Bernina has built a strong reputation over the years for producing reliable, high-performance sewing machines. The 880 PLUS, the flagship of their Series 8 line, brings together advanced sewing, quilting, and embroidery capabilities in one unit. It’s designed for sewists who want flexibility, precision, and room to grow creatively – whether you’re focused on garment making, quilting, or detailed embroidery work.
This review walks through the standout features of the 880 PLUS, from its everyday sewing functions to its more advanced embroidery tools, so you can get a clear sense of what it offers and whether it’s a good fit for your needs.
Features of Bernina 880 Plus
The Bernina 880 PLUS is loaded with features that support a wide range of projects. It handles everyday sewing just as well as it manages large quilts and detailed embroidery designs. Below is a closer look at the key functions that make this machine stand out.
General Features of Bernina 880 Plus
- Rotary Hook System (8 Series RH): This hook system keeps the stitching consistent and smooth. It’s also quiet and helps reduce thread tension issues.
- 7-inch Color Touch Screen: The display is responsive and easy to navigate. You can view stitch patterns and settings clearly and make adjustments without digging through menus.
- 12″ of Workspace to the Right of the Needle: There’s plenty of room to work with larger quilts or bulky projects without feeling cramped.
- 30 LED Lights: Lighting is bright and well-distributed across the work area, which is especially helpful for late-night sewing or working with dark fabrics.
- BERNINA Dual Feed (BDF): The integrated dual feed keeps layers feeding evenly – great for tricky fabrics like knits or slick materials.
- Stitch Regulator (BSR): This is a helpful tool for free-motion quilting, as it automatically adjusts stitch length based on your hand movement.
- Programmable Foot Control with Back-Kick: You can assign functions like cutting the thread or needle up/down to the foot pedal, which streamlines your workflow.
- Free Hand System (FHS): This feature lets you lift the presser foot using your knee, freeing up your hands to adjust fabric as needed.
- Automatic Needle Threader: Threading the needle is quick and mostly hands-free, which saves time and frustration.
- Multiple Spool Pins and Thread Cutters: Having three spool pins and thread cutters gives you more flexibility when working with multiple colors or types of thread.
- Adjustable Presser Foot Pressure & Thread Sensors: These help keep stitches looking clean on different fabrics and alert you if a thread runs out or breaks.
- Start/Stop Button and Slide Speed Control: You can sew without the foot pedal if needed, and adjust the machine’s speed on the fly.
- Bobbin Winding While Sewing/Embroidering: This allows you to prep another bobbin while your current project keeps going.
- Built-in Help Tools: On-screen tutorials, a Creative Consultant, and tips are easily accessible if you need guidance mid-project.
- USB and Language Options: Import your designs or stitches via USB, and switch between different languages depending on your preference.
- Clock, Alarm, and Eco Mode: Small extras like a built-in clock and energy-saving mode are nice touches that make the machine more user-friendly.
Sewing and Quilting Features on the Bernina 880 PLUS
The 880 PLUS isn’t just about embroidery – it’s also a strong performer when it comes to sewing and quilting.
- High Speed (Up to 1,200 Stitches/Minute): You can move through projects quickly without compromising stitch quality.
- Stitch Width & Length: Up to 9mm wide and 6mm long, offering lots of flexibility for decorative and utility stitching.
- 11 Needle Positions: Helps with edge stitching, topstitching, and detail work.
- Adjust While Sewing: You can tweak stitch settings on the fly without stopping the machine.
- Create and Save Combinations: Build your own stitch sequences and save them to memory for future use.
- Stitch Designer: You can create completely custom stitches, which is especially useful for unique decorative work.
- 360° Multi-Directional and Sideways Sewing: Opens up new design possibilities, especially for borders or freeform embroidery.
- Stitch Manipulation Tools: Mirror imaging, elongation, and pattern start/end tools let you customize your stitch layout.
- Security and Reverse Functions: Useful for reinforcing seams or locking in stitches.
- Memory and History: Store your preferred settings and revisit recent stitch choices with ease.
- 1,764 Stitches Included: That includes 630 decorative stitches and 109 for sideways motion – plenty of variety for most projects.
- Monogramming and Alphabets: Choose from 11 different alphabets for labeling or decorative touches.
- Buttonholes and Darning: Includes both auto and manual options for buttonholes and several darning programs for repair work.
Embroidery Features on the Bernina 880 PLUS
Embroidery is one of the 880 PLUS’s strongest suits, thanks to its built-in tools and generous hoop sizes.
- Large Embroidery Module with SDT: The Smart Drive Technology makes the arm movement more precise and quieter, leading to smoother stitches.
- Maximum Embroidery Area (400 x 260 mm): You have plenty of space for large motifs or multi-design layouts.
- Fast Embroidery Speed (Up to 1,000 Stitches/Minute): Keeps larger embroidery jobs moving efficiently.
- 462 Built-in Designs & 21 Alphabets: A solid variety to start with, and easily expandable through USB.
- Wide Format Compatibility: Supports major embroidery formats like PES, DST, JEF, and more.
- On-Screen Editing: Position, resize, rotate, mirror, and combine designs directly on the machine without extra software.
- Advanced Features: Includes Pinpoint Placement for accuracy, Endless Embroidery for borders, Shape Designer for creating motifs, Undo/Redo, group functions, Color Wheel, and more. It’s a full suite for embroidery enthusiasts who want more than just the basics.
- Hoop Support: Compatible with Midi, Mega, Maxi, and Jumbo hoops, depending on your project needs.
- Software Options: You can connect to BERNINA’s Embroidery Software or use ArtLink (free) to manage and customize designs on your computer.
Standard Embroidery Accessories:
The Bernina 880 PLUS comes with a wide selection of tools and add-ons that help you get started right away:
- Presser Feet: Includes feet for general sewing, overlock, buttonholes, zippers, blind hems, embroidery, and sideways motion. These cover most standard techniques.
- BSR (Stitch Regulator): Included in the box for free-motion work.
- Slide-On Extension Table: Adds workspace without requiring extra furniture or equipment.
- Free Hand System (FHS): As mentioned earlier, this improves fabric handling and is a big help for quilting.
- Accessory Storage: A dedicated box and triple spool holder help keep tools organized.
- Embroidery Hoops: Large, medium, and small oval hoops are included with templates for alignment.
- Magnifier and Dust Cover: Helps with detail work and keeps the machine clean between sessions.
The Bernina 880 PLUS Manual
A full manual is provided and walks through each function clearly, so you can learn how to use everything at your own pace. It’s available in English and can also be downloaded online for easy reference. The manual, can be found at the this link: Bernina 880 PLUS Manual.
Bernina 880 PLUS Pricing
The Bernina 880 PLUS is a premium machine, and the price reflects that. In the UK, it generally runs between £11,000 and £12,000, depending on the dealer and whether there’s a promotion. While this is a big investment, the feature set and build quality match the price for those who plan to use the machine heavily and want long-term reliability.
Summary
The Bernina 880 PLUS is a powerful and well-rounded machine that handles sewing, quilting, and embroidery at a professional level. It’s packed with features that support both creative exploration and efficient day-to-day sewing. While it’s priced at the high end, the quality and flexibility make it a worthwhile choice for serious sewists who want a machine that can grow with them. Whether you’re working on heirloom quilts, home decor, or custom embroidery, the 880 PLUS gives you the tools to do it well – and enjoy the process.