The Bernette 79 is a computerized sewing and embroidery combo that tries to cover a lot of ground, and for the most part it succeeds. You get a full sewing machine plus an embroidery module in one setup, so you are not buying two separate units. It is the top model in the Bernette 70 series, which sits under the wider BERNINA family. The design is practical, the interface is readable, and the feature set feels aimed at real home sewing rather than showroom demos.
It suits people who want pro-leaning tools without the complexity of an industrial setup. Everyday sewing, custom embroidery, quilting pieces, and gift projects all fit what the b79 is built for. In the US, street prices vary a lot by bundle and dealer, so check the product box below for the current dollar price.
Key Features of the Bernette 79
The b79 combines the sewing side of the b77 with the embroidery side of the b70 DECO. You switch between modes on one machine, which helps if you want room to grow without cluttering the sewing room.
Main points at a glance:
- 5 in color touchscreen with stitch and design preview
- About 9 in (230 mm) of space to the right of the needle
- 500 sewing stitch patterns (including alphabets), up to 1,000 spm
- 208 embroidery designs, 7 embroidery alphabets, up to 850 spm
- Max embroidery area 260 x 160 mm (10.2 x 6.3 in)
- Drop-in bobbin/hook system
- bernette Dual Feed, Stitch Designer, Creative Consultant, and on-screen tutorials
- Programmable foot control with back-kick, automatic presser foot lifter, automatic thread cutter
- USB for design transfer; embroidery module with 3 hoops and hoop detection
The touchscreen is bright and responsive enough for selecting stitches and editing embroidery designs on the machine. Automatic tension and icon-based menus help newer users, while stitch length, width, presser foot pressure, and other settings stay available when you want more control. For the full breakdown, see the Feature List table at the bottom.
Sewing Functions
On the sewing side you get a drop-in hook that is easy to maintain and generally kinder about thread jams when you change thread types often. Multi-function knobs give quick tactile control, and a speed slider helps when you need to slow down on curves or tricky fabrics. Four LEDs light the work area evenly. Upper and lower thread sensors warn you when thread runs out or breaks.
Stitching capacity is broad: up to 1,000 stitches per minute, 500 built-in stitch patterns, multiple sewing alphabets, about 17 buttonholes/eyelets, and 15 needle positions. Dual Feed helps keep layers moving evenly. Stitch Designer lets you draw or adjust custom patterns on screen, and the Creative Consultant plus built-in tutorials help when you change materials or techniques.
Other useful sewing details: semi-automatic needle threader, manual and automatic thread cutters, needle stop up/down, start/stop button (sew without the foot control), eco mode, and multiple language options. Presser foot pressure and thread tension can be tweaked from the screen when you move between fabrics such as denim and jersey.
Embroidery Features
The embroidery unit is integrated and capable for home use, from simple motifs to larger combined designs. Maximum embroidery speed is 850 stitches per minute, and the largest field is 260 x 160 mm (10.2 x 6.3 in).
You get 208 built-in designs and seven embroidery alphabets (including Hebrew, Cyrillic, and Arabic). On-screen editing covers resize, mirror, rotate, and combine. Word Art and personal design storage help when you reuse customized layouts. Automatic hoop detection reduces misalignment mistakes, and common file formats such as PES, JEF, and EXP are supported for downloadable designs.
Built-in embroidery tutorials help if you are new to machine embroidery. You can get started without extra software, and many packages also include BERNINA Toolbox for more design work on a computer.
Between the built-in library and USB file support, the b79 gives a solid foundation for embroidery. Adding text, combining motifs, and previewing before you stitch all happen on the same screen you use for sewing settings.
Setup and Ease of Use
You do not need to be especially techy to get going. The touchscreen menus are icon-led, and the tutorials cover both sewing and embroidery basics. Threading uses a semi-automatic needle threader; bobbin changes are drop-in. Attaching the embroidery module and selecting a hoop is straightforward once you have done it a couple of times, especially with hoop detection showing the usable field on screen.
The programmable foot control with back-kick and the automatic presser foot lifter help with thread trimming and pivoting without constant hand trips to the machine. A knee lever is included for hands-free presser foot control as well.
The user manual is detailed and worth keeping nearby for setup, maintenance, and embroidery workflows. Register the machine after purchase through the BERNINA customer portal. US warranty terms often include multi-year mechanical and shorter electrical/labor coverage; confirm the exact periods with your dealer.
Performance
Sewing performance is smooth in normal home use. Dual Feed helps with even feeding on layered or slippery fabrics, and stitch quality stays consistent when tension and presser foot pressure match the material. Speed control is responsive for long straight seams and for slower curves.
Embroidery quality is reliable for a machine in this class. Built-in designs stitch cleanly when the fabric is hooped and stabilized properly, and on-screen editing is enough for many personalization jobs without a computer. Larger motifs fit the 10.2 x 6.3 in field; very large continuous embroidery still needs planning and re-hooping like any home combo.
Bernette 79 Yaya Han Edition
The Yaya Han Edition is the same Bernette 79 underneath, with a cosplay- and costume-focused look. It includes a purple embroidery unit and design motifs inspired by Yaya Han’s work. If you sew stretch fabrics, synthetics, and layered costumes, you still get the same sewing and embroidery capabilities as the standard b79.
Included Accessories
The b79 ships with a broad kit for both sewing and embroidery:
- Presser foot soles for common techniques (typically about nine soles, depending on package)
- Extension table for extra workspace
- Knee lever for hands-free presser foot control
- Programmable foot control with thread-cutting back-kick
- Embroidery module with three hoops
- Toolbox embroidery software in many bundles (200+ designs, 100 fonts)
- Dust cover plus standard maintenance tools
You will also usually find bobbins, spool caps, a seam ripper, and twin-needle accessories in the box. It is a well-rounded kit, so you can start without buying a long list of extras. Bundle contents do vary by retailer, so check what your dealer includes. For the official feature overview, see the bernette 79 product page.
Strengths and Limitations
Strengths
- Solid sewing and embroidery in one machine with a clear touchscreen
- 500 stitches, Dual Feed, Stitch Designer, and useful automation (thread cutter, foot lift, programmable pedal)
- 208 designs, three hoops, hoop detection, and a usable 10.2 x 6.3 in embroidery field
- Approachable for newer users while still offering depth for more experienced sewists
- Strong accessory/software bundles relative to what you pay at many dealers
Limitations
- It is a sizable investment compared with sewing-only machines
- Embroidery module setup and hoop changes still take practice
- The embroidery field is generous for home use, but not a commercial multi-needle size
- Learning both sewing menus and embroidery editing takes time if you are new to computerized machines
Ideal User
The b79 fits home sewists who want sewing and embroidery without two machines, and who expect to use both sides regularly. It works well if you are moving up from a basic computerized machine, or if you sew garments, home décor, quilts, and personalized gifts. Absolute beginners can learn on it, especially with the tutorials, but it is a lot of machine if you only ever sew straight seams. Costume makers may prefer the Yaya Han Edition for the themed extras while keeping the same core performance.
Verdict
The Bernette 79 is a capable, well-designed combo for anyone who wants serious sewing and embroidery tools in one package. It is approachable enough for newer users and deep enough for sewists who are branching into embroidery or want more automation day to day. If you are ready to invest in a machine with room to grow, from fashion and home décor to custom gifts, the b79 is well worth considering. Check current US pricing and what your dealer includes in the bundle before you buy.
Feature List
The table below breaks down the Bernette 79 features: design and technical specs, sewing and embroidery functions, and the main accessories. Use it as a quick reference for what the machine offers across different project types.
| Bernette B79 Sewing and Embroidery Machine | |
|---|---|
| General Functions | |
| Machine type | Sewing and Em broidery machine |
| Hook system | Drop-in |
| Color touch screen | 5 inches |
| Sewing space right of the needle | 9″ (230 mm) |
| Multi-function knobs | ✓ |
| Slide speed control | ✓ |
| Presser foot pressure adjustable on screen | ✓ |
| Upper thread tension adjustable on screen | ✓ |
| Manual thread cutter | ✓ |
| Automatic thread cutter | ✓ |
| Semi-automatic needle threader | ✓ |
| Automatic threading position of presser foot | ✓ |
| Needle stop up/down | ✓ |
| Start/stop button (stitching without foot control) | ✓ |
| Upper thread sensor | ✓ |
| Lower thread sensor | ✓ |
| Automatic presser foot lifter | ✓ |
| Sewing light | 4 LEDs |
| Setup program | ✓ |
| USB interface for USB data stick | ✓ |
| Language selection | ✓ |
| Eco mode | ✓ |
| Sewing | |
| Maximum sewing speed (stitches per minute) | 1000 spm |
| Maximum stitch width | 7 mm |
| Maximum stitch length | 5 mm |
| Total number of stitch patterns (incl. alphabet) | 500 |
| Utility stitches | 22 |
| Decorative stitches | 133 |
| Buttonholes (incl. eyelets) | 17 |
| Darning programs | 2 |
| Quilting stitches | 35 |
| Sewing alphabets | 3 |
| Dual Feed | ✓ |
| Stitch Designer | ✓ |
| Needle positions | 15 |
| Automatic securing function | ✓ |
| Twin needle compatible | ✓ |
| Stitch-by-stitch reverse sewing | ✓ |
| Automatic foot pressure compensation | ✓ |
| Retractable feed dog | ✓ |
| Save own stitches or stitch combinations | ✓ |
| Sewing tutorial | ✓ |
| Creative consultant | ✓ |
| Embroidery | |
| Maximum embroidery speed (stitches per minute) | 850 spm |
| Maximum embroidery area | 10″x6″ (260×160 mm) |
| Built-in embroidery designs | 208 |
| Embroidery alphabets (incl. Hebrew, Cyrillic and Arabic) | 7 |
| Personal memory for saving own embroidery designs | ✓ |
| Embroidery design formats | VP3, VIP, PEC, HUS, DST, EXP, JEF, PES |
| On-screen design editing: mirror, rotate, scale, position, Word ART | ✓ |
| Combine designs | ✓ |
| Automatic optimization of color changes upon saving | ✓ |
| Automatic hoop recognition | ✓ |
| BERNINA CutWork Tool compatible | ✓ |
| Embroidery tutorial | ✓ |
| Standard Accessories | |
| Presser foot soles included | 10 |
| Slide-on freearm extension table | ✓ |
| Knee lever | ✓ |
| Foot control with back-kick function | ✓ |
| Embroidery module | ✓ |
| Embroidery hoops (S,M,L) | ✓ |
| BERNINA Toolbox Embroidery Software: Lettering module including 200 embroidery designs and 100 alphabets | ✓ |
| BERNINA Toolbox Embroidery Software: Editing module with 100 motives included | ✓ |
| Dust cover | ✓ |
| BERNINA needle set | ✓ |