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Bernina 215 Review (2023 Update)
Note from the Editor: This review was originally written in 2012 and has been revised and updated in 2023. We have added alternative computerized sewing machines such as Elnita EM16, EverSewn Sparrow 15, and SINGER Making The Cut.
I’ve been wanting to review Bernina’s computerized sewing machine for beginners for quite some time. The Bernina 215 is just that machine.
Bernina 215 Overview
The BERNINA 215 is a compact and versatile sewing machine that is perfect for beginners and hobbyists. It features a wide range of basic and decorative stitches, including 11 practical stitches and two buttonhole stitches. The machine also has a built-in needle threader and an easy-to-use speed control that allows you to adjust the sewing speed to suit your needs. Additionally, the machine has a free arm for sewing cylindrical items such as sleeves and cuffs, and it comes with a variety of accessories, including a slide-on extension table and a dust cover.
The BERNINA 215 also has a number of advanced features that make it a great choice for more experienced sewers. It has a stitch width of up to 5.5 mm, allowing you to create intricate decorative stitches. The machine also has a memory function that allows you to save your favorite stitch combinations, and it has an automatic buttonhole function that makes creating buttonholes a breeze. Additionally, the BERNINA 215 has a bright LED light that illuminates the work area, making it easy to see your sewing project even in low-light conditions.
When you first look at it, the BERNINA 215 appears to be every bit the machine that the manufacturer claims it is.
The backlit LCD screen displays stitch number, length and width settings and the correct presser foot for the selected stitch.
There is a series of buttons with pictographic displays of stitch details which allow you to see what the stitches are supposed to look like.
The greatest thing one will discover about the looks of the BERNINA 215 is the fact that anyone who purchases a BERNINA 215 has the option of purchasing one of several changeable skins which allow them to customize their sewing machines to match their mood, personal style and décor.
What are the features on Bernina 215?
The standard features available on the BERNINA 215 include:
- 11 buttonholes
- One 4-step buttonhole
- Customizable outer skins
- On board needle threader
- Monochromatic LCD display screen
- Bright LED lighting
- On board thread cutter
- Needle up/down
- Adjustable speed control
- Adjustable needle position
- Adjustable stitch length and width
Working on the BERNINA 215
Winding the bobbin and threading the BERNINA 215 is as easy as these two steps could possibly be. Selecting stitches is equally as uncomplicated.
To choose a particular stitch, all that is required is to press the corresponding button. When a stitch option is chosen, the stitch number is illuminated in the LCD screen along with the needle position, stitch length width and length settings along with the correct presser foot identification.
To the right of the LCD screen are three sets of buttons with left and right directional arrows which are used to adjust the needle position and stitch length and width.
When making a buttonhole, the LCD screen takes you through each of the four steps making it as easy as possible for anyone who is unfamiliar or uncomfortable with the process of sewing buttonholes.
The BERNINA 215 sews quickly and with very little noise or vibration. The stitches are very good, secure, sturdy, even and well formed.
What are some alternatives for Bernina 215?
We have reviewed several home sewing machines similar to the Bernina 215 and here are some we highly recommend.
The Elnita EM16 Mechanical Sewing Machine is a reliable and durable machine that is perfect for beginners and those who prefer a simpler approach to sewing. With 16 built-in stitches, including straight, zigzag, and decorative stitches, this machine offers a range of options for basic sewing tasks. The EM16 also features a front-loading bobbin system, making it easy to load and replace the bobbin, and a free arm for sewing cuffs, collars, and other hard-to-reach areas. The machine is lightweight and portable, making it easy to transport and store. The EM16 also comes with a range of accessories, including a hard cover, four presser feet, and a seam ripper, to help you tackle any sewing project with ease. With its simple and straightforward design, the Elnita EM16 Mechanical Sewing Machine is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a reliable and easy-to-use machine for basic sewing tasks.
The EverSewn Sparrow 15 is a reliable choice for beginners and creative minds seeking an efficient yet budget-friendly sewing companion. Boasting a modern blue and white design, this electric machine offers 32 stitch patterns, including 15 utility stitches and 12 decorative stitches. Ideal for kids and those starting their sewing journey, it features user-friendly functions like a manual thread cutter and a 5 mm maximum stitch width. The Sparrow 15's robust build, automatic needle threader, and included accessories make it a practical solution for entry-level sewing enthusiasts. Aimed at beginners and kids, the Sparrow 15 offers an accessible entry into the world of sewing with a modern design and functional features.
The Singer M3330 Making the Cut Sewing Machine, featured on Amazon Prime's MAKING THE CUT, is the machine you might want to add to your sewing room if you're searching for a reasonably priced sewing machine with enough capabilities for beginners who want to learn how to sew and for advanced sewers who want to make a variety of sewing projects. This machine offers 97 stitch applications, adjustable stitch options, a built-in needle threader and a built-in cutter for efficiency, and "Making the Cut" technology for unique designs. Its one-step buttonhole, LED lighting, and durable metal frame make it perfect for quilting, garment making, and DIY projects. The included essentials make it ideal for project kick-starts.
- Offers 97 stitch applications, suitable for various fabrics and sewing projects
- Full metal frame ensures long-lasting performance, providing stability during use
- Built-in needle threader and one-step buttonhole simplify the sewing process
- Long-lasting LED lighting provides bright, cool-to-touch illumination for precise work
- You won't be able to use this basic sewing machine, if you're a top-tier professional, to work on complex sewing jobs
Check more mechanical sewing machines here
Which fabrics work on the Bernina 215?
| Fabrics that work | Fabrics that don’t work |
|---|---|
| Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester Knits (medium to heavyweight only) | Fur Reptile skin Canvas/Twill Plastic/Rubber Upholstery Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers Leather/suede |
What are the accessories that come with Bernina 215?
The list of standard accessories that come with the BERNINA 215 includes:
- Exclusive BERNINA presser foot shaft with 5 snap on presser feet
- Reverse pattern
- Blindstitch
- Buttonhole
- Zipper
- Overlock
- Fabric cover
- Accessory case
- Bobbins
- Selection of 130/705H needles
- Seam ripper
- Lint brush
- 3 spool discs
- Foam pad
- Oil dispenser
- Owner’s manual
How to maintain the Bernina 215?
| Maintenance activities | After each use | Monthly | Once each year | As needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clean race hook and feed dogs | Yes | No | No | No |
| Wipe head with soft dry cloth | No | No | No | Yes |
| Wipe head with soft damp cloth | No | No | No | Yes |
| Lubricate | No | No | No | Yes |
| Service by sewing machine repair professional | No | No | No | Yes |
Bernina 215 Summary
When it comes to computerized sewing machines for beginners, the Bernina 215 is very easy to operate, renders excellent stitches, and seems to be quite reliable. I like the fact that the stitch selection process is so user friendly. An added benefit is the portability of the Bernina 215. It is lightweight, and the oversized carrying handle makes taking it to class, to the college dorm, or on vacation a piece of cake.
I like the Bernina 215 for adults or high school beginners. In my opinion, most computerized sewing machines are not good for use by children younger than 12 years of age, but this one might be an exception. The threading and stitch selection processes are so simple, children in the fourth or fifth grade might be able to master the operation of this machine with just a little adult supervision. If your sewing skills are at the intermediate level or even if you have been sewing for several decades, you will not be disappointed with the quality and workmanship of the Bernina 215.
Although it doesn’t have a lot of stitch options, this machine is a great addition to the sewing room of someone who doesn’t mind not having dozens of decorative stitches at their fingertips. For me, the MSRP is a bit high, but finding the BERNINA 215 on sale or available for a significantly lower selling price is a definite possibility. If you are in the market for a reliable portable computerized sewing machine, you owe it to yourself to take a look at the Bernina 215 before making that final decision. If it is not available, check the best bernina sewing machines.
Bernina 215 Review
Summary
The Bernina 215 is a basic sewing machine that is designed for beginners and intermediate sewers. It has a variety of features that make it easy to use and produce professional-looking results, including 21 built-in stitches, 7 one-step buttonholes, automatic needle threader, drop-in bobbin, speed control slider, LED light, and built-in extension table. It is a great choice for sewers who are looking for an easy-to-use machine that can handle a variety of fabrics and projects. It is also a great value for the price.
However, it is important to note that the Bernina 215 does not have as many features as some other machines, so it may not be the best choice for experienced sewers.
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Happy Stitching.
I have the Bernina 220, a very similar machine. Although it works well, this machine is not a durable for traveling even when packed securely in a Bernina travel case. When I returned from a trip, the presser foot was turned sideways. After 2 unsuccessful service sessions with my original dealer, my new dealer was unable to make the machine stay in proper alignment. Factory techs determined that the 3 piece head frame was together wrong. After 200 dollars in repairs, it is finally working well. Bernina customer rep could not explain how the head frame became crooked. Don’t buy this machine for travel.
Can I use pre round bobbins in the 215 Bernina sewing machine
Thanks for such a detailed review, it certainly has helped me make up my mind about what machine to buy
I have a Bernina 215B. It has been quite a disappointment after 40 years of the 810 workhorse that I loved. I bought the 810 machine so many years ago at the suggestion of an engineer friend who evaluated it thoroughly and was impressed that it had no plastic parts. He was right. It was great. I sewed a lot, including creating large “paintings” using free motion stitching. That machine never failed me. Other than lacking a stretch stitch, I loved it. It finally needed an expensive repair so I was talked into the 215B. I was sure I got a lemon. The primary problem was that it skipped stitches constantly and wouldn’t sew on light weight material, such as sports fabrics. The second major aggravation is that it consistently wads up the bobbin thread on the bottom of the fabric, making an ugly mess, unless you hold the threads back tightly as you start sewing. This requires a free hand, which may be needed elsewhere, and is not always possible, as with quilting, embroidery, or wherever the stitch is not beginning on the edge of the fabric. I returned it to the dealer 2X for repairs and they were never able to fix the problem. By the 3rd time I took it in it was past warranty so they charged me a lot for service, even though it was the same problem they couldn’t fix previously. They finally fix the primary problem the third time, but the stitches wadding up on the back of the fabric seems to be the nature of the machine. It is a major annoyance because I have to stop after each run and try to pick out the wadded up mess, which is seldom completely successful. Also, the back stitch insists on going back 2 stitches instead of one, which is a problem if you are doing precise stitching. I have touted the superiority of Bernina for 40 years, but no more!!
Hi Pamela do you still have the 810 machine? 99% of the “expensive” problems is when the suppressor in the motor burns out. I’ve experienced it. Its a loud pop with acrid smoke coming out of the motor.The diagnosis is always the the motor has burned out.
These motors had a capacitor to suppress electrical interference to radios and tvs close to the machine when they were used.They fail with a pop and smoke.Get a friendly electrician or somebody competent to open the motor and remove the capacitor and most times your machine will be repaired.
Modern radios and tvs are no longer affected by the electrical interference.
You say that the Bernina 215 is not for heavy fabrics?? But my local store says I can sew 8 layers of denim at a time. Anyone have any experience here?? Good or bad?? I hope to know before I make such an investment!
We bought ours yesterday and the sales girl showed us sewing 6 layers of denim. we also bought the floor model that saved us a bit of money.
I just bought this because it was able to sew thick denim layers. It went through many layers like butter, amazing.
have a Bernina 215 and I don’t KNOW if it is a low shank or high shank. Can anyone tell me?