The Bernina 335 is one of our favourite entry-level Bernina sewing machines. We’ve used this machine for a few years, and I can confidently say that it can handle a wide range of projects, from quilts and garments to bags.
Bernina, a brand synonymous with excellence, has been at the forefront of the sewing industry since 1893. Crafting high-quality machines that cater to both beginners and experienced sewers, Bernina consistently delivers innovative and user-friendly solutions to make your sewing projects a breeze. The 3 Series, of which the Bernina B335 is a part, exemplifies the brand’s commitment to providing practical, yet powerful machines for sewers of all levels.
Overview of the Bernina 335
The BERNINA 335 is a compact yet powerful sewing machine with a semi-automatic needle threader, which is standard on most Bernina machines. It comes with a snap-on foot, but you can upgrade to full shank feet for easy one-step installation and removal. The stitch plate is another great feature that I’ll discuss later in this post.
The BERNINA 335 is a compact yet powerful sewing machine with a semi-automatic needle threader, which is standard on most Bernina machines. It comes with a snap-on foot, but you can upgrade to full shank feet for easy one-step installation and removal. The stitch plate is another great feature that I’ll discuss later in this post.
Features of the Bernina 335
The slide-on tray can be removed to reveal a free arm with just over six inches of space to the right of the needle. The front-loading bobbin uses the Bernina CB hook system, which produces beautiful, even stitches. The bobbin is designed specifically for Bernina machines and is easy to insert and remove. If you experience a jam, you can take out the entire hook system for easy access.
The BERNINA 335 also features an automatic bobbin winder and secondary spool support for twin needles. The machine is packed with features like needle up/down and reverse stitching, even though it has a small footprint.
Stitching with the BERNINA 335
When it comes to stitching, the BERNINA 335 offers total stitch control, allowing you to change the width, length, and needle position for any stitch. The machine comes with preset width and length settings, but being able to customize these settings is a fantastic feature for those who like to have complete control over their sewing projects.
The DC motor in the BERNINA 335 is strong and can handle multiple layers of denim, canvas, or quilting material. The machine also comes with the Freehand System, a feature that helps you lift the presser foot without having to move your hands, almost like having a third hand. This system is included in all BERNINA machines except the 325.
The BERNINA 335 has nine needle positions, which allow for precise stitching. I love using the edge stitch foot for topstitching, as it provides perfect, even lines of stitching.
Key Features
The Bernina 335 boasts an impressive array of features that cater to a wide range of sewing needs. With a powerful maximum sewing speed of 900 stitches per minute and a spacious 160 mm / 6.3-inch sewing space to the right of the needle, this machine allows you to work on large projects with ease. The LCD screen provides a clear display of stitch selections, while the 8 LED sewing lights illuminate your work area, ensuring optimal visibility.
The Bernina 335 offers a maximum stitch width of 5.5 mm and a maximum stitch length of 5 mm, giving you the flexibility to create intricate designs. With 9 needle positions, you can precisely adjust your stitching to achieve perfect results. The machine also features a semi-automatic needle threader, making threading a breeze, and 3 manual thread cutters for convenient trimming.
Reverse sewing, start/stop button, slide speed control, and needle stop up/down functionalities provide ultimate control during your sewing projects. The innovative bobbin winding system allows you to wind your bobbin while sewing, saving you time and ensuring continuous stitching.
General Specifications
The Bernina 335 weighs 8 kg / 17.6 lbs, making it a sturdy and stable choice for any sewing space. The machine comes with a long-term memory function, enabling you to save your customised stitch patterns for future use. With 221 stitch patterns, including 2 sewing alphabets, you have endless possibilities for personalising your projects.
Utility stitches (20), decorative stitches (91), cross-stitch stitches (4), and quilting stitches (12) provide a versatile foundation for your sewing needs. The machine also features 5 buttonhole options, including manual multi-step buttonholes, an automatic buttonhole length measuring system, and a button sew-on program. The darning program allows you to easily mend and reinforce your fabric.
Included Accessories and Optional Add-Ons
The Bernina 335 comes with 6 presser feet/soles, including reverse pattern sole #1, overlock sole #2, buttonhole foot with slide #3A, zipper sole #4, blindstitch sole #5, and open embroidery foot #20. The BERNINA Free Hand System (FHS) is included, allowing you to control the presser foot with your knee. The knee lifter for FHS is available as an optional add-on for even more convenience.
Additionally, the machine comes with a BERNINA slide-on freearm extension table, providing an extended work surface for larger projects. The BERNINA foot control and accessory case offer easy organization and storage. To protect your machine, a dust cover is also included.
Bernina 335 Instruction Manual
The Bernina 335 sewing machine comes with a comprehensive instruction manual that guides you through every aspect of your machine. The manual, available in English, can be accessed at this link: Bernina 335 Instruction Manual.
The manual provides clear, step-by-step instructions, accompanied by detailed illustrations, to help you get the most out of your Bernina 335. It covers essential topics such as:
- Machine overview and component identification
- Setting up and threading the machine
- Winding and inserting the bobbin
- Adjusting thread tension
- Selecting and altering stitches
- Sewing techniques, including buttonholes, zippers, and decorative stitching
- Maintenance, troubleshooting, and more
Comparing the Bernina 335 to Similar Sewing Machines
In this section, we will compare the Bernina 335 to two other sewing machines with similar features and price range: the Janome 3160QDC-T and the Brother Innov-is NS80E. By examining the pros and cons of each machine, you can make an informed decision on which sewing machine best suits your needs
| Sewing Machine | Pros | Cons | Estimated UK Pricing |
| Bernina 335 | – Swiss-made quality & durability – 221 stitch patterns – BERNINA Free Hand System (FHS) – Slide-on freearm extension table | – Heavier (8 kg / 17.6 lbs) – Lower max sewing speed (900 SPM) | £1,300 – £1,500 |
| Janome 3160QDC-T | – Lightweight & portable (6.5 kg / 14.3 lbs) – Higher max sewing speed (820 SPM) – Automatic thread cutter – Included hard cover | – Fewer stitch patterns (60) – No BERNINA FHS – No slide-on freearm extension table | £600 – £800 |
| Brother Innov-is NS80E | – Lightweight design (6.4 kg / 14.1 lbs) – 80 built-in stitch patterns – Advanced needle threading system – Detachable wide table | – No hands-free presser foot control – Lower max sewing speed (850 SPM) – Lacks hard cover | £500 – £700 |
The Bernina 335 offers a greater variety of stitch patterns, Swiss-made quality, and the unique BERNINA Free Hand System (FHS). However, it is heavier and has a lower maximum sewing speed compared to the Janome 3160QDC-T. The Janome 3160QDC-T is a lightweight and portable option with a higher sewing speed but has fewer stitch patterns. The Brother Innov-is NS80E strikes a balance between stitch pattern variety and portability but lacks a hands-free presser foot control option.
Summary
The BERNINA 335 is a versatile and compact entry-level sewing machine suitable for a wide range of projects, from quilting and garments to bags. Its features include a semi-automatic needle threader, adjustable stitch width and length, nine needle positions, and a strong DC motor capable of handling multiple layers of fabric. The machine also comes with the Freehand System for easy presser foot lifting and an automatic buttonhole foot for consistent buttonhole sizing. Overall, the BERNINA 335 is an excellent choice for beginners and experienced sewers alike who want a reliable, powerful, and user-friendly sewing machine.