Bernina B990 is Big, But Is It The One? 

Thanks for watching. What are your first thoughts about the B990?

The point I went 'oh no' was when you said it was a 10" touch screen, really puts the size of this in context. Now I do know some ladies in the target demographic for this, and yes 100% as you said, the table will be the issue. Without exception they have either hand made or top of the range furniture in a sewing room it's taken them decades to be happy with, and there is a snowball's chance in the underworld that they will replace any of it to fit this machine in. I can actually close my eyes and hear them collectively say 'That looks **industrial**'

Enjoyed the review. I purchased the 990. It will be a perfect companion to my Brother Luminaire 3. I currently own a Bernina 790+. Bernina has needed to update their machines. Trust me when I say all these top of the line machines deliver . But each has features that are unique. And they weigh a ton!!!

Thank you for another great video. I have a Bernina 570 and 770 and love them both. I have no desire to buy the 990. I completely agree with you that what Bernina is calling new and innovative are things that other brands have had for several years. Honestly, I feel that this machine is somewhat of a disappointment.

I agree 10000% with everything you said here. And despite of owning several Bernina machines (including a B830LE) that are workhorses, Bernina is, for me, always behind of other brands like Brother/Babylock, PFAFF/Viking, Janome, etc- WiFi, Automatic Threader, Camera, etc. Also, some of the accessories they add to their line are also behind, or do not exist like that embellishment attachment that PFAFF and VIKING have that allows to add sequins, beads, ribbons or yarn to your designs, or the borderless/endless hoops also from PFAFF/Viking. What I like from this machine is that they changed that clumsy upper thread loading system from the B8xx series the really friendly standard one on the B790. What I would had liked was to also load that bobbin from the top, not the front, but it also is way easier than that of the B8xx series, and the user interface is a lot better than my B830LE. And those are just some of the things I feel totally dissatisfied with the B990, and for 23K, is too much for me. The Bernina E16 PRO added the Coloreel capability, and is a 16K Industrial-grade Multi-needle machine, why not the B990? By the way, the only Bernina machines made in Switzerland are the B8xx series and the B990. The rest are only designed there, but made in Asia under strict Bernina Supervision, or in the case of the Multi-needle ones, made in the USA by Melco. I really expected more from Bernina...........

I truly enjoy enjoy your videos! I am not a sewing machine dealer, not a technician, or any sort of sewing professional. I just like sewing machines and I like to sew.

I noticed a couple of inaccuracies. Bernina’s have had the ability to change thread colors in embroidery for many years. It is not a new feature. And the 8 series machines that have been around for more than a decade as well as the 790 Pro have automatic threaders. Warranties have also read like mumbo jumbo for any machine but my experience with my Bernina repairs has been that warranted parts are replaced without a hassle and often without my knowing they were still under warranty. The price is in line with other top of the line sewing machines and will undoubtedly fall as time goes on. My opinion is that if someone wants it and can afford it, they should not be shamed for spending their money.

Your review was so good, I had to listen twice. Thank you.

I can't help myself!! I'm loving all the commentary you are giving. I've been Subscribed to you since you did the Unboxing of the Epic 980Q

A very entertaining review😂

I agree patent protection is the reason Bernina didnt have auto needle threaders. I think Bernina was hung up on their icons without text to make it easier for themselves. I have struggled knowing what the icons mean . Not to the tune of 22k. I like to purchase used Berninas. I just got a B790 Plus one year old with SDT embroidery module for 3500. It only has a million stitches. They do not keep their value so buy used

Great video!

I couldn't resist to say "Amen Sister!!" Why do people waste their energy on being negative instead to trying to do something positive with the energy they have to offer.

I’m not a Bernina gurl, but I think the user interface is outstanding. Did you know you can use a mouse with the machine? Amazing!

Love your reviews and this one in particular. I own 2 Bernina machines and L890 overlocker/serger and a 790 QE, Crystal Edition. This too has the BSR, which I love. I also have a Viking Epic 2, which has WiFi and a laser. The machines I have are a struggle to take to classes. I've often thought of buying a smaller machine due to transportability. Now, I love all my machines and I use them for different things. My Epic 2, which never needs oiling and it automatically updates (love that too!) is the best for piecing! My 1/4" seams are perfect. Oh yes, and it has a laser which I often use. My Bernina is what I use for FMQ. Will I buy the new 990?? No. I have all the features I want and need and more on my machine, both which have embroidery units and embroider beautifully. For me it's not worth the $ but for someone who sews daily... that's different. Your reviews are refreshing and help us understand the pros and cons before we set on a journey for a new sewing machine. Thank you for all you do to bring us your always informative views and opinions. And no one should ever get mad at you. Honestly, a sewing machine is a very subjective item. The beauty is we as quilters and sewists have so many options available to us. There is no right or wrong machine. It's what the user prefers! Great info!

Thanks for a great review. I have been sewing for well over 50 years and a die hard Bernina lover. I am not that impressed with the new 990, it seems that they could have done a lot more to fall more in line with the other TOL sewing machines. I have a 770 and 570 machines which I love and I cannot see ever needing anything more than what I have

love this

Thanks for posting. Its a beautiful machine but not for me. The price and weight are good to know now. I would love to see one in action, but would never buy one. I wish everyone well! Keep sewing! Thanks again for posting.

When I finally saw ads for this machine my thoughts were, finally what others have been offering for years. And I already own two Berninis, B440QE and B570QEE so I do love Bernina. I have a long arm so I don't need that long harp for quilting. Now for embroidery? Yes. But not at $22K. I can buy a multineedle embroidery machine for a lot less instead. It is a beautiful machine. If I won the big lottery I would buy one. But do I need it? No.Technically I don't need everything the two I already own can do.

I loved your no-nonsense and very down-to-earth review of this machine that I've been lusting over for a hot minute since those emails and videos from Bernina started showing up in my in-box. It's a totally different thing to talk to a Bernina dealer freshly returned from Bernina University about the new 990 machine, or to talk to someone who is 100% gung ho and has already put down a deposit to get one even though they have not actually seen one in person, let alone had a chance to test sew on it. Yes, the machine not fitting into my brand new Koala cabinet that I just got 2 months ago is a big deal. Yes the camera and scanning features are cool, but honestly -- the only thing I ever embroider is little quilt labels so me thinking I'm going to suddenly start scanning and digitizing and doing giant embroideries in the new giant hoop is like me thinking that if only I spent $23K on home gym equipment I would suddenly transform into a person who wakes up at 5 AM every day to work out (not!). Because, like you said, just because a machine has fancy bells and whistles, I can think they are cool features but I'm still not going to use them if I don't do that kind of sewing. So now reading through the comments on your review of the 990, I'm wondering whether it would be better for me to be on the lookout for opportunities to buy a secondhand Bernina 790 Pro machine from someone who is upgrading to the new 990? I'm off to look for whether you did a review on that machine when it came out. Thanks!

I am turning 65 this year and I will be buying one at some point. I really don't need the BSR since I have a Q20, but everything else is what I have been waiting for. Embroidery placement is now so easy.

I'm a Husqvarna Viking/Pfaff person myself. The one Bernina feature I wish we had is the stitch regulator system. I know many gasp at the price of these machines, but you have to take into account the amount of research, development, testing, and expensive technology that goes into them. I mean, they're equipped with a legitimate touchscreen tablet, for starters. Programmers have to be paid for developing those interfacings and functions. The amount of precision required by the machines is high. You're also paying for conveniences that can really aid in creating beautiful pieces. Again, the fact that folks had to research, develop, and install a camera on this machine is not a cheap feat. But i get it. They're the price of a car and will probably last just as long. Just remember this difference. The car may transport you to a memorable moment. The machine will help you create one you can actually hold in your hand.

I love your content and I was hoping you would do a review on this new machine. I have the Janome M17 and I love it. I paid 12K and it came with a custom-made cabinet that retails for 6k, so I got a really good deal. The one I got was a floor model. I have always wanted a Bernina. The thing that keeps me from buying on is the comments about Berninas being temperamental. I can’t afford the risk of getting a lemon. You rarely hear that happening with Janome machines. I would love the camera feature and the jumbo stitch. The M17 has a lot of features I thought I would never use, but I use them and it’s been a great experience. With the Dime Monster hoop, edge-to-edge quilting is so easy. I can’t wait to see what the new Brother machine will have to offer. I will never buy Brother, I think their quality is low grade.

Your views are the best! Thank you so much:)💜

Thanks for this video, you forget to tell about a new feature that I think this machine is the only one to have, it's the possibility to use a mouse instead of using fingers or stylus to use the screen. You can absolutely do everything with the mouse. There is a slot to the right side of the machine to install a dongle for cordless mouse, and it's like you are in front of your computer ! Aside from that, it's true that the automatic pressure foot is not new, I have it on my old brother 1800NV, the automatic threader too, and so many things that other brands have since long time. But I own a 790+ and will stay with it. For information, in France, the cost of this machine is about 15000 euros.

Thank you. Not for me but like your content.

Great video as usual. The 990 can easily take the place of a longarm, so you can do your own quilting. I believe that is the point of the bigness. I would've liked that, but i have both long arm and sewing machine. And if I had the 990, I would still have to baste the quilt first! so I like what I have. ❤ thank you

I'M SORRY I WOULD HAVE TO TAKE OUT A LIFE INSURANCE POLICY TO PAY MACHINE TO PAY FOR IT I AM 72 NOW BUT THIS IS MY PASSION I LOVE THE EMBROIDERY MACHINE AND NEVER QUILTED IN MY LIFE I LOVE PLAYING AROUND WITH EMBROIDERY I GO TO CLASS EVERY MONTH

I know for my brother machine, if I got it serviced anywhere besides the brother dealer it voids the warranty...warranties are a scam anyway because of the hoops they make you jump through

I wanted to comment about the 'target' age group of the machine and using technology. I'm 67 years old and love using new features. Navigating should be easy. If people are having trouble navigating, it's the program not the user. I know you didn't mean to be offensive but please get over that idea that older people are not good at using technology. It has nothing to do with age.

Very nice balanced review! I appreciate this very much! My only suggestion would be to strongly recommend that anyone considering this machine be sure the dealer and repair is reasonably close by and to visit and try out the machine before buying as well as evaluate the teaching and support available! Thanks again and I am subscribing to see more of your content❤ :-)

It is nice that Bernina finally caught up with the rest of the machine embroidery world, implementing camera, laser, and auto threading on this new machine. But so far, the only feature I see that I don't already have on my top-of-the-line Brother is a big screen. And it didn't set me back $22,990 before taxes!! But IF I win the lottery................I would buy it now, with all those features!

Great review! I am retired and can quilt/embroider all day, and I can't justify the price! The best feature for me is actually the built-in BSR. I can't use templates on my 770QE Plus with the BSR adaptor. As you stated, many of the other "new" features have been on other brands for quite some time. Even if I had the money (which I don't), I would be hesitant to buy the first edition of a model. Glitches and bugs always seem to be found, and then people need to do upgrades.

We have heard zero regarding the internals. Bernina has in the past, with the exception of the Q-Series, used sintered bushing bearings, which are archaic. Hopefully they incorporated sealed ball bearings, but not getting my hopes up. Also, the motor. Brush type motors are a thing of the past, so did they use a stepper/servo motor? It appears not. They used the Bernina Hook bobbin system. Very disappointing this area was not greatly improved, especially for the price. The stitch length/width knobs are still very vulnerable to damage. So, in summary, the computer side of the machine is greatly improved, but apparently not the mechanics. Last, but not least, it will not fit many of our existing cabinets. Sorry to be so negative, but was hoping for more, so sticking with our 880+.

The Bernina 990 is very beautiful, but it looks like some of the other brands. I will not ever be able to afford one, so I don’t consider it a contender. I have owned Bernina for almost 30 years and love the quality. Although my 1630 is old (bout hit new in 96) it still works. Not quite as well as when it was new, but did not expect it to! I bought a B530 when it was being discontinued. I bought the floor model and saved a ton. I find it does everything I need -main reason to buy was to use the BSR to quilt. I prefer having my sewing machine separate from my embroidery machine so that I can sew while embroidering something else. This new machine is amazing, but I honestly thought it would be more distinctive. Many will likely buy it, but with the economy like this, I am not sure this price will appeal to as many.

I usually purchase the top of the line sewing machine in any brand because it gives the best stitch. I would want to buy the Bernina 990 for the precision of the straight stitch and the ability to stitch any and all fabrics. To me, the features on any high end sewing machines are secondary to the stitching capability. Additionally, the bobbin located below the stitching platform is a plus, not only for the ability to change bobbins while not having to remove your work to do so, but any sewing machine technician will tell you that this type of bobbin gives a more precise stitch. All the industrial and straight stitch sewing machines have this type of bobbin assembly.

I have an old bernina (50 years now) from my mom. She gat it when she was married to my dad. It still works because of that High production quality from Switzerland. Bernina is not Chinese sewing machines that break down after a year. It is true that the machines are expensive, but their machines will last. This machine will probably work long after I'm dead

I think your assessment of this machine is terrific, thank you for such a detailed report on it. However, it's pretty irrelevant for me, as who the eff is spending $23,000 USD on a sewing/embroidery machine? That's a car. There's something very tone deaf about this price point. Most designers and repair/adjustment professionals seem to use semi-industrial, or industrial straight stitch only for a great deal of their sewing, with maybe a serger for knits? An industrial is usually under $1000, let's say, the Juki DDL 8700, which is $850, 3.6% of the cost of the 990. Let's add in a serger for $500, and now you're still talking less than 6% of the cost of the 990. It's just kind of odd that the professionals don't go for this kind of thing, but Bernina is out there selling them as if they are the answer to every sewer's dream. Yes, embroidery is a whole industry on its own. The average commercial embroidery machine is about $6000. If you add that in, you're at $7350, or still less than a third of $23,000. So the question of to whom they are marketing this remains unanswered. It reminds me of Charmin's gigantic toilet rolls, you only need to change the roll once a month or so, great deal, right? It actually costs almost 3 times the amount of their mega rolls. The emperor is wearing no clothes, folks.

I’ve had a Bernina 217 (industrial) 1530, 930, 950 (semi industrial), 770 QE, 475QE Kaffe Edition and Bernina Q20 Longarm. Their mechanical 930/950 machines are great. The 1530 screen faded so I couldn’t use it. 217 is good for heavy factory work. I occasionally use the 770 QE mainly for straightline quilting, buttonholes. and I’ve used the 475 for a couple of weeks and regret buying it. My favorite machine is a Juki J-150 Industrial, 2600st/min and 2nd, mechanical Juki TL2200 QVP, 1500st/min. Both straight stitch and fast. I don’t think I’d buy another Bernina especially this expensive one which has way too many bells and whistles for me. I just want to sew on a machine that’s solid and dependable. If anything I’d rather it do my dishes and laundry so I can have more time to sew.

I don’t understand why they don’t put a bobbin sensor on the 5 mm width machines (475, 535 etc). You lose a lot of features when you don’t have the 9 mm width. The extra built in stitches aren’t something that a piecer/quilter will use. I also hated losing the even feed foot when I moved from the 570 to the 535. I was hoping they would address these issues, and was disappointed that they didn’t. I downgraded from the 570 to the 535 due to stitch quality issues on the 9 mm machine for piecing.

Thanks for the heads up. You're awesome. Signing off!

Holy Dooley! It is $21000 in Australia!!! Nope thats a big no for me.

The 8 series machines have had nearly same threader system since 2009, so not their first one.

Why so negative! The technicians would have some kind of an accent no matter where they came from!

This sewing machine is too big for my use. I need to be able to pick up and move things around on my own and these larger sewing machines are just not portable enough for my liking. My complaint is that it is not “pretty”. I like the machines with some color like my Pfaff 7550 which I purchased new in the 1990’s.

sorry i am poor person it would take me 6 year's to pay with my trade in of my 880 emb. machine so I WOULD HAVE TO BUY NEW BOBBINS BECAUSE THE NEW MACHINE TAKES A LARGE BOBBIN

uk price for machine £12950 machine and and emb unit