Mastering Precision Stitches: The Bernina 485 Sewing and Quilting Machine’s Stitch Quality Review

SPECIFICATIONS

• Hook system: BERNINA Hook
• Sewing space to the right of the needle: 7 inches
• Color touch screen: 4.3 inches / 10 cm
• Adjustable presser foot pressure: Yes
• Automatic thread cutter: Yes
• BSR functionality: Straight stitch and zigzag
• Programmable BERNINA foot control: Yes
• Start/stop button (stitching without foot control): Yes
• Sewing tutorial: Yes
• Maximum stitch width in mm: 5.5
• Automatic buttonhole: Yes

Additional parameters that you might find useful:

• Maximum sewing speed: 900 stitches per minute
• Needle positions: 11
• LED sewing lights: 8
• Weight: 21 pounds
• Dimensions: 18 inches x 9 inches x 13 inches

Sewing and Quilting Features

Stitch Creation and Customization:

• Pattern start/end function: Tie off stitches neatly at the beginning and end of seams.
• Elongation: Stretch or expand stitches for creative effects.
• Automatic securing function: Prevent unraveling by automatically securing stitches at the beginning and end.
• Pattern repeat (up to 9): Create intricate designs by repeating patterns up to 9 times.
• Stitch length maximum in mm: 6
• Maximum stitch width in mm: 5.5
• Pattern mirroring: Flip stitches horizontally for symmetrical designs.
• Free Hand System (FHS): Lower the feed dogs for free-motion quilting and embroidery.

Stitch Variety:

• Number of stitch patterns (incl. alphabet) total: 994
  • Utility stitches total: 29 for practical sewing tasks
  • Buttonholes (incl. eyelet) total: 11 with multiple styles and automatic features
  • Automatic buttonhole length measuring system for precision buttonholes
  • Automatic buttonhole for effortless buttonhole creation
  • Manual multi-step buttonhole for customized buttonholes
  • Button sew-on program for easy button attachment
  • Darning programs: 2 for mending holes and tears
  • Decorative stitches total: 250 for embellishing projects
  • Quilting stitches total: 27 for quilting enthusiasts
  • Cross-stitch programs: 21 for cross-stitching designs
  • Sewing alphabets: 5 for personalizing projects

Additional Features:

• Reverse sewing: Reinforce stitches and sew in reverse for secure seams.

General Features

Hook System:

• BERNINA Hook: This high-performance hook system sews beautifully at high speeds with perfect stitch quality.

Sewing Speed and Space:

• Maximum sewing speed (stitches per minute): 900: Sew through multiple layers of fabric with ease.
• Sewing space to the right of the needle: 7”: Provides ample space for maneuvering large projects.

Display and Controls:

• Color touch screen: 4.3” / 10 cm: Easily select stitches, adjust settings, and view tutorials on the large, high-resolution touchscreen.
• Drag & Drop: Quickly and easily rearrange stitches on the touchscreen.
• LED sewing lights: 8 LED: Bright lights illuminate your sewing area for optimal visibility.
• Multi-function knobs: Convenient control over sewing speed and other settings.
• Needle positions: 11: Precise needle placement for a variety of sewing techniques.
• Sewing in each needle position: Ensures consistent stitch quality regardless of the needle position.
• Number of spool holders: 2: Accommodates two spools of thread for multi-color sewing.
• Semi-automatic needle threader: Effortlessly thread the needle with the built-in needle threader.

Threading and Tension:

• Adjustable presser foot pressure: Fine-tune the presser foot pressure for different fabric types and thicknesses.
• Manual thread cutter: Cut threads quickly and easily with the manual thread cutter.
• Automatic thread cutter: Automatically cuts threads at the end of a seam or when you pull the thread out of the machine.
• Adaptive Thread Tension: The machine automatically adjusts thread tension for perfect results on any fabric.

Stitch Functions and Customization:

• BSR functionality, straight stitch and zigzag: The BSR (BERNINA Stitch Regulator) ensures consistent stitch length even when sewing at varying speeds.
• BERNINA foot control with back-kick function: Precise speed control with the ergonomic foot control.
• Programmable BERNINA foot control: Customize the foot control sensitivity to your preference.
• Create and save stitch combinations: Combine multiple stitches to create custom stitch sequences.
• Memory (short-term/altered stitches): Store frequently used stitches for quick access.
• Memory (long-term/altered stitches): Permanently save custom stitch combinations.
• Start/stop button (stitching without foot control): Start and stop sewing without using the foot control.
• Slide speed control: Adjust sewing speed on the fly with the slide speed control.

Additional Features:

• Bobbin winding while sewing/embroidering: Wind a new bobbin while you sew or embroider, eliminating downtime.
• USB interface for PC connection: Connect the machine to your computer for software updates and firmware upgrades.
• USB interface for USB data stick: Transfer patterns and designs to and from the machine using a USB stick.
• Changing stitch settings while sewing: Easily adjust stitch settings on the touchscreen while sewing.
• Needle stop up/down: Program the needle to stop up or down for easy pivoting and positioning.
• On-screen help: Get quick access to helpful sewing tips and troubleshooting information directly on the machine.
• Creative consultant: Get sewing inspiration and advice from the built-in creative consultant.
• Sewing tutorial: Learn the basics of sewing with the built-in sewing tutorial.
• Setup program: The setup program guides you through the initial setup of the machine.
• Machine weight: 20.9 lb: Portable enough to take to sewing classes or retreats.
• Machine size: 16.6″ / 7.9″ / 12.9″

AUTOMATIC FEATURES SAVE TIME

The Bernina 485 Sewing & Quilting Machine features an robotic thread knife that saves you time and keeps your workflow going effortlessly.

Then is how it works:

• Simply sew up to your desired stopping point.
• Press the devoted automatic thread cutter button.
• The machine automatically cuts the upper and lower threads, leaving them at a manageable length.
• The needle lifts automatically, positioning your fabric for the coming step.

This hands-free operation allows you to:

• Focus on your creativity: No need to fumble with scissors or manually pull threads, letting you stay immersed in your project.
• Maintain a clean workspace: exclude thread clippings that can clutter your sewing area.
• Increase effectiveness: Finish seams and move on to the coming step more quick.

ADJUSTABLE PRESSER FOOT PRESSURE

The adjustable presser foot pressure on the Bernina 485 Sewing & Quilting Machine is a fantastic feature that allows you to tackle various fabrics and materials with ease.

Here’s how it works:

• The machine comes with a basic presser foot pressure setting that works well for most general sewing tasks.
• However, you can easily adjust this setting using the designated dial or lever on the machine.
• For thin fabrics: Increasing the pressure ensures the fabric feeds evenly and prevents puckering or gathering.
• For thick materials: Reducing the pressure prevents skipped stitches and fabric bunching.

By adjusting the presser foot pressure, you can achieve optimal sewing results on a wide range of materials, including:

• Delicate fabrics: Silk, chiffon, satin
• Medium-weight fabrics: Cotton, linen, denim
• Heavyweight fabrics: Canvas, upholstery fabric, leather

EASY TO NAVIGATE TOUCH SCREEN

The Bernina 485 Sewing & Quilting Machine boasts a user-friendly and easy-to-navigate touch screen that simplifies your sewing experience.

Here’s how it enhances your sewing journey:

• Modern Color Touch Screen: The vibrant and crisp display allows you to effortlessly visualize and select various sewing patterns, functions, and settings.
• Simple Navigation: The intuitive interface ensures smooth sailing through the machine’s features, eliminating the need for complex manuals or deciphering cryptic buttons.
• On-screen Support: Whenever you encounter a hurdle or have a question, the on-screen sewing consultant readily assists you. It provides clear instructions, troubleshooting tips, and helpful recommendations right on the screen.
• Multi-function Knobs: Alongside the touchscreen, conveniently placed multi-function knobs offer an alternative and tactile way to adjust settings and parameters swiftly.

HANDS FREE AND IN CONTROL

The Free Hand System (FHS), with its knee lifter, truly elevates your sewing experience by offering unparalleled control and freedom.

Here’s how it empowers you:

Effortless Fabric Handling: Forget fumbling with the presser foot lever – simply use your knee to raise or lower it, keeping both hands firmly on your fabric. This enables smoother maneuvering, especially for intricate curves, corners, and delicate areas.

Increased Precision: With your hands guiding the fabric, you achieve greater accuracy and control over stitch placement, leading to neater and more professional-looking seams.

Enhanced Efficiency: The hands-free operation allows for a streamlined workflow, minimizing pauses and interruptions. You can seamlessly transition between lifting the presser foot and guiding your fabric, boosting your sewing speed and overall productivity.

Versatility for Various Techniques: The FHS proves particularly beneficial for:

• Patchwork and quilting: Easily maneuver intricate piecing and applique elements.
• Free-motion quilting: Enjoy fluid, uninterrupted stitching for creative designs.
• Mending and darning: Precisely guide your fabric for seamless repairs.

Comfort and Ergonomics: By minimizing hand and wrist movements, the FHS reduces fatigue and strain, especially during longer sewing sessions, creating a more comfortable sewing experience.

Compatibility: The FHS is readily available as an optional accessory for the Bernina 485, allowing you to customize your machine to perfectly suit your sewing style and preferences.

PERFECT STITCHES PERFECTLY EASY

The Bernina 485 Sewing & Quilting Machine boasts several features that contribute to its ability to create “perfect stitches perfectly easy,”

Stitch Quality:

• 5.5 mm stitch width: This wider stitch width allows for bolder designs and decorative elements, while still ensuring precise stitch formation.
• BERNINA Hook: This innovative hook system is renowned for its smooth operation, consistent stitch quality, and high sewing speeds of up to 900 stitches per minute.
• Adjustable presser foot pressure: Fine-tune the pressure based on the fabric weight to prevent puckering or skipped stitches, guaranteeing clean and consistent stitch results.

Convenience and Efficiency:

• Jumbo bobbin: This larger bobbin holds 70% more thread than a standard bobbin, minimizing interruptions for bobbin changes and allowing you to sew longer stretches without stopping.
• Front-load bobbin: The easily accessible front-loading bobbin system makes threading and refilling quick and hassle-free.
• Automatic thread cutter: With a simple press of a button, the machine trims both the upper and lower threads automatically, saving time and streamlining your workflow.

Additional Features:

• Easy threading: The Bernina 485 features a simplified threading system that makes getting started quick and painless.
• Multiple stitch patterns and buttonholes: Choose from a wide variety of stitches and buttonholes to personalize your projects and tackle diverse sewing tasks.
• On-screen support: The intuitive touchscreen display provides helpful guidance and tutorials whenever you need them.

THE SPACE YOUR CREATIVITY NEEDS

The Bernina 485 boasts a spacious sewing area, making it ideal for tackling large projects without feeling cramped.

Extended Freearm: This arm provides a whopping 7 inches of space to the right of the needle. This extra real estate is a game-changer when working on:

• Large quilts: Comfortably maneuver expansive quilt tops without wrestling with fabric.
• Home decor projects: Drape and sew curtains, tablecloths, or other sizeable home decor items with ease.
• Fashion garments: Sew dresses, coats, or other full garments without worrying about fabric bunching up.
• Bulkier projects: Handle thick fabrics like upholstery or multiple fabric layers seamlessly.

Slide-on Extension Table: This included accessory further expands your sewing surface, providing even more space for larger projects. It easily attaches and detaches, adapting to your specific needs.

Hassle-free Design: The overall design of the machine minimizes obstructions, maximizing the usable workspace. This thoughtful layout eliminates frustration and lets you focus on your creativity.

Additional Space-Saving Features:

• Removable Free Arm: When you don’t need the extended arm, detach it for more compact storage or portability.
• Compartmentalized Storage: Utilize built-in compartments to keep sewing notions and accessories organized within reach, preventing clutter on your workspace.

PRACTICAL STITCHES

BUTTONHOLES

DECORATIVE STITCHES

QUILT STITCHES

Included Accessories

The Bernina 485 Sewing & Quilting Machine comes with a assortment of included accessories to get you started sewing right away.

Essential Sewing Tools:

• Slide-on Table: Expands your sewing surface for larger projects.
• Sewing Machine Oil: Keeps your machine running easily.
• Accessories Box: Stores your sewing notions and tools.
• 4 Bobbins in the accessory, 1 bobbin in the bobbin case: Provides extra thread for nonstop sewing.
• 1 Foam pad: Prevents thread from getting caught on the spool pin.
• Choice of needles: Covers a variety of fabrics and sewing ways.
• Soft Cover with pocket: Protects your machine from dust and damage.
• 3 Spool discs: Hold thread spools in place for smooth unwinding.
• Seam ripper: Removes stitches fluently and precisely.
• Height compensation tool: Levels uneven fabric surfaces for consistent stitching.
• Screwdriver red: Tightens and loosens screws for maintenance.
• Brush: Cleans the feed dog and hook area.
• Power cable: Connects the machine to the power outlet.
• Foot control: Controls the sewing speed with your foot.

Another Notes:

• Not all models and accessories are available in all countries.
• Bernina reserves the right to make changes in both features and design.
• You may also want to consider purchasing fresh accessories depending on your specific sewing requirements and projects.

AVAILABLE IN 13 COLORS AND 4 SIZES

With four sizes (Small, Medium, Large, and XL) and 13 color options to match your Bernina machine, you can find the perfect mat to complement your setup.

Bernina 485 Customers reviews:

• “Fast and as ordered” – January 27, 2024 by Linda S. (KS, United States)
• “excellent prices and easy to maneuver website. Anxious to receive the fabric” – January 27, 2024 by nancy H. (United States)
• “very easy” – January 27, 2024 by Filomena S. (United States)
• “found most of what I needed quickly.” – January 27, 2024 by Jacqueline L. (United States)
• “Quick and easy . Great sale” – January 27, 2024 by Joanne B. (United States)
• “Great pricing. Better than the mfg site that makes the bag” – January 27, 2024 by Valerie T. (United States)
• “Love this site” – January 27, 2024 by CYNTHIA T. (United States)

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