“Absolutely love this machine. The stitch quality is superb and it handles everything I throw at it.”
BERNINA 790 Ultra Sewing Machine
Cutting-edge sewing and quilting technology designed for makers at the top of their craft
£7,095.00
Spread the cost from
£188.54 per month over 48 months*
£1,350.00
£23.95 £21.56 Save 10%
£23.95 £21.56 Save 10%
Borrowing more than you can afford or paying late may negatively impact your financial status and ability to obtain credit. 18+, UK residents only. Subject to status. Ts&Cs and late fees apply.
What our customers say
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. And if you ever need support or servicing, our team is 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 790 ULTRA Product Review
The BERNINA 790 ULTRA is an advanced sewing and quilting machine for accomplished dressmakers, quilters and makers who have mastered their craft and are ready to explore new levels of precision, creativity and expression. It's a sophisticated model offering a wide range of fully customisable settings, a large sewing area and plenty of considered features such as an advanced needle threader and stitch editing features.
Automatic stitch regulation is now possible with all quilting applications including Ruler Work, thanks to the innovative BERNINA Integrated Stitch Regulator (BISR). Stitch length stays even however fast or slow you move the fabric. It works with all BERNINA freehand quilting presser feet and accessories, including ruler work using the included 5.5mm BISR Stitch Plate with Sensor.
The stitch library runs to 2,248 built-in stitches with a maximum stitch width of 9mm and a maximum length of 6mm, both adjustable while you sew. Jumbo Stitch resizes stitch patterns and monograms from 25% to 500%, so a single decorative stitch can be scaled up into a bold design feature. The Stitch Designer lets you draw and edit your own stitches directly on screen and 171 sideways motion stitches sew multi-directionally without turning the fabric. There are 28 tapering stitch patterns, which means you can shape the start and end of a decorative stitch rather than running it at a fixed width, plus a further 30 banner stitch patterns.
The full 13-inch (330mm) extended freearm includes 10 inches (254mm) of workspace to the right of the needle, with 5 inches of height under the arm, so a folded quilt has somewhere to go while you work. BERNINA Adaptive Thread Tension monitors tension continuously once it is set for your fabric and thread, adjusting as needed rather than waiting for you to spot a problem. BERNINA Dual Feed engages when hard-to-manage fabrics need even feeding from above and below, then tucks out of the way when it is not required. The Pinpoint Laser shows the exact needle entry point in all 11 needle positions and the needle threads automatically at the touch of a button.
The optional Embroidery Module L with Smart Drive Technology transforms your 790 ULTRA into an embroidery powerhouse. Endless Embroidery aligns motifs for borders longer than the hoop and the freearm takes tubular items such as sleeves and t-shirts without extra tools. WiFi transfers designs to and from BERNINA Embroidery Software 9 and the Stitchout App reports progress to your phone.
Key Features
What makes this machine worth it
Machine Type
Sewing and Quilting
Stitch Range
2,248 built-in stitches, maximum 9mm width
Control Type
7-inch colour touchscreen with multi-function knobs
Workspace
10 inches (254mm) to the right of the needle
Needle Configuration
11 needle positions with automatic needle threader
Skill Level
Confident and professional sewers and quilters
Machine Weight
14kg
This machine is perfect for
- Accomplished dressmakers, quilters and makers who have mastered their craft and are ready to explore new levels of precision with a sophisticated creative tool
- Ambitious quilters looking to explore more ambitious quilt designs
- Free-motion sewers – the BERNINA Integrated Stitch Regulator (BISR) is included with the 790 ULTRA
- Textile artists and creative sewers needing excellent fabric feeding, generous workspace and extensive customisation options
Can sew but not ideal for
- Sewers needing portability for frequent travel to classes or sewing retreats. This model suits a dedicated sewing space. Use our free Machine Match Service and we'll recommend a model suited to your needs
Not suitable for
- Complete beginners may find the advanced and wide range of features overwhelming. Use our free Machine Match Service and we'll recommend a model suited to your level of experience
- Sewers needing very lightweight portability for frequent travel to classes. Use our free Machine Match Service and we'll recommend a model suited to your needs
- This is a premium domestic machine that confidently handles thick fabrics but it is not an industrial model suited to continuous heavy duty work
Materials and Build Quality
The automatic Stitch Plate Recognition of the B 790 ULTRA keeps your creative flow uninterrupted. All three included sensor-enabled stitch plates are identified instantly the moment they click into place: the 9 mm Standard Stitch Plate with Sensor, the Straight Stitch Plate with Sensor and the BISR / 5.5 mm Stitch Plate with Sensor.
Automatic stitch regulation is now possible with all quilting applications including Ruler Work, thanks to the innovative BERNINA Integrated Stitch Regulator (BISR). Simply attach the included BERNINA 5.5mm BISR Stitch Plate with sensor and the quilting foot of your choice to achieve perfect quilting stitches with the exact same length at variable sewing speeds.
The B 790 ULTRA elevates your creativity with the Stitch Designer, allowing you to draw and refine your own stitches right on the touch screen. Paired with Sideways Motion, the machine stitches in multiple directions, opening up a new level of freedom for decorative work. This powerful combination lets you bring unique patterns and expressive designs to life with ease and precision.
The Difference is in the Details
The BERNINA Hook sews high-precision stitches up to 9 mm in width with speeds up to 1,000 stitches per minute. The front loading, easy access Jumbo Bobbin holds up to 70% more thread than standard bobbins, allowing you to sew for longer. The BERNINA Dual Feed tames hard-to-manage fabrics providing superb fabric feed and optimum visibility while you sew. Easy to engage when needed, the BERNINA Dual Feed tucks completely out of the way when it is not required.
BERNINA sewing machines are built with longevity at their core, combining precision Swiss engineering with high-quality materials like robust metal components and meticulously tested parts. Each machine is designed for consistent performance over years of use. BERNINA sewing machines come with a 7-year parts and labour warranty.
Our in-house team at The Sewing Studio are authorised BERNINA retailers with over twenty years of experience matching sewers to the right machine. Our team of experts are available to support you with questions before you purchase as well as advice after you have bought your machine.
The built-in Help Center gives you instant access to tutorials, the user manual, the Creative Consultant and more. You can even connect the Help Center to your tablet or smartphone via WiFi by scanning the on-screen QR code.
The B 790 ULTRA enhances every step of your sewing journey with a centrally located 7" color touch screen that responds to intuitive gestures like drag, drop and swipe. Prefer even more precision? Simply plug in a mouse and navigate the display with ease. The Free Hand System knee lifter raises the presser foot and lowers the feed dog without taking your hands off the fabric and eco mode saves power and locks the machine when you step away.
BERNINA 790 ULTRA: A Machine for Every Maker
And every project
Customisable Quilt Designs
Accomplished quilters looking to explore more ambitious designs, intricate piecing, free-motion quilting and larger projects will appreciate the versatility, creativity and stitch precision offered by the 790 ULTRA.
Use the Stitch Designer to draw and refine your own stitches right on the touch screen. Paired with Sideways Motion, the machine stitches in multiple directions, opening up a new level of freedom for decorative work. This powerful combination lets you bring unique patterns and expressive designs to life with ease and precision.
With the optional embroidery unit, the Customizable Quilt Designs (.bqm) bring the functionality of professional longarm quilting to your embroidery machine.
Dressmaking and Decorative Detail
The BERNINA 790 ULTRA is engineered for those who see garment making as a craft. Designed for everything from couture and bridalwear to cosplay and advanced dressmaking, it delivers exceptional precision across every stage of construction, finishing and decorative work. It offers superb stitch accuracy on delicate lace and chiffon to more challenging fabrics such as silk velvet and netting.
With 360 degree multi-directional sewing, you can create and refine your own stitch designs directly on the touchscreen. Combined with Sideways Motion, the machine stitches in multiple directions, giving experienced dressmakers greater creative freedom to add distinctive decorative details and truly bespoke finishes.
Textile Artists and Creative Sewers
For makers who have developed their craft into an art form, the BERNINA 790 ULTRA provides the precision, space and creative freedom to push boundaries. Its generous workspace and extensive customisation options allow you to tailor the machine to your individual way of working and bring ambitious ideas to life.
Enjoy exceptional precision with the BERNINA Pinpoint Laser, which shows exactly where the needle will enter the fabric and marks your start and travel points as you sew. For bold decorative effects, the Jumbo Stitch function lets you enlarge stitches by up to 500%, opening up new possibilities for expressive stitch work.
More than a sewing machine, the 790 ULTRA is a sophisticated creative tool for textile artists and high-end makers who are constantly exploring, experimenting and pushing their craft further.
Inside the BERNINA 790 ULTRA
BERNINA Integrated Stitch Regulator (BISR)
Delivers precise, even stitch lengths during free-motion quilting.
Automatic Stitch Plate Recognition
Three sensor-enabled stitch plates are identified the moment they click into place and the machine will not sew if the wrong plate is fitted for the selected stitch.
Pinpoint Laser
Enjoy pinpoint precision by seeing exactly where the needle will enter the fabric in every needle position. The laser marks your start and travel points as you sew.
Advanced Quilting & Placement
Includes 2-, 3- and 4-point placement, morphing capabilities and digital cropping tools.
Jumbo Stitch
With the Jumbo Stitch function, the BERNINA 790 ULTRA lets you enlarge stitches up to 500%. Perfect for striking decorative effects.
Add Embroidery When You're Ready
Embroidery Module L simply slides on when purchased separately.
Product Specifications
Feet In The Box
- 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
- 1 x Jeans Foot #8D
- 1 x Open Embroidery Foot #20C
- 1 x Embroidery Foot #26L
- 1 x Sideways-motion foot #40C
Accessories In The Box
- 1 x Soft Cover with pocket
- 1 x Power cable
- 1 x Net for thread spool
- 1 x Embroidery needle assortment SUK
- 1 x Template holder
- 1 x Sewing Thread Set
- 1 x Angular wrench
- 2 x Screwdriver
- 1 x Brush
- 1 x Selection of needles
- 1 x Seam guide, right
- 1 x Seam ripper
- 1 x Height compensation tool
- 5 x Bobbins
- 2 x Foam pads
- 1 x Spool cap D43
- 1 x Spool cap D12
- 1 x Programmable Foot control
- 1 x Straight and CutWork Stitch Plate with Sensor
- 1 x 5.5mm BISR Stitch Plate with Sensor
- 1 x Freearm Slide-on Table
- 1 x Seam Guide for Slide-on Table
- 1 x Knee lifter/Free-Hand System (FHS)
- 1 x Touchscreen Pen
- 1 x Sewing Machine Oil
- 1 x BERNINA Accessory Box
Machine Dimensions and Weight
- Machine weight: 14kg
- Extended freearm: 13 inches (330mm)
- Workspace: 10 inches (254mm) to the right of the needle
- Workspace height: 5 inches (127mm)
- Colour touchscreen: 7 inches (177.8mm)
- LED sewing lights: 30
Stitch Options and Controls
- Total built-in stitch patterns including alphabets: 2,248
- Utility stitches: 38
- Decorative stitches: 754
- Quilting stitches: 74
- Sideways motion stitches: 171
- Sewing alphabets: 10
- Monograms: 1
- Connecting stitches
- Tapering stitch patterns: 28
- Banner stitch patterns: 30
- Darning programs: 2
- Buttonholes and eyelets: 17/2
- Automatic one-step buttonhole with length measuring system
- Manual multi-step buttonhole
- Adjustable buttonhole slit width
- Maximum stitch width: 9mm, adjustable while sewing
- Maximum stitch length: 6mm, adjustable while sewing
- Maximum sewing speed: 1,000 stitches per minute
- Needle positions: 11
- Jumbo Stitch: resizes stitch patterns and monograms from 25% to 500%
- Stitch Designer for creating and editing 9mm and sideways motion stitches
- Total Stitch Control
- 360 degree directional sewing
- Monograms with sideways motion
- Elongation, basting stitch, long stitch, triple stitch
- Balance setting
- Pattern begin
- Pattern end
- Pattern repeat
- Mirror-image function
- Undo and redo in sewing
- Personal memory
- Security function for needle and stitch plate
- Continuous reverse and backstepping
- Presser foot recommendation and presser foot selection
- Fit to Screen and drag and drop stitch positioning
- Temporary altered stitch memory
- History function: last 24 stitch patterns retained after power off
- Import and export stitches via USB
- Spool holders: 2 (horizontal and vertical)
- Manual thread cutters: 3
Sewing Features and Functions
- BERNINA stitchprecision2 Technology
- BERNINA Integrated Stitch Regulator (BISR), works with the BISR Stitch Plate and all BERNINA freehand quilting presser feet and accessories
- BSR 3 Mode for free-motion basting, with SPI2 and SPI4 stitch lengths
- Adjustable minimum stitching speed in BSR/BISR 1 Mode
- Adjustable stitch length in stitches per inch (SPI) in BSR/BISR
- KickStart function for continuous stitch-regulated quilting without the foot control
- BERNINA Adaptive Thread Tension
- BERNINA Dual Feed
- BERNINA Pinpoint Laser, active in every needle position
- Automatic needle threader
- Automatic thread cutter with two programmable tie-off types
- Automatic presser foot lifter
- Adjustable presser foot pressure
- Presser foot hover function
- Automatic stitch plate detection
- Retractable feed dog
- Freearm sewing
- Button sew-on program
- Powerful DC motor
- Hammer Mode: drives the needle through more than 30 layers of fabric
- BERNINA Free Hand System (FHS) knee lifter
- Start/stop button for sewing without the foot control
- Slide speed control
- Needle stop up/down
- Thread-up command
- Needle reminder
- Upper thread sensor
- Lower thread sensor
- Bobbin winding while sewing or embroidering
- Multi-function knobs, adjustment in 0.05 increments
- Help Center: Quick Start, onboard manual and Consultant
- Tutorial function with animated demonstrations
- Creative Consultant
- eco mode with child safety lock
- Adjustable display brightness
- BERNINA foot control with back-kick function, programmable
Bobbin and Needle System
- Hook system: BERNINA Hook
- Jumbo Bobbin: front loading, holds approximately 100 metres of thread, up to 70% more than a standard bobbin
- Lower thread sensor alerts at approximately 10% remaining, around 10 metres of thread
- Upper thread sensor indicates when the upper thread breaks or runs out
- Automatic needle threader from needle size 70 upwards
- Needle positions: 11
Connectivity
- Total memory: 256 MB
- WiFi for design transfer to and from BERNINA Embroidery Software 9
- BERNINA Stitchout App for remote monitoring of embroidery progress and thread colours
- Help Center content viewable on a tablet or phone via on-screen QR code
- USB interface for embroidery design and stitch import and export
- USB mouse compatible (Type A or C)
- Embroidery formats read: EXP, DST, PES, PEC, JEF, SEW, PCS, XXX
- Quilt design formats read: BQM, HQF, PAT, PLT, QLI
Warranty and Support
The BERNINA 790 ULTRA is covered by a full BERNINA 2-year parts and labour warranty. Servicing and repairs are handled by our own workshop and our sewing experts are here if you need help getting the most from the machine.
Product Downloads
Frequently Asked Questions
Let us help with the answers.
Do I still need the separate BSR Foot?
No. Regulation is handled by the machine itself, so you fit the included BISR stitch plate and quilt with whichever BERNINA freehand foot you prefer, ruler work included. If you already own a BSR foot it remains compatible, so nothing in your existing kit goes to waste.
Is the Embroidery Module included in the price?
No, the BERNINA 790 ULTRA is a sewing and quilting machine only. The Embroidery Module L is an optional extra that you can purchase when you are ready to add embroidery to your home sewing set-up. Alternatively, explore the BERNINA 790E ULTRA which includes an embroidery unit so that you can sew and embroider straight out of the box.
Can this replace a Longarm for quilting?
For most home quilters, yes, though it depends on your quilt size. The workspace and the computerised quilt designs let you finish full-size quilts without sending the work out and stitch regulation covers free-motion and ruler work. A frame-mounted longarm still has the advantage on very large quilts and sustained volume, so it comes down to how many you make and how big they are.
Is it too much machine if I'm upgrading from a mid-range model?
It is a lot of capability, but the machine is built to be learned gradually. The onboard Consultant and tutorials mean you can sew normally from day one and pick up the embroidery and quilting functions as you want them. The 7-inch touchscreen responds to drag, drop and swipe, so the way you navigate it will already feel familiar. Chat with one of our machine experts online or contact us to talk through where you are now and whether this is the right step.
Need advice?
Our in-house team makes it their job to know these machines inside and out. Call, message or chat to get honest, expert advice from people who actually sew.
Give us a call
Our team is ready to guide you through any questions and help you order with confidence.
01209 216 942
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