BERNINA 500E Embroidery Machine
Swiss engineered embroidery perfection with Pinpoint Placement and fast stitch speeds on even the trickiest fabrics
Spread the cost from
£53.02 per month over 48 months*
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 is covered by a full BERNINA 7-year parts and labour warranty. If you ever need support or servicing, our team are always here to help.
Changed your mind? You've got 30 days to return any new, unused items in their original packaging.
Need advice?
Our in-house team knows every detail of this machine. Call, message or chat and get honest, expert advice from people who actually sew.
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 500E Product Review & Demonstration
The BERNINA 500E is a dedicated embroidery machine engineered to deliver the precision stitch detail BERNINA are renowned for. Pinpoint Placement technology shows with millimetre precision exactly where the needle will drop. Particularly useful when aligning a design to a seam, pocket edge or centre line.
There are 275 beautiful built-in designs and 8 embroidery alphabets giving you the freedom to create endless design combinations on everything from quilts, garments, home decor and bags to cosplay and gifts. You can also import your own bespoke designs via USB for fully customised embroidery work.
With the Enhanced Editing Functions you can realise your ideas directly on the 4.3-inch colour touchscreen without the need for software or a computer. Rotate, mirror, scale, combine and reposition as well as edit designs as a group or break apart. The built-in Embroidery Consultant provides on-screen tips and guidance as you work on screen so you can learn at your own pace.
Automatic features save time for makers who value speed and convenience. The 3-in-1 automatic thread cutter handles three steps in one touch: it cuts the thread, lifts the needle and raises the presser foot. Thread Away Mode addresses jump stitches by programming the machine to cut them automatically, leaving fewer loose threads to tidy up once the design is finished. Upper and lower thread indicators give advance warning before either thread runs out mid-design.
With a large embroidery area you can create oversized designs, quilt blocks, and statement pieces without constant re-hooping. The standard embroidery area with the included Large Oval Hoop reaches 255 × 145 mm (10.0 × 5.7"), with the optional Mega Hoop extending this to 400 × 150 mm (15.7 × 5.9") for larger work.
Key Features
What makes this machine worth it
Machine Type
Dedicated embroidery only
Design Options
275 built-in designs, 8 alphabets
Control Type
4.3-inch colour touchscreen
Embroidery Area
255×145mm with included Large Oval Hoop; expandable to 400×150mm with Mega Hoop (sold separately)
Needle System
Semi-automatic needle threader
Embroidery Speed
1,000 stitches per minute
Skill Level
Intermediate embroiderers
Machine Weight
15.6kg
This machine is perfect for
- Ideal for sewers looking for the finest embroidery results on everything from quilts to bridalwear, clothing and cosplay
- Perfect for sewers working with lots of different types of fabric
- Crafters who are happy to edit designs on the machine and don't want to use a computer or additional software
Can sew but not ideal for
- Sewers wanting the largest possible embroidery area out of the box - 255x145mm with included hoops is generous. Makers needing a bigger space can easily purchase the Mega Hoop for 400x150mm capability
Not suitable for
- Sewers wanting a WiFi enabled embroidery model. This machine does not have wireless connectivity
Materials and Build Quality
The BERNINA Hook system underpins the 500E's stitch consistency at speeds up to 1,000 stitches per minute. Paired with Adaptive Thread Tension, which monitors and adjusts automatically for different fabrics and design types, both sides of the embroidery stay clean without manual intervention. Upper and lower thread indicators give advance warning before either thread supply runs out.
Edit your designs directly on the 4.3-inch colour touchscreen interface. Resize, rotate, mirror, combine motifs and adjust stitch density without needing extra software. WordArt and the on-screen editing suite let you work creatively with text and design combinations directly on the touchscreen. From personalising gifts to creating layered, professional-quality designs, everything you need is right at your fingertips.
Embroider larger projects with ease! Create oversized designs, customise quilt blocks, and stitch statement pieces without constant re-hooping. The standard embroidery area with the included Large Oval Hoop reaches 255 × 145 mm (10.0 × 5.7"), with the optional Mega Hoop extending this to 400 × 150 mm (15.7 × 5.9") for larger work.
The Difference is in the Details
The 3-in-1 automatic thread cutter keeps colour changes quick, reducing interruptions between design sections. Thread Away Mode handles jump stitch cutting automatically, so the end of a session involves less manual trimming and more time spent on the next project.
BERNINA backs the 500E with a 7-year parts and labour warranty, reflecting confidence in the machine's construction and engineering. The BERNINA Hook system is designed for sustained high-speed use, and the overall build is intended to support years of regular embroidery work rather than occasional use.
The built-in Embroidery Consultant provides on-screen guidance, tips and prompts as you work through designs and settings, so support is available without pausing to look something up. The Embroidery Tutorial function walks through the machine's core processes step by step. Our team at The Sewing Studio are authorised BERNINA retailers. Chat with us online or contact us for advice before and after purchase.
The 4.3-inch colour touchscreen with a touchscreen pen included keeps navigation straightforward, and multi-function knobs provide quick physical adjustments. The start/stop button allows stitching without a foot control, and the slide speed control lets you set a working pace that suits the complexity of the design.
BERNINA 500E: A Machine for Every Maker
And every project
Bespoke Clothing And Gifts
Turn every garment and project into a one-of-a-kind piece and add signature details to your clothing, cosplay and gifts. With 275 built-in designs, 8 alphabets and USB imports for unlimited additional designs, the 500E offers endless creativity for every style with professional quality as standard for flawless results.
Bridal And Occasionwear
Working with delicate and fine fabrics on bridalwear or evening gowns? Add meaningful, elegant details to once-in-a-lifetime pieces. Adaptive Thread Tension, which monitors and adjusts automatically for different fabrics, delivers perfect stitch quality on even tricky fabrics like lace and chiffon.
Customise Your Quilts
Add intricate and personalised details to your quilt blocks. You can combine built-in designs or create your own. Pinpoint Placement takes the guesswork out of design positioning, so monograms, motifs and repeating patterns land exactly where you intend them. The large embroidery area is ideal for big quilts and block sizes too.
Inside the BERNINA 500E
Pinpoint Placement and On-Screen Editing
Pinpoint Placement projects a positioning guide onto the fabric before stitching, showing the exact needle entry point. On-screen editing covers rotation, mirroring, scaling, combining and repositioning, with Group and Ungroup for multi-element designs.
Thread Away Mode and Automatic Thread Cutter
Thread Away Mode programmes the machine to cut jump stitches automatically during embroidery. The 3-in-1 automatic thread cutter then cuts thread, lifts the needle and raises the presser foot in a single operation between colour changes.
Large Embroidery Area
The included hoops give a working area of up to 255 × 145 mm (10.0 × 5.7"). Adding the optional Mega Hoop extends this to 400 × 150 mm (15.7 × 5.9"). Freearm embroidery is supported, with 8.5" (215 mm) of space to the right of the needle.
Product Specifications
Accessories In The Box
- 1 x Embroidery foot #26
- 1 x Dust cover
- 1 x Accessories box
- 3 x Spool discs
- 4 x Bobbins
- 2 x Foam pads
- 1 x Touchscreen pen
- 1 x Seam ripper
- 1 x Screwdriver red (slot)
- 1 x Brush
- 1 x Sewing machine oil
- 1 x Power cable
- 1 x USB Connecting cable
- 1 x Embroidery needle assortment
- 1 x Template holder
- 1 x Net for upper thread spool
Hoops In The Box
- 1 x Medium Embroidery Hoop (embroidery field: 130 × 100mm / 5.1 × 3.9")
- 1 x Large Oval Embroidery Hoop (embroidery field: 255 × 145mm / 10.0 × 5.7")
Manufacturers Specifications
- Hook system - BERNINA Hook
- Sewing space to the right of the needle - 8.5 Inch / 215 mm
- Color touch screen - 4.3 Inch / 10 cm
- LED sewing lights - 12 LED
- Multi-function knobs
- Number of spool holders - 2
- Semi-automatic needle threader
- Automatic thread cutter
- Manual thread cutter - 4
- Adaptive Thread Tension
- Start/stop button (stitching without foot control)
- Slide speed control
- Upper thread indicator
- Lower thread indicator
- USB interface for PC connection
- Bobbin winding while sewing/embroidering
- On-screen help
- Setup program
- Machine weight - 15.6kg
Machine Dimensions & Weight
- Machine size (W x D x H): 18.1" x 7.9" x 12.9" (461 x 200 x 327.5mm)
- Machine weight: 15.6kg
- Sewing space to the right of the needle: 8.5" (215mm)
Design Options and Controls
- Built-in embroidery designs: 275
- Embroidery alphabets: 8
- Maximum embroidery speed: 1,000 stitches per minute
- Colour touchscreen: 4.3" (10cm)
- Multi-function knobs: Yes
- Number of spool holders: 2
- LED sewing lights: 12
- Setup program: Yes
- On-screen help: Yes
Embroidery Features and Functions
- Maximum embroidery area: 400x150mm (15.7x5.9") with optional Mega Hoop
- Midi hoop embroidery field: 265x165mm (10.5x6.5") Optional
- Mega hoop embroidery field: 400x150mm (15.7x5.9") Optional
- Freearm embroidery: Yes
- Pinpoint Placement: Yes
- On-screen editing: positioning, mirroring, rotating, scaling, combining
- Group/Ungroup: Yes
- WordArt: Yes
- Colour Wheel: Yes
- Colour resequence: Yes
- Sequence control: Yes
- Invisible Secure: Yes
- Smart Secure: Yes
- Thread-up Command: Yes
- Thread Away Mode: Yes
- Programmable jump stitch cutting: Yes
- Basting: Yes
- Endless embroidery: Yes
- Position recall: Yes
- Embroidery Consultant: Yes
- Embroidery Tutorial: Yes
- Personal memory for embroidery designs: Yes
- Bobbin winding while embroidering: Yes
- Supported design formats: EXP, DST, PES, PEC, JEF, SEW, PCS, XXX
Bobbin and Needle System
- Hook system: BERNINA Hook
- Semi-automatic needle threader: Yes
- Automatic thread cutter: Yes
- Manual thread cutters: 4
- Upper thread indicator: Yes
- Lower thread indicator: Yes
Connectivity
- USB interface for PC connection: Yes
- USB design import: Yes
Warranty & Support
The BERNINA 500E is covered by a full BERNINA 7-year parts and labour warranty. Our support team at The Sewing Studio is here whenever you need help, advice or servicing.
Product Downloads
Ratings & Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Let us help with the answers.
What is the standard embroidery area on the BERNINA 500E?
The machine comes with two hoops: a Medium Embroidery Hoop (130x100mm) and a Large Oval Embroidery Hoop (255x145mm). The optional Midi Hoop extends the embroidery area to 265 × 165 mm and adding the optional Mega Hoop extends the working area to 400x150mm for larger projects.
Can I edit designs without a computer?
Yes. The 4.3-inch touchscreen supports rotation, mirroring, scaling, combining and repositioning directly on screen. Group and Ungroup functions let you work with individual elements or the full design together, so basic editing does not require a PC or additional software.
What does Thread Away Mode do?
Jump stitches are the connecting threads that run between sections of a design on the surface of the fabric. Thread Away Mode programmes the machine to cut these automatically as it works, which means less hand-trimming once the design is finished.
Can I import my own designs?
Yes. The USB port supports direct connection to a PC for design import, so your library is not limited to the 275 built-in designs. Imported and saved designs are stored in personal memory and available for future sessions.
Is the Mega Hoop included with the machine?
No. The Mega Hoop, which extends the embroidery area to 400x150mm (15.7x5.9"), is sold separately. It is available from The Sewing Studio and is compatible with the 500E for larger or more ambitious embroidery projects.
