Bernina 530 Review | Clothed Much

Are you searching for a Bernina 530 Review. If so you have come to the right article, as over here I will be covering its specs, features, pros and cons, and what other people are saying. Finally, I will give you my personal take of this machine.

Overview

Key Specifications

Dimensions: 21.75 x 18 x 15 inches
Machine Weight: 33.7 pounds
Type: Computerized sewing machine
Built-in Sewing Stitches: 148
Maximum Sewing Speed: 900 stitches per minute
Warranty: 20-year limited warranty

It was in the year 1893 where the Bernina brand was created. This was founded by Karl Friedrich Gegauf in Steckborn, Switzerland, which was named after Piz Bernina—the highest mountain in the Eastern Alps[1]. They have had a long history in the sewing industry. Bernina invented the world’s first hemstitch sewing machine, first machine with a patented snap-on presser foot, first computerized sewing machine with a fully automatic one-step buttonhole and stitch memory, and the first sewing computer with a Microsoft Windows operating system. And it was in the 21st century when Bernina saw amazingly new innovations such as the Activa 145, which had a software for adjustments and ability to convert scanned images into embroidery patterns[2]. This followed with the introduction of the world’s first sewing machine with an operating system. It features an LCD display and memory features for stitch and embroidery options. Bernina is quite an innovative brand which seeks to transform with the advancement of technology. Thus, even today, Bernina sewing machines are still existent and on the top choices.

Pros

Powerful Yet Quiet Operation – This is what makes it loveable. Even if it has a strong motor, it still operates pretty quietly.
Wide Selection of Built-in Stitch Patterns – With 148 built-in stitches to choose from, this machine sure does have variety for every sewist.
Semi-automatic Needle Threader – An automatic needle threader will take away the effort and time when inserting thread into the needle.

Cons

Price Isn’t Budget-Friendly – Unlike its contenders, this machine is much more expensive.
Isn’t a Portable Sewing Machine – Given its weight and dimensions, you’ll definitely need to make enough space for this machine.
No Automatic Thread Cutter – Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with an automatic thread cutter.

Who Should Consider Getting Bernina 530

The Bernina 530 is a real workhorse perfect for beginners and sewing enthusiasts. Don’t be overwhelmed with its great features because it is actually user-friendly. Working with intricate projects is also made easier thanks to its slide speed control feature for users to increase and decrease the speed at their own pace. Stitch selection is easily done by just dialing the stitch number on the touchpad. Not only that, you’ll also be able to use the free arm when you’re not using the extension table to allow for easier sewing on hard-to-reach spots like sleeves, cuffs, hems, and other narrower pieces.

Thus, no matter if you’re a beginner or an experienced sewist, the Bernina 530 would definitely be a good tool for expanding your sewing creativity. Most especially if you’re a beginner, you would appreciate its simplicity and ease of use. All of its amazing features and accessories are great for sewists looking to use it for home decors, quilting projects, and many more. And with its adjustable foot presser, you can also work on light to thick fabrics and even on multiple layered and heavyweight fabrics. However, if you’re looking for a cheap and affordable machine, then this might be off your list. But, if you’re persistent in looking for a well-performing sewing machine that can enhance one’s creativity, then this 530 will do the job for you.

Features and Benefits of Bernina 530

Automatic Needle Threader

This feature allows you to do hassle-free sewing as it takes away the effort and strain when trying to insert a thread into the eye of the needle. With just a press of a button, you’ll be able to sew with ease and precision.

Slide Speed Control

Working with intricate tasks are made easier thanks to its slide speed control option, making it not only applicable for advanced users but also for beginners who’d like to sew at lower speeds while learning how to sew. Additionally, the ability to adjust the sewing speed is an advantage when doing darling and quilting projects.

Automatic 1-Step Buttonhole

If you’re looking to make accurate buttonhole stitches, this machine will do the job for you. The 530 memorizes the adjusted length and automatically repeats the set buttonhole for as long as you want. Doing buttonholes with the same length won’t be a problem anymore.

Built-In Stitches

This machine can expand one’s creativity due to its 148 built-in stitches (117 decorative and 22 utility stitches).

Memorizing Feature

All the adjustments made can be set temporarily or permanently saved in the machine’s memory. Which simply means that you can customize your machine’s features and settings and have it set for short-term or long-term memory.

Programmable Needle Up/Down

As I mentioned previously, this feature is very essential when quilting. This allows you to place the needle in any position you want. Thus, it’s perfect for many sewing techniques such as appliqueing, pivoting, and most especially quilting.

Automatic Stitch Width and Length

This feature will allow you to adjust the stitch length up to 5.5mm and its stitch width up to 5mm. This allows you to fully adjust the length and width of your stitches which makes it perfect for customizing your projects.

Slide-On Extension Table

If you’d like to widen your work area, you can do so by using the slide-on extension table onto the free arm feature. The 7.5 inch extension table offers a bigger workspace, which is definitely necessary for quilting and generally doing larger projects.

Snap-On Presser Feet

This combination machine comes with many accessories including 5 snap-on presser feet (zipper, buttonhole, reverse pattern, blindstitch and overlock). A presser feet adds different functionalities to your machine so that you can accomplish much more than straight stitching.

Adjustable Presser Foot Pressure

This is the amount of pressure exerted by the presser foot on the fabric. The amount of pressure should vary on the type of fabric you’re using. Thus, it’ll allow you to properly feed the lightweight fabric and even thick fabrics through the machine.

Start/Stop Button

This convenient feature allows for a more hassle-free operation without using the foot controller.

Free Arm

You can easily reveal the free arm whenever you’re not using the extensions table to allow for easier sewing of narrower and smaller spaces like cuffs, sleeves, or children’s clothing.

Free-Hand System (FHS)

If you’d want to use its FHS feature, then you can just change it by attaching the knee lifter into the machine opening. You can raise and lower your presser foot with just a nudge of your knee. This helps you keep better control of your sewing because you’ll never have to take your hands away from the fabric to move your presser foot.

USB Interface for PC Connection

This amazing feature will allow you to transfer data from your PC to your machine using a USB cable.

Other Features

Reverse pattern
Overlock
Zipper
Blindstitch
Slide on extension table
Seam guide etched onto needle plate
On board ruler
Carrying case

What Others Are Saying

The Bernina 530 has great characteristics and features which is clearly evident in the customer’s reviews. As it includes user-friendly automated features like the 1-step buttonhole, automatic needle threader, built-in stitches and a presser feet, this machine is certainly a treat for many. I’d like to repeat its user-friendly features because it’s an essential overall feature to have in a machine, thus, beginning sewists highly appreciate the 530. Not only does it stand out when it comes to its consistent stitch results and user-friendly features, but it is also very solid in construction. Even if it’s on the heavier side, it still is an advantage when it comes to the stability of the machine.

Alternatives of Bernina 530

If you don’t have this Singer model in your stores, then you can consider looking at some of these computerized sewing machines that might tickle your tastebuds.

Singer 9985 The Quantum Stylist Touch Sewing Machine

This is considered to be an advanced fully-computerized sewing machine which is a perfect fit for experienced sewists or professionals in the industry. It displays a wide array of stitch options of 1,000 built-in stitch designs and tons of automated features for a more hassle-free sewing. Its most advantageous features would be its automatic needle threader, large LCD screen, bobbin winding, and its presser feet. This might not be the easiest machine to deal with due to its complexity, but it still has a fair share of user-friendly features applicable for beginners.

Brother Innov-is NS80E Sewing Machine

This machine is popular for its compact and portable construction. As it has dimensions of only 7.7″ x 16.5″ x 12.1″ and an overall weight of 14 pounds, this will certainly be a good machine for your home and wherever you want to bring it with you. Not only that, but it includes 80 built-in stitches with 8-one step buttonhole designs. As well as a drop-in bobbin, auto threading, adjustable stitch length & width, needle threader, free arm, and needle up/down feature. All of which are very useful for a hassle-free sewing experience.

Janome Sewist 780DC Sewing Machine

This Janome model is also a computerized sewing machine that is highly portable due to its dimensions of 16″ x 11.9″ x 7″ and a weight of 14.3 lbs to be exact. It includes a good amount of automated features such as the automatic thread cutter, stitch elongation, easy bobbin system, auto bobbin winder system, built-in needle threader, auto-lock stitch feature, and a needle up/down button. This may not be that easy as you expect, but with just enough understanding of the instruction manual and tutorials, then you’ll eventually get the hang of things.

Conclusion

This machine, no matter what skill level you have, is worth considering. I agree, this machine is not for budget-friendly users. But i’m telling you that it’s worth every penny! When you start working with this Bernina 530, you’ll definitely start loving everything about it as it can be customized according to your liking.

Sewists of any skill level will be amazed with its versatility and user-friendly operation. But the real deal behind this machine is its sewing performance. Not only can it produce consistent stitch lengths, widths, and buttonholes, but it can also memorize your set adjustments temporarily or permanently. So, I definitely recommend this for people willing to go over-budget for a very versatile and user-friendly machine. To get a closer look on the Bernina 530, come visit our website to know certified branches near you.

Resources:

“BERNINA Factories – Footer IL – BERNINA.” https://www.bernina.com/he-IL/Footer-IL/Why-BERNINA-he/Sustainability/BERNINA-Factories. Accessed 27 Sep. 2020.
“BERNINA activa 145 – Machines – BERNINA.” https://www.bernina.com/en-US/Machines-US/Series-Overview/BERNINA-activa/BERNINA-activa-145. Accessed 27 Sep. 2020.