Q Series Sit-Down Models

Q Series Sit-Down Models

With different table options

  • 16" & 20" throat space for big quilt projects
  • Unique digital thread tension adjustment
  • Easy threading, independent bobbin winder
  • Quilting without foot control
  • Stitch Regulation for perfect stitches

The BERNINA Q Series Sit-Down Models – Q 16, Q 16 PLUS and Q 20

Quilt and pattern designer Amanda Murphy talks about the BERNINA Q 16.
Easy adjustments at your fingertipsAmanda Murphy, Quilt and pattern designer

Amanda Murphy has a passion for designing and creating quilts on her BERNINA Q 16. While her studio is small, the roomy quilting space of the Q 16 adds convenience and ease to her creative process. Like Amanda, you’ll love the fast 2,000 stitches per minute as well as the three modes of the BERNINA Stitch Regulator – all without having to press the foot control.

Watch Video
Small Spaces. Big Ideas.

Small Spaces. Big Ideas.

The BERNINA Q 16 (PLUS) and Q 20 are longarm quilting machines and only differ in the length of the throat space and the maximum sewing space.

  • Q 20 has a throat space of 20 inches
  • Q 16 & Q 16 PLUS have a throat space of 16 inches

The machines can be paired with a standard or height-adjustable cabinet or with a foldable, height-adjustable table. The BERNINA Q 16 PLUS and Q 20 are compatible with the BERNINA Studio Frame if an upgrade to a Quilt Frame is desired.

Hand-guided quilting made easy

Hand-guided quilting made easy

  • Precise regulated stitches (in BSR mode)
  • Four different modes for full flexibility
  • Simple customization via touch screen
Thanks to the integrated BERNINA Longarm Stitch Regulator you achieve perfect stitches at equal-length no matter which speed you move the fabric. A manual mode with no stitch regulation is also available.

Unique user interface

Unique user interface

  • Simple-to-navigate touch screen
  • Individual settings for full comfort
  • Built-in tutorials offer full assistance
Totally customizable, the user interface includes useful functions, such as five user profiles, a stitch counter, and built-in tutorials regarding maintenance.

Q 16 & Q 16 PLUS

  • Spacious 16" workspace
  • Cabinet and table options
  • Built-in BERNINA Stitch Regulator (BSR)

The BERNINA Q 16 and Q 16 PLUS have more throat space than your domestic machine, a spacious 16 inches. Pair them with a foldable, height-adjustable table and the machines meet and exceed all your small space, big quilting needs. Furthermore, the BERNINA Q 16 PLUS, as well as the Q 20, can be used as a frame model together with the BERNINA Studio Frame. 

To the foldable table

To the frame options

Quilting without the foot control

Quilting without the foot control

  • Fatigue-free quilting whenever you like
  • Enjoy full comfort and relax your foot
  • Perfect for creating large projects
The KickStart function allows you to quilt continuously without having to hold down the foot control. The KickStart function can be easily activated or deactivated via touch screen.

Fast threading and winding

Fast threading and winding

  • Threading becomes a child's play
  • Enjoy comfort all the way
  • Wind your own bobbin in no time
The well-positioned spool holders and forward threading path are easy to reach and simple to follow. The on-board bobbin winder makes it convenient to wind your own bobbins.

Unique thread tension control

Unique thread tension control

  • Adjust thread tension digitally
  • Tension release for threading ease
  • No external tension assembly required
The exclusive tension system features numeric tension settings making it very easy to use a wide range of thread types with success, no external tension assembly required.

Beautiful stitches every time

Beautiful stitches every time

  • Achieve precise stitching results
  • Stitches are always consistent
  • Perfection is the new standard
With high-speed precision stitching, you will complete more quilts quicker than ever.

Ergonomics matter

Ergonomics matter

  • Full operation from the front
  • Different table options available
  • Easy manual needle positioning

The machine can be fully operated from the front. The handwheel in the front allows for easy manual needle positioning. Choose between different table options to best suit your preferences.

Working with bright lights

Working with bright lights

  • Naturally illuminated working area
  • Sufficient lighting even in darker rooms
  • Perfect illumination of the quilting area

50 bright LED lights along the throat space of the machine and above the needle illuminate the quilt for enhanced visibility.

Upgrade your Q 20 & Q 16 PLUS

Upgrade your Q 20 & Q 16 PLUS

  • The Q 20 and Q 16 PLUS are frame ready
  • Enjoy stand-up frame quilting
  • Different frame sizes available

Place your Q 20 or Q 16 PLUS Sit Down any time on one of the many frame options and enjoy free-hand stand-up quilting.

To the frame options

The Quilt Frame for limited space

The BERNINA Studio Frame is a modular frame, consisting of a 5-foot basic frame and a 5-foot extension, offering a spacious 10-foot frame when mounted completely. The BERNINA Studio Frame is compatible with the Q 16 PLUS  & Q 20.

To the BERNINA Studio Frame

Get your BERNINA Q Series machine

Being a quilter, a maker, a creator is serious business. When it’s time to make, your creativity deserves the support of a great machine.

Features & Functions

  • Overview
  • Sewing & Quilting
  • General Features
Q Series Sit Down

Note:
Not all models and accessories are available in all countries. We reserve the right to make changes in both features and design.

Centrally Located Color Touch Screen 4.3" / 109 mm
Hook system M Class Rotary Hook
Lower Thread Sensor
Throat space Q 20: 508 mm
Q 16(PLUS): 420 mm
Presser foot lift Electronic
Thread tension Electronically/digitally adjustable
Maximum sewing speed (stitches per minute) Q16: 2,000
Q20/Q16 PLUS: 2,200
Stitch length maximum in mm 25.4 mm (1 stitch per inch)

Product brochure – All information at a glance

Download now

Note:
Not all models and accessories are available in all countries. We reserve the right to make changes in both features and design.

Maximum sewing speed (stitches per minute) Q16: 2,000
Q20/Q16 PLUS: 2,200
Stitch length maximum in mm 25.4 mm (1 stitch per inch)
Stitch length minimum 1.05 mm (24 stitches per inch)

Product brochure – All information at a glance

Download now
User profiles 5
Compatible with domestic machine needles
Compatible with BERNINA free-motion feet
Centrally Located Color Touch Screen 4.3" / 109 mm
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Centrally Located Color Touch Screen

Everything at eye level; it is clear and easy to use. Can be used with fingertip or touchpen and offers touch-scroll selection. Display and backround color can be customized and the screen brightness can be set according to your needs.
Semi-automatic Needle Threader
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Semi-automatic Needle Threader

Easy threading of the needle.
Hook system M Class Rotary Hook
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Hook system

The CB Hook is the traditional BERNINA mechanism that produces the legendary BERNINA stitch quality at 5.5 mm wide.

The BERNINA Rotary Hook offers the same stitch quality at 9 mm stitch width and bobbin thread monitoring.

The innovative BERNINA Hook maintains legendary BERNINA stitch quality at 5.5 mm and 9 mm stitch widths. An easy bobbin case insertion and large capacity bobbin make this ideal.

The M Class BERNINA Rotary Hook for Longarm machines ensures the legendary BERNINA stitch quality, even at high speeds.
Lower Thread Sensor

Lower Thread Sensor

Warns when the bobbin thread runs low.
Illumination of the full length of the free arm 50 LEDs

Illumination of the full length of the free arm

The Q Series has bright illumination in the stitching area and over the free-arm. There are LEDs over the stitching area and along the free-arm surface. The brightness is dimmable or can be turned off, an especially helpful option when working with white thread on white fabric.
Throat space Q 20: 508 mm
Q 16(PLUS): 420 mm

Throat space

For quilt frame models, the wide, quilt-able space reduces the number of times the quilt needs to be advanced and very large pantographs can easily be used. For the table model, there’s plenty of space to comfortably manage large quilt projects giving you the freedom to create with ease.

Product brochure – All information at a glance

Download now
Presser foot lift Electronic

Presser foot lift

Raise or lower the presser foot onscreen. When in the raised position, the tension disks are released to ensure perfect threading. The handle toggles on the frame models and the back-kick function on the table models can be programmed with a presser foot up/down function.
Thread tension Electronically/digitally adjustable

Thread tension

A numeric value is assigned to the actual thread tension and can be easily adjusted onscreen at any time. No more guessing as to what tension is being used; readily track tension settings for known thread/batting combinations for quick set-up.
BERNINA Stitch Regulator functionality Dual Stitch Regulator

BERNINA Stitch Regulator functionality

Two integrated BERNINA Stitch Regulators, one on each side of the stitch hole in the needle plate, allow for very precise sensing of the machine and fabric movement. Keep your stitches even and consistent regardless of how simple or complex your quilt motif may be.
Connection (basic) USB

Connection (basic)

Enjoy rapid and direct connectivity for information transfer including software updates.
Connection (additional purpose) HDMI
On-board bobbin winder

On-board bobbin winder

The on-board bobbin winder allows you to quickly prepare customized bobbins with ease right from the front of the machine. With the onscreen pop-up controls, easily increase or decrease the winding speed according to the thread used.

Choose your favorite table solution to suit your home situation best

The BERNINA Q 20, Q 16 and Q 16 PLUS come standard as sit-down model machines, but we offer a variety of tables tailored to your individual needs. The quality, which is verified by BERNINA, ensures that the table can optimally handle both the speed and the weight of the machines.

Standard Cabinet
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Lift Table
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Foldable Table
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Q 20
Q 16 / Q 16 PLUS
Measures
36" x 45"
91 cm × 114 cm
46.5" x 35.75"
118 cm × 90 cm
47" x 35"
119 cm × 88 cm
Working height
30"
76 cm
Customized positions from 29" to 42"
Customized positions from 73 - 106 cm
28", 30" and 32"
71, 76 and 81 cm
Key feature
Expandable to 77"
Expandable to 195 cm
Electronically height-adjustable Height adjustable
Read more Read more Read more

No space?
No problem!

Are you looking for a solution for limited space or a table to easily carry around? Then the Foldable Table could become your favorite companion.

Learn more about the Foldable Table

BERNINA Red Chair

The BERNINA chair was designed to help stop sewing fatigue. Its thickly padded, high density foam seat and heavy duty upholstery will keep you comfortable even after hours of sewing and quilting.

Learn more about the BERNINA Chair

Tutorials

  • General
  • Operation
  • Accessories
  • BERNINA Q Series Sit Down: Introduction

    Introducing the BERNINA Q Series Sit Down

  • BERNINA Q Series Sit Down: User Interface Tour

  • BERNINA Q Series Sit Down: How to set up the Foldable Table

    How to set up your foldable table fast and easy.

  • Manufacturing of the BERNINA Q Series

    See how the new BERNINA Longarm Quilting Machine is manufactured in Steckborn, Switzerland.

  • BERNINA Q Series Sit Down: Introduction

    BERNINA Q Series Sit Down: Introduction

  • BERNINA Q Series Sit Down: User Interface Tour

    BERNINA Q Series Sit Down: User Interface Tour

  • BERNINA Q Series Sit Down: How to set up the Foldable Table

    BERNINA Q Series Sit Down: How to set up the Foldable Table

  • Manufacturing of the BERNINA Q Series

    Manufacturing of the BERNINA Q Series

  • BERNINA Q Series Sit Down: Stitching with and without the BERNINA Stitch Regulator

  • BERNINA Q Series Sit Down: Customizing Machine Settings

  • BERNINA Q Series: Preparing to Stitch

  • BERNINA Q Series: Cleaning, Oiling and Maintenance

    Learn how to main the BERNINA Q 20

  • BERNINA Q Series Sit Down: Stitching with and without the BERNINA Stitch Regulator

    BERNINA Q Series Sit Down: Stitching with and without the BERNINA Stitch Regulator

  • BERNINA Q Series Sit Down: Customizing Machine Settings

    BERNINA Q Series Sit Down: Customizing Machine Settings

  • BERNINA Q Series: Preparing to Stitch

    BERNINA Q Series: Preparing to Stitch

  • BERNINA Q Series: Cleaning, Oiling and Maintenance

    BERNINA Q Series: Cleaning, Oiling and Maintenance

  • BERNINA Q Series: Bobbin Tension Gauge

    How to check the bobbin thread tension by using the BERNINA bobbin tension gauge.

  • BERNINA Q Series: Using the Needle Point Laser

    How to use the BERNINA needle point laser.

  • BERNINA Q 20 Series: Threading for Twin Needles

    How to thread the Q Series machine for a twin needle and how to install the twin needle stitch plate.

  • BERNINA Q Series: Bobbin Tension Gauge

    BERNINA Q Series: Bobbin Tension Gauge

  • BERNINA Q Series: Using the Needle Point Laser

    BERNINA Q Series: Using the Needle Point Laser

  • BERNINA Q 20 Series: Threading for Twin Needles

    BERNINA Q 20 Series: Threading for Twin Needles

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need a longarm quilting machine?

Let’s start with another question first: Have you been quilting on a domestic sewing machine until now? So, you might be frustrated with two things: having to move a very big and heavy quilt around with only a few inches of space between your needle and the machine, leading to sore shoulders and a hurting neck, as well as irregular stitches in free-motion quilting in case you did not have the BERNINA Stitch Regulator (BSR) on a BERNINA sewing machine. A BERNINA Q Series longarm will help you to solve both problems.

Let’s begin with the latter: all BERNINA Q Series longarms have the innovative, two sensor BERNINA Stitch Regulator system, whether Sit-down Model or Frame Model, giving you a perfect regulated stitch, no matter how fast or slow you move the fabric or machine. A Q Series longarm will also give you much more space for your larger quilting projects compared to a domestic sewing machine. Either way, you will get minimum 16" of throat space and a spacious dedicated longarm sit-down table or a sturdy stand-up quilting frame.

Does the BERNINA Q Series longarm have stitch regulation?

Absolutely yes! All BERNINA Q Series longarms have the two sensor BSR (BERNINA Stitch Regulator) integrated – no matter whether the machine is used as a Sit-down machine or a stand-up Frame model.

Stitch regulation is the most requested feature on a longarm quilting machine and especially on a sit-down machine. The patented state-of-the-art two sensor BSR will give always perfect regulated stitches on all Q Series machines at a variety of quilting speeds.

What kind of stitch regulation does a BERNINA longarm have?

All BERNINA Q Series longarms have three different kinds of stitch regulation: BSR 1, BSR 2 and BSR 3.
  • BSR 1
    Combines perfect stitch regulation with an idle speed, being a constant minimum speed with which the needle continuously stitches, should the fabric or sewhead not be moved. We like to call it the “power steering” of a Q machine, as it helps tremendously to move the machine especially with intricate smaller quilting designs like micro work or fillers. The higher the idle speed setting, the faster the needle will move when the fabric or machine is moved slower than the chosen idle speed.
  • BSR 2
    Is full stitch regulation, which means the machine will stop stitching when the fabric or sewhead is not moved. One particularity of the BERNINA stitch regulation: the movement of the fabric is detected by the sensors, and the sensors are very precise. This may mean on a stand-up frame model that leaning against the belly bar already moves the fabric and results in stitches although keeping the sewhead completely still.
  • BSR3
    Is a wonderful basting feature with the possibility of 1, 2 or 4 stitches per inch (SPI).

Why is a separate regulated mode for basting useful?

All Q Series machines offer a BSR3 which is a regulated basting stitch, which can be programmed at 1, 2 or 4 stitches per inch (SPI). Longer stitches do need less top tension, otherwise the fabric will “wrinkle” moving the fabric from one stitch to the next. This could mean up to 75% less of top tension necessary in the case of 1 stitch per inch. The BERNINA Q Series machines take the math away and will automatically correct the top tension for you without you even noticing it. Always perfect tensioned stitches even at 1 SPI!

Table or Frame – which solution suits me?

Again let’s start with a question first: have you been quilting on a domestic sewing machine until now? Then most probably you will feel much more comfortable with a sit-down model, as your brain and muscle memory already know how to move the fabric to perform wonderful quilting designs.

On the other hand, does moving a large and heavy quilt on a table hurt your back, shoulders and neck and is very tiresome? Probably a stand-up frame model will be better for you. The stand-up frame has the advantage to load your quilt project completely and you are moving the sewhead, aided, in the case of a BRERNINA Q Series machine, by a specific V-wheel system for easy, smooth and no-force needed gliding of the BERNINA Q Series machine. Another advantage of the stand-up frame models is the possibility to do pantograph quilting from the rear of the machine or add the BERNINA Q-matic automation system to your machine, which is the first step to be able to offer your quilting services to others and become a professional quilter.

Which accessories should I get?

It will depend on whether you have a BERNINA Sit-down or a stand-up Frame model.
For both machine types you will love the BERNINA Needle point laser, indicating the exact spot on your quilt, where the needle is going to stitch.

Stand-up frame users should be definitely looking at the BERNINA Ruler work kit, containing the ruler base (mandatory for quilting with rulers on a frame), the Ruler Foot #96 and a versatile BERNINA basic ruler. Sit-down users are advantaged in this sense – they already got their base with the table, so they only need to get some rulers and Ruler Foot #96!

Both sit-down and stand-up frame machines can use the Adjustable Ruler Foot #72.

As a stand-up frame user not having decided yet on the BERNINA Q-matic automation system, you should be looking at the BERNINA Pantograph kit with rear handles, rear screen, laser light and combined laser light and stylus holder, a beautiful pantograph from Urban Elementz and a pantograph cover.

Are you loving micro work? Always in the case of the stand-up frame model don’t forget about the BERNINA Palm precision handles, which will give you the possibility to sit down while micro quilting with full control of the machine, creating the smallest micro work ever. Don’t forget your glasses – your designs will be so perfectly tiny, it is going to be hard to see!

BERNINA longarm accessories at a glance:

Where can I test drive and buy a BERNINA Q Series longarm?

There are hundreds of BERNINA longarm certified dealers worldwide. Please check the BERNINA dealer search to find the closest dealer to you. Would you like to test drive a machine first? Your BERNINA longarm certified dealer will have a floor model ready for you and will be happy to have you have a go on these wonderful machines.

Alternatively find us at one of the many quilt shows and exhibits for hands-on experience and the latest deal on one of the BERNINA Q Series models and/or accessories.

How much maintenance does a BERNINA Q Series longarm need?

The hook area should be always freed of any lint whenever the bobbin needs to be changed. Otherwise the BERNINA Q Series longarm machines are very easy to maintain because they only need a drop of oil on the hook when you start quilting and then after every two or three bobbin changes. The exact oiling spot can be seen in this How To video.

 

Do I have to buy the high-end BERNINA Q Series longarm to get all features and accessories?

Absolutely not! The BERNINA Q Series longarm machines are a modular system – so you decide where you want to start from and where you want to go! The Q 24 and the Q 20 are truly big brother and little sister – the only difference is 4” of throat space!

For example: choose a Q 20 as a Sit-down model and upgrade to a Frame at any time. Any frame accessory can then be fitted to the machine, giving you the opportunity to add at your own pace without having to change the complete machine.

What kind of bobbin does the BERNINA Q Series longarm use?

All BERNINA Q Series longarms use M class bobbins. “M” stands for MORE, so they really go a long way, especially when you use the red BERNINA bobbins and the on-board bobbin winder. In the BERNINA machine manual you will find a two-page chart for the most commonly used longarm threads with the yardage for a full red BERNINA bobbin.

Tip: this chart is also useful to adjust your bobbin thread indicator!

What makes a BERNINA Q Series longarm different from other longarms?

BERNINA has a long tradition of focusing on quality and innovation and with over 125 years of experience, we build sewing machines with Swiss precision and engineering know-how.
So why not take all this knowledge and make a perfect longarm?

This includes:
  • Unique threading path
    The spool holders are positioned towards the front of the machine and the forward threading path is easy to reach and simple to follow. The short thread path supports perfect thread tension.
  • Unique upper thread tension control
    The thread tension control is a BERNINA exclusive, electronically adjustable and numeric. Easily adjust thread tension digitally with a few clicks and track the settings for your favorite thread types and combinations. There is no external upper thread tension assembly required.
  • On-board bobbin winder
    The integrated bobbin winder (M Class bobbin) makes it convenient to wind coordinating bobbin threads for your projects, independent of machine operation.
  • Ergonomic handles (BERNINA Q Series Frame Models only)
    The 8-way, fully-adjustable handles, place the most frequently used functions at your fingertips.
  • KickStart function (BERNINA Q Series Sit Down Models only)
    The KickStart function allows quilting in a continuous sewing mode without having to keep the foot control constantly pressed.
And by the way: style and beautiful design of our machines have always been our mission!  

Support for your BERNINA Q Series Sit Down

To ensure that you enjoy your BERNINA for as long as possible, we recommend that you read the detailed operating instructions. Further support information and firmware updates can be found on the support page.

Support page Q Series Sit-Down Model

Get your BERNINA Q Series machine

Being a quilter, a maker, a creator is serious business. When it’s time to make, your creativity deserves the support of a great machine.