BERNINA 500 E

BERNINA 500 E

For a perfect start to embroidery

  • More space for bigger embroidery projects
  • Jumbo bobbin to embroider longer
  • Edit embroidery designs via touch screen
  • Position your design exactly where you want
  • Achieve finest embroidery results

Embroiderers, the BERNINA 500 speaks your language

The freedom to create endless design combinations.

What do wildly-talented cosplayers love about the B 500? Everything. It’s faster than their looming deadlines. It’s powerful enough for crazy materials. And its embroidery capabilities are absolutely amazing. Cosplayers loves this machine and so will you!

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Embroidery features of the B 500 which you will love:

More space for creative freedom

More space for creative freedom

  • Handle big projects with ease
  • Comfortably create endless designs
  • Re-designed embroidery module

The extended freearm offers 8.5" right of the needle. Enjoy a large embroidery area of 15.75" x 5.9" to bring your embroidery ideas to life.

Edit your designs with ease

Edit your designs with ease

  • Simply undo & redo steps
  • Edit designs as a group or break apart
  • Customize the stitch-out sequence

With the Enhanced Editing Functions you can realize your ideas directly on screen and use your creativity to create new designs.

Easy design positioning

  • Position designs easily and precisely
  • No need to use the template anymore
  • Perfect results in short times

Use Pinpoint Placement to position your design precisely: select two points and match them with the markings on the hooped fabric.

Automatic features save time

Automatic features save time

  • Automatic thread cutting
  • Needle lifts automatically
  • Easy one-button operation

The automatic thread cutter operates with two steps in one: cuts the thread and lifts the needle.

Perfection is the new standard

Perfection is the new standard

  • Manage thread cuts with ease
  • No manual trimming on top side
  • Achieve perfect embroidery results

The Thread Away Mode pulls the threads down to the underside for clean embroidery results on the top.

Finest embroidery results for you

Finest embroidery results for you

  • Perfect stitches, fast & quiet
  • Jumbo bobbin to embroider longer
  • Frontload the bobbin with new thread

The BERNINA Hook keeps the stitches consistent and precise with a maximum speed of 1,000 stitches per minute.

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.

Features & Functions

  • Overview
  • Embroidery
  • General Features
  • Sewing & Quilting
  • Embroidery Designs
BERNINA 500

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

Centrally Located Color Touch Screen 4.3” / 10 cm
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Centrally Located Color Touch Screen

Everything at eye level; it is clear and easy to use. Can be used with fingertip or touchpen and offers touch-scroll selection. Display and backround color can be customized and the screen brightness can be set according to your needs.
Upper Thread Sensor

Upper Thread Sensor

Indicates when the upper thread breaks or runs out.
Embroidery Area 15.7" x 5.9"

Embroidery Area

Large embroidery fields reduce multiple hoopings on a project.
Freearm Embroidery
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Freearm Embroidery

Easy freearm embroidery with all embroidery hoops without additional tools. For embroidering tubular items such as pant legs, t-shirts, onesies, etc.
Built-in Embroidery Designs 275
Endless Embroidery
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Endless Embroidery

Perfect for embroidered borders that are longer than the hoop. Stitched reference marks and on-screen animations ensure precise re-alignment during rehooping.
Color Wheel
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Color Wheel

Quickly change the colorway of your design on-screen to get an impression with other color design. New colors are assigned to the current thread library.
2-Point Placement
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2-Point Placement

For easy positioning and alignment to place embroidery designs accurately. Rotate and align designs when the project is crooked. Possibility of grid point or free point positioning.
Group/Ungroup
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Group/Ungroup

Objects can be easily grouped and edited at the same time. Depending on the design, it can be split using the ungroup function in order to edit or delete individual parts.
Undo/Redo

Undo/Redo

Undo and redo steps when on-screen editing.

Product brochure – All information at a glance

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

Maximum Embroidery Speed (Stitches per minute) 1000

Maximum Embroidery Speed (Stitches per minute)

Enjoy high speed for completing embroidery projects quicker.
Embroidery Area 15.7" x 5.9"

Embroidery Area

Large embroidery fields reduce multiple hoopings on a project.
Freearm Embroidery
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Freearm Embroidery

Easy freearm embroidery with all embroidery hoops without additional tools. For embroidering tubular items such as pant legs, t-shirts, onesies, etc.
Built-in Embroidery Designs 275
Embroidery Alphabets 8
On-screen Editing of Designs
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On-screen Editing of Designs

Easily and quickly edit embroidery designs directly on the touch screen.
Duplicate/Add Designs
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Duplicate/Add Designs

Increase the number of designs quickly with duplicate. Use + to combine designs and lettering onscreen.
Change Design Size Proportionally

Change Design Size Proportionally

Enlarge or reduce designs proportionally on-screen. Increasing/decreasing in a range of +/- 20% provides the best results. Other ranges should be tested first.
Change Design Size Non-Proportionally

Change Design Size Non-Proportionally

Change the height and width independently. Increasing/decreasing in a range of +/- 20% provides the best results. Other ranges should be tested first.
Move, Rotate, and Mirror
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Move, Rotate, and Mirror

Move designs through drag and drop or the multi-function knobs; Rotate in 1 degree increments and mirror image embroidery designs for optimal placement on projects.
Endless Embroidery
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Endless Embroidery

Perfect for embroidered borders that are longer than the hoop. Stitched reference marks and on-screen animations ensure precise re-alignment during rehooping.
Color Wheel
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Color Wheel

Quickly change the colorway of your design on-screen to get an impression with other color design. New colors are assigned to the current thread library.
WordArt
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WordArt

Create vertical, horizontal and curved baselines. Adjust letter spacing to create the best look.
Drag & Drop

Drag & Drop

Simple drag and drop allows for easy positioning of embroidery designs.
Virtual Positioning

Virtual Positioning

Place every design to an exact stitch and see the visualization in the hoop on the screen.
Absolute Check Design Positioning

Absolute Check Design Positioning

Design placement tool – stitch by stitch. Check individual stitch locations for precise placement on the project from the Edit screen. the needle moves to that location in the hoop.
2-Point Placement
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2-Point Placement

For easy positioning and alignment to place embroidery designs accurately. Rotate and align designs when the project is crooked. Possibility of grid point or free point positioning.
Check Design Size
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Check Design Size

Tool for placing designs. Check the embroidery design size. The center of the pattern can also be displayed.
Group/Ungroup
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Group/Ungroup

Objects can be easily grouped and edited at the same time. Depending on the design, it can be split using the ungroup function in order to edit or delete individual parts.
Rearrange designs
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Rearrange designs

Change the stitching order of designs by changing the order of the layers.
Undo/Redo

Undo/Redo

Undo and redo steps when on-screen editing.
Adjust Stitch Density
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Adjust Stitch Density

Change Stitch Density to complement varied fabric.

Product brochure – All information at a glance

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Change Stitch Type
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Change Stitch Type

Change a satin stitch to a fill stitch to minimize long satin stitches that may catch.
Change Thread Brand
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Change Thread Brand

Quickly change thread color and/or brand on-screen to suit your project at hand.
Basting
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Basting

Stitch your choice of basting stitches before embroidering. Choose to baste around your design or the inner hoop.
Color Resequence
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Color Resequence

Several identical colors of an embroidery design are combined into one color, thus reducing the number of color changes to a minimum. Saves time.
Stitch Design as Single/Multi-Color
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Stitch Design as Single/Multi-Color

Stitch an entire design in one color without stopping or as a multi-color design.
Personal Memory for Saving Embroidery Designs

Personal Memory for Saving Embroidery Designs

Own combinations, altered embroidery designs or external designs can be stored.
Programmable Jump Stitch Cutting
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Programmable Jump Stitch Cutting

Set any length of jump stitches to be cut and eliminate manual cutting.
Smart Secure

Smart Secure

Missing tie-on/off stitches are added automatically if none were programmed.
Invisible Secure

Invisible Secure

Enhanced tie-on/off stitch formation is completely invisible under design.
Centering the Embroidery Design

Centering the Embroidery Design

Off-center design positioning can be saved to the machine and design position in hoop is imported as set in the BERNINA Embroidery Software.
Thread Away Mode

Thread Away Mode

An automatic, quick movement of the hoop ensures thread tails are transferred to the wrong side of the project. Set on/ off as desired depending on design.
Switch Unit of Measurement

Switch Unit of Measurement

Choose to view embroidery design dimensions and hoop sizes in inches or millimeters.
Creative Consultant Embroidery
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Creative Consultant Embroidery

Get reliable support for various applications and fabrics from the integrated Embroidery Consultant. Makes suggestions regarding needles, presser foot, stabilizer etc.
Multi-format Design compatible

Multi-format Design compatible

No need to convert. Reads EXP, DST, PES, PEC, JEF, PCS, SEW, XXX.
Embroidery design formats EXP, DST, PES, PEC, JEF, SEW, PCS, XXX
Embroidery Design Import/Export via USB Interface
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Embroidery Design Import/Export via USB Interface

Enjoy rapid and direct connectivity for design transfer and updates.
View Stitch-out Time, Thread Colors, Size, Stitches
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View Stitch-out Time, Thread Colors, Size, Stitches

View design details at a glance.
Embroidery Sequence Control
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Embroidery Sequence Control

This function helps to reposition the embroidery position after a thread breakage. You can move forward or backward stitch-by-stitch or in steps of 50.
Position Recall

Position Recall

The last embroidered stitch is always saved so that embroidery can be resumed at exactly the same point in the project in case of a power failure.
Embroidery Module
Embroidery Module M (SDT)
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Embroidery Module M (SDT)

  • Smoother movement and less vibration
  • Quieter embroidery
  • Less loop formation

The Embroidery Module M with BERNINA Smart Drive Technology (SDT) elevates your embroidery experience with enhanced stitch quality, as well as smoother and quieter movement.
Sewing space to the right of the needle 8.5”
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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.
Workspace Height 4,3"
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Workspace Height

The extra height presents more space for quilts and spacious large projects and makes sewing easier in general.
Weight of the Machine 24.2 lb
Measurements (W x H x D) 18.1″ / 7.9″ / 12.9″
Centrally Located Color Touch Screen 4.3” / 10 cm
#

Centrally Located Color Touch Screen

Everything at eye level; it is clear and easy to use. Can be used with fingertip or touchpen and offers touch-scroll selection. Display and backround color can be customized and the screen brightness can be set according to your needs.
Total Memory 256 MB
Multi-function Knobs
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Multi-function Knobs

Easily accessible knobs for making stitch adjustments before and during sewing in .05 increments for smooth stitch transitions. Used in embroidery for composing and design alterations.
Spool Holders 2

Spool Holders

Equipt with horizontal and vertical spool holders.
LED Sewing Light 12
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LED Sewing Light

Bright illumination in the needle area and over the freearm. On some machines the brightness is adjustable.
Semi-automatic Needle Threader
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Semi-automatic Needle Threader

Easy threading of the needle.
Manual Thread Cutters 4
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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.
BERNINA Adaptive Thread Tension

BERNINA Adaptive Thread Tension

Once the tension is set according to the fabric and thread used, the thread tension is constantly monitored and adjusted automatically, if needed, resulting in the finest stitching.

Product brochure – All information at a glance

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Hook system BERNINA Hook
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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.
Jumbo Bobbin with 70 % more Capacity
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Jumbo Bobbin with 70 % more Capacity

More thread on the bobbin ensures significantly fewer interruptions in sewing, which is particularly helpful for large quilts or when embroidering.
Bobbin Winding while Sewing/Embroidering

Bobbin Winding while Sewing/Embroidering

Fast winding of the bobbin, even while sewing.
Powerful DC Motor

Powerful DC Motor

Full power at all speeds provides for consistent stitching on multiple layers and heavy fabrics.
Hammer Mode

Hammer Mode

Built-in mechanism that drives the needle to stitch through more than 30 layers of fabric. The needle pulsates through the fabric to form the stitch.
Needle Stop Up/Down

Needle Stop Up/Down

The needle can be programmed to stop in the raised (up) or lowered (down) position.
Automatic Thread Cutter
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Automatic Thread Cutter

The upper and lower threads are cut automatically or at the touch of a button. The top thread is carried to the back side of the fabric. Program 2 types of tie-offs.
Needle Reminder

Needle Reminder

To save the settings for the needle type used.
Lower Thread Sensor

Lower Thread Sensor

Warns when the bobbin thread runs low.
Upper Thread Sensor

Upper Thread Sensor

Indicates when the upper thread breaks or runs out.
On-screen Help
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On-screen Help

Use the ‘?’ to identify functions and stitches. Built-in animations lead you through processes and provide reminders.
Slide speed control
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Slide speed control

Regulate the speed with the Slide Speed Control.
Presser Foot Selection
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Presser Foot Selection

Lets the machine know how wide a needle swing is safely possible with attached foot.
Import/Export Stitches via USB

Import/Export Stitches via USB

To import and export sewing stitches via a USB stick.

Product brochure – All information at a glance

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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.

  • Projects

  • Quilt Designs

  • Embellishment

  • Children

  • Frames

  • Seasons

  • Borders and Lace

  • Sport and Hobbies

  • Animals

  • Flowers

  • DesignWorks

Accessories

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

  • Included
  • Compatible

Standard accessories BERNINA 500

Here you will find an overview of the standard accessories for the BERNINA 500.
 

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Drop-Shaped Embroidery Foot #26

Thanks to its special tear-drop shape, Drop-Shaped Embroidery Foot #26 allows you to embroider with the embroidery module and to darn delicate fabrics.

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Golden-yellow bobbin case

Sometimes you need more tension on the bobbin thread than usual for embroidery, free-motion sewing or free-motion quilting. And that’s why you need the golden-yellow bobbin case.

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Touchscreen Pen

The Touchscreen Pen – ideal for working on the touch screens on BERNINA sewing and embroidery computers. Operate the touch screen by gently tapping it.

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Sewing Machine Oil

Regular care ensures that your sewing machine runs smoothly. This also includes oiling.

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BERNINA Accessory Box

The practical Accessory Box can be used to store all Sewing Accessories, such as Presser Feet, Needles and Bobbins. The Accessory Box is supplied without contents.

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Embroidery Module M (SDT)

The Embroidery Module M with BERNINA Smart Drive Technology (SDT) offers an embroidery width up to 400 x 150 mm / 15.7 x 5.9" and elevates your embroidery experience with enhanced stitch quality as well as smoother and quieter movement.

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Medium Embroidery Hoop

The Medium Embroidery Hoop is a useful tool for the accurate embroidering of medium-sized projects with the BERNINA embroidery machine.

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Large Oval Embroidery Hoop

The Large Oval Embroidery Hoop is suitable for both design combinations and extensive embroidery designs. The template makes quick work of accurately positioning the project in the hoop.

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Presser feet for every occasion

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.

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Accessories for Sewing Machines

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.

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Accessories for Embroidery Machines

Accessories for Embroidery Machines

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

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

Presser feet for every occasion

Embroidery Foot #15

With its oval shape and hopper mechanism with vertical spring, Embroidery Foot #15 is the perfect presser foot for all free-motion embroidery and darning projects.

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Cording Foot with 5 Grooves #25

Cording Foot with 5 Grooves #25 is ideal for the simultaneous couching of several parallel strands of yarn or wool thread.

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Free-Motion Couching Foot #43

Free-Motion Couching Foot #43 couches ribbons, braid or cords directly onto the fabric, letting you sew in any direction you wish with the feed dog lowered.

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Echo Quilting and CutWork Foot #44C

Echo Quilting and CutWork Foot #44C is your expert for quilting and CutWork projects. It’s also the ideal foot for free-motion embroidery and thread painting.

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Zigzag Foot with Non-Stick Sole #52

Thanks to its non-stick coating, Zigzag Foot with Non-Stick Sole #52 glides effortlessly over "sticky" materials such as leather, plastic or vinyl.

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Adjustable Ruler Foot #72

This foot allows you to sew along Plexiglas rulers to create decorative quilt designs such as lines, feathers, circles etc.

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Adjustable Ruler Foot with Slit #72S

Thanks to the slit in the Adjustable Ruler Foot #72S, you can change a sewing foot without having to cut the thread. This allows an easy transition from Rulerwork to other applications.

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Echo-quilting Clips

These Echo-quilting Clips have been especially developed for quilting with the Adjustable Ruler Foot #72 and Ruler Foot #96. 

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Accessories for Sewing Machines

PunchWork Stitch Plate

The PunchWork Stitch Plate is particularly suitable for needle-felting on rotary hook sewing machines.

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BERNINA Hook bobbin cases

BERNINA offers bobbin cases for all its hook systems. Here, you can find the bobbin cases for the BERNINA Hook.

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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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L Trolley

The L Trolley is designed to be solid and lightweight. It is compatible with the BERNINA 2, 3, 4 and 5 Series. The advanced padding system and the high-quality outer material provide a thorough protection for your sewing machine.

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Accessory Case

The BERNINA Accessory Case is the perfect place to store up to 43 sewing feet and other small accessories. An ideal travel companion for sewing or embroidery machines.

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Thread-lubrication Unit

The Thread-lubrication Unit improves the gliding properties of metallic or loosely twisted threads with the aid of Silicone Fluid.

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Magnifying Lens Set

The Magnifying Lens Set consists of a machine mounting bracket and three lenses of different strengths for optimal magnification of the work area.

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PunchWork Tool for Rotary-, B9- and BERNINA-hook Machines

Designed for sewing machines with a rotary hook, the PunchWork Tool for Rotary-, B9- and BERNINA-hook Machines enables you to needle-felt on wool fabrics and loden.

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USB Stick

The USB Stick enables fast and uncomplicated data exchange between the embroidery machine and the PC. It stores embroidery designs and data up to 16 GB.

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Multiple-spool Holder

The Multiple-spool Holder provides room for several spools of different colors, allowing you to sew and embroider with greater ease and efficiency.

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Multiple-spool-holder Extension

The BERNINA Multiple-spool-holder Extension accommodates additional spools, allowing you to complete your sewing projects quickly and efficiently.

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Accessories for Embroidery Machines

Embroidery Module M

Square-shaped and practical:
Embroidery Module M offers an embroidery area which is up to 16.5 cm wide. Perfect for creating breathtaking embroidery projects and free-arm embroidery.

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Small Embroidery Hoop

The Small Embroidery Hoop is a whiz at embroidering tubular items such as sleeves or pant legs.

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Mega Embroidery Hoop

The Mega Embroidery Hoop lets you embroider large design combinations and borders without gaps or mismatch.

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Midi Embroidery Hoop

With the new Midi Embroidery Hoop, hooping has never been easier before. The ergonomic twist-lock mechanism guarantees a quick and perfect embroidery performance.

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"Hoop 'n' Buddyz" Hoop Insert

The “Hoop ‘N’ Buddyz” embroidery hoop is suitable for embroidery on difficult materials and baseball caps.

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Large Freearm Embroidery Hoop

The BERNINA Large Freearm Embroidery Hoop enables the use of the BERNINA freearm with large tubular items, such as pre-made bags, or T-Shirts, without requiring unsewing and re-sewing.

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Small Clamp Hoop

The BERNINA Small Clamp Hoop is the ideal embroidery hoop for quilters. The square shape perfectly accomodates square designs common for quilting.

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BERNINA CrystalWork Tool

With the CrystalWork tool, forms and patterns are precisely punched out as small holes. This stencil hole is filled with crystals that are then extracted using adhesive film in order to be ironed on to material.

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BERNINA CutWork Tool

Your imagination knows no limits. To achieve the desired results, you will need a BERNINA machine capable of embroidery and the CutWork tool, which you will insert in place of the needle.

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CrystalWork Starter Kit

With the CrystalWork Starter Kit, you are optimally equipped to start using your CrystalWork software and your CrystalWork tool.

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CrystalWork Template Material

You can create numerous motifs in no time with the CrystalWork Tools motif templates and the CrystalWork software.

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CrystalWork Iron-on Film

The BERNINA CrystalWork Iron-on Film is only one element of the comprehensive CrystalWork supplementary material. This film makes it easy to attach crystals to fabric.

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CrystalWork Punches

Do you need a new punch for your CrystalWork tool? The BERNINA Crystal punches are available separately.

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CutWork Needles

Do you need a new needle for your CutWork tool? BERNINA CutWork Needles are also available separately.

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L Embroidery Module Bag

The L Embroidery Module Bag provides a thorough protection for your embroidery module. The embroidery module bag can be attached to the trolley L’s telescopic handle or carried separately with an adjustable shoulder strap.

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Tutorials

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  • First steps with the B 500 E

    This video shows you first steps with your BERNINA embroidery machine – learn how to attach the sewing foot, wind the thread and use the bobbin, to thread your machine correctly.

  • Embroidery tutorial: Screen functions of the B 500 E

    In this tutorial we take a look at all the areas and functions of your embroidery machine’s screen. Learn more about thread tension, change stitches and about the "Help" function.

  • Embroidery tutorial: first steps with the B 500 E

    Learn how to attach the embroidery module, to remove the stitch plate and to insert a straight stitch plate in its place. The video also shows how to use embroidery files from a USB stick.

  • Embroidery tutorial: editing designs with the B 500 E

    For particularly creative embroidery, this video shows you how to add letters and other patterns to an existing embroidery pattern.

  • Embroidery tutorial: grouping and ungrouping designs with the B 500 E

    In this tutorial we show you how to group and ungroup embroidery patterns in different layers or to change the order of embroidery pattern combinations. Embroider names with ease.

  • Embroidery tutorial: Pinpoint Placement of embroidery designs with the B 500 E

    Pinpoint Placement is so easy: simply select two points with grid placement, which determines the embroidery axes and size. Finally, check the size and position.

  • Embroidery tutorial: endless embroidery with the Mega Hoop and B 500 E

    In this video we show you how to hoop the fabric and adjust your sewing machine correctly. Endless embroidery made easy!

  • Cleaning and Oiling the B 500

    This video shows you how to clean and oil the B 500 using the example of the BERNINA 4 Series machines.

  • First steps with the B 500 E

    First steps with the B 500 E

  • Embroidery tutorial: Screen functions of the B 500 E

    Embroidery tutorial: Screen functions of the B 500 E

  • Embroidery tutorial: first steps with the B 500 E

    Embroidery tutorial: first steps with the B 500 E

  • Embroidery tutorial: editing designs with the B 500 E

    Embroidery tutorial: editing designs with the B 500 E

  • Embroidery tutorial: grouping and ungrouping designs with the B 500 E

    Embroidery tutorial: grouping and ungrouping designs with the B 500 E

  • Embroidery tutorial: Pinpoint Placement of embroidery designs with the B 500 E

    Embroidery tutorial: Pinpoint Placement of embroidery designs with the B 500 E

  • Embroidery tutorial: endless embroidery with the Mega Hoop and B 500 E

    Embroidery tutorial: endless embroidery with the Mega Hoop and B 500 E

  • Cleaning and Oiling the B 500

    Cleaning and Oiling the B 500

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use off-brand bobbins?
We recommend to use only BERNINA quality bobbins because using off-brand bobbins can cause unsatisfying thread tension and other problems.

How often should the machine be oiled?
The frequency of oiling depends on the number of the sewn stitches. We recommend to place a drop of oil onto the hook race before sewing for a longer period, but at least when the machine prompts you. When sewing bigger projects, you can oil the machine once a day.

The machine is running very slow.
Check the slide speed control on the front of the machine and move to the right. Here you can set the  maximum speed setting when sewing with the foot control or use it to adjust the speed when working with the start/stop button.
 

What should I do if the message with gears appears?
Cut off the upper thread, raise the presser foot, carefully lift the fabric to cut off the lower thread and any twisted threads. Do not pull! Remove the fabric. Remove the bobbin case, open the hook to check whether any thread is tangled in the hook area and remove it. Also check whether there is any thread under the needle plate. Replace the hook, bobbin case, bobbin and needle plate. Check whether the upper thread is threaded correctly and rethread if necessary.

Whats the use of the vertical spool pin?
Necessary when using a second thread for example sewing with the twin needle.
For stacked (parallel wound) threads, use the vertical spool pin to allow the thread to evenly feed off the spool.
Important: use the foam pad as base.

What is the thread cutter to the right of the machine head for?
It makes threading using the semi-automatic threader easier, since the end of the thread no longer needs to be held manually. Instead, the thread is pulled over the thread cutter  after it has been laid into  the hook of the threader. The threader is then released and the thread is pulled through the eye of the needle. The cutter is available as an optional accessory for models where it is not included as standard.

The lower thread indicator is not responding
There may be several reasons for this:
The door of the hook cover is open. Close it.
The sensor of the lower thread indicator is dirty and needs cleaning.
The lower thread indicator has been deactivated in "Setup". Select "Setup", "Monitoring functions" and "Activating the lower thread indicator".

Support for your BERNINA 500

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 500

Personal advice at your Local BERNINA Store

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