Bernette 70 Sewing Machine Series
The Bernette 70 Series brings some of Bernina’s touchscreen and embroidery ideas into a lower price band than flagship Bernina models. The lineup has three clear roles: the Bernette 70 Deco (embroidery only), the Bernette 77 (sewing only), and the Bernette 79 (sewing and embroidery combo). Official specs and current product pages live on bernette.com. Each machine shares modern touchscreen controls and a generous workspace, but they are built for different makers. This guide focuses on those differences so you can match the model to how you actually sew.
Models in the Bernette 70 Series
Below is a short overview of each model. For the full feature list, use the comparison table at the bottom of the post.
Bernette 70 Deco: Embroidery-Only Focus
The Bernette 70 Deco is built for embroidery and does not sew regular seams. That single purpose keeps the machine focused on hoop work: more than 200 built-in designs, multiple alphabets, and three hoops, including a large 6.25″ x 10.25″ (about 159 x 260 mm) option. Automatic hoop recognition speeds setup when you switch sizes. If embroidery is your main craft and you already own a sewing machine you like, the 70 Deco avoids paying for sewing functions you will not use. The clear limitation is the opposite: you cannot construct garments or quilt on this machine alone.
Bernette 77: Sewing-Only Workhorse
The Bernette 77 is for sewists who want advanced sewing features without embroidery. You get about 9″ (about 230 mm) of workspace, speeds up to 1,000 stitches per minute, dual feed for more even fabric handling on layers, an automatic thread cutter, and automatic foot up/down. The touchscreen interface (based on Bernina technology) can remember custom stitch adjustments, which helps when you return to a project mid-week. An extension table, soft cover with pockets, and a foot control with back-kick add practical day-to-day convenience. What you give up is embroidery: if monograms and motifs are part of your plan, look at the 70 Deco or 79 instead.
Bernette 79: Sewing and Embroidery Combo
The Bernette 79 combines the sewing side of the 77 with the embroidery side of the 70 Deco. Alongside hundreds of sewing stitches and more than 200 embroidery designs, it includes a Stitch Designer for creating and editing decorative stitches. For sewists who quilt, sew garments, and personalize projects with embroidery, one combo machine can save space and money compared with owning two dedicated machines. The tradeoff is typical of combos: you are paying for both toolkits even if one gets less use, and embroidery sessions mean swapping modes and hoops rather than leaving a dedicated embroidery machine set up.
Key Features of the Bernette 70 Series
Stitches and Embroidery Designs
The Bernette 77 and Bernette 79 each offer 500+ built-in sewing stitches. The Bernette 70 Deco and Bernette 79 include 200+ embroidery designs. Between utility stitches, decorative options, monograms, and motifs, there is enough range for garment sewing, quilting accents, and personalization without buying a design library on day one.
Accessories and Included Add-Ons
The Bernette 77 and 79 come with multiple presser feet, an extension table, and a soft cover with storage pockets. Embroidery users get three hoop sizes with the Bernette 70 Deco, and embroidery-capable models support additional feet and accessories sold individually or in kits. Extra feet matter most when you quilt, install zippers often, or sew specialty techniques that a zigzag foot cannot handle well.
Bernina Creator Software Included
Both the Bernette 70 Deco and Bernette 79 include Bernina Creator embroidery software (often listed around a $1,199 value). The program lets you edit motifs, customize lettering, and digitize your own designs. Confirm what is bundled with your purchase, since software packaging can vary by region and retailer.
Summary: How to Choose
The Bernette 70 Series makes sense when you want touchscreen sewing or embroidery with Bernina-related software and features, without buying a top Bernina. Choose by primary use:
- 70 Deco if embroidery is the main job and you already have a sewing machine
- 77 if you want advanced sewing only
- 79 if you want sewing and embroidery in one machine (see our Bernette 79 review)
Check current prices in the product boxes below; street pricing and bundle contents can differ from list claims.
Comparison Table
The comparison table below shows stitch options, embroidery functions, hoop sizes, included accessories, and related differences across the Bernette 70 Series.
| General Functions / Sewing Machine Name | Bernette B77 Computer Sewing Machine | Bernette B70 Deco Embroidery Machine | Bernette B79 Sewing and Embroidery Machine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Machine type | Sewing machine | Embroidery machine | Sewing and Em broidery machine |
| Hook system | Drop-in | Drop-in | Drop-in |
| Color touch screen | 5 inches | 5 inches | 5 inches |
| Sewing space right of the needle | 9″ (230 mm) | 9″ (230 mm) | 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 | 4 LEDs | 4 LEDs |
| Setup program | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB interface for USB data stick | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Language selection | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Eco mode | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sewing | |||
| Maximum sewing speed (stitches per minute) | 1000 spm | – | 1000 spm |
| Maximum stitch width | 7 mm | – | 7 mm |
| Maximum stitch length | 5 mm | – | 5 mm |
| Total number of stitch patterns (incl. alphabet) | 500 | – | 500 |
| Utility stitches | 22 | – | 22 |
| Decorative stitches | 133 | – | 133 |
| Buttonholes (incl. eyelets) | 17 | – | 17 |
| Darning programs | 2 | – | 2 |
| Quilting stitches | 35 | – | 35 |
| Sewing alphabets | 3 | – | 3 |
| Dual Feed | ✓ | – | ✓ |
| Stitch Designer | – | – | ✓ |
| Needle positions | 15 | – | 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 | 850 spm |
| Maximum embroidery area | – | 10″x6″ (260×160 mm) | 10″x6″ (260×160 mm) |
| Built-in embroidery designs | – | 208 | 208 |
| Embroidery alphabets (incl. Hebrew, Cyrillic and Arabic) | – | 7 | 7 |
| Personal memory for saving own embroidery designs | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Embroidery design formats | – | VP3, VIP, PEC, HUS, DST, EXP, JEF, PES | 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 | 8 | 2 | 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 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |