Bernina 540 Reviews with Detailed Information
The Bernina 540 is particularly well-suited for quilters, as it provides an extended sewing space. Its stable construction minimizes vibrations, resulting in accurate and professional-looking stitches. The Bernia has a stitching rate of 1000/min and comes with an automatic thread cutter and 8 presser feet. This machine is also suitable for individuals looking for a sewing machine with adjustable stitch length and width.Â
So, it is necessary to know the Bernina 540 reviews before buying this sewing machine. You can have a look at this article to gather more knowledge about Bernia 540 sewing machine.Â
Who Should Get The Bernina 540?

If you’re searching for a sewing machine with adjustable stitch length and width, Bernina 540 is perfect for you. It also comes with an adjustable needle position. This machine offers impeccable tension control which results in flawless stitches. This control system delivers precise and powerful sewing capabilities too.
The Bernina 540 also redefines ease of operation with its intuitive multi-function dials. This function allows you to effortlessly make adjustments even in the midst of your sewing projects. Moreover, this machine ensures that the ideal pressure is always applied to the selected stitch.
Moreover, the Bernina 540 has features specifically designed for quilters. It provides an extended sewing space, a variety of quilting stitches, and precise stitch control. Quilters who work on intricate designs or large quilts can benefit from the Bernina 540’s capabilities. However, you can have options when choosing the best quilting machine for under $500.
Bernina 540: Key Specs
 The key specs of the Bernina 540 Sewing Machine are highlighted below:
- Hook system: BERNINA Hook
- Machine weight:24.2 lb
- Machine size:18.1″ / 7.9″ / 12.9″
- Sewing space to the right of the needle: 8.5″
- Color touch screen: 4.3″ / 10 cm
- Adjustable presser foot pressure
- Start/stop button (stitching without foot control)
- Embroidery Module: optional
- Maximum Embroidery Area: 400×150 mm
- On-screen Editing of Designs
- Stitch length maximum in mm: 6
- Maximum stitch width: 9
- Maximum sewing speed (stitches per minute): 1000
- Number of stitch patterns (incl. alphabet) total: 1048
- Buttonholes (incl. eyelet) total: 14
- Automatic buttonhole: Yes
- Manual multi-step buttonhole: Available
- Button sew-on program: Available
- Decorative stitches total: 300
- Quilting stitches total: 44
- Cross-stitch programs: 31
- Sewing Alphabet: 5
- Maximum Embroidery Area: 15.7″ x 5.9″
- LED sewing lights: 12 LED
- Multi-function knobs: Available
- Needle positions: 11
Included Accessories:
- 4 Bobbins in the accessory, 1 bobbin in the bobbin case
- 2 Foam pads
- Selection of needles
- Soft Cover with pocket
- 3 Spool discs
- Screwdriver red
- Brush
- Seam ripper
- Height compensation tool
- Power cable
- Foot control
- Free arm slide-on table
- Knee lifter
- Touch screen pen for 4 and 5 series
- Sewing machine oil
Pros & Cons of The Bernina 540
Pros of the Bernina 540 Sewing Machine:
- It has an impressive sewing speed of up to 1,000 stitches per minute.
- The BERNINA Hook ensures consistent and precise stitches with a hoop size of 15.7″ x 5.9″.
- The machine supports free-arm sewing and embroidery.
- It is versatile and well-suited for various projects, including quilts, garments, and bags.
- It offers a wide selection of stitch patterns with 1048 options.
- Provides a large number of stitch styles.
Cons of the Bernina 540 Sewing Machine:
- The Bernina 540 is on the higher end of the price range.
Detailed Features of The Bernina 540
The Bernina 540 Sewing Machine is an all-rounder machine that is perfect for a variety of projects. Here are the detailed features of the Bernina 540 Sewing Machine:

PowerfulÂ
The Bernina 540 is equipped with a robust motor that delivers impressive power. It will allow you for smooth and efficient sewing even through thick or multiple layers of fabric. It can sew up to 1,000 stitches per minute. It is known that the Bernina 540 Sewing Machine is powerful, fast, and precise. For that, it can easily handle big projects with ease.
Automatic Thread Cutting
This sewing machine has an automatic thread cutter feature, eliminating the need for manual trimming. With a simple push of a button, the machine neatly cuts both the top and bobbin threads. It saves time and effort for the users.
Stable Sewing
The Bernina 540 ensures stability during sewing with its solid construction and advanced engineering. It minimizes vibrations, resulting in precise and even stitches. This sewing machine is designed to minimize vibrations, allowing for precise and even stitches.
The sturdy build of the machine ensures that it stays in place, preventing any unnecessary movement while sewing. The Bernina 540’s stable sewing capabilities ensure that your stitches are accurate and professional-looking.
Extended Freearm
The machine’s extended free arm provides a larger sewing area. It is easier to work on larger projects such as quilts, garments, or home decor items. It offers more space and freedom to maneuver fabric smoothly.
The free arm expands the workspace by offering 8.5 inches of room to the right of the needle. This additional space provides ample room for tackling larger sewing projects with ease.Â
Moreover, the Bernina 540 comes equipped with a BERNINA slide-on free arm extension table. It further enhances the machine’s versatility and provides even more support for handling larger and more complex projects.
User-Friendly Design
The Bernina 540 Sewing Machine has multi-function dials that redefine ease of operation, even in the midst of sewing. It has clear and intuitive controls, easy-to-navigate menus, and a bright display for effortless operation. Beginners and experienced sewists alike will find it convenient to use.
Additional Accessories
The Bernina 540 comes with additional accessories, including multiple presser feet, extension tables, bobbins, needles, and more. This machine comes with some included accessories which include pressure feet, a Knee lifter, sewing oil, and more. There are also lots of compatible accessories in the market for the Bernina 540.Â
8 presser feet come with included accessories and over 100 different presser feet are compatible with it. These accessories expand the machine’s versatility and allow for various sewing techniques and projects.
Pressure Foot Types
The Bernina 540 Sewing Machine comes with 8 presser feet, each with its own specific application. The table of presser feet and their application is given below:
Presser Foot | Application |
Reverse-pattern foot #1 | Ideal for sewing forward and reverse-feed utility and decorative stitches |
Reverse-pattern foot #1C | Ideal for sewing forward and reverse-feed utility and decorative stitches |
Overlock foot #2 | Used for overlocking stitches on a regular sewing machine |
Overlock foot #2A | Used for overlocking stitches on a regular sewing machine |
Buttonhole foot with slide #3A | Used for sewing buttonholes |
Zipper foot #4 | Used for sewing zippers |
Zipper foot #4D | Used for sewing zippers |
Open embroidery foot #20C | Used for free-motion embroidery and quilting |
On-screen Editing of DesignsÂ
The Bernina 540 offers convenient on-screen editing capabilities for designs. With its intuitive interface and full-color touchscreen, you can easily manipulate and customize designs directly on the machine.Â
The on-screen editing feature of the Bernina 540 enables you to resize, rotate, mirror, or combine design elements effortlessly. This eliminates the need for external software or additional steps in the design editing process.Â
With on-screen editing, you have greater control and flexibility to create unique and personalized designs. It enhances your sewing projects with ease and convenience.Â
To have a visual understanding of this sewing machine you can watch this video.
Performance of The Bernina 540
The Bernia 540 Sewing Machine is a high-performance machine that offers a range of features and benefits. The Bernina 540 is known for its robust performance and is suitable for industrial applications rather than domestic use.Â
It runs with exceptional strength and speed, delivering reliable results. However, it’s important that some users have experienced issues where the upper thread gets stuck around the bobbin case. This can cause inconvenience during sewing operations.
If you encounter this problem, it is recommended to check the threading and tension, ensuring they are properly set. You need to consult the machine’s manual or contact Bernina customer support for assistance in resolving complicated issues.
Is Bernina 540 Better Than Its Competitors?
Bernina 540 Sewing Machine has some competitors who are providing sewing machines within the same price range. So the comparison table is given below:
Feature | Bernina 540 | Bernina 480 | Bernette 79 | Janome MC6650 |
Maximum Stitch Speed | 1,000 stitches per minute | 900 stitches per minute | 1,000 stitches per minute | 1,000 stitches per minute |
Number of Stitch Patterns | Over 1,000 | 826 | 500 stitches and 300 embroidery designs | 170 built-in stitches, including 2 alphabets |
Needle Positions | 11 | 11 | 15 | Not Specified |
Touchscreen | Full-color | No | Full-color | Full-color |
Automatic Buttonhole Sewing | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Warranty | 7 years | 10 years | 7 years | 25-year warranty on mechanical parts |
Current Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
The Bernina 540 provides a maximum stitch speed of 1,000 which is higher than the Bernina 480. But the other two competitors have the same speed. Currently, these all sewing machines have touchscreen facilities and lie in between similar price ranges. So, you can easily buy one according to your preferences and needs.
Should You Get A Bernina 540?
The Bernina 540 might be the perfect choice because of its features and capabilities. With its generous sewing space, you’ll have huge room for larger projects and enjoy greater fabric adjustability.
The 4.3-inch color touchscreen provides a user-friendly interface for easy navigation. With the option to add an embroidery module, you can expand your creative possibilities even further. The machine offers on-screen editing of designs, allowing you to customize and manipulate designs. You can also use flannel instead of batting while quilting with this machine.
With a maximum sewing speed of 1,000 stitches per minute, you can easily save time. Equipped with LED sewing lights, multi-function knobs, and 11 needle positions, this sewing machine combines functionality and convenience. Overall, the Bernina 540 is a versatile machine that brings your sewing projects to life with creativity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Are BERNINA Machines Worth the Money?Â
Yes. Choosing a Bernina machine is worth the money. If you’re seeking a longstanding tradition of top-class machines, Bernina is the ideal choice for you. Produced by one of the most reputable firms in the industry, Bernina sewing machines have earned a trusted reputation. Although they may come with a slightly higher price tag compared to other comparable sewing machines.
Can BERNINA Sew Leather?
Yes, you can sew leather with the help of Bernina. With the Bernina non-stick feet you’ll be able to tackle sewing projects using soft leather, suede, or vinyl. The non-stick feet ensure smooth and precise stitching. It will allow you to achieve professional results while working with these unique materials.
Which BERNINA Is Made in Switzerland?
Bernina 880 PLUS is made in Switzerland. BERNINA Switzerland retains the manufacturing of the flagship machine, the B 880 PLUS. To maintain high Swiss quality standards, BERNINA Thailand operates under the management of Swiss professionals also.
ConclusionÂ
Now you have a proper understanding of Bernia 540 reviews. Many users appreciate the user-friendly interface and intuitive controls on Bernina 540 sewing machine. This machine can provide smooth and quiet operation as well as excellent stitch quality. So, it is worth choosing Bernia 540 whether you are a beginner or an expert sewer.