
bernette b79 Product Review
The bernette b79 is powerful, precise and endlessly versatile bringing sewing and embroidery together in a single sophisticated unit. It pairs the sewing functions of the b77 with the embroidery capability of the b70 DECO making it bernette's flagship model for advanced creativity.
With 500 stitches and over 200 pre-installed embroidery designs at your fingertips, the creative possibilities are endless - from stunning embellishments on garments and quilts to bespoke finishing touches on home décor that look anything but off-the-shelf. Every stitch can be adjusted for width and length, with a maximum stitch width of 7mm, so you can set patterns to suit the project in front of you.
The workspace gives you 9 inches to the right of the needle, and the included extension table adds further support for larger makes. The top-loading bobbin drops in from above for quick reloading. A semi-automatic needle threader lowers the presser foot to the correct position and guides the thread through, an automatic thread cutter trims for you, and a thread sensor alerts you before the thread runs out.
The 5-inch colour touchscreen handles stitch and design selection before you stitch. A built-in sewing tutorial and Creative Consultant guide you through settings for specific tasks, and the Stitch Designer lets you build your own patterns. The knee lifter frees both hands for guiding fabric, adjustable presser foot pressure adapts to different fabric weights, and a start/stop button with a speed control slider lets you sew without the foot control when you prefer.
Key Features
What makes this machine worth it
Machine Type
Computerised sewing and embroidery machine
Stitch Range
500 built-in stitches, including 17 automatic one-step buttonholes
Control Type
5-inch colour touchscreen with on-screen design editing
Workspace
9 inches to the right of the needle
Needle Configuration
Semi-automatic needle threader with needle up/down
Embroidery Area
260 x 160mm, with three hoops included
Skill Level
Intermediate
Machine Weight
13.5kg

This machine is perfect for
- Dress makers who want to add stunning embellishments and bespoke finishes to garments for a professional finish
- Quilters looking for superb stitch quality
Can sew but not ideal for
- Sewers with limited space - this machine suits a dedicated space
Not suitable for
- Sewers wanting WIFI connectivity - this model has a USB port that accepts designs from a memory stick or a cable connection. This model does not have a wireless connection
- Complete beginners wanting absolute simplicity - this model has advanced and extensive features
Materials and Build Quality
bernette is part of the BERNINA family reflecting over a century of Swiss precision engineering. They are built to last with meticulous attention to detail. Both brands use high-quality metal components, tight manufacturing tolerances and robust internal mechanisms rather than cheaper alternatives.
The b79 uses a top-loading bobbin that drops in from above beneath a clear cover. This design keeps the bobbin area visible and accessible, so you can see how much thread remains and reload without removing the work. It is also simpler to keep clean than a front-loading system, and the smoother thread path through the lower mechanism reduces the chance of jams during longer sessions.
The included extension table gives larger projects somewhere to sit rather than bunching against the machine body. LED lighting across the sewing area keeps the needle zone clearly lit, which helps with accuracy on detailed stitching and dark fabrics where shadows would otherwise get in the way.
The Difference is in the Details
The b79 keeps essential controls within reach so you spend less time setting up and more time sewing. Threads are trimmed for you at the touch of a button, you can sew without the foot control and pivoting around corners stays accurate. The speed control slider lets you choose the speed while the knee lever allows the presser foot to be raised and lowered leaving your hands on the project.
Automatic tension sets the thread tension for you based on the stitch and fabric in use, which means clean, balanced stitch formation on both sides without manual adjustment. This keeps results consistent as you move between lightweight dress fabrics and heavier layered makes and across the switch from sewing to embroidery.
The bernette b79 has been designed for an enhanced sewing and embroidery experience. An intuitive 5-inch colour touchscreen with drag-and-drop editing keeps design work simple. The automatic needle threader makes set-up fast and easy. Automatic hoop detection recognises the hoop size.
bernette b79: A Machine for Every Maker
And every project
Dressmaking and Garments
For the design-led dressmaker, the b79 is the machine that takes your making from homemade to truly bespoke. The generous 9-inch workspace gives you the room to handle structured and bulky fabrics with ease, while the uniform feed from above and below means you can move between the most delicate bridal silk and heavyweight garment leather without missing a stitch.
Add embroidered details to cuffs, collars and hems - the considered finishing touches that make a handmade piece feel undeniably designer-made.
Whether you're constructing a tailored dress from scratch or adding the embellishments that set your work apart, the b79 gives you the precision, the versatility and the creative freedom to make exactly what you imagine.
Personalised Embroidery
The built-in embroidery designs and alphabets cover monograms, quilt labels, motifs and decorative work straight out of the box. Each design can be sized and positioned to the piece. Import your own designs for personalising clothing, gifts and home decor.
Whether you're embroidering a client's logo onto a tote bag, stitching a newborn's name onto a baby grow or adding a bespoke monogram to a set of luxury bath robes, the b79 delivers professional-quality results every single time.
Quilting and Larger Projects
For the dedicated quilter ready to take their craft to the next level, the b79 brings a new dimension of creativity to every project. The generous 9-inch workspace gives you the room to manoeuvre even the most voluminous quilt layers with ease, while the precision stitching ensures every seam, join and border is crisp, consistent and beautifully finished.
Where the b79 truly elevates your quilting is in the details - embroider family names, meaningful dates or intricate floral motifs directly onto quilt panels, transforming a beautiful make into a genuine heirloom.
Inside the bernette b79
Two Machines In One
The b79 combines full sewing and full embroidery in a single unit, pairing the B77's sewing functions with the B70 DECO's embroidery capability. Switching between the two is handled through the touchscreen and the detachable embroidery module.
Top-Loading Bobbin System
A clear cover sits over the top-loading bobbin, keeping remaining thread visible and the bobbin quick to drop in. The flat path through the lower mechanism reduces jams during extended sewing and embroidery runs.
5-Inch Colour Touchscreen
The 5-inch colour touchscreen controls stitch and design selection, with on-screen editing to rotate, flip, scale and combine pattern elements. The Stitch Designer and Creative Consultant are accessed here too.
Embroidery Hooping System
Three hoops cover a range of design sizes up to a maximum embroidery area of 260 x 160mm. The right hoop for each design holds fabric taut, which keeps stitching aligned across larger motifs.
USB Design Import
A USB port on the side reads imported embroidery files, expanding the 208 built-in designs with your own. Designs transfer onto the machine and can be edited on screen before stitching.

Product Specifications
Accessories In The Box
- 1 x Extension table
- 3 x Bobbin
- 1 x Spool net
- 2 x Selection of needles
- 1 x Brush/ Seam ripper
- 1 x Spool discs large
- 1 x Spool disc middle
- 2 x Spool discs small
- 1 x Felt disc
- 1 x Second spool pin
- 1 x Seam guide
- 1 x Screwdriver
- 1 x Dust cover
- 1 x Power cable
- 1 x Foot control
- 1 x Lubricator
Hoops In The Box
- 1 x Small Embroidery Hoop
- 1 x Medium Embroidery Hoop
- 1 x Large Embroidery Hoop
Feet In The Box
- 1 x Buttonhole foot with slide
- 1 x Button-sew-on foot
- 1 x Embroidery foot
- 1 x Free-motion embroidery foot
- 1 x Zipper foot for Dual Feed
- 1 x Overlock foot for Dual Feed
- 1 x Blindstitch foot for Dual Feed
Machine Dimensions & Weight
- Weight: 13.5kg
- Workspace: 9 inches to the right of the needle
Stitch Options and Controls
- Built-in stitches: 500
- One-step buttonholes: 17
- Maximum stitch width: 7mm
- Adjustable stitch length: Yes
- Adjustable stitch width: Yes
- Stitch fonts: Yes
- Mirror stitch: Yes
- Stitch memory: Yes
- Speed control slider: Yes
- 5-inch colour touchscreen: Yes
- On-screen editing: Yes
Embroidery Features and Functions
- Built-in embroidery designs: 208
- Embroidery alphabets: 7
- Maximum embroidery area: 260 x 160mm (10.2 x 6.3 inches)
- Hoops included: 3 (small, medium, large)
- On-screen design editing (rotate, flip, scale, combine): Yes
Bobbin and Needle System
- Top-loading bobbin: Yes
- Front-loading bobbin: No
- Number of threads: 1 thread
- Semi-automatic needle threader: Yes
- Needle up/down: Yes
- Auto thread cutter: Yes
- Drop feed dogs: Yes
- Thread sensor: Yes
- Automatic tension: Yes
Connectivity
- USB port: Yes (imports embroidery designs)
- Supported file formats: EXP, VIP, VP3, HUS, PEC, DST, JEF, PES
- WiFi: No
Warranty & Support
The bernette b79 comes with a full 2-year parts and labour guarantee. The Sewing Studio is an authorised bernette retailer with an in-house service centre, so support, servicing and expert advice are available before and after purchase.
Ratings & Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Let us help with the answers.
Is the bernette b79 suitable for a beginner?
The b79 is fully computerised, and the touchscreen, on-screen Creative Consultant and built-in sewing tutorial guide you through stitch and design selection without prior experience. It has enough range to grow into as your skills develop, so it works for beginners and intermediate sewers alike.
Do I need to buy an embroidery module separately?
No. Embroidery is built into the b79, and three hoops, an embroidery foot and a free-motion embroidery foot are all included in the box. You can start both sewing and embroidery as soon as the machine is set up.
Can I add my own embroidery designs?
Yes. Alongside the 208 built-in designs, the USB port lets you import your own embroidery files onto the machine. Each design can then be edited on the touchscreen to size and position it for your project before you stitch.
Can it handle larger projects like quilts?
Yes. The generous workspace and included extension table give large makes room to sit while you work, and the supplied dual-feed feet and adjustable presser foot pressure help manage bulkier layers.
Does it come with everything I need to start sewing?
Yes. The b79 ships with seven presser feet, three embroidery hoops, an extension table, a knee lifter, bobbins, needles and the standard tool kit. You can sew and embroider straight away, with optional extras available later if you want to widen your range.
Our standard width fabric can be cut as a Fat Quarter, measuring 50cm x 1/2 the width of the bolt. Above is an example of how your fabric will be received, depending on the quantity ordered.
We also offer a sample service, where you can order 1 single fat quarter of any standard width fabric, to have at home and compare colours. When you are finished, you can send them back to us for a refund (feel free to contact us for more information on this service).
Our fabric can be cut as a Long Quarter, measuring a minimum of 25cm x width of bolt. We will supply the fabric as a continuous length (eg; if you bought 1.25m it will be sent as one piece of fabric).
