Bernina Q-20 Review (2023 Update)

Note from the Editor: This Bernina Q-20 review was written in 2015, and has been revised and updated in 2023. We have added alternative long arm quilting machines such as Handi Quilter Amara, Baby Lock Coronet, and The Artistic Quilter 18.

One day, I happened to drop in to say hello to the staff at Once Upon a Quilt in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and came upon the Q-20.

When I returned to review this machine, I learned that although the Q-20 is capable of working with a large quilt frame, it is the first long arm quilting machine that Bernina designed to also function as a sit down quilter. In fact, in its standard configuration, the Q-20 comes as a sit down quilting machine.

Bernina Q-20 Overview

The BERNINA Q-20 has a bobbin winder on the right side of the machine and a thread path that carries the thread on both sides of the machine head before going to the automatic needle threader, which initially signals to me that the threading process is not as simple as some others I have seen.

There is also a series of bright LED lights that extend the entire length of the arm and under the needle; presser foot tension release control; an electronic presser foot lift; and a USB port.

There is a bright LCD screen above the needle, which is used in the process of adjusting the stitch length. The automatic needle threader and a bright LED light are directly beneath the needle.

The machine is mounted on a table that is custom designed specifically for the BERNINA Q-20. This table is available in two standard colors – English white ash and Asian golden teak.

It is also available in six additional finishes: American birdseye maple, North American oak, Canadian maple, American walnut, Brazilian cherry and African ebony.

With all those options, anyone who purchases one of these machines can be assured that it will match their personal taste, style, and décor.

What are the features on Bernina Q-20?

• Adjustable stitch length from 1.05mm – 25.4mm
• Personal program
• BERNINA stitch regulation system [dual stitch regulators]
• On board bobbin winder
• Compatible with domestic sewing needles
• Automatic thread tension
• Automatic presser foot lift
• Automatic needle threader
• 4.3” LED touchscreen
• Sews up to 2200 stitches per minute
• Standard table opens to reveal two large storage compartments on either side the machine head

Working on the BERNINA Q-20

Following the thread guides on the BERNINA Q-20 requires referring to the owner’s manual in order to properly thread the machine. Winding the bobbin, however, is far less complicated and labor-intensive. Adjusting the stitch length is surprisingly uncomplicated. All that is required is to follow the easy-to-understand guides on the touchscreen.

Once the desired stitch length is set, the only thing left to do is to touch the icon on the screen to lower the presser foot, place my hands atop the fabric on both sides of the needle, and press the foot pedal. The speed is controlled by the amount of pressure you apply to the foot pedal.

While operating the BERNINA Q-20, I found it at first to be as easy as driving an old Volkswagen Beetle with no power steering. The Bernina Q-20 is lightning fast as well. When combined with the seeming stiffness of the steering mechanism, I must say that it took me a few attempts before I could comfortably operate the Q-20.

After my ‘test drive’, I was able to negotiate the use of the BERNINA Q-20, and I found it to be rather easy to operate. Despite a considerable amount of noise, the stitches made by the Bernina Q-20 are well formed, sturdy, and evenly shaped.

What are some alternatives for Bernina Q-20?

We have reviewed several long arm quilting machines similar to the Bernina Q-20 and here are some alternatives we highly recommend.

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Which fabrics work on the Bernina Q-20?

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

What are the accessories that come with Bernina Q-20?

Standard accessories:

• Free motion foot
• Instructional DVD
• Owner’s manual
• Metal accessories case

Optional accessories:

• Horizontal and vertical spool holders
• Twin needle stitch plate
• Optional presser feet:
  • Embroidery foot
  • Free motion embroidery foot
  • Teardrop embroidery foot
  • Quilting foot
  • Free motion couching foot
  • Echo quilting and cutwork foot
  • Ruler foot
  • Ruler base kit

How to maintain the Bernina Q-20?

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

Summary: Bernina Q-20 Review

Regardless of how fast or slow the BERNINA Q-20 is operating, however, I discovered that there is considerable noise.

When compared with other sit down quilting machines that I have reviewed, [Handiquilter Sweet 16, Janome Artistic Quilter 18 SC and Baby Lock Tiara II] the Bernina Q-20 is the loudest.

If you are not already accustomed to working with a high speed sit down quilting machine, the Bernina Q-20 might seem a bit intimidating. Although my machine quilting experience is, to say the least, the best, I was able to make all of the necessary adjustments in my own approach to this machine and get comfortable with it after just a few attempts.

After those adjustments were made, I found the Bernina Q-20 to be rather easy to operate. I did, however, notice a little bit of vibration while moving the fabric beneath the needle and creating a small freehand design during the course of this review. The fact that the BERNINA Q-20 is equipped with the patented BERNINA dual stitch regulator is a major advantage.

The BSR has a long standing track record for guaranteeing balanced stitches on BERNINA sewing and quilting machines. This single feature assures users that the Q-20 will deliver even, balanced stitches each and every time. The BERNINA Q-20 has the BERNINA name and reputation behind it. It is versatile and can be used either as a sit down quilting machine with the standard table or with an optional frame.

Either way, anyone who adds this machine to their home sewing room will be assured of quality stitching and the excellent standard of operation and dependability that the BERNINA brand is so well known for.

If you are a machine quilting enthusiast who doesn’t have the space to accommodate a full sized quilting frame or would simply prefer to sit down while creating beautiful quilted projects, you should visit your local BERNINA dealer for a demonstration of the Q-20 before deciding upon which sit down quilting machine to invest in.

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