Brand overview
Bernette is Bernina’s more accessible sister brand, covering beginner mechanical machines through computerized sewing and embroidery models, plus overlockers and coverstitch machines. Bernina is based in Switzerland and is known for higher-end machines. Bernette sits lower in price while still following Bernina’s design and support standards. Several Bernette models appear on our recommended lists, so if you like the Bernina approach but want a more budget-friendly option, Bernette is worth a close look.
Brief history
The Bernette name launched in 1989 with a new line of sewing machines. It combines “Bernina” with the name Odette, after Odette Ueltschi, daughter of Fritz Gegauf (who founded Bernina) and company president from 1979 to 1988. For the full Bernina timeline, see our Bernina brand page.
What the brand is known for
Bernette and Bernina are related but not the same product line. Bernina focuses on higher-end machines. Bernette targets beginners and intermediate sewists who want solid features without the top Bernina price. After-sales support and training standards from Bernina also apply under the Bernette name, and authorized dealers sell the brand worldwide. You can find a dealer through the store locator on Bernette’s site.
Where Bernette machines are made
Bernette is owned by Bernina and is built in the same manufacturing network. Bernina has plants in Switzerland and Thailand. Most machines, including most Bernette models, are made in Thailand.
Product lines and machine categories
Bernette makes sewing machines, overlockers, embroidery machines, and coverstitch models, from basic mechanical entry machines to more advanced computerized options. Where we have reviewed a model, the name links to that review. Lineups change, and availability varies by market.
Mechanical and entry-level sewing machines
Bernette’s mechanical and beginner-friendly sewing machines, including the sew&go range and the b05 and b30 mechanical models.
bernette sew&go
The Sew&Go range is Bernette’s most basic mechanical lineup. Overview and model differences: Bernette Sew&Go Series comparison.
- bernette sew&go 1
- bernette sew&go 2
- bernette sew&go 3
- bernette sew&go 4
- bernette sew&go 5
Bernette b05 Series
A basic beginner mechanical range. Model comparison: Bernette b05 Sewing Machine Series.
Bernette b30 Series (mechanical)
Feature differences across the b30 range: Bernette b30 Sewing Machine series comparison and overview.
- bernette b33
- bernette b35
Computerized sewing machines
Computerized bernette sewing machines in the b30 range for sewists who want more stitches and convenience features.
- bernette b37
- bernette b38
Sewing and embroidery machines
Computerized sewing and embroidery models in the bernette b70 Series.
- bernette b70 DECO
- bernette b77
- bernette b79
Overlockers and coverstitch machines
Bernette Funlock and Airlock models cover overlock, coverstitch, and combo finishing machines.
Bernette Funlock Series
Overlocker and coverstitch models in the Funlock lineup: bernette b40 Funlock Series.
- bernette b42 Funlock
- bernette b44 Funlock
- bernette b48 Funlock
Bernette Airlock Series
Overlocker, coverstitch, and chainstitch models in the Airlock (60) series: Comparison of the Bernette 60 Series.
- bernette b62 Airlock
- bernette b64 Airlock
- bernette b68 Airlock
Hi, I have the possibility of acquiring a bernette 440 but have been unable to find any information or history of this machine. There a users manuals online but this doesn’t even tell me what year it was made or even what style bobbin it uses. I need to know if it is worth it to buy and if it is fixable if necessary. Owner says it works but that doesn’t really mean anything. Any help with information is much appreciated. Or maybe if you could point me in the right direction? I’m starting to think this is some kind of black sheep model No one wants to talk about…
Thank you,
Pollyanna hooferpt@hotmail.com
Hi, I have not personally used the 440 and I agree, hard to see any info on it online but believe they were introduced in the early 90s, so the machine would easily be 25+ years old. The old bernette machines were quality made and mostly made in Taiwan at the time. What I would be weary about is if you can find parts, should anything break, do check: https://www.sewingparts.co.uk/machines/bernette-clip-on/bernette-440.html and other online part stores. Before you get it, make sure there’s no loud or clunky noises from the machine, and give it a good clean and oil all the moving parts. Good luck!
Hello, Pollyana.
Never used a 440, but have a 430 and think they are more or less identical with the 440 having a few more stitches.
They were made for Bernina by Janome and have the excellent Janome build qulaity of that era.
Anyway, 430 – and also applies to 440 – Very good quality machines with a vertical front facing industrial rotary hook. Smooth and very quiet. All metal case. Some plastic parts inside like almost all machines of that era – and more so today ! but largely in unstressed areas. Take industrial type (I think “L”) bobbins – I’ve used both metal and plastic and both are fine. Rotary controls for width and length which are very precise. Adjustable foot pressure (not visible on the outside) which a lot of machines of that era didn’t have – including Berninas.
Low shank clip on feet. Superb stitch quality – arguably better than Berninas (I have several of those to compare with from the mechanicals of the ’70’s to the top of line models of the present day.) Really a pleasure to use.
Limited range of utility stitches and only a 4 step buttonhole, but then these are fairly simple mechanical machines without computerised capabilities. Very easy to work on and service.
Bernina does not manufacture any of the Bernette machines in their own factories. They are outsourced and built to a Bernina design – I believe all the sergers are too. I don’t know who makes the current range – possibly more than one supplier as some of the lower end models look remarkably like Brother machines in a slightly different outer skin.