comes with a wide range of essential accessories, including a power cord, foot control pedal, knee-lift lever, slide-on extension table, and two stitch plates. These components ensure that you have everything you need to operate your machine efficiently.
3. Removable Embroidery Arm and Three Embroidery Hoops: The machine features a removable embroidery arm and comes with three embroidery hoops in different sizes (160×260 mm, 120x180mm, and 50×70 mm). The Bernette b79 automatically detects the size of the hoop you are using, making it easy to work on projects of various sizes.
4. Machine Dust Cover: To keep your machine protected when not in use, the B79 includes a high-quality, canvas dust cover with convenient pockets for storing your accessories.
5. Quick-Start Guide: A handy quick-start guide is included to help you set up your machine and start creating right away. This guide provides essential information and tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable sewing and embroidery experience.
6. Presser Feet: The Bernette B79 comes with a selection of sewing machine presser feet to accommodate different sewing techniques and projects. While this starter set is sufficient for most users, an additional presser foot set is available for purchase, offering even more versatility.
7. Free Bernina Toolbox Editing and Lettering Software: As a special bonus, the Bernette b79 includes the Bernina Toolbox Editing and Lettering Software, valued at over $600. This powerful software allows you to create, edit, and customize your embroidery designs, adding a whole new level of creativity to your projects.

With such a comprehensive package, the Bernette B79 Combination Sewing and Embroidery Machine offers excellent value for money. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced sewer, this machine provides all the tools and accessories you need to bring your creative visions to life.

How Does Bernette B79 Stand Against The Competition?

When it comes to finding a sewing and embroidery machine that offers the best value for money, the Bernette B79 stands out as a clear winner among its competitors. While there may be other models in a similar price range, the Bernette B79 unique combination of features and benefits sets it apart from the rest.

One of the key advantages of Bernette machines is their user-friendly design. The B79 is no exception, offering features such as stitch plate and needle security, as well as visual editing for independent stitches, making it easy for users of all skill levels to create stunning projects.

The machine also includes the Bernette foot control with a back-kick and the Freehand system, allowing for hands-free operation and greater flexibility while sewing. Additionally, the Bernette Dual Feed system enables users to match patterns, work with slippery materials, and align seams with ease.

The B79’s on-screen editing capabilities, featuring an intuitive drag-and-drop interface, further enhance its user-friendly nature. The included Lettering and Toolbox Editing software provides a powerful tool for managing and saving your designs for future use.

Another significant advantage of the Bernette B79 is its exceptional warranty coverage. No other model in its class offers a two-year warranty on electrical components and a ten-year warranty on faulty parts, providing peace of mind and protection for your investment.

Lastly, the B79 boasts a unique Sewing Tutorial feature, which guides beginners through various quilting and sewing techniques, making it an ideal choice for those just starting their sewing journey.

Why Should You Choose Bernette B79?

In addition to its impressive features and competitive advantages, there are several compelling reasons to choose the Bernette B79 for your sewing and embroidery needs:

1. Programmable Stitch Patterns: The Bernette B79 allows you to create, customize, and save your own stitch designs, providing endless creative possibilities.
2. Excellent Needle Work Space: With 9 inches of space to the right of the needle, the machine offers ample room for working on complex sewing projects with ease.
3. Sewing Speed: The Bernette B79 boasts an impressive sewing speed of 1,000 stitches per minute, allowing you to complete projects quickly and efficiently.
4. Efficient Bobbin System: The machine features a jam-resistant, drop-in bobbin system, making it easy to load and start sewing without interruptions.

Conclusion

As a product of the renowned Bernina Company, known for its high-quality sewing machines for both household and commercial use, the Bernette B79 is a testament to the brand’s commitment to excellence. While Bernina machines are often associated with higher price points, the Bernette B79 offers exceptional value, delivering top-tier features and performance at a more accessible cost.

The Bernette B79’s durability and ability to perform well in any physical environment make it a reliable choice for sewists of all levels. As a true combination of sewing and embroidery capabilities, along with its pre-programmed features and automatic functions, the Bernette B79 is an ideal machine for those seeking to streamline and enhance their sewing and embroidering process.

In conclusion, if you’re in the market for a feature-rich, user-friendly, and cost-effective sewing and embroidery machine, the Bernette B79 is definitely worth considering. Its unique blend of capabilities, warranty coverage, and overall value make it a standout choice among its competitors.