Sewing Machine Review: Bernina B530

I first learned how to sew on my mum’s trusty Bernina Matic, figuring out the basics of a sewing machine and sewing in general. In high school, I continued on a similar but newer model, and by the time I reached university, navigating Bernina machines and sewing had become second nature.

I guess brand loyalty just kind of sticks when you’ve had a good experience from the start. Sure, Bernina’s are definitely not cheap, but honestly, they are worth every cent. My mum was a regular at our local Bernina store, and we were always really well looked after. She got great advice every time, and occasionally even a deal or two, which was an added bonus.

So you can imagine how excited I was when I was gifted a brand new Bernina B530 for my 23rd birthday back in 2012 (I’ll let you do the math on how old that makes me), purchased from this exact local store. Perfect timing too, because I was just about to move out of home, so I now had my very own machine to take with me. Since then, it’s been everywhere with me. Literally. It’s travelled across Australia, flown all the way over to London, and now it’s here with me in Munich. Safe to say it’s done a few miles!

And now, after almost 14 years, it’s still going strong and miraculously, with barely a mark on it. I do try my best to get it serviced regularly, although I’ll admit, I do put it off sometimes because I hate being without it.

I really have put this machine through a lot, but honestly, it’s never faltered.

At first glance, this machine is super sleek and classic, and I think it still looks modern even after all these years. I just love the look of a Bernina machine, old and new.

But I will say, it’s heavy (the photo of me holding it below was a good strength workout). Which, to be fair, probably just adds to how solid and well-built it feels.

So what do I love most about this machine?

Honestly, a lot, so in order to narrow things down I am going to draw some inspiration from my favourite movie, and list 10 things I love about my Bernina 530.

1. I love how intuitive and super easy it is to use: This machine can do a lot but its many functions are easy to navigate with the help of quick-access buttons and a large LCD display. Threading it is also straightforward just like every other Bernina machine I have used. It even has handy arrow guides to follow.

Note: If you are interested in a step-by-step guide on threading a sewing machine, I’ve actually written a two-part tutorial using this exact machine: ‘How to Thread a Sewing Machine – Beginner’s Guide, Part 1‘.

2. I love the huge range of built-in stitches: This machine has a pretty big stitch library, including utility, decorative, and quilting options, plus alphabets and multiple buttonhole styles. Honestly I haven’t even explored and tested all of the stitch capabilities even after using it for such a long time. I am still learning things it can do.

3. I love the level of control it offers: I am a perfectionist, so having the ability to be in total control, and ensure precision is great. You can adjust the stitch length (up to 5mm) and stitch width (up to 5.5mm) in small 1mm increments. Even the needle can be adjusted to 11 different positions. I regularly change these settings depending on the fabric or thread I am using, or the type of finish I am after.

Note: I have also written about these three settings in my article ‘Sewing Essentials: Stitch Width, Stitch Length & Needle Position’ if you would like to find out more.

In addition to this, there is the ability to control the speed at which you sew with a simple slider (just below the LCD display). Sometimes you want to slow things down for more precise tasks, or speed things up for simple stitching and to just get things done.

4. I love the ability to create precise buttonholes automatically: This is probably one of my favourite features. It’s a game changer! Gone are the days of avoiding buttonholes because it felt impossible to get them all the same length. The Automatic Buttonhole Foot, which comes with the machine, will produce any number of identical buttonholes (up to 30mm in length) meaning you don’t have to guess the length each time.

5. I love that there are thread cutters galore: This is a simple but super handy addition that just makes things easier, especially when your scissors aren’t within reach. They are positioned at the rear of the machine, within the bobbin cover, and next to the bobbin winder.

6. I love the included accessories: A variety of accessories and presser feet came with the machine, including:

• A slide-on extension table that attaches to the free arm of the machine, and increases the sewing surface.
• Attachable seam guide that clips onto the extension table, making straight and parallel seams allowances and stitching.

• A presser foot lifter (free-hand system) that you push with your knee to raise and lower the presser foot.
• 5 presser feet, including reverse pattern, overlock, buttonhole, zipper, and blind stitch. Basically all the essentials.

Note: If you want to find out more about these presser feet, take a look at my article ‘Sewing Essentials: A Simple Guide to Common Presser Feet’.

7. I love the storage options that came included: The machine has its own carrier bag, which is great for keeping it protected (especially when taking it in for a service).

There’s also an accessories box for all the bits and bobs: presser feet, needles, bobbins, tools, everything. That little box is always within reach.

8. I love the foot control: Yes, I am referring to the foot pedal! On the underside of the presser foot is a wheel of sorts that allows you to wind the power cord around, keeping it nice and tidy. Genius!

9. I love how reliable and durable it is: I really think that the fact it is still going strong after almost 14 years, including a trip across the globe, is a testament to its quality. It’s not just reliable in its build, but in its stitching too. Whether I’m working on something quick and simple or tackling a more complicated, heavy-duty project, it performs beautifully every time. It’s up to the challenge of everything I throw at it, and I have certainly thrown a lot at it.

10. I love that support is always at my fingertips: In the form of an easy-to-follow user manual and mini video tutorials that you can find animated on the LCD display. Stumbling across one of these animations was actually how I learned how to clean and oil the bobbin and bobbin case.

Are there any downsides to this machine?

To be honest, no! This machine really is pretty perfect for what I do. Honestly, I don’t see myself replacing it anytime soon, and if it were to ever break, I’d probably try to buy another version of this exact machine or a similar model from Bernina’s current range.

While Bernina machines can be a bit pricey, I genuinely recommend them. This particular machine would be suitable for everyone from beginners to more advanced sewists. It’s a great all-rounder for sewists, quilters or embroiderers if you can get your hands on one, as unfortunately, it’s no longer available.