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Bernina E 16 Review (2023 Update)
Note from the Editor: This review was written in 2015, revised and updated in 2023. We have added similar alternatives such as Juki Tajima Sai 8, Janome MB-7, and Brother Persona PRS100.
It wasn’t until a recent visit to Once Upon a Quilt in Ft. Lauderdale that I discovered the BERNINA E 16, a multi thread embroidery machine made by BERNINA. I was fully aware of the extensive line of BERNINA quilting frames, but that was the extent of my awareness of what I like to call oversized BERNINA sewing machines.
Bernina E 16 Overview
The BERNINA E 16 is a high-performance embroidery machine designed for professional and commercial use. With its advanced technology and precise stitching capabilities, it offers exceptional embroidery results. The machine features a large embroidery area, allowing you to create intricate designs and patterns on various fabrics and garments. It offers a user-friendly interface and intuitive controls, making it easy to navigate and operate. The BERNINA E 16 also includes advanced features such as automatic thread trimming, thread tension adjustment, and multiple needle positions, providing precise and efficient embroidery performance. Whether you're running a small embroidery business or working on large-scale projects, the BERNINA E 16 is a reliable and versatile machine that delivers outstanding embroidery results.
Even before walking into Once Upon a Quilt, I couldn’t help but notice the large industrial multi-thread embroidery machine in the window, sitting right next to the door.
There were so many large cones of thread, I couldn’t tell exactly how many thread cones were actually mounted on this huge machine by just looking at it, but I didn’t bother to count them.
The machine sat atop a large black cabinet with lots of storage space beneath and a numerical control pad with a slide-out quick reference guide on the right side.
The oversized bobbin housing is situated directly beneath the work bed and above the spacious storage cabinet. The BERNINA E 16 has a patented cylindrical arm—the smallest in the industry—which makes working on very small items like pockets and baby clothes much easier than ever when performing similar tasks on other machines of this type.
What are the features on Bernina E 16?
- Automatic tension adjustment
- Narrow cylindrical arm
- Sews up to 1400 stitches per minute
- Chenille technique enables 3D embroidery
- Computer compatible
- Extra-large embroidery field – 400mm x 350mm
- Laser alignment
- Rotation 1, 90 and 180
- Automatic thread trim
- Automatic thread change
- Automatic thread trim
- Adjustable presser foot pressure
- 1000 on board designs
- BERNINA exclusive Go Pro hook system
Working on the Bernina E 16
The sixteen-cone thread pad and needles have very easy-to-follow thread paths, making this professional multi-thread machine as easy to thread as possible.
The on-board quick reference guide is not only helpful in setting the BERNINA E 16 up for creating any one of the 1000 on-board embroidery designs or working from one of the almost infinite number of downloadable images on your computer.
The keypad, which is mounted on the right side of the machine, is used to navigate through the 1000 on-board design patterns that appear on the computer screen.
You also use the keypad to adjust the design size and to program the thread color sequence in case you decide you want to customize a specific design. A handy, easy-to-understand quick reference guide that is attached to the right side of the keypad helps the user navigate through the entire process.
Laser technology allows you to quickly and easily pinpoint the center point of your design to assure that it is placed exactly where you want it to appear on your sewing project.
When all your settings are locked in, all you have to do is press the green button on the keypad, stand back, and watch as the BERNINA E 16 creates your design flawlessly. At 1400 stitches per minute, it doesn’t take long for even the largest and most intricate of designs to be completed.
For this review, I watched as a multicolored design came to life in what seemed like a flash. When it was time for a thread color change, the Bernina E 16 paused momentarily while it automatically tied off the first color and moved on to the next. The finished design was flawless in every way.
What are some alternatives for Bernina E 16?
We have reviewed several embroidery machines similar to the Bernina E 16 and here are some alternatives we highly recommend.
Are you searching for a compact-size embroidery machine? Then, with Janome Horizon Memory Craft 850, your hunt just ended. The machine can impress you with its versatility and abundance of great features. It consists of sewing and embroidery modes, allowing you to easily switch between the skills. Moreover, the machine provides you with up to 200x 280mm hoop capabilities to ensure precision, especially during embroidery, and the latest needle threading system lets you do some vibrant stitching.
- A wide array of more than 200 built-in stitches
- 175 embroidery designs
- Sturdy frame to manage hard fabrics
- Editing capabilities
- Prompt touchscreen for easier navigation
- Expensive, especially for beginners
- Slow speed of embroidery
This model by brother is a feature packed commercial device that gives you access to over 5000 optional design options from iBroidery.con besides the ones available onboard. It also has inbuilt memory to store your patterns and designs. 2 LED lights have been built-in for visual convenience alongside advanced needle threading mechanism and automatic thread tension to ensure adequate precision. The majority of features on thai model si automatic and set up to the user’s convenience. The quality of delivery is excellent and snooth and the device works incredibly fast saving you a considerable amount of time. A large work area is provided to accommodate larger sewing and embroidery projects. The working area is also well illuminated with LED lights.
The Janome Memory Craft 500E empowers designers to express their unique style through personalized, embellished, and monogrammed creations. Its intuitive features, including a full-color touchscreen and on-screen editing functions, offer unparalleled convenience. With a maximum embroidery size of 7.9" x 11" and 160 built-in designs, this machine caters to intricate projects. The automatic thread cutter, advanced needle threader, and USB import capability enhance efficiency. Navigating through its advanced features is seamless, thanks to the vivid and user-friendly LCD color touchscreen, making the MC500E a versatile and inspiring tool for creative endeavors.
- Empowers designers with personalized, embellished, and monogrammed creations
- Full-color touchscreen and on-screen editing functions for unparalleled convenience.
- Maximum size of 7.9" x 11" accommodates intricate projects
- Some users, especially beginners, might find the advanced features a bit overwhelming
Which fabrics work on the Bernina E 16?
| Fabrics that work | Fabrics that don’t work |
|---|---|
| Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool Canvas/Twill Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester Denim Upholstery Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers Leather/suede | Fur Reptile skin Plastic/Rubber Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet Knits (medium to heavyweight only) |
What are the accessories that come with Bernina E 16?
Standard accessories:
- Go Pro operator’s kit
- 4 Embroidery hoops
- 36 x 30 cm
- 44 x 30 cm
- 10 cm round
- 15 cm round
- Cap embroidery field 36 x 8.2 cm
Optional accessories:
- Additional cap hoops and drivers
- Specialty frames and hoops
- 3 Pocket frames
- BERNINA embroidery software compatibility
- Exclusive BERNINA design compatibility
How to maintain the Bernina E 16?
| 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 E 16 Review
When it’s all said and done, I think the BERNINA E 16 is a good single purpose industrial embroidery machine that can be used at home, in a factory or a studio where customized embroidery is featured.
Anyone who would invest in one of these machines for home use should be committed to machine embroidery in a major way.
Not only does it require a lot of additional space – much more than a traditional sewing machine or a combination embroidery and sewing machine – it costs significantly more than most home sewing and embroidery machines or single purpose embroidery machines designed specifically for home use alone.
The BERNINA E 16 is not the first multi thread embroidery machine I have seen or reviewed. There are, in fact several from which to choose… the Janome MB4, the Brother Entrepreneur Pro 1000e and the Melco Bravo.
When compared with the others, I found that the BERNINA E 16 can hold its own. I do, however, have concerns about the fact that this machine, like most of the other multi-thread embroidery machines that I reviewed, has not been on the market for a very long time. With this in mind, I must give the same caution to anyone who is ready to take the BERNINA E 16 home that I give everybody who is seriously considering a machine that is relatively new on the market.
We do not have a history with this machine or a gage against which to compare how it will fare after several years of use. In the showroom and right out of the carton, the BERNINA E 16 works beautifully. If the name and reputation of the manufacturer is any indication of the E 16’s durability, I can say that you should expect it to give many years of reliable service.
This does not, however, mean that I would not recommend the BERNINA E 16. It is capable of doing things that other multi-thread embroidery machines cannot do… namely produce chenille textured 3D designs. The BERNINA E 16 also has the smallest cylindrical arm ever produced on a machine of its type, enabling the user to create embroidery designs on pockets and baby clothes with ease.
With all this to its advantage, I encourage anyone in the market for a multi-thread embroidery machine to take a very close look at the BERNINA E 16. This machine is not by any means what one might call cheap or economically priced. It is, however, a BERNINA, and brings with it all of the workmanship and quality that BERNINA is known for. The BERNINA E 16 is not for everyone. For that matter, very few of the people who sew for personal use or professionally will have a need for any multi-thread embroidery machine.
However, it just might be the perfect choice for the machine embroidery enthusiast who spends more than seventy-five percent of their time on machine embroidery projects as well as for the embroidery professional who is in the market for a new addition to their studio or busy workroom.
Before making a final decision as to which multi-thread embroidery machine to add to your personal sewing room, your professional workroom or embroidery studio, I think you owe it to yourself and to your clients to visit your local BERNINA dealer and ask for a demonstration of the BERNINA E 16.
Bernina E 16 Review
Summary
The Bernina E 16 is a high-end embroidery machine that is designed for professional use. It is capable of embroidering a wide variety of designs, including letters, numbers, and complex images. The E 16 also has a number of features that make it easy to use, such as a large touch screen display and a built-in computer.
However, the Bernina E 16 is also a relatively expensive machine. It is important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks before making a decision about whether or not to purchase one.
Overall, the Bernina E 16 is a high-quality embroidery machine that is ideal for both professionals and home sewers. It is a powerful and versatile machine that can be used to create a wide variety of embroidery projects.
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Happy Stitching.
My wife purchased the Bernina E16 a year ago this past August. She should have bought the Melco version instead. Bernina, like most big companies, will purchase successful niche companies because they are incapable of competing in a particular space. In this case, Bernina purchased Melco. The E16 has been a nightmare. Zero support from Bernina or the dealer. This machine is very inconsistent and extremely finicky. No one seems to care that this new machine is not functioning for us. Think very hard before you throw $15k into this machine and several thousands more for accessories. Bernina should be ashamed for launching this machine before fully testing it and deciding how and who will service these machines. My wife has owned two other Bernina machines and has been loyal to the brand up until now.
What type of problems did you have and are they resolved now
My Brinina stopped working I have an error on my screen and I don’t no why and doesn’t respond to resetting.
I have an e16 and it is the biggest piece of garbage! It is incredibly finicky; far to much so for $18k. It takes 3 hours to embroider something that would take 25 minutes on my brother. The only threads I can use are Madera and Sulky and even those shred at least 10-15 times per 100 stitches and that is if the machine doesn’t unthread while starting a sequence. I’ve had this machine for 8 months and have finished 2 crowns for my daughter; every other project has been abandoned. This thing is such a huge source of anxiety that I have pretty much quit using it and resigned myself to the fact that I have an industrial paperweight.
Hello. I was thinking about buying this machine but after reading comments I’m not sure if I will. Do you still have it? Were you able fix the problems?
I purchased my Bernina E16 in May of 2015 and yes it was expensive, however, I took the classes that were offered on it thru my dealer and also took the 3 day class at Bernina Creative Center. I discovered things that I did not know how to do and have fallen in love with it. I had no previous embroidery experience other than watching a friend on a Baby Loc. I am learning this machine, it no longer intimidates me. I’ve called tech support and had wonderful help.
Thanks for sharing a nice resource. Will you share some sewing machine denim and jeans related resource. Also any tips for safety ?
I have had my E16 for about 5 years. The first machine I bought had several defects, but I was able to demonstrate them to the dealer (yes, I dragged this thing back to the dealer) and he got me a new machine. I have been happy with the machine. Yes, the learning curve is HUGE! I’ve learned lots of tricks to keep it happy, but it really does pound out beautiful embroidery. Unfortunately, I can’t program it and walk away, like I did with my last embroidery machine. A big expense if you are planning to embroidery a few hand towels or sweatshirts. Bernina continues to make improvements to the machine, so be sure to contact them for free software upgrades.
I wanna have my own clothing line so this would help me a lo