The Bernina B 325 is a compact, capable machine that fits well into the Bernina 3 series lineup. Whether you’re new to sewing or have years of experience, the 325 delivers solid performance with the kind of precision you’d expect from a Bernina. It’s a straightforward machine that doesn’t overwhelm with features but still offers plenty to work with for everyday sewing, small projects, and even some light quilting.
Features of the Bernina B 325
At its core, the B 325 focuses on usability, stitch quality, and thoughtful design. It has the right balance of functionality and simplicity, making it a practical choice for home sewists who want reliability without too many bells and whistles.
Key Features Bernina 325
- CB Hook System: The B 325 uses Bernina’s CB hook system, which is known for producing consistent stitches and clean tension. It’s not a rotary hook, but it handles most fabric types well and keeps stitch quality even, especially for straight and zigzag work.
- Adjustable Sewing Speed: You can sew up to 900 stitches per minute, which is pretty quick for a machine in this category. Speed control is easy to adjust with a slider, making it a good option for both quick runs and more detailed work.
- Workspace: With 6.3 inches of space to the right of the needle, you get a decent sewing area for a compact machine. It’s enough room to handle small quilts, garments, or home decor projects comfortably.
- LCD Screen and LED Lighting: The display is small but clear, showing stitch settings and adjustments. The LED lights do a good job of lighting up your sewing area so you’re not straining your eyes, even in the evening.
- Stitch Options: The B 325 comes with 97 stitch patterns, including 15 utility stitches, 23 decorative, 3 quilting, and 3 cross-stitch designs. You also get one alphabet and nine needle positions. Stitch length goes up to 5 mm, and width up to 5.5 mm. It’s not overly complicated but gives you enough variety for most projects.
- Buttonholes and Specialty Programs: It includes a manual multi-step buttonhole as standard. If you want the automatic version, you’ll need to buy the optional foot (#3A). There are also programs for sewing on buttons and basic darning.
- Everyday Conveniences: Features like the semi-automatic needle threader, manual thread cutter, and needle up/down function help streamline your work. The B 325 also lets you wind the bobbin while you sew, which is a nice time-saver.
General Specifications:
- Weight: 8 kg (17.6 lbs) – solid enough to stay in place but still portable if you need to store it or take it to a class.
- Memory: It has long-term memory for saving stitch combinations.
- Sewing Alphabets: One basic font is included for simple monogramming or labels.
Included Accessories:
Out of the box, you’ll get five presser feet:
- Reverse pattern foot #1
- Overlock foot #2
- Buttonhole foot #3
- Zipper foot #4
- Blindstitch foot #5
You also get a slide-on extension table, foot control, accessory case, and a dust cover. Keep in mind that if you want to do automatic buttonholes, the #3A foot is sold separately.
Optional Accessories:
Some popular add-ons include:
- Open embroidery foot #20
- Bernina Free Hand System (FHS)
- Knee lifter for the FHS
- Additional presser feet for specialty tasks
These can expand the machine’s versatility, especially if you plan to sew a wide range of projects or prefer hands-free presser foot lifting with the FHS.
The Bernina B 325 User Manual:
Bernina’s manuals are usually well-organized, and the B 325 is no exception. It walks you through everything from threading to customizing stitches. Beginners should find it easy to follow, and more experienced sewists will appreciate the quick-reference diagrams and troubleshooting tips. You can find the full manual on Bernina’s website: Bernina B 325 User Manual.
Summary
The Bernina B 325 is a solid all-rounder for sewists who want quality stitching, reliable performance, and a no-fuss sewing experience. It’s well-suited for garment sewing, simple quilts, and everyday projects, and it comes with enough features to keep things interesting without becoming overly complex. While the lack of a built-in FHS and separate purchase for the automatic buttonhole foot may be drawbacks for some, the overall performance and precision make it a strong pick in its price range.
If you’re looking for a machine that’s compact, dependable, and built to last, the B 325 is definitely worth considering.