Review! Bernina Bernette 25

Friday, March 2nd 2012

Review! Bernina Bernette 25

Finally! After wanting a Bernina machine for absolutely ages, I decided to invest in one at last that had so many more features than my trusty mechanical Janome. So my Bernette 25 arrived today and considering there are so few reviews online for this machine, I thought I’d do one
Since the 25 is considered to be a ‘Prosumer’ machine I figured it would be a great investment to get something better than a domestic but not as top end as the 3 Series I looked at (a grand, yikes!). And the Bernette 25 is a beautifully designed machine (by two industrial design students at the Northwest Switzerland University of Applied Sciences for Art and Design, no less) so that appealed to me straight away.
Right, onto the review…

Basically all the features I was looking for, this machine has. Most important, right? Apart from the pretty lights. These are the ones that swayed me to getting the 25…

1. Totally computerised.
2. Drop-in bobbin that you can see running out.
3. Bright LED sewing light.
4. 155 stitch patterns, including sweet little embroidery ones (hearts, snowflakes!) and alphabet.
5. Start/Stop button – use it without the pedal if you want.
6. Variable speed – no more abruptly fast starts!
7. Sews ALL fabrics and has two presser foot levels.
8. Needle up/down selection.
9. Auto lock – you can set it to stop after finishing a pattern.
10. You can lock the presser foot in a horizontal position when sewing over heavy seams or thick fabrics which is amazing! I have broken many a needle cause of presser foot tilt, even when using the jean-a-ma-jig!
11. Twin needle capability.
12. So many presser feet come with it, including blind hem, overcasting, zipper and darning. Also, Janome feet fit so I can use my roll-hem and invisible zipper feet too
13. Finally, the design. You can even write on the front with dry erase markers if you need to make quick notes on something.
14. The price. Not the cheapest machine due to the Bernina name (£369) but what a bundle for the money!

And the sewing quality?

It’s smooth, perfect tension even on a standard setting and the embroidery is neat and so cute. There are multiple changes in size and width you can make to these, I had a mess on with the hearts
This machine is also almost 2kg lighter than my Janome so taking this to classes or wherever will be a lot less arm-stretchy.

The stitch selection chart is on the top cover that pops up to reveal the cotton spools, thread tension dial etc. Cool eh?

Needless to say this machine will be getting some serious use, I actually can’t leave it alone :3 Now it sits on my sewing table alongside my Bernina 800DL overlocker What a team.

♥
xx

Filed under: Haberdashery, Sewing by allycat
15 Comments »

15 Responses to “Review! Bernina Bernette 25”

manuela, on April 13th, 2012 at 8:35 am Said:

Thank you so much for the review (^_^) I am going to buy one for sure, the design is a-mazing !!! very minimalistic…
allycat, on April 13th, 2012 at 4:16 pm Said:

No problem, you will love it! It’s a beautiful machine
Raquel, on May 23rd, 2012 at 12:40 pm Said:

Hi, I’m Spanish, excuse me if I make mistakes in my message. I love this machine but I like Janome 2160 too. What do you think about this? I just started in the sewing world, and not sure where I’ll get, but I know love to sew. Thanks and kisses.
allycat, on May 24th, 2012 at 12:32 am Said:

Hi,

The Janome seems like a good machine, my first machine was a Janome. Has some very similar features but not quite the range of the Bernina. I guess it’s all down to personal choice, but I’d prefer a Bernina over a Janome any day x
Raquel, on May 24th, 2012 at 8:54 am Said:

Hi, thank you very much. excuse me but I’d like to know: How are the letters? Are nice? In Spain the machine is more expensive, here its price is £489, therefore maybe I’ll buy the Bernette 20 (£409). Ufff, I’m in a muddle!. What would you do? Is it worth spending more? Thanks again.
allycat, on June 3rd, 2012 at 4:37 pm Said:

I don’t really need the letters myself, they’re okay for simple things. The embroidery stitches are beautiful though. I’d always get the 25, but that’s me! x
Maria Shaikh, on June 19th, 2012 at 4:05 pm Said:

Hi
Your review is very helpful. I am a tad new to sewing. I have the option of getting the Bernette 15 or the 25. Is it worth it to spend the extra money and get the 25 or should I go for the 15? Would appreciate your advice.
Regards
Maria
allycat, on June 19th, 2012 at 4:14 pm Said:

Hi there, it really all depends whether you want all the features of the 25. For instance, the 25 is fully computerised and has the ease of a drop-in bobbin whilst the 15 is mechanical and has a regular front-loading bobbin. Being new to sewing the 15 would still be good, but maybe look at the full comparison chart of all the features to better decide

x
Margaret, on July 1st, 2012 at 9:32 pm Said:

Hi Allycat,
I’m looking at a new machine, mine is an old Kenmore bought back in 1974… Still kicking but starting to lose some of its capabilities. I’m looking at the Bernette 25 but also wondering about the Pfaff Expressions 150… I have been sewing for 45 plus years. Do not quilt but enjoy sewing and do anything from mending to clothing, draperies and bedding, etc. I like the sound of the Bernina but I also have a Pfaff serger that has been wonderful over the years and I know Pfaff is celebrating 150 years and have come out with 2 limited editions, one being the Pfaff Expressions 150… Anyone have any info to share??? Thanks for your review!!
Cindyluwho, on July 20th, 2012 at 10:21 pm Said:

I bought the 25 a few days ago. love the machine. I have already made a stitch catalog of all the stitches but am having trouble with the memory both in saving the stitches and deleting. Can you help me on this. I felt very comfortable with this purchase because of your review! Thanks
kato, on September 12th, 2012 at 12:46 pm Said:

thank you so much for the review! I was quarreling among 15 and 25 mainly because of the price. I’ve been sewing for over 2 years now but i’m still not sure weather i should ask for the 25. I am in love with the little hearts and ornaments but the price is a little stingy. no? I am so lost. BTW is Bernina better then brother cause different salesmen tell me completely different things. Bernina definitely is winning me over. I guess i’ll be buying it. A bit lost here :/
Ada Barber, on October 1st, 2012 at 4:33 pm Said:

I purchase the Bernette 25 2 months ago. I was really loving the versatility of this machine. However, I was zigzagging a raw edge and all of a sudden the tension became too tight. I have tried everything possible to adjust it. The decorative stitches all look terrible because the upper tension is too tight. HELP! Does anyone have any suggestions. The dealer hasn’t returned my call so far.
allycat, on October 8th, 2012 at 4:46 pm Said:

Wow I’m sorry to hear about this, did you get it sorted? I’m not sure what else you could do with it being a computerised machine, almost definitely need a dealer to look at it I would’ve said Great machine though, mine is still going great. X
Anna, on December 10th, 2012 at 12:59 pm Said:

Problem Ada:
Hi, I’ve got the same problem. My teacher tried everything to fix it but could not. I’m gonna contact my supplier and I’ll keep you informed.
feriog, on February 22nd, 2013 at 6:19 pm Said:

dear Anna please let us know if you fixed the problem and how?