Bernette b77 Review: Affordable Swiss Precision or Just Hype?
We tested the flagship sewing-only machine from Bernina’s sister brand. With Dual Feed and a 5-inch touchscreen, is the b77 the ultimate upgrade for intermediate sewists?
If you have been eyeing a Bernina but can’t quite justify the £2,000+ price tag for a 5 Series, you have likely stumbled upon Bernette. Marketed as the “accessible” line designed by the Swiss giant Bernina, these machines promise high-end features at a mid-range price.
The Bernette b77 is the crown jewel of their sewing-only lineup. It sits squarely in the category of best sewing machines for intermediate sewers who want to transition from mechanical to computerized luxury. But does it actually sew like a Bernina, or is it just clever branding? In this review, we break down the stitch quality, the Dual Feed system, and whether it’s worth the investment for your sewing room.
The Bernette b77: Overview
Bernette b77 Sewing Machine
A computerized powerhouse focused purely on sewing and quilting. It features a 5-inch colour touchscreen, integrated Dual Feed for difficult fabrics, and a massive 9-inch throat space.
| Stitches | 500 Total (17 Buttonholes) |
| Speed | 1,000 Stitches Per Minute |
| Throat Space | 230mm (9 inches) |
| Hook System | Drop-in Hook |
Key Features That Matter
The b77 isn’t just a pretty face. It is packed with features usually reserved for machines costing twice as much.
1. 5-Inch Colour Touchscreen
Navigating 500 stitches on a tiny LCD screen is a nightmare. The b77 solves this with a responsive, centrally located touchscreen. It includes the “Creative Consultant” (similar to Bernina’s system) which recommends the best stitch, foot, and tension settings based on the fabric you select.
2. Programmable Foot Control
This is a rare feature at this price point. The foot pedal has a “kick-back” function. You can program it to cut the thread or raise the presser foot when you tap your heel, keeping your hands on the fabric. If you are used to a knee lift (which is also included!), this adds another layer of speed to your workflow.
3. 9-Inch Throat Space
For quilters, space is everything. The b77 offers 9 inches (230mm) to the right of the needle. This is sufficient for maneuvering a double or queen-sized quilt. To make the most of this space, ensure you have a proper quilting cutting mat and table setup to support the weight of your project.
The Star Feature: Dual Feed
The b77 comes with a built-in Dual Feed mechanism. Unlike a bulky walking foot attachment that clunks along, this is a discreet feed dog located above the fabric at the back of the presser foot.
It works in sync with the bottom feed dogs to pull top and bottom fabric layers evenly. This is non-negotiable for:
• Matching plaids or stripes.
• Sewing slippery silks or velvets.
• Quilting thick layers of batting without puckering.
Note: If you are debating brands, this feature is often the tie-breaker in the Bernina vs. Janome debate, as Janome’s AcuFeed is the main rival.
Bernette Comparison: b77 vs b79 vs b38
It can be confusing to choose between the models. Here is the cheat sheet:
- Bernette b38: The top of the “3 Series.” It is a solid computerized machine but lacks the Dual Feed, the large touchscreen, and the knee lift. It is significantly cheaper but smaller.
- Bernette b77 (This Review): Sewing only. Includes Dual Feed and large screen. Best for dressmakers and quilters who do not need embroidery.
- Bernette b79: The combo machine. It is essentially a b77 plus an embroidery module. If you want to do hoop embroidery, you need the b79. If you never plan to embroider, save your money and get the b77.
The Honest Verdict: Pros & Cons
No machine is perfect. While the b77 is excellent, there are nuances you should know before buying.
Why You’ll Love It
- Stitch Quality: Produces beautiful, consistent straight stitches and decorative patterns.
- Dual Feed: A game-changer for difficult fabrics.
- Interface: The UI is intuitive and modern.
- Accessories: Comes with a massive extension table and 8 presser feet included.
Potential Dealbreakers
- Bobbin Winding: Some users report the bobbin winder can be finicky if not threaded perfectly.
- Tension Sensitivity: It can be picky with cheap thread. Use quality polyester or cotton. (See our troubleshooting guide if you hit snags).
- Single Hole Plate: Does not always come standard (check your bundle), which is preferred for delicate fabrics.
Final Thoughts
The Bernette b77 is arguably the best value-for-money machine in the Bernina family ecosystem. It offers the space and feeding technology of a premium machine for a mid-range price. While it is manufactured in Asia (unlike the Swiss-made top-tier Berninas), the engineering oversight is evident in the stitch quality.
If you are a garment sewer looking to work with knits and silks, or a quilter needing more throat space without breaking the bank, the b77 is a fantastic choice.
Buy Now on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Bernette is a brand of the Bernina Textile Group. However, Bernette machines are manufactured in Asia (often Thailand or Taiwan) to Bernina’s specifications, whereas high-end Bernina machines are manufactured in Switzerland or Thailand in Bernina-owned factories. Bernette is the “accessible” line.
It does not need one! The b77 features Integrated Dual Feed, which performs the same function as a walking foot but is built into the machine. It is less bulky and easier to engage.
No, the b77 is a sewing-only machine. It has decorative stitches, but it cannot accept an embroidery module for hoop embroidery. If you need embroidery, look at the Bernette b79.
Yes, the b77 features an automatic thread cutter which can be operated via a button on the head of the machine or programmed into the foot control (heel tap).
