BERNINA 550 QE

sewing and quilting to a professional standard

BERNINA 550 QE

sewing and quilting to a professional standard

Absolute stitch control
Built-in BERNINA Stitch Regulator (BSR foot)
On-screen Creative Consultant
Extensive stitch package

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Overview
Features & Functions
Accessories
Tutorials
Support

BERNINA 550 QE – both creative and clever

easy handling, optimum sewing results

Absolute stitch control

Thanks to numerous innovations, the BERNINA 550 QE’s extensive stitch package can be perfectly adapted to your sewing project. Stitch length and width can be altered almost effortlessly via the easy-to-use LCD display of the BERNINA 550 QE, while you have full control over all the stitch properties – including 11 different needle positions. Easy access to all settings makes for quick work and offers maximum convenience and ease when sewing or quilting. The changes can be saved either temporarily or permanently in the BERNINA 550 QE’s memory, for which 100 free storage locations are available. This means you can access your favorite stitches, stitch patterns and combinations whenever you want, without having to reset the stitch parameters – a considerable savings of time allowing you to focus on your creative project.

Built-in BERNINA Stitch Regulator (BSR)

A special highlight of the BERNINA 550 QE is the BERNINA Stitch Regulator (BSR) <>, which ensures highest precision when free-motion sewing. Even when the feed-dog is lowered and the fabric is being manually guided, the sophisticated BSR technology ensures stitches that are always of the exact same length, by recognizing and compensating for differences in sewing speed. This innovative BERNINA 550 QE function allows even inexperienced free-motion quilters to produce accurate and consistent stitch lengths for a precise stitch pattern – right from the get-go! Thanks to its BSR functionality, precise free-motion sewing with the BERNINA 550 QE is a relaxed affair – ideal for sewing and quilting at the highest level.

Built-in onscreen Creative Consultant

One of the many intuitive functions and features of the BERNINA 550 QE is the built-in Creative Consultant which can be accessed via the LCD display. This clever tool will help you achieve success when sewing and quilting. Step-by-step, you enter the basic information on your sewing project via descriptive icons, choose the fabric type, and specify the nature of your project – and the Creative Consultant will show you which combination of needle, presser foot and thread is best suited to your project, and which stitch patterns are available for it. The BERNINA 550 QE not only offers an excellent "jump-start“ for novices – it also lends a hand to experienced sewers with troubleshooting when there’s a problem with fabric feed, when the thread forms loops, or when the needle used doesn’t seem to suit the fabric.

Extensive stitch library

With the BERNINA 550 QE, you’ll have access to a generous library of 22 utility and 155 decorative stitches, including 24 different quilting stitches. Ten buttonhole, eyelet, and button-sew-on stitches and four sewing alphabets also form part of the BERNINA 550 QE’s extensive stitch package. With features like these, the 550 QE offers everything you could possibly need to create ambitious sewing and quilting projects of the highest quality. What’s more, the properties of each stitch, such as length, width, and needle position, can be customized and combined with one another, and thanks to the BERNINA 550 QE’s built-in memory function, your changes can be saved permanently or temporarily. Of course, reverse sewing or mirroring of the stitch patterns is also possible.

Features & Functions

Sewing & Quilting
General Features

Maximum Sewing Speed (stitches per minute)	900
Maximum Sewing Speed (stitches per minute) High speed with high power.
Maximum Stitch Width	5.5
Maximum Stitch Width The variable Stitch Width can be adjusted while sewing. The 9 mm maximum stitch width available on some models expands your design possibilities.
Maximum Stitch Length	5
Maximum Stitch Length The variable Stitch Length provides a smooth transition from length to length and can be adjusted while sewing.
Adjustable Needle Positions	11
Adjustable Needle Positions Multiple Needle Positions allow for very precise sewing. You can sew most patterns in any needle position.
Presser Foot Recommendation
Presser Foot Recommendation Indicator shows recommended presser foot for general use of stitch selected.
Presser Foot Library
Presser Foot Library Access a built-in library of current presser feet and accessories.
Automatic Buttonhole / Length Measuring System
Automatic Buttonhole / Length Measuring System Quickly set the length of the One-step Buttonhole. The same buttonhole size can be repeated as often as required. Remains in memory until another stitch is selected. We use the YouTube service to display videos. This service may collect data about your activities. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy. To view the video, please accept "Targeting cookies." Play Close
Manual Multi-step Buttonhole
Manual Multi-step Buttonhole The length of the beads is manually determined when sewing. Bartack, eye and securing stitches are preprogrammed. The individual steps can also be selected by scrolling via the arrow icons or by pushing the button «Quick Reverse». We use the YouTube service to display videos. This service may collect data about your activities. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy. To view the video, please accept "Targeting cookies." Play Close
On-Screen Buttonhole Measuring
On-Screen Buttonhole Measuring A button can be placed directly in the display. The size of the buttonhole is determined by turning the Mulitfunction knobs. We use the YouTube service to display videos. This service may collect data about your activities. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy. To view the video, please accept "Targeting cookies." Play Close
Adjustable Buttonhole Slit Width
Adjustable Buttonhole Slit Width Adjust the spacing of the beads appropriate for thick or heavy fabrics.
Temporary Altered Stitch Memory
Temporary Altered Stitch Memory Stitch settings are remembered during the sewing session. This saves time when repeating stitches in a project.
Creative Consultant Sewing
Creative Consultant Sewing Get reliable support for various applications and fabrics from the integrated Sewing Consultant. Makes suggestions regarding needles, presser foot, stabilizer etc.
Pattern Begin
Pattern Begin Start sewing at the beginning of a pattern or sequence wherever you stopped.

Mirror-image function
Mirror-image function Horizontal or vertical mirroring of the stitch expands the design possibilities.
Continuous Reverse
Continuous Reverse Sew backwards at a touch of a button.
BSR Enabled
BSR Enabled Usability of the BERNINA Stitch Regulator (BSR) on the machine. We use the YouTube service to display videos. This service may collect data about your activities. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy. To view the video, please accept "Targeting cookies." Play Close
Start/Stop Button (stitching without foot control)
Start/Stop Button (stitching without foot control) As an alternative to the traditional foot control, power the machine using the Start/Stop button and regulate the speed with the Slide Speed Control.
Freearm Sewing
Freearm Sewing The slim freearm is perfect for hemming small tubular pieces, such as baby clothes, pant legs, etc.
Total Number of Sewing Stitch Patterns (incl. alphabets)	434
Alphabets / Monograms	4
Decorative Stitches	155
Button Sew-On Program
Button Sew-On Program Button Sew-On Foot #18 is the perfect tool for easy sewing of buttons, snap fasteners, eyelets and decorations. We use the YouTube service to display videos. This service may collect data about your activities. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy. To view the video, please accept "Targeting cookies." Play Close
Buttonholes / Eyelets	10
Practical Stitches	22
Quilting Stitches	24
Darning Programs	1

Sewing space to the right of the needle	7.5”
Sewing space to the right of the needle More sewing and embroidery space to the right of the needle offers comfort and more maneuverability when stitching large and small projects.
Weight of the Machine	33 lb
Measurements (W x H x D)	21.9″ / 15″ / 18″
LED Sewing Light
LED Sewing Light Bright illumination in the needle area and over the freearm. On some machines the brightness is adjustable.
Manual Thread Cutters	3
Manual Thread Cutters Conveniently positioned thread cutters in the area of the bobbin case, the bobbin winder motor and the needle to cut off thread ends.
Total Stitch Control
Total Stitch Control Permanent or temporary altering of length, width, needle position and other creative functions of all stitches - even while sewing.

Hook system	CB
Hook system The CB Hook is the traditional BERNINA mechanism that produces the legendary BERNINA stitch quality at 5.5 mm wide. The BERNINA Rotary Hook offers the same stitch quality at 9 mm stitch width and bobbin thread monitoring. The innovative BERNINA Hook maintains legendary BERNINA stitch quality at 5.5 mm and 9 mm stitch widths. An easy bobbin case insertion and large capacity bobbin make this ideal. The M Class BERNINA Rotary Hook for Longarm machines ensures the legendary BERNINA stitch quality, even at high speeds. We use the YouTube service to display videos. This service may collect data about your activities. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy. To view the video, please accept "Targeting cookies." Play Close
Bobbin Winding while Sewing/Embroidering
Bobbin Winding while Sewing/Embroidering Fast winding of the bobbin, even while sewing.
BERNINA Free Hand System (FHS)
BERNINA Free Hand System (FHS) Knee operated lever raises the presser foot, lowers the feed dog and releases the thread tension keeping your hands free for guiding the fabric and the height for the fabric passage increases so that even thick layers of fabric can be easily pushed under the presser foot. We use the YouTube service to display videos. This service may collect data about your activities. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy. To view the video, please accept "Targeting cookies." Play Close
Thread-up Command
Thread-up Command Push the needle up/down button to lower and raise the needle to bring the bobbin thread to the top of the fabric so the threads can be secured manually. Perfect for quilting and free-standing lace.
Adjustable Presser Foot Pressure
Adjustable Presser Foot Pressure Adjust the presser foot pressure to eliminate skipped stitches and wavy seams on knits. We use the YouTube service to display videos. This service may collect data about your activities. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy. To view the video, please accept "Targeting cookies." Play Close
Slide speed control
Slide speed control Regulate the speed with the Slide Speed Control. We use the YouTube service to display videos. This service may collect data about your activities. For more information, please see our Privacy Policy. To view the video, please accept "Targeting cookies." Play Close

Accessories

Unleash your creativity with the included accessories and be prepared for any creative challenge with a huge variety of optional accessories.

Included
Compatible

BERNINA Stitch Regulator (BSR)

The BERNINA Stitch Regulator (BSR) adapts precisely to your current sewing speed to produce absolutely consistent stitching.

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Reverse Pattern Foot #1

Reverse Pattern Foot #1 is the ideal presser foot for sewing forward and reverse-feed utility and decorative stitches.

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Buttonhole Foot with Slide #3A

Depending on the model, Buttonhole Foot with Slide #3A determines the desired buttonhole length for identical buttonholes either via a sensor or manually.

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Zipper Foot #4

Thanks to its narrow, centrally positioned toe, Zipper Foot #4 can stitch very close to the zipper coils, allowing it to sew the zipper on neatly.

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Blindstitch Foot #5

Blindstitch Foot #5 is designed for sewing blind hems on all fabric thicknesses for a barely-visible finish.

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Open Embroidery Foot #20

Open Embroidery Foot #20 is ideal for decorative stitching with your sewing machine. The indentation in the sole of the presser foot allows it to glide smoothly over dense stitches.

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Patchwork Foot #37

Patchwork Foot #37 features engraved markings for all your ¼” needs. The straight stitch opening is ideal for patchwork and precision sewing.

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Patchwork Foot Sole #37

Patchwork Foot Sole #37 features engraved markings for all your ¼” needs. The straight stitch opening is ideal for patchwork and precision sewing.

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Three-Sole Walking Foot with Seam Guide #50

Three-Sole Walking Foot with Seam Guide #50 is an indispensable aid when sewing difficult fabrics.

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Freearm Slide-on Table

The BERNINA Freearm Slide-on Table offers greater comfort thanks to an increased sewing area, without affecting free-arm function when sewing.

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Slide-on Table

Extend your sewing surface with the Freearm Slide-on Table to support your large projects. Easily remove it when using only the freearm, such as for sewing small tubular projects.

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Carrying Bag for Sewing Machines

This attractive BERNINA Carrying Bag for Sewing Machines offers plenty of room, and protects your sewing machine and accessories even when traveling.

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Knee lifter/Free-Hand System (FHS)

The Knee lifter/Free-Hand System (FHS) lets you raise the presser foot and lower the feed dog with your knee. Recommended particularly for appliqué or any project requiring pivoting and getting bulky projects under the presser foot easily.

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Presser feet for every occasion

BERNINA presser feet stand for precision and stability. They are easy to change and BERNINA has a suitable presser foot for every application.

See all

Accessories for Sewing Machines

BERNINA Sewing accessories let you perform a host of creative techniques with even greater precision and comfort – according to your individual needs.

See all

Accessories for Embroidery Machines

BERNINA’s accessories for embroidery machines turn your embroidery machine into a versatile tool for exciting professional embroidery techniques.

See all

Note:
Not all models and accessories are available in all countries. We reserve the right to make changes in both features and design.

Tutorials

The new BERNINA 550 Quilters Edition (BERNINA 5 Series)

Step up to expert quilting results. Thanks to the exclusive BERNINA Stitch Regulator (BSR) the BERNINA 550 Quilters Edition provides uniform free-motion stitches at variable speeds. The BSR offers confidence for the beginner and additional insurance for the experienced quilter. Discover the new BERNINA 5 Series and the many ways it will inspire you to write your own story. Get our free quilt and dress patterns with instructions today at bernina.com.
1/10 BERNINA 530 and 550 QE: getting started and prepared for sewing

In the first part of the new BERNINA 530 and 550 QE tutorial you will get familiar with your new BERNINA sewing machine. We will show you how to prepare and use the basic features and the accessories for sewing and quilting. You will learn how to turn on the machine and plug in the foot control, change a presser foot, prepare the bobbin and thread the machine. Prepare youself for an unforgettable sewing adventure! For further information about the new BERNINA 5 series visit www.bernina.com/5series
2/10 BERNINA 530 and 550 QE: selecting and editing decorative stitches

Watch the 2nd BERNINA 530 and 550 QE online tutorial about decorative stitches. Choose one of 155 decorative stitches using the menu or the direct selection dials. Step by step you will be guided through the menu and instructed how to alter stitch length and width and how to use the memory function. As you will see, working with decorative stitches is very easy. For further information about the features and accessories of the BERNINA 5 series go to www.bernina.com/5series
3/10 BERNINA 530 and 550 QE: combining lettering and stitches

In the 3rd part of the new BERNINA 530 and 550 QE video tutorial you will learn that combining lettering and stitches is very easy. See step by step how to combine alphabet stitches with decorative stitches and save the combinations. Following this tutorial you can label bags, clothes and cushions with individual lettering and patterns. Learn more about the new BERNINA 5 series and visit www.bernina.com/5series
4/10 BERNINA 530 and 550 QE: how to sew a buttonhole

The 4th chapter of the new BERNINA 530 and 550 QE Online Tutorial will show you how to sew a buttonhole. In the video you can see how to change size and length of the buttonhole and to choose the favored style for the buttonhole. With the buttonhole program of the BERNINA 530 or 550 QE you can sew perfectly regular buttonholes very easily and quickly. For further information about the new BERNINA 5 series visit www.bernina.com/5series
5/10 BERNINA 530 and 550 QE: how to sew on a button

In the 5th part of the BERNINA 530 and 550 QE tutorial we will show you how to sew on a button with your new BERNINA 5 Series machine. The button sew-on program is so easy to handle! Step by step you can see how to sew on buttons by using stitch #60 and the optional button sew-on foot #18. You can also use foot #20. Save time and sew your buttons with your new BERNINA 530 or 550 QE. To get more information about the new BERNINA 5 series visit www.bernina.com/5series
6/10 BERNINA 530 and 550 QE: the setup program

In this part of the new BERNINA 530 and 550 QE online tutorial you will learn to use the setup-program to adjust the screen settings and to return to factory settings if needed. Get important information about oiling your BERNINA sewing machine by using the practical setup-program. For further information about this feature go to www.bernina.com/5series
7/10 BERNINA 530 and 550 QE: free motion quilting with the BERNINA Stitch Regulator

Watch this part of the new BERNINA 530 and 550 QE tutorial to encounter a true BERNINA exclusive: The BERNINA Stitch Regulator (BSR) ensures total control in your creative endeavours. The revolutionary BSR System makes free-motion quilting a cinch and a sure-fire success. Your stitches remain consistent, whether you sew fast or slow. The BSR can be used in two modes (zig-zag and straight stitch). Find out more about the BERNINA 5 series and the BERNINA-Stitch Regulator on www.bernina.com/5series
8/10 BERNINA 530 and 550 QE: zipper Sewing with creative consultant

Dicover the creative consultant in this part of the BERNINA 530 and 550 QE online videocourse. Thank to this feature zipper sewing is very easy. By aid of the presser foot #4 and the seam guide we will show you how to sew a zipper. The small presser foot has notches on each side of the foot to provide excellent fabric control around the needle and to help eliminate skipped stitches when sewing in zippers. At the same time, they allow the needle to stitch "just inside the edge" of the foot, for better precision. You can also use foot #4 for making and attaching pipings, welting and attaching snap tape. Please find further information about the new BERNINA 5series on www.bernina.com/5series
9/10 BERNINA 530 and 550 QE: easy applique with blanket stitch

In the 9th part of the new BERNINA 530 and 550 QE online tutorial we will show you how to use presser foot #20 and the blanket stitch to perform an effectful and easy applique. You will learn how to adjust stitch length and stitch width and the presser foot pressure. You will find further information about appliques and the new features of the BERNINA 5 series on www.bernina.com/5series
10/10 BERNINA 530 and 550 QE: blind hem binding with walking foot

The last part of the BERNINA 530 and 550 QE tutorial will teach you how to sew blind hem binding with the walking foot, a monofilament thread, using stitch #1331. Dresses, blankets and bags can easily be hemed. For further information please read the manual or visit www.bernina.com/5series

The new BERNINA 550 Quilters Edition (BERNINA 5 Series)
1/10 BERNINA 530 and 550 QE: getting started and prepared for sewing
2/10 BERNINA 530 and 550 QE: selecting and editing decorative stitches
3/10 BERNINA 530 and 550 QE: combining lettering and stitches
4/10 BERNINA 530 and 550 QE: how to sew a buttonhole
5/10 BERNINA 530 and 550 QE: how to sew on a button
6/10 BERNINA 530 and 550 QE: the setup program
7/10 BERNINA 530 and 550 QE: free motion quilting with the BERNINA Stitch Regulator
8/10 BERNINA 530 and 550 QE: zipper Sewing with creative consultant
9/10 BERNINA 530 and 550 QE: easy applique with blanket stitch
10/10 BERNINA 530 and 550 QE: blind hem binding with walking foot

Support for your BERNINA 550 QE

To ensure that you enjoy your BERNINA for as long as possible, we recommend that you read the detailed operating instructions. Further support information and firmware updates can be found on the support page.

Download manual Support page BERNINA 550 QE

Personal advice at your Local BERNINA Store

Over 2,000 BERNINA Stores worldwide offer valuable services to all our customers. Your local BERNINA Store is there to proudly help you, with advice on machines and accessories that best suit your needs, selection of BERNINA Embroidery Software and also in servicing your BERNINA.

BERNINA 550 QE

BERNINA 550 QE

The new BERNINA 550 Quilters Edition (BERNINA 5 Series)

BERNINA 550 QE – both creative and clever

Absolute stitch control

Built-in BERNINA Stitch Regulator (BSR)

Built-in onscreen Creative Consultant

Extensive stitch library

Features & Functions

Maximum Sewing Speed (stitches per minute)

Maximum Stitch Width

Maximum Stitch Length

Adjustable Needle Positions

Presser Foot Recommendation

Presser Foot Library

Automatic Buttonhole / Length Measuring System

Manual Multi-step Buttonhole

On-Screen Buttonhole Measuring

Adjustable Buttonhole Slit Width

Temporary Altered Stitch Memory

Creative Consultant Sewing

Pattern Begin

Mirror-image function

Continuous Reverse

BSR Enabled

Start/Stop Button (stitching without foot control)

Freearm Sewing

Button Sew-On Program

Sewing space to the right of the needle

LED Sewing Light

Manual Thread Cutters

Total Stitch Control

Hook system

Bobbin Winding while Sewing/Embroidering

BERNINA Free Hand System (FHS)

Thread-up Command

Adjustable Presser Foot Pressure

Slide speed control

Accessories

BERNINA Stitch Regulator (BSR)

Reverse Pattern Foot #1

Buttonhole Foot with Slide #3A

Zipper Foot #4

Blindstitch Foot #5

Open Embroidery Foot #20

Patchwork Foot #37

Patchwork Foot Sole #37

Three-Sole Walking Foot with Seam Guide #50

Freearm Slide-on Table

Slide-on Table

Carrying Bag for Sewing Machines

Knee lifter/Free-Hand System (FHS)

Presser feet for every occasion

BERNINA presser feet stand for precision and stability. They are easy to change and BERNINA has a suitable presser foot for every application.

Accessories for Sewing Machines

BERNINA Sewing accessories let you perform a host of creative techniques with even greater precision and comfort – according to your individual needs.

Accessories for Embroidery Machines

BERNINA’s accessories for embroidery machines turn your embroidery machine into a versatile tool for exciting professional embroidery techniques.

Presser feet for every occasion

Gold-Plated Presser Foot #1

Zigzag Foot #0

Finger Guard #99

Overlock Foot #2

Buttonhole Foot #3

Embroidery Foot #6

Tailor Tack Foot #7

Jeans Foot #8

Darning Foot #9

Edgestitch Foot #10

Cordonnet Foot #11

Bulky Overlock Foot #12

Embroidery Foot #15

Gathering Foot #16

Button Sew-On Foot #18

Braiding Foot #21

Cording Foot with 3 Grooves #22

Appliqué Foot #23

Free-Motion Embroidery Foot #24

Cording Foot with 5 Grooves #25

Drop-Shaped Embroidery Foot #26