Bernette B38 Affordable Computerized Quilting Review
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The Bernette B38 is a fantastic choice for anyone who loves quilting, whether you’re a hobbyist or a seasoned pro. With its thoughtful features and solid performance, this machine aims to make your sewing experience both fun and efficient. Let’s dive into what makes the Bernette B38 a standout in the sewing world.
Features and Specifications
The Bernette B38 is loaded with features that will impress any sewist. It offers 394 built-in stitches, which include a variety of decorative and stretch options. This extensive selection gives you the freedom to get creative with embroidery, quilting, and garment making. Plus, the LCD display ensures that you can easily see your settings and stitch choices.
One of my favorite features is the automatic thread cutter. It makes trimming threads a breeze, which is a huge time-saver. The machine also has an adjustable stitch width of 7mm and a stitch length of 4mm, allowing you to customize your sewing to perfection. Whether you’re working with delicate silk or sturdy denim, this machine can handle it all.
Design, Build Quality, and Durability
The Bernette B38 strikes a great balance between portability and durability. It’s lightweight enough to move around easily, but still sturdy enough for heavy-duty projects. Thanks to its Swiss engineering, this machine is built to last, making it a smart investment for anyone passionate about sewing.
The seven-point feed dog system ensures that your fabric feeds evenly, which is essential for achieving that professional look, especially when working with multiple layers or various fabric types. The included extension table is a nice touch, giving you extra workspace for larger quilting projects.
Performance
When it comes to performance, the Bernette B38 really shines. With a powerful motor that can reach up to 820 stitches per minute, it makes quick work of any project. The machine glides through thick and layered fabrics without any hiccups, making it perfect for quilting and detailed work.
The adjustable stitch width and length give you the ability to fine-tune your creations, ensuring that every stitch is just right. Features like the automatic needle threader and bobbin winder make the whole process smoother, allowing you to focus more on being creative and less on troubleshooting.
Ease of Use
Designed with everyone in mind, the Bernette B38 is very user-friendly. The intuitive LCD display and simple controls make it easy to pick your stitches and adjust settings. The foot pedal allows for speed control, giving you better management over your sewing pace.
The drop-in bobbin system takes the hassle out of threading, and with the ability to adjust the presser foot pressure, you can work with different fabric thicknesses without a problem. These features contribute to a pleasant sewing experience, whether you’re just starting out or have been sewing for years.
Accessories
The Bernette B38 comes with a solid assortment of accessories that add value to the machine. You’ll receive various presser feet, bobbins, and even a seam ripper. The extension table is particularly handy for quilting, offering extra support for larger projects.
Other included accessories are a power cable, scissors, thread spools, and a rotary cutter. The automatic buttonhole function is a great bonus, making it easier to create professional-looking buttonholes without any fuss.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- A huge selection of 394 built-in stitches.
- Durable build with an effective feeding system.
- User-friendly design for both beginners and experts.
- Comes with a solid accessories kit.
- Powerful motor for fast sewing.
Cons:
- Some users might find the lightweight design less stable for heavy-duty tasks.
- The LCD screen may seem basic compared to more expensive models.
- Total beginners might experience a small learning curve with computerized machines.
Alternatives
If the Bernette B38 isn’t quite what you’re looking for, there are a few great alternatives to consider:
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Brother CS7000X: This machine is feature-rich, with 70 built-in stitches and a large LCD display, plus a wide table for quilting.
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Janome MOD-19: A great option for beginners, the Janome MOD-19 offers 19 built-in stitches and is known for its reliability.
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Singer Quantum Stylist 9960: With 600 built-in stitches and features like an automatic needle threader, this model is perfect for quilting tasks.
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Bernina Bernette 79: If you’re after more advanced features, the Bernina Bernette 79 combines both sewing and embroidery for added versatility.
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Pfaff Passport 3.0: This compact machine features IDT technology for perfect fabric feeding, making it ideal for quilters who need portability without sacrificing quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the Bernette B38 suitable for quilting?
Definitely! The Bernette B38 is built with quilters in mind, featuring a powerful motor and a wide range of stitch options that make piecing and quilting layers a cinch.
2. How easy is it to learn to use this machine?
The Bernette B38 is designed to be user-friendly, with an intuitive LCD display and straightforward controls. While beginners might need a bit of time to get used to it, the machine is overall quite welcoming.
3. Can I sew thick fabrics with the Bernette B38?
Absolutely! This machine is great for thick fabrics, thanks to its solid construction and effective feeding system. It handles heavy materials like denim and canvas with ease.
4. What type of presser feet are included with the machine?
You’ll
