
BERNINA 325 Product Review & Demonstration
The BERNINA 325 is a fantastic investment for anyone looking for a reliable, high-performance sewing machine. Its combination of advanced features, ease of use and high-quality construction make it a standout choice. Whether you're sewing garments, home décor, or creative projects, this machine ensures professional-quality results every time.
It suits beginners who want a reliable, easy-to-use first BERNINA, as well as experienced sewers wanting genuine BERNINA precision in a smaller footprint. With sewing and quilting both covered, it works for personalised clothing, upcycling, accessories, quilt piecing and everyday mending.
There are 419 stitch options including 2 alphabets for adding text and monogramming. The maximum stitch width of 5.5mm and stitch length of 5mm give room for shaping satin stitches and decorative work, while the multi-step buttonhole handles closures across different fabric weights.
The freearm design provides 6.3 inches (160mm) of space to the right of the needle, with the included slide-on extension table giving a larger flat surface for bigger projects. The CB hook system runs a front-loading bobbin, and bobbin winding is available while you sew. The semi-automatic needle threader speeds up setup, the manual thread cutter keeps trimming within reach, and adjustable presser foot pressure helps the machine handle delicate silks through to thicker materials.
The centrally located full-colour LCD touchscreen makes stitch selection and navigation clear, supported by built-in tutorials and a Creative Consultant that guides you towards the right settings for each task. The start/stop button lets you sew without the foot control, the slide speed control caps your maximum pace, and needle stop up/down plus the ability to change stitch settings mid-seam keep you in control. Six LED sewing lights illuminate the work area for detailed sewing.
Key Features
What makes this machine worth it
Machine Type
Sewing and quilting machine, medium size
Stitch Range
419 built-in stitches including practical, decorative and alphabet
Control Type
Full-colour LCD touchscreen, electronic
Workspace
6.3 inches (160mm) to the right of the needle
Needle Configuration
9 needle positions with semi-automatic needle threader
Buttonholes
Multi-step buttonhole with darning program
Skill Level
Sewers of all levels, beginner to experienced
Machine Weight
8kg

This machine is perfect for
- Sewers wanting Bernina quality at an affordable price
- Complete beginners who want a machine to grow with - built-in tutorials teach as you sew
- Garment makers who value stitch quality above all else - the patented Bernina hook delivers impeccable stitches
Can sew but not ideal for
- Makers sewing lots of buttonholes - the 325 sews multi-step buttonholes rather than a fully automatic one-step buttonhole, so frequent buttonhole work takes a little longer. If buttonholes are a big part of your sewing, stepping up to a higher BERNINA model would be worth considering
Not suitable for
- Quilters needing large throat space - use our Machine Match Service and we'll recommend a model suited to your needs
Materials and Build Quality
Built with meticulous engineering precision and crafted from premium-quality materials throughout, BERNINA machines are designed to deliver exceptional performance year after year. Every component is made to exacting standards, for accuracy and a beautifully consistent stitch.
At 8kg, the 325 is light enough to carry to classes, retreats and workshops or pack away between sessions. The compact footprint suits smaller sewing spaces while keeping a stable, solid feel as you work.
The 325's casing is made to take everyday handling, with hard-wearing surfaces that resist marks and stay looking good. A sturdy build keeps vibration low at higher speeds, which helps the machine hold its position on the table for steady, accurate sewing.
The Difference is in the Details
Sewing at up to 900 stitches per minute, the 325 keeps pace with garment seams and quilt piecing alike. Bobbin winding while sewing reduces interruptions, the start/stop button lets you work without the foot control, and the slide speed control caps your top speed for steady, predictable sewing on tricky sections.
Built with meticulous engineering precision and crafted from premium-quality materials throughout, BERNINA machines are designed to deliver exceptional performance year after year. Every component is made to exacting standards, for accuracy and a beautifully consistent stitch. With routine servicing, they give years of reliable service. Our expert in-house engineers are here to support and maintain your machine for the long term.
The CB hook system pairs with a front-loading bobbin to keep the lower thread feeding evenly, which is central to clean stitch formation on both sides of the fabric. Adjustable presser foot pressure lets you match the machine to delicate silks or thicker materials, so the feed stays consistent whatever you are sewing.
Built-in tutorials and the on-screen Creative Consultant guide you through stitch selection and settings for specific tasks, so you can build confidence without reaching for the manual.
You'll find a video tutorial on our YouTube channel covering everything you need to know to get started.
The centrally located full-colour LCD touchscreen makes navigation and stitch selection straightforward, with needle stop up/down and the ability to change stitch settings while sewing, keeping adjustments quick. The freearm makes cuffs, sleeves and trouser hems easier to handle, and the LED lighting keeps the work area clearly lit.
BERNINA 325: A Machine for Every Maker
And every project
Dressmaking and Garment Sewing
The multi-step buttonhole and adjustable presser foot pressure handle everything from fine silks to garment leather, giving you clean closures and consistent results across a whole garment. With 419 stitches and built-in alphabets, you can move from construction seams to personalised detailing on the same project.
Quilting and Patchwork
Dedicated quilting stitches, drop feed dogs and the included extension table give quilters the essentials for piecing and finishing. The added flat workspace helps when manoeuvring larger quilt tops, and the consistent CB hook stitching keeps seams neat through multiple layers.
Creative and Decorative Work
With 75 decorative designs, mirror stitch capability and built-in alphabets, the 325 opens up monogramming, embellishment and decorative borders. The 5.5mm stitch width gives definition to satin stitches and decorative motifs, suiting makers who enjoy adding individual touches to their projects.
Inside the BERNINA 325
CB Hook System
The CB hook runs a front-loading bobbin for consistent stitch formation, with bobbin winding available while you sew.
419 Built-in Stitches
The stitch library covers 419 stitch patterns in total, including 75 decorative designs and 2 built-in alphabets, giving construction seams, embellishment and monogramming options from a single compact machine.
Full-Colour LCD Touchscreen
A centrally located full-colour 4.3 inch LCD touchscreen handles stitch selection and navigation, supported by built-in tutorials and a Creative Consultant that suggests settings for the task in hand.
Stitch Width and Buttonholes
With a 5.5mm maximum stitch width and 5mm maximum length, the 325 shapes satin and decorative stitches, while the multi-step buttonhole and darning program cover everyday finishing.
Freearm and Extension Table
The freearm and slide-on extension table give 6.3 inches to the right of the needle plus a larger flat surface when projects need more room.

Product Specifications
Accessories In The Box
- 1 x Accessory Bag
- 1 x Foot control
- 1 x Power cable
- 1 x Slide-on extension table
- 5 x Bobbins (one in the bobbin case)
- 1 x Selection of needles
- 1 x Height compensating tool
- 1 x Seam ripper
- 1 x Screwdriver, red
- 1 x Hex key
- 1 x Lint brush
- 1 x Lubricator
- 1 x Foam pad
- 3 x Spool discs (small, medium and large)
- 1 x Dust Cover
- 1 x Mettler thread set
Feet In The Box
- 1 x Reverse Pattern Sole #1
- 1 x Overlock Sole #2
- 1 x Buttonhole sole #3
- 1 x Zipper Sole #4
- 1 x Blindstitch Sole #5
- 1 x The Snap-on Shank #78
Machine Dimensions & Weight
- Machine size (mm): 370 x 170 x 310mm
- Machine size (inches): 14.6 x 6.7 x 12.2 inches
- Machine weight: 8kg
- Workspace: 6.3 inches (160mm) to the right of the needle
- LCD display: 4.3 inch full-colour LCD touchscreen
Stitch Options and Controls
- Total built-in stitches: 419, including 2 alphabets
- Maximum stitch width: 5.5mm
- Maximum stitch length: 5mm
- Maximum sewing speed: 900 stitches per minute
- Needle positions: 9
- Number of spool holders: 2
- LED sewing lights: 6
Sewing Features and Functions
- CB hook system
- Semi-automatic needle threader
- Manual thread cutter
- Multi-step buttonhole
- Darning program
- Freearm sewing
- Mirror stitch
- Drop feed dogs
- Adjustable presser foot pressure
- Adjustable stitch length and width
- Start/stop button (stitching without foot control)
- Slide speed control
- Needle stop up/down
- Changing stitch settings while sewing
- Bobbin winding while sewing
- Memory (short-term/altered stitches)
- Built-in tutorials
- Creative Consultant
- BERNINA freearm slide-on table
- Automatic securing (tie-off) function
Bobbin and Needle System
- Hook system: CB hook
- Bobbin: front-loading
Warranty & Support
The BERNINA 325 is covered by a full BERNINA 7-year parts and labour guarantee. 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 325 suitable for a beginner?
Yes. The full-colour touchscreen, built-in tutorials and Creative Consultant make it straightforward to get started, guiding you through stitch choice and settings. It also has the precision and control to keep an experienced sewer happy, so it is a machine you can grow into rather than out of.
What does the Creative Consultant actually do?
The Creative Consultant suggests suitable stitches and settings for the task you are working on, such as the right stitch for a particular fabric or technique. It takes some of the guesswork out of setup, which is especially helpful when you are learning or trying something new.
Can the 325 handle both light and heavy fabrics?
Yes. Adjustable presser foot pressure lets you match the machine to what you are sewing, from delicate silks to thicker materials. Combined with the CB hook system, this helps keep the feed and stitch quality consistent across different fabric weights.
Does it come with an extension table?
Yes. A slide-on extension table is included in the box, giving you a larger flat surface for bigger projects like quilts. The machine also has a freearm for sewing cuffs, sleeves and hems, so you get both options as standard.
Does the 325 have an automatic thread cutter?
No. The 325 has a manual thread cutter rather than an automatic one. Bobbin winding while sewing and the semi-automatic needle threader still keep setup and threading quick, so day-to-day use stays efficient.
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).
