
BERNINA 590 Product Review
The BERNINA 590 sits at the top of the BERNINA 5 Series, built for sewers and quilters who want serious precision without compromise. Powered by Swiss engineering and the patented BERNINA Hook, it sews with far less vibration and noise than standard rotary hook systems. The front-loading Jumbo bobbin holds up to 70% more thread than a standard bobbin, so you spend less time re-threading, especially useful when handling large scale projects. At 1,000 stitches per minute with 8.5 inches of workspace to the right of the needle, this machine handles large-scale quilts and detailed garments with equal confidence.
Automatic features take the repetitive work out of your hands. The automatic thread cutter cuts the thread, lifts the needle and raises the presser foot in a single button press. Adaptive Thread Tension adjusts to your fabric and thread combination while you sew, keeping stitch quality consistent on both sides. The automatic presser foot lift activates a hover mode where the foot floats above the fabric with the needle still in place, making it straightforward to rotate corners, reposition appliqué pieces and pivot during quilting.
For quilters, the included BERNINA Stitch Regulator (BSR) keeps stitch length consistent during free-motion quilting regardless of how fast or slow you move the fabric. It works with both straight and zigzag stitches with the feed dogs lowered. The BERNINA Dual Feed guides fabric evenly from above and below, which is particularly useful when working with multiple layers of fabric. Strong needle penetration and even dual feed deliver accurate results on even the thickest fabrics.
With 1,774 built-in stitches including 500 decorative, 59 quilting and 9 alphabets, the B 590 covers the full range of sewing and creative work. Stitches are adjustable in both length and width, with stitch widths up to 9mm, ideal for dressmakers wanting wider, more pronounced decorative stitches. The intuitive 4.3-inch colour touchscreen makes it straightforward to browse, select and adjust stitches, while the built-in Creative Consultant recommends settings and feet for specific tasks.
An optional embroidery module can be added later, giving you the flexibility to expand into embroidery whenever you're ready. Built to last, this machine is a considered investment designed to deliver years of dependable performance and creative excellence.

Key Features
What makes this machine worth it
Machine Size
Sewing and quilting machine, medium size
Stitch Range
1,774 built-in stitches, including 9 alphabets
Control Type
4.3-inch colour touchscreen with multi-function knobs
Workspace
8.5 inches (215mm) to the right of the needle
Needle Configuration
Single needle, 11 positions, 9mm maximum stitch width
Buttonholes
18 sensor buttonholes including eyelets
Skill Level
Intermediate to professional sewers and quilters
Machine Weight
11kg

This machine is perfect for
- Passionate sewers looking for a machine that can handle tricky or unusual fabrics
- Quilters who enjoy free-motion quilting - the BERNINA BSR is included with this model
- Sewers who value quieter operation - the BERNINA Hook is noticeably quieter than other models
Can sew but not ideal for
- Complete beginners may find the advanced features overwhelming
Not suitable for
- Those who need maximum throat space for king-size quilts - 8.5" is generous but not as large as the Bernina 7-Series which has 10" of workspace to the right of the needle
Materials and Build Quality
The patented BERNINA Hook is an all-metal, front-loading system engineered for quiet, powerful and precise stitching. The hook design reduces vibration and noise so you can sew at full speed without compromising stitch placement. The front-loading Jumbo bobbin means fewer stops. The all-metal construction is designed to maintain consistent stitch formation over years of regular use.
The B 590 comes with eight full-shank metal presser feet as standard, each designed for specific sewing tasks. Metal feet provide better fabric grip and heat resistance than plastic alternatives, and the full-shank design keeps them stable during high-speed sewing. A magnetic accessory box attaches to the back of the machine, keeping all eight feet organised and within reach. Key internal components, from the needle bar to the feed dog mechanism, use metal parts throughout, which means the machine holds its alignment and tension settings reliably over time.
The BERNINA Dual Feed guides fabric from both above and below, providing even feeding on materials that tend to shift, stretch or slip. Unlike add-on walking foot attachments, the Dual Feed is built into the machine and tucks away with a single hand movement when not required, making it practical to switch between regular and dual-feed sewing within the same project. The SFS-i intelligent feed system with 7-piece feed dogs ensures precise fabric control across all stitch types and weights. The semi-automatic needle threader passes thread through the needle eye consistently, reducing setup time on every colour change.
The Difference is in the Details
At 1,000 stitches per minute, the B 590 keeps pace with demanding project schedules. The Jumbo bobbin's larger capacity means fewer stops mid-project, and the independent bobbin winder lets you prepare a fresh bobbin without interrupting your sewing. Upper and lower thread sensors alert you to breakages before they cause problems, and the needle stop up/down function keeps the needle in the fabric when you pause, so you never lose your position.
The all-metal BERNINA Hook, precision-machined internal components and eight full-shank metal presser feet are built to sustain years of regular use without losing alignment or tension accuracy. BERNINA backs the 590 with a full 7-year parts and labour warranty.
The built-in Creative Consultant recommends stitches, settings and presser feet for specific tasks directly on the touchscreen. The Sewing Studio team are here for honest, knowledgeable advice before and after purchase. As an authorised BERNINA retailer and certified service centre, we handle warranty repairs and annual servicing in-house.
On-screen tutorials and a setup programme walk you through techniques and let you customise machine behaviour to match your sewing preferences. The built-in sewing tutorial covers core functions at your own pace. Our YouTube channel and website carry additional tutorials and tips, and our in-store team is always available for hands-on guidance when you need it.
The large modern touchscreen and multi-function knobs give stepless adjustments to stitch width and length. Sixteen bright LED lights illuminate the sewing area without casting shadows and the Free Hand System (FHS) knee lever raises and lowers the presser foot simultaneously.
The BERNINA 590 Sewing Machine: A Machine for Every Maker
And every project
BERNINA Dual Feed for Even Fabric Control
The built-in Dual Feed keeps layers aligned on materials that shift or stretch and it tucks away with a single hand movement when standard sewing resumes. Practical for dressmakers working with fine or slippery fabrics and quilters stitching through multiple layers.
BERNINA Stitch Regulator for Consistent Free-Motion Quilting
The included BSR adapts to your hand movement speed during free-motion quilting, producing even stitch lengths whether you move slowly on tight curves or quickly across open areas. It works with both straight and zigzag stitches with the feed dogs lowered.
Automatic Hover Function for Precision Positioning
The automatic presser foot lift raises the foot while the needle stays in the fabric, so you can rotate, pivot and reposition without lifting your hands. This makes light work of turning corners on garments, placing appliqué accurately and navigating tight quilting lines.
Inside the BERNINA 590
Built-In Computerised Stitch System
The B 590 comes pre-loaded with 1,774 stitches across utility, decorative, quilting, cross-stitch and 9 alphabet categories. Triple stitch, elongation and mirror image functions give further creative flexibility.
BERNINA Stitch Regulator (BSR)
Included with the machine. Reads your hand movement speed and adjusts stitch length in real time during free-motion quilting, so stitches stay even regardless of pace. Works with straight stitch and zigzag.
Front-Loading Jumbo Bobbin and BERNINA Hook
The BERNINA Hook pairs with a front-loading Jumbo bobbin holding up to 70% more thread than a standard bobbin. The independent bobbin winder lets you prepare a fresh bobbin without stopping your project.
Automatic Thread Cutter and Presser Foot Lift
One button press cuts the thread, lifts the needle and raises the presser foot. The automatic presser foot lift goes further, activating a hover mode with the needle still in the fabric.
Creative Consultant and On-Screen Support
The built-in Creative Consultant recommends stitches, settings and presser feet for specific tasks directly on the touchscreen. On-screen tutorials and a setup programme let you work through functions at your own pace.

Product Specifications
Accessories In The Box
- 1 x Dust cover
- 1 x Accessories box
- 1 x Free Hand System (FHS)
- 1 x Slide-on table
- 1 x Seam guide for slide-on table
- 1 x CutWork/Straight stitch plate
- 3 x Spool disc
- 4 x Bobbin
- 2 x Foam pad
- 1 x Touchscreen pen
- 1 x Seam ripper
- 1 x Height compensating tool
- 1 x Selection of needles
- 1 x Screwdriver red (slot)
- 1 x Brush
- 1 x Sewing machine oil
- 1 x Power cable
- 1 x Foot control
Feet In The Box
- 1 x BERNINA Stitch Regulator (BSR)
- 1 x Reverse-pattern foot #1C
- 1 x Reverse-pattern foot #1D
- 1 x Overlock foot #2A
- 1 x Buttonhole foot with slide #3A
- 1 x Zipper foot #4D
- 1 x Blindstitch foot #5
Machine Dimensions & Weight
- Machine size (W x D x H): 461mm x 200mm x 327.5mm (18.1" x 7.9" x 12.9")
- Machine weight: 11kg
- Workspace: 8.5 inches (215mm) to the right of the needle
- Slide-on extension table included
- Free arm capability
Stitch Options & Controls
- Built-in stitches: 1,774 total (including 9 alphabets)
- Utility stitches: 38
- Decorative stitches: 500
- Quilting stitches: 59
- Cross-stitch programmes: 40
- Buttonholes (including eyelets): 18
- Maximum sewing speed: 1,000 stitches per minute
- Maximum stitch width: 9mm
- Maximum stitch length: 6mm
- Needle positions: 11
- LCD display: 4.3-inch colour touchscreen
- Stitch memory: short-term and long-term
Sewing Features and Functions
- BERNINA Stitch Regulator (BSR) included: straight stitch and zigzag (separate BSR foot included)
- BERNINA Dual Feed (BDF)
- Adaptive Thread Tension
- Automatic presser foot lift
- Automatic presser foot pressure
- Automatic thread cutter
- Pivot/hover function
- Semi-automatic needle threader
- Manual thread cutters: 4
- SFS-i intelligent feed system with 7-piece feed dogs
- BERNINA foot control with back-kick function
- Needle stop up/down (programmable)
- Start/stop button (sewing without foot control)
- Slide speed control
- Upper thread sensor
- Lower thread sensor
- Triple stitch
- Pattern start/end function
- Pattern end programmable
- Elongation function
- Programmable securing function
- Create and save stitch combinations
- Change stitch settings while sewing
- Drag and drop stitch editing
- Bobbin winding while sewing
- Mirror image of patterns
- Darning programmes
- Button sew-on programme
- On-screen help and sewing tutorial
- Creative Consultant
- Setup programme
- USB interface for PC connection
- LED sewing lights: 16
- Multi-function knobs
- Optional embroidery module available
Bobbin & Needle System
- Hook type: BERNINA Hook (front-loading, all-metal)
- Bobbin system: front-loading Jumbo bobbin (70% more thread capacity than standard)
- Number of spool holders: 2
- Presser feet: full-shank metal (clip-on)
Connectivity
- USB port: 1 (for PC connection)
- Embroidery module connection port
Warranty & Support
Enjoy peace of mind with a full 7-year 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.
What is the BSR and do I need It for quilting?
The BERNINA Stitch Regulator maintains consistent stitch length during free-motion quilting regardless of your speed. It reads your hand movement continuously and responds in real time, so stitches stay even whether you move slowly on tight curves or quickly across open areas. It is included with the B 590 and works with both straight and zigzag stitches.
What is the difference between the BERNINA 590 and the 590E?
The BERNINA 590 is a sewing and quilting machine. The 590E includes the Embroidery Module L as standard, adding full embroidery capabilities from the outset. If you purchase the 590 now, the Embroidery Module L can be added separately at any point to extend what the machine can do.
Can the B 590 handle heavy fabrics like canvas and denim?
Yes. The BERNINA Hook provides strong needle penetration for heavyweight fabrics, and the BERNINA Dual Feed keeps layers aligned when sewing through multiple thicknesses. The automatic presser foot pressure adjusts to your fabric weight, giving consistent stitch quality across light and heavy materials in the same project.
What maintenance does the BERNINA 590 require?
Regular cleaning of the bobbin area and a drop of BERNINA oil on the hook, as shown in the manual and the on screen guidance keep the machine running smoothly, the oil is included in the box. Beyond that, leave internal servicing to a professional. We recommend an annual service, which our in house BERNINA certified engineers carry out at The Sewing Studio.
Is the BERNINA 590 suitable for beginners?
The B 590 is designed for intermediate to professional sewers and quilters. Ambitious beginners will find the on-screen tutorials, Creative Consultant and sewing help guide useful for building skills, and the automatic features reduce the learning curve around setup and thread tension. It is a machine that will grow with you as your sewing skills develop.
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).
