With a legacy of over 125 years, Bernina has consistently delivered exceptional sewing machines to meet the varied needs of sewing enthusiasts. Designed for sewists, crafters, quilters, and makers, the Bernina 4 Series aims to unlock your full creative potential. These machines offer advanced technologies and easy-to-use interfaces, simplifying complex tasks so you can focus on the art of sewing and crafting. The Bernina 480 exemplifies this approach, providing a versatile and user-friendly experience that perfectly balances performance and affordability.
A Closer Look at the Features of the Bernina 480
The Bernina 480 comes with jumbo bobbins that hold more thread, so you’re less likely to run out quickly. To wind a bobbin, follow the numbered threading path and use the bobbin winder. Once your bobbin is wound, insert it into the bobbin case, making sure the metal strips are facing down. After threading the top thread, you’re ready to start sewing!
The Bernina 480 also comes with a buttonhole foot and guide, making buttonholes a breeze. Additionally, it offers 11 needle positions and speed control for the bobbin winder. The machine also includes a presser foot pressure knob, allowing you to adjust the pressure depending on your fabric. It also features an automatic cutter, an automatic knotter, and a pattern end button for decorative stitches.
Interface
The Bernina 480 features a color touchscreen, which displays all of your stitches at full size and allows for easy adjustments to width and length. The interface also includes buttons for tying off, cutting the thread, backstitching, and controlling the speed. You can choose from 29 practical stitches, including straight, zigzag, blind hem, and more, as well as nine buttonholes, two eyelets, decorative stitches, five alphabets, and quilting stitches. The touch screen is user-friendly, adjusting as you change the settings, and it has a helpful safety feature that warns you when a stitch might break a needle. You can even save your favourite combinations in the machine’s memory.
Creative Consultant and Eco Mode
The Creative Consultant feature helps you select the right settings for your fabric and stitch type by recommending the appropriate needle, stitch, thread weight, and foot. The Eco Mode allows you to put the machine in standby mode, preserving your settings without turning off the machine completely.
Limitations and Compatibility
While the Bernina 480 has many great features, it does have some limitations. It is not embroidery-capable, so if you’re interested in embroidery, you’ll need to upgrade to a 5 series Bernina sewing machine. Additionally, the presser foot must be manually lifted, unlike some higher-end models.
However, the Bernina 480 is compatible with the Bernina Stitch Regulator (BSR) for free-motion quilting with regulated stitches, making it an excellent option for retreats or workshops. The machine also includes a knee lift and can be connected to a computer monitor if the built-in screen is too small for your needs.
Accessories
First, let’s take a look at the accessories that come with the Bernina 480. The Bernina wardrobe keeps all of your feet and accessories neatly organised with doors and compartments for needles and bobbins. The 480 comes with various feet, including an overcasting foot, zipper foot, blind hemming foot, and a 20c open toe embroidery foot, perfect for the beautiful patterns this machine can create. You’ll also find extra bobbins, spool caps, and a drawer for additional storage. When you purchase a Bernina 480, you receive five bobbins, a number one foot (all-purpose foot), a number 2a foot (for overlocking stitches), a number 3a foot (for buttonholes with laser guidance), a number four foot (zipper foot), and a number five foot (blind hemming). You’ll also get a hump jumper, seam ripper, oil, screwdriver, spool caps, a lint brush, and an accessory cabinet to store everything. The wardrobe is easily portable, thanks to its magnets, and can be attached to the machine for convenience.
Bernina B 480 Manual
The Bernina B 480 manual is an essential resource for users of this sewing machine, providing detailed instructions and guidance on its various features, functions, and operations. The manual can be accessed online at the following link: Bernina B 480 Manual.
Comparison: Bernina B 480 vs. Janome Memory Craft 6700P vs. Brother Innov-ís BQ3050
When selecting a sewing machine, it’s essential to compare different models to find the one that best suits your needs and preferences. In this comparison section, we will look at the Bernina B 480, Janome Memory Craft 6700P, and Brother Innov-ís BQ3050, three sewing machines within the same price range and offering similar features and functions.
- Stitch Options and Sewing Speed
The Bernina B 480 offers 994 stitch patterns, including 250 decorative stitches, 27 quilting stitches, and 5 sewing alphabets. It boasts a maximum sewing speed of 900 stitches per minute. The Janome Memory Craft 6700P provides 200 built-in stitches, including 9 buttonholes, and features a top sewing speed of 1,200 stitches per minute. The Brother Innov-ís BQ3050 comes with 531 built-in stitches, 14 one-step buttonholes, and 5 sewing alphabets. Its maximum sewing speed is 850 stitches per minute.
- Workspace and Lighting
The Bernina B 480 provides 7 inches of workspace to the right of the needle, along with 8 LED sewing lights. The Janome Memory Craft 6700P offers an impressive 10 inches of workspace to the right of the needle and features 6 ultra-bright LED lights. The Brother Innov-ís BQ3050 provides 11.25 inches of workspace, making it ideal for large projects, and it is equipped with bright LED lighting.
- Automatic Features and Ease of Use
The Bernina B 480 includes an automatic thread cutter, semi-automatic needle threader, and Bernina Free Hand System for hands-free sewing. The Janome Memory Craft 6700P features an automatic thread cutter, one-hand needle threader, and a knee lift for presser foot control. The Brother Innov-ís BQ3050 comes with an advanced needle threading system, an automatic thread cutter, and a knee lift for hands-free presser foot lifting.
- Presser Feet and Accessories
The Bernina B 480 comes with 5 presser feet, a slide-on freearm extension table, and a magnetic accessory box. The Janome Memory Craft 6700P includes 9 presser feet, an extra-large extension table, and a generous accessories package. The Brother Innov-ís BQ3050 offers 14 presser feet, a wide table for larger projects, and an accessories package containing various tools and supplies.
What machine to choose
Each of these sewing machines offers a unique combination of features, catering to different sewing needs and preferences. The Bernina B 480 stands out for its extensive stitch options, user-friendly interface, and innovative features like the Bernina Hook and Free Hand System. The Janome Memory Craft 6700P is known for its impressive sewing speed, ample workspace, and solid construction. The Brother Innov-ís BQ3050 offers a vast workspace, a wide range of stitches, and numerous presser feet and accessories.
When choosing between these three models, consider your sewing goals, preferred features, and budget to find the machine that best suits your needs. Regardless of your choice, each of these sewing machines will provide a reliable and enjoyable sewing experience.
Summary
The Bernina 480 is an economical and versatile sewing machine, boasting a range of features typically found in higher-end models. It comes with a colour touchscreen for easy stitch selection and adjustment, a Creative Consultant for personalised settings, and Eco Mode for energy conservation. With 29 practical stitches, nine buttonholes, decorative stitches, and five alphabets, it caters to various sewing needs. The machine includes a range of accessories, a jumbo bobbin for longer sewing sessions, and a presser foot pressure knob for fabric adaptability. While not embroidery-capable and requiring manual presser foot lifting, the Bernina 480 is compatible with the Bernina Stitch Regulator for free-motion quilting and can be connected to a computer monitor. Overall, it’s a fantastic option for sewists of all levels seeking a reliable, feature-rich machine without the high price tag.