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BERNINA 330 Review (2023 update)
Note from Editor: This Bernina 330 review was originally written in 2013 and revised in 2023. We have also added alternatives to the Bernina 330 as it is no longer in production.
The sewing machines in the BERNINA 3 series aren’t really new, but I hadn’t had a chance to review them before a recent visit to Once Upon a Quilt in Ft. Lauderdale. Like most BERNINAs, there are three machines in the series… the 330, the 350 and the 380. The 330 is the basic computerized sewing machine in the BERNINA 3 series. It comes with 97 decorative and utility stitch options, including a one step buttonhole, LED lighting and a full color LCD touch screen.
Bernina 330 Sewing Machine – Overview
*Bernina 330 is no longer produced and you will only get to buy pre-owned products*
Bernina 330 is a mechanical machine with better-than-standard features combined with some technology. As a result of its features, the device is ideal for beginners who do not want to learn with a mechanical machine. The quality of delivery has been labeled impressive by many household users. It is, however, slightly difficult to rethread this machine. The needle threader works pretty well. The device is also brightly lit. The BERNINA 330 is also good for your back and eyes because it has even, glare-free lighting in the work area and makes it easy to control complicated sewing tasks. Here, the neutral light quality of the LED sewing light makes it easy to see how the color of the thread you're using affects the fabric, even while you're stitching. This is because there are no color casts in the light from other sources, like neon tubes or lightbulbs. A tiny thing that makes a tremendous difference!
At A Glance
Two of the three machines in the BERNINA 3 series have a silver and white motif with a color LCD touch screen, directional arrows, memory keys and a numerical keypad to be used for stitch selection. There is also a variable speed slider, a reverse button, a start/stop button and a button to control the needle stop position – up or down.
Features
The standard features available on the BERNINA 330 are:
- 97 utility and decorative stitch options
- 15 utility stitches
- 3 cross stitch programs
- 23 decorative stitches
- 3 quilting stitches
- 1 one step buttonhole
- 1 alphanumeric font
- Built in needle threader
- On board manual thread cutter
- Needle up/down
- Start/stop button
- Reverse button
- Seam guide etched onto needle plate
- On board ruler in inches and centimeters
- 9 needle positions
- Adjustable stitch length and width
- Ability to wind bobbins while sewing
Working on the BERNINA 330
Winding the front loading bobbin and threading the BERNINA 330 are very easy. In fact, without a diagram or on-board thread guides that show the user step by step how to thread the machine, anyone who has used sewing machines for a while could easily figure out how to wind the bobbin and thread this machine. To choose a utility stitch on the BERNINA 330, just push the number button that corresponds to the stitch you want. But you have to use the menu button and follow the steps on the LCD screen to choose decorative or quilting stitches or the alphanumeric font. Use the arrow buttons to the right of the LCD screen to change the stitch length and width. The memory buttons are used to store up to 30 of your own personal stitch combinations for future use. The quality of the stitches made on the BERNINA 330 is excellent. To be honest, finding a sewing machine made after the 1960s with stitch quality matching the BERNINA 330 is a bit of a challenge.
There are other sewing machines on the market today that produce stitches of equal quality, but they are few and far between. Taking care of the BERNINA 330 is quite simple. A dry of damp cloth to clean the machine head is all that’s needed. The front loading bobbin makes cleaning the race hook of the BERNINA 330 a bit more challenging than if it had a drop in bobbin, but the way this machine is made, cleaning the race hook is not a difficult task at all.
Fabrics
| Fabrics that work | Fabrics that don’t work |
|---|---|
Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet Knits (medium to heavyweight only) Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester Upholstery |
Alternatives to the Bernina 330
As Bernina 330 is now a discontinued product, we recommend the Brother CS5055, the Singer 9960 and the Janome 3160 as great alternatives to the Bernina 330. Details below:
The type of sewing machine might have compelled you to think that it would be pricey. But the good news is that this one is under $200. The Brother CS5055 uses a computerized system, making it convenient for both freshers and experts. You will be amazed to know that it offers 60 built-in stitches for decorative, utility, and heirloom functions. Hence, you can try your hand at adding creative embellishments. Apart from that, this model promises threading without barriers and gives you a drop-in top bobbin that is jam-resistant. So you will be able to sew multiple projects at the same time. Then, you will also come across a metal frame and a fixed needle bar for perfect stitching. If you want to work on a complicated project, then use the spacious needle-to-arm area. Furthermore, the LCD display allows you to control the sewing. So, none of your projects can go wrong.
Versatility, premium features, and precision define the Singer Quantum Stylist 9960. The sewing machine scores full marks in terms of 600 built-in stitches, which comprise stretch, decorative, and quilting options to pamper your inner sewer. Then, the device comes ahead with a needle threader and automatic thread cutter to save you time. You will even come across a speed control slider designed for both professionals and beginners. The machine also startles you with 13 fully automatic buttonholes and a wide array of presser feet to boost the value so you can sew diverse projects.
The Janome 3160QDC is a fully functional, top-of-the-line machine that provides all of the benefits at an affordable price. It was created keeping a quilter's needs in mind.
The Superior Plus Feed System from the company Janome has optimized box feeding that makes it possible to feed any fabric steadily and consistently.
Six 1-step buttonholes are available among the 60 built-in stitches. This full-sized machine only weighs 12 pounds, which makes it convenient to transport to workshops and guild meetings.
Sewing is made simple with the time-saving features of this machine, like the memorized up/down needle, the single-handed needle threader, and the lock stitch button.
Accessories
The machines in the BERNINA 3 series come with a full compliment of standard and optional accessories.
Standard accessories
- 5 Presser feet
- Reverse pattern foot
- Overlock foot
- Buttonhole foot
- Zipper foot with slide
- Blindstitch foot
- Screwdriver
- Seam ripper
- Lint brush
- Owner’s manual
Optional accessories
- Specialty presser feet
- Embroidery
- Tailor tack
- Jeans
- Darning
- Edgestitch
- Cordonnet
- Bulky overlock
- Straight stitch
- Braiding
- Button
- Free motion
- Appliqué
- Braiding
- Cording
- Gathering
- Pintuck
- Invisible zipper
- Roller
- Piping
- Eyelet embroidery attachment
- Circular embroidery attachment
- Plexiglass extension table
Maintenance
| 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 | No |
| Service by sewing machine repair professional | No | No | Yes | No |
Tying Off The Loose Ends
The BERNINA 330 is a great user friendly sewing machine for beginners. Because of the rather complicated stitch selection process, however, I do not recommend it for use by children younger than high school age or by people who are challenged by technology. Anyone with prior sewing experience will be pleased with the way this machine operates and the stitch quality. Also, there are other computerized sewing machines on the market that make stitches that are just as good as this one but don’t have such a high price. The BERNINA 330 is overpriced for what it offers, but it is a very good machine (now discontinued). I think it would be a wonderful buy if you can find one on sale. When I was at Once Upon a Quilt, I noticed signs encouraging shoppers to ask a salesperson about special pricing.
If you are an advanced sewist, have a look at our best sewing machines, best sewing books and best sewing magazines posts and if you are looking to get a mechanical, heavy duty, quilting or industrial sewing machine, have a look at some of our great articles. If you are a beginner sewist, review our best sewing books for beginners, best sewing machines for beginners and best sewing machines under $200 to get started.
For brand related articles, check Best Bernette | Best Bernina | Best Brother | Best Husqvarna Viking | Best Janome | Best Juki | Best Singer |
For best accessories, check Best Chairs | Best tables | Best tracing paper | Best machine oils | Best scissors and shears | Best presser feet | Best needles | Best sewing kits |
Happy Stitching.
Bernina 330 Review
Summary
The BERNINA 330 is a great user friendly sewing machine for beginners. The BERNINA 330 is overpriced for what it offers, but it is a very good machine (now discontinued). There are other computerized sewing machines on the market that make stitches that are just as good as this one but don’t have such a high price on the pre-owned market
If you are an advanced sewist, have a look at our best sewing machines, best sewing books and best sewing magazines posts and if you are looking to get a mechanical, heavy duty, quilting or industrial sewing machine, have a look at some of our great articles. If you are a beginner sewist, review our best sewing books for beginners, best sewing machines for beginners and best sewing machines under $200 to get started.
For brand related articles, check Best Bernette | Best Bernina | Best Brother | Best Husqvarna Viking | Best Janome | Best Juki | Best Singer |
For best accessories, check Best Chairs | Best tables | Best tracing paper | Best machine oils | Best scissors and shears | Best presser feet | Best needles | Best sewing kits |
Happy Stitching.
Looking for a review on Bernina 350 PE. Thanks
I’m curious why “Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers” isn’t checked under fabrics. I did not spend a lot of time with this machine, but I did take a piece of denim and fold it in 8ths and it sewed over it without a denim needle perfectly. I was really impressed. Maybe it would be different if I worked with the machine at home with my own projects, but it seemed to work really well. That was one of my concerns with choosing a new machine. (I haven’t yet chosen a new machine to purchase but I am eyeing this one.)
Hello, Elle –
Thank you for visiting Sewing Insight.
While the 330 may be capable of sewing through very thick and heavy layers, I don’t recommend it for continuous long term use on heavy projects like that.
Happy stitching.
After my Brother 650 Q (bought new) crashed on sewing it’s second garment which happened to be 2pc fleece pajamas, I bought a Bernina 350PE. A big disappointment. Especially with the buttonhole feature. There one step automatic does not even compare to my 25 year old Kenmore which allows the sewer to insert the button and the buttonhole is made to the exact size of the button and stops. On this Bernina, the sewer must measure the button and add 1/8″. The machine will replicate that size buttonhole. This feature seems very antiquated to me. The automatic upper needle threader seems unusually finicky at best.The machine is also noisy. I guess I’ll keep it but I’m not in love with it. Not at all.
You mention “there are other computerized sewing machines on the market that produce equally superior stitch quality without such a hefty MSRP.” Can you mention what those others are? I’m looking for a basic machine for sewing repairs, simple crafts and some basic quilting.
Any Janome. Most bang for the buck of my 5 machines.
Can you drop the feed dogs? If so where is the lever?
Thanks for the review. I started looking for a sewing/embroidery machine but do not know much about the newer models. I would like to purchase a model that is easy to use but with the newer options (not older models using cards to embroider, etc.) I want to start with lettering since waiting for our first grandchild. I have been looking on ebay and craigslist but would like to compare models but not spend thousands of dollars. Just found your site and appreciate followers input. Any other suggestions or sewing/embroidery sites to follow since I am just getting back into sewing after years on an old Singer that gave out.
Cindy
I made two quilts on my. Last one had raised appliqued in. I do free motion a lot. Wonderful!! I am actually thinking of selling for a pfaff quilting expression 4.0, but scared it might not be as good. The only thing is that extra pressure feet is expensive. I have installed a knee lifter into mine and it’s great!! To the right of your machine is a button. Underneath the pedal plug. Press in and you lower the feed dogs. Sorry for my English I’m from south africa. Mine has 40 stitches did they add more?
Hi Nicolene
Ek dink nou daaraan om vir my n Bernina 330 te koop. Ek het n Elna 3230 en doen oon vreeslik baie naaldwerk en quilts. Sal jy die Bernina aanraai ? Ek kan hom kry teen 10 000.00 minder. Die winkel maak toe
Groete
I am in the same position as the man above (Jim Pitts). I am wondering what other machines are as good as the Bernina with a lower MSRP? I sewed a lot in my youth and now that my kids are older I am having a blast sewing again. I have a bottom of the line Husqvarna
that is so basic it’s frustrating. I really want a better machine with more options and ease of threading the needle. Hope you can give me some more ideas.
I need to use the start/stop button on my Bernina 330 for sewing, not the foot pedal. How do I tack the ends of a line a sewing? The reverse button will not work on its own. Do I press both buttons at once?
I too want to know what machine have equally stitch quality for lower price? I am on the market for a new sewing machine. I want a machine with perfect stitch quality and that can sew thick fabrics easily. Any recommandations? I’m okay to pay a higher price for it.