Bernina Bernette Sew Pink Sublime Review (2023 Update)

Note from the Editor: This Bernina Bernette Sew Pink Sublime Review was originally written in 2015, and has been revised and updated in 2023. Since Bernina Bernette Sew Pink Sublime is a discontinued model, we have added alternative home sewing machines such as Brother XM2701, SINGER Making The Cut, and Elnita EM16.

While visiting Once Upon a Quilt in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, I came across a charming little pink and white mechanical sewing machine. the Limited Edition Bernina Bernette Sew Pink Sublime.

Lisa, the owner and manager of Once Upon a Quilt, explained that the Sew Pink Sublime was released in October 2014 in observance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and that Bernina donates a portion of the profit from the sale of each machine to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Even if my own mother had not lost her life to breast cancer in 1999, the fact that the folks at Bernina set aside part of their profits for this little pink sewing machine made an impression on me.

Bernina Bernette Sew Pink Sublime Overview

Pink is one of my favorite colors. Perhaps that’s why the BERNINA Bernette Sew Pink Sublime originally caught my eye.

Anyone familiar with sewing machines would know in an instant that the Bernina Bernette Sew Pink Sublime was designed for use by a child or anyone else who may be learning to sew.

The stitch selection guide is prominently displayed across the top of the machine head. A reverse stitch lever is situated on the immediate left side of the stitch selection guide, and a large window on the column allows the user to easily see the selected stitch. The stitch selection dial is on the right side of the machine, beneath the balance wheel. A tiny dial next to the stitch selection dial adjusts the width of the buttonhole stitches, making it possible for the user to customize the buttonholes to their liking.

There is also an on-board accessories case with a six inch ruler decal that slides off easily to give the user access to the free arm, an easy-to-see and use seam guide on the needle plate, and three dials on the very top of the machine head. From left to right, these dials control tension adjustment, stitch width, and stitch length. Easy-to-understand and follow thread guides are on the top and front of the machine as well.

What are the features on Bernina Bernette Sew Pink Sublime?

• Limited edition sewing machine
• 26 pre-programmed utility, decorative and quilting stitches
  • 1 Automatic one-step buttonhole
  • 10 Utility stitches
  • 13 Decorative stitches
  • 2 Quilting stitches
• Semi-automatic needle threader
• Easy loading drop in bobbin
• Adjustable stitch length and width
• Free arm
• On board accessory storage
• On board ruler
• Seam guides on needle plate
• On board quick reference guide

Working on the Bernina Bernette Sew Pink Sublime

The on board guides for winding the bobbin and threading the Limited Edition BERNINA Bernette Sew Pink Sublime is simple enough for a child in elementary school to learn and master in just a few minutes.

I am certain a child of seven or eight will be able to perform these tasks after preparing the machine to sew just two or three times with close adult supervision. The on board quick reference guide is an added benefit, especially for those who are new to sewing. With this at your fingertips, you have immediate access to even more detailed instructions for winding and inserting the bobbin and threading the machine.

After the machine is threaded and the drop-in bobbin is securely in place, selecting the correct stitch from the 26 utility, decorative, and quilting stitch options is as easy as turning a dial that’s located on the side. As the dial is turned, a a picture of the stitch is displayed in the magnifier window on the column.

The quality of the stitches produced by the Limited Edition BERNINA Bernette Sew Pink Sublime are adequate, but not what I would necessarily call perfect. They remind me of the stitches made on some of the sewing machines I have seen that were made specifically for use by children. I hasten to add, however, that they are tight and quite secure.

With this in mind, I can honestly say that the Bernina Bernette Sew Pink Sublime is one of those machines that is good for clothing construction, making accessories, and mending. I also noticed an increase in noise and vibration when sewing at higher speeds.

What are some alternatives for Bernina Bernette Sew Pink Sublime?

We have noted that the Bernina Bernette Sew Pink Sublime is a limited edition release and is no longer available. Here are some alternatives that we recommend instead.

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Which fabrics work on the Bernina Bernette Sew Pink Sublime?

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) Upholstery Denim	Fur Reptile skin Canvas/Twill Plastic/Rubber Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers Leather/suede

What are the accessories that come with Bernina Bernette Sew Pink Sublime?

Standard accessories:

• 5 Snap on presser feet
  • Standard/multi-purpose foot
  • Buttonhole foot
  • Button foot
  • Zipper foot
• Seam guide
• Dust cover
• Lint brush
• Seam ripper
• Screwdriver
• Bobbins
• Needles
• Owner’s manual

Optional accessories:

• 6 Additional Snap on presser feet
  • Blind hem foot
  • Cording foot
  • Darning and embroidery foot
  • Gathering foot
  • ¼” Quilting foot
  • Overcasting foot

How to maintain the Bernina Bernette Sew Pink Sublime?

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

Summary: Bernina Bernette Sew Pink Sublime Review

The BERNINA Bernette Sew Pink Sublime is one of those sewing machines that is ideal for someone who is beginning to sew as well as the experienced home sewer who does not sew frequently.

I would not recommend it for heavy use, but it might be perfect for the occasional home sewer. The free arm, removable accessories case and on board seam guides and ruler make the BERNINA Bernette Sew Pink Sublime one of the most user friendly mechanical sewing machines on the market.

I am a bit concerned about the very hard plastic material used to make the accessories case. It reminds me of the type of plastic that can become brittle and crack if it is dropped or used more than once in a while. No doubt, manufacturers are turning to less costly materials when and where they can in order to keep costs low for consumers. As a result, I’m finding that more and more of this type of plastic is being used.

The good news is that I have not noticed it where it really counts. In other words… in the case of the Limited Edition BERNINA Bernette Sew Pink Sublime, the main parts of the machine appear to be made with more sturdy, durable material. The accessories case, which is an excellent feature, but to be honest, non-essential to the machine’s operation, is the only component I observed that was made with what I consider to be an inferior material.

You can also tell that there is not a lot of insulation inside the machine because of the level of noise and vibration… especially when the foot pedal is fully engaged. The truth of the matter is that insulation on a sewing machine is not essential to its functionality and operation. A machine’s noise level and vibration may be a distraction, but it does not affect its finished product.

In the final analysis, I recommend this machine for occasional use, as a learning tool and for use by children. It is ideal for anyone who does not sew often or who sews on a regular basis but only for short periods of time, regardless of their skill level. I do not, however, believe it will be a good choice for anyone who sews for hours on end, like I do.

I applaud the folks at BERNINA for their commitment to contribute $20 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation for each Bernette Sew Pink Sublime sold.

This machine is not their best, but definitely worth a close look for anyone in the market for a back-up sewing machine or a sewing machine for a little one who wants to learn how to sew.

Even though Breast Cancer Awareness Month has passed, the BERNINA Bernette Sew Pink Sublime is still available at authorized BERNINA dealers across the country and will remain in stock until all of the models on hand are sold. I urge you to visit the nearest BERNINA dealer in your local area and ask for a demonstration. Check it out and determine for yourself whether or not the Limited Edition BERNINA Bernette Sew Pink Sublime would be a good fit for your own sewing room.

Available in pink and in limited supply, BERNINA will contribute $20 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation for each machine sold.

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