BERNINA 475 QE Review and Overview of the Quilter’s Edition Sewing Machine

If you’re diving into sewing or quilting and want a machine that’s compact but still packed with thoughtful features, the BERNINA 475 Quilter’s Edition (QE) is worth a look. This model sits in the Bernina 4 Series lineup, which blends the precision and quality Bernina is known for with a smaller footprint. It carries over several features from the larger 7 Series machines, making it a solid choice for anyone short on space but not willing to compromise on performance.

Let’s walk through what the B475 QE offers, how it handles different projects, and what to expect in terms of control, customization, and accessories.

Key Features of the BERNINA 475 Quilter’s Edition

Here are the main specs at a glance:

BERNINA 475 QE Sewing Machine
BERNINA 475 QE Sewing Machine
  • Max sewing speed: 900 stitches per minute
  • Workspace: 7 inches to the right of the needle
  • Touchscreen: 4.3-inch color display
  • Lighting: 8 built-in LED lights
  • Stitch width & length: 5.5 mm wide, 6 mm long
  • Stitch library: 840 total stitch patterns, including decorative, quilting, utility stitches, and four alphabets
  • Accessories: Six presser feet and a slide-on freearm extension table

The BERNINA 475 QE is built with quilters and garment sewers in mind, offering reliable stitch quality, a user-friendly interface, and enough versatility to support creative sewing of all kinds.

For a full list of all the features of the Bernina 475 QE, check the Feature List at the bottom of the page.

Sewing Features

The 7-inch sewing space makes it easy to manage larger projects, especially when working with quilts or bulky fabric layers. The included extension tray slides on smoothly and gives extra stability when you need it. The foot pedal that comes with the machine is responsive, and there’s also an option to upgrade to a programmable version if you prefer more control.

One of the standout features is the jumbo bobbin, which holds more thread than standard bobbins. It’s easy to load and helps you sew longer without interruptions. The feed dogs are compact but work efficiently, paired with full shank feet to move fabric evenly—even on delicate or slippery materials.

Interchangeable stitch plates are another plus. The machine comes with a standard 5.5 mm plate, but you can switch to a straight-stitch plate (sold separately) for more precision when piecing or sewing fine seams.

Stitches and Quilting Features

BERNINA B 475 QE Quilter’s Edition Sewing Machine
BERNINA B 475 QE Quilter’s Edition Sewing Machine

With a maximum stitch width of 5.5 mm, the B475 QE is great for precision work. It includes five full shank presser feet, like the popular #37 patchwork foot, and is compatible with the BERNINA Stitch Regulator (BSR), which helps keep free-motion quilting consistent and clean.

The machine includes over 900 stitch patterns, including 40 quilting stitches and 13 cross-stitch options. You’ll also find a selection of hand-drawn stitches unique to the Cave Edition, plus four different fonts for things like quilt labels or custom monograms.

Automatic thread tension and adjustable presser foot pressure make it easier to get consistent results across different types of fabric. Whether you’re working with cotton, linen, or stretch knits, the stitches stay balanced and even.

Control and Customization

You can control the B475 QE using the foot pedal, buttons on the front panel, or the color touchscreen. The screen is responsive and shows stitch settings to actual scale, which is especially handy when selecting or customizing patterns. It also provides guidance on presser foot selection and settings.

You can save your favorite stitches, adjust stitch length and width, and use built-in features like automatic and semi-automatic needle threading, thread cutting, and a creative consultant that recommends settings for different fabrics and techniques. There’s also an eco mode that powers down the machine after periods of inactivity, which is a nice energy-saving touch.

General Specifications

The machine weighs around 21 pounds (9.5 kg), which gives it a stable base while still being portable enough to move if needed. The construction feels solid and reliable, which is what you’d expect from BERNINA. It’s made to handle consistent use without wearing down or becoming finicky over time.

Included Accessories

The B475 QE comes with a helpful range of accessories right out of the box:

  • Presser feet: Reverse pattern foot (#1), overlock foot (#2), buttonhole foot with slide (#3A), zipper foot (#4), blindstitch foot (#5), and patchwork foot (#37)
  • Extension table: Slide-on freearm extension
  • Free Hand System (FHS): With included knee lifter
  • Storage: Accessory case and dust cover
  • Optional accessory box: Magnetic storage (may vary by dealer)

This setup makes it easy to get started with both sewing and quilting without needing to invest in too many extras right away.

Table for the BERNINA 475 QE Sewing Machine
Table for the BERNINA 475 QE Sewing Machine

Optional Accessories

If you want more control at your feet, the optional foot pedal with a needle up/down function is worth looking into. It allows you to lift or lower the needle with a tap of your heel, which can be especially useful when pivoting fabric or working on detailed sections.

BERNINA 475 QE Sewing Machine Manual
BERNINA 475 QE Sewing Machine Manual

Users Manual

The BERNINA 475 QE includes a detailed user manual that explains everything from setup and threading to using accessories and troubleshooting common issues. The layout is clear and the visuals help make things easy to follow, whether you’re brand new to BERNINA or just new to this specific model. The manual that can be found online here.

Final Thoughts

The BERNINA 475 QE is a well-balanced machine that brings a lot of value to quilters, garment makers, and hobby sewists alike. With a wide range of stitch options, excellent control features, and a sturdy build, it’s designed to handle everything from simple sewing tasks to more intricate quilting projects.

Feature List

Below is the Bernina 475 QE’s feature list, that shows all the features on this exceptional machine. This table is your helps to understand the full scope of what the Bernina 475 Quilter’s Edition offers, covering all included functionalities and accessories included.

General InformationB 475 QE
Hook systemBERNINA HOOK
Maximum sewing speed900
Space to the right of the needle7 inches
Color touch screen4.3 inches
LED sewing lights8 LEDs
Multi-function knobs✔️
Maximum stitch width5.5 mm
Maximum stitch length6 mm
Needle positions11
Sewing in every needle position✔️
Number of spool holders2
Semi-automatic needle threader✔️
Automatic thread cutter✔️
Manual presser foot pressure✔️
Manual thread cutters4
Reverse sewing✔️
BERNINA Adaptive Thread Tension✔️
BERNINA Stitch Regulator (BSR) enabled (straight stitch and zigzag)✔️
Start/stop button✔️
Slide speed control✔️
USB interface✔️
BERNINA foot control with needle up/down functionoptional
Needle stop up/down✔️
Drag & Drop✔️
Bobbin winding while sewing✔️
On-screen help✔️
Setup program✔️
Weight of machine20.94 lb (9.5 kg)
Sewing & QuiltingB 475
Pattern start/end function✔️
Elongation
Automatic securing function✔️
Pattern repeat (up to 9)✔️
Total number of stitch patterns840
Memory (short-term/altered stitches)✔️
Memory (long-term/altered stitches)✔️
Create and save stitch combinations✔️
Changing stitch settings while sewing✔️
Utility stitches total (incl. darning programs)29
Buttonholes (incl. eyelets) total10
Automatic buttonhole length measuring system✔️
Automatic buttonhole✔️
Manual multi-step buttonhole✔️
Button sew-on program✔️
Darning programs2
Decorative stitches total200
Quilting stitches40
Cross-stitch stitches13
Sewing alphabets4
Sewing tutorial✔️
Creative sewing consultant✔️
Standard Sewing & Quilting AccessoriesB 475
BERNINA presser feet included6
Reverse pattern foot #1✔️
Overlock foot #2✔️
Buttonhole foot with slide #3A✔️
Zipper foot #4✔️
Blindstitch foot #5✔️
Patchwork foot #37✔️
BERNINA slide-on freearm extension table✔️
BERNINA Free Hand System (FHS)✔️
Knee lifter for FHS✔️
Dust cover✔️
Accessory case✔️
Magnetic Accessory box

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