BERNINA 480 Sewing Machine
A premium sewing and quilting machine built for precision, power and creative flexibility.
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£50.36 per month over 48 months*
£23.95 £21.56 Save 10%
£56.70 £51.03 Save 10%
Shop with confidence today knowing that our sewing machine prices are the lowest possible. If we lower our prices within 14 days of your purchase, we'll refund you the difference.
Terms and Conditions apply*
This machine comes with BERNINA's 7-year parts & labour warranty as standard. If you ever need support or servicing, our friendly team are always here to help.
Changed your mind? You've got 30 days to return any new, unused items in their original packaging.
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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).
BERNINA 480 Product Review & Demonstration
The BERNINA 480 is a premium computerised sewing and quilting machine designed for makers who value precision, power and creative freedom. Sitting at the top of BERNINA's 4 Series, it's a natural next step for sewers ready to move beyond entry-level models - offering refined performance, greater versatility and the durable build quality BERNINA is known for.
The 994 built-in stitches cover 29 utility stitches, 250 decorative stitches, 27 quilting stitches, 21 cross-stitch programs and 5 sewing alphabets making it ideal for everyday garment work through to detailed quilting and personalised gifts. Dressmakers will appreciate the 9mm maximum stitch width for bolder decorative stitches and wider buttonholes than standard 7mm machines, which matters when you're working on heirloom pieces or adding statement details.
The 7-inch workspace to the right of the needle gives comfortable room for dressmaking, soft furnishings and medium-sized quilts. Adaptive Thread Tension adjusts automatically for consistent stitch quality on both sides of the fabric and the jumbo bobbin holds up to 70% more thread than a standard bobbin, which means fewer interruptions on longer seams. The semi-automatic needle threader, automatic thread cutter and start/stop button take friction out of everyday sewing.
The 4.3-inch colour touchscreen pairs with on-screen Sewing Consultant guidance that suggests the right presser foot and settings for every stitch, so you're never guessing your way through a new technique. The Free Hand System (FHS) knee lifter raises and lowers the presser foot hands-free, keeping both hands on your fabric during fiddly pivots and appliqué work. Adjustable presser foot pressure means you can fine-tune for silks, stretch fabrics and heavyweight materials without switching machines. The 480 is also BSR compatible, so you can add the BERNINA Stitch Regulator later for consistent free-motion quilting when you're ready.
Key Features
What makes this machine worth it
Machine Type
Sewing and quilting machine, medium size
Stitch Range
994 stitches including utility, decorative and quilting
Control Type
4.3-inch colour touchscreen with multi-function knobs
Workspace
7 inches (177.7mm) to the right of the needle
Needle Configuration
11 needle positions with semi-automatic needle threader
Buttonholes
11 buttonhole styles including automatic and manual multi-step
Skill Level
Intermediate sewers and quilters
Machine Weight
9.5kg
This machine is perfect for
- Sewers looking to upgrade to a precision engineered sewing machine that will perform reliably for years to come
- Sewers wanting maximum 4-series features without jumping to BERNINA 5-series price bracket
- Garment makers who want 9mm wide decorative stitches for monograms, embellishments and wide stretch stitches
Can sew but not ideal for
- Heavy commercial use - this model is best suited to regular domestic use rather than production sewing volumes
Not suitable for
- Complete beginners may find the advanced features overwhelming
- Sewers wanting a dedicated quilting machine - we would recommend the BERNINA 475 QE instead which is a superb 4-series quilting machine
Materials and Build Quality
The 480 has a full-metal chassis keeping the machine stable under sustained use without vibration affecting stitch placement. BERNINA sewing machines are built with longevity at their core, combining precision Swiss engineering with high-quality components and meticulously tested parts.
The BERNINA Hook system pairs with a jumbo bobbin that holds up to 70% more thread than a standard bobbin, so you spend less time reloading during longer projects. Adaptive Thread Tension sets tension continuously based on the stitch type and fabric, ensuring clean stitch formation on both sides without manual adjustments. The 4 manual thread cutters positioned around the machine put thread trimming within reach wherever you are working.
Seven LED sewing lights spread across the work area light your fabric clearly without eye strain. The workspace to the right of the needle gives comfortable room for garments, home furnishings and medium quilts, and the front-loading bobbin system keeps the area flat and uncluttered during free-motion work.
The Difference is in the Details
At 900 stitches per minute with the slide speed control, the 480 keeps pace with you whether you're topstitching a seam or settling in for a long quilting session. The automatic thread cutter, start/stop button and needle up/down function handle the repetitive tasks so you can focus on the sewing itself. Bobbin winding while sewing means you can refill without breaking your rhythm.
Adaptive Thread Tension automatically adjusts as you sew, giving consistent stitch quality on both sides of the fabric. The patented BERNINA Hook keeps every stitch precise, even at speed.
The on-screen Sewing Consultant guides you to the right presser foot and settings for each stitch, which is particularly useful when working through an unfamiliar stitch type or technique. There are built-in sewing tutorials and on-screen help that cover the 480's feature set at your own pace, so you can work through functions without needing to refer back to a manual.
The 4.3-inch colour touchscreen keeps navigation simple, and the multi-function knobs give quick access to stitch width, length and other adjustments without working through menus. The Free Hand System (FHS) knee lifter raises the presser foot hands-free, which is particularly helpful when pivoting on appliqué, patchwork corners or tight curves.
BERNINA 480: A Machine for Every Maker
And every project
Confident Dressmaking on Every Fabric
The BERNINA 480 delivers precise stitch detailing on everything from delicate silks to heavier fabrics, giving garment makers total control at every stage. Explore a wide range of decorative stitch designs for adding personality to your makes, while adjustable presser foot pressure ensures smooth, even feeding across varying fabric weights. Paired with a comprehensive set of accessories, it's the ideal machine for everyday dressmaking to more intricate, design-led garments.
Quilt with Confidence
You'll find the BERNINA 480 powerful enough to handle the thick layers of even your biggest quilts with 27 quilting stitches plus 29 utility stitches and 5 sewing alphabets pre-loaded and ready to go. Consistent thread tension means every stitch is unbelievably perfect. Plus, there are quilting essentials included like the Patchwork Foot #37 and a knee lifter.
Creative Projects With Personal Touches
Monogram a baby gift, stitch a family name onto a quilt block, sew your own cosplay or add heirloom detailing to home furnishings. This is a true all-rounder for sewing versatility.
Inside the BERNINA 480
Stitch Precision and Full-Metal Chassis
The 9.5kg full-metal body gives the 480 the stability that makes every stitch land where you place it. Swiss engineering keeps operation controlled from first seam to last.
Adaptive Thread Tension
Thread tension sets itself continuously based on the stitch type and fabric underneath, which means consistent stitch formation on both sides without pausing to adjust dials between fabric changes.
9mm Stitch Width and Buttonhole System
The wider 9mm stitch format delivers bolder decorative patterns and more substantial buttonholes, with an automatic length measuring system that reproduces identical buttonholes across an entire garment or project.
BSR Compatibility and Free-Motion Readiness
Drop feed dogs ready the 480 for free-motion sewing out of the box and optional BSR foot compatibility lets you add stitch regulation later for even free-motion quilting.
Stitch Memory and Drag & Drop
Short and long-term stitch memory stores your altered settings and combinations. Drag and drop lets you reorder stitch sequences on the touchscreen, so patterns you build stay available.
Product Specifications
Accessories In The Box
- 1 x Soft Cover with pocket
- 1 x Accessory box
- 1 x Knee lifter
- 3 x Spool discs
- 4 x Bobbins ( 1 bobbin in Machine)
- 1 x Foam pad
- 1 x Seam ripper
- 1 x Height compensation tool
- 1 x Selection of needles
- 1 x Brush
- 1 x Sewing machine oil
- 1 x Red screwdriver
- 1 x Power cable
- 1 x Foot control
Feet In The Box
- Reverse-pattern foot #1
- Overlock foot #2
- Buttonhole foot with slide #3A
- Zipper Foot #4
- Blindstitch Foot #5
Machine Dimensions & Weight
- Machine size (W x D x H): 463 x 197 x 317mm (18.2 x 7.8 x 12.5 inches)
- Machine weight: 9.5kg
- Workspace: 7 inches (177.7mm) to the right of the needle
- Colour touchscreen: 4.3 inches (10cm)
Stitch Options and Controls
- Total built-in stitches (including alphabet): 994
- Utility stitches: 29
- Decorative stitches: 250
- Quilting stitches: 27
- Cross-stitch programs: 21
- Sewing alphabets: 5
- Buttonholes (including eyelet): 11
- Darning programs: 2
- Maximum stitch width: 9mm
- Maximum stitch length: 6mm
- Maximum sewing speed: 900 stitches per minute
- Needle positions: 11
- Sewing in each needle position: Yes
- Number of spool holders: 2
- LED sewing lights: 7
Sewing and Quilting Features
- Pattern start/end function
- Elongation
- Automatic securing function
- Pattern repeat (up to 9)
- Free Hand System (FHS) knee lifter
- Automatic buttonhole with length measuring system
- Automatic buttonhole
- Manual multi-step buttonhole
- Button sew-on program
- Reverse sewing
- Adaptive Thread Tension
- Automatic thread cutter
- Manual thread cutter: 4 positions
- Semi-automatic needle threader
- Adjustable presser foot pressure
- Start/stop button (stitching without foot control)
- Slide speed control
- Needle stop up/down
- Changing stitch settings while sewing
- Bobbin winding while sewing
- Drag and Drop stitch sequencing
- Create and save stitch combinations
- Memory: short-term and long-term altered stitches
- On-screen help
- Sewing tutorial
- Sewing Consultant
- Setup program
- BERNINA foot control with back-kick function
- Multi-function knobs
- BSR (BERNINA Stitch Regulator) compatible (foot sold separately)
Bobbin and Needle System
- Hook system: BERNINA Hook
- Bobbin: jumbo bobbin, holds up to 70% more thread than a standard bobbin
Connectivity
- USB interface for PC connection
Warranty & Support
The BERNINA 480 is covered by a 7-year parts and 7-year labour BERNINA warranty. Our support team is here if you ever need help or servicing.
Product Downloads
Ratings & Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Let us help with the answers.
Is the BERNINA 480 a good step up from a beginner machine?
Yes. The 480 is a natural progression if you've outgrown a basic machine and want better stitch quality, a fuller feature set and a body that will keep running for decades. The Sewing Consultant makes advanced features approachable as you learn them.
Can the 480 handle Free-Motion Quilting?
The drop feed dogs and optional BSR foot make the 480 well suited to free-motion work. Adding the BERNINA Stitch Regulator later gives you consistent stitch length whether you move the fabric quickly or slowly, which removes much of the learning curve on free-motion quilting.
What does the 9mm stitch width give me over a standard 7mm machine?
Wider decorative patterns, more substantial buttonholes and bolder satin stitches. On heirloom quilts, statement appliqué or garment detailing, the extra width makes the work look more considered and finished than narrower stitches can achieve.
How does the Sewing Consultant actually help me?
Select your project or technique on the touchscreen and the Consultant recommends the correct presser foot, stitch, tension and foot pressure for the job. It takes the guesswork out of new techniques and speeds up setup on familiar ones.
Does the 480 come with everything I need to start sewing?
Yes. The machine ships with five presser feet (covering standard sewing, overlocking, buttonholes, zips and blind hemming), the knee lifter, bobbins, needles and the full accessory kit, so you can start sewing as soon as you unbox it.
