Q Series on frame

Q Series on frame

Longarm Quilting on Frame

  • 16", 20" or 24" throat space
  • BERNINA S,C,L PRO Frame & Studio Frame
  • Stitch Regulation for perfect stitches
  • Unique digital thread tension adjustment
  • Ergonomic operation, fully from the front

BERNINA Longarm Quilting Machines on Frame

From the very first stitch, you will appreciate the thought behind every detail

From the very first stitch, you will appreciate the thought behind every detail

The BERNINA Q 16 PLUS, Q 20 and Q 24 are longarm quilting machines and only differ in the length of the throat space.

  • Throat space of Q 24: 24 inches
  • Throat space of Q 20: 20 inches
  • Throat space of Q 16 PLUS: 16 inches

For the Q 24 and Q 20, BERNINA offers the quilting frame in three sizes: "Small PRO", "Classic PRO" and "Large PRO". The BERNINA Studio Frame is suitable for use with the Q 16 PLUS and Q 20.

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.

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.

Quilt Artist Lisa Hagstoz Calle talks about her BERNINA Q 24
Having the Q 24 in my studio is a little slice of heaven.Lisa Hagstoz Calle, Longarm Quilt Artist

About Lisa: With a degree in Textile Management and Marketing, Lisa Hagstoz Calle soon began to explore the “other” side of textiles, the artistic side. She fell in love with quilting in 1997 and discovered longarm quilting in 2004. Her award-winning original designs have opened the door to teaching opportunities so that others can learn from her art and skills.

Watch Video
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.

Comfortable quilting has priority

Comfortable quilting has priority

  • 8-way, fully-adjustable handles
  • Quilt in your preferred position
  • Adapt position to any quilting method
The most frequently used functions are right at your fingertips. Fully-adjustable 8-way handles offer comfort, whether stitching edge-to-edge or custom motifs, reducing any potential fatigue. Simply quilt in your preferred position.

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 up to 2.200 stitches per minute, you will complete more quilts quicker than ever.

Ergonomics matter

  • Full operation from the front
  • Adjustable frame height
  • Easy manual needle positioning
The machine can be fully operated from the front. Adjust the frame height to your personal preference. Dual handwheels (front and back) allow for easy manual needle positioning.

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.

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.

It's your choice

It's your choice

  • How much space you need
  • Which accessory you want to add
  • Build your individual long arm machine

Choose between 16 Inch (Q 16 PLUS), 20 Inch (Q 20) or 24 Inch (Q 24) throat space. Our Quilt Frames are available in different sizes.

More information

BERNINA Q 16 PLUS

  • With 16" workspace
  • Compatible with BERNINA Studio Frame
  • 5 ft or 10 ft frame

The 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 Studio Frame is compatible with the BERNINA Q 16 PLUS  & Q 20.

To the 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 on Frame

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

Hook system M Class Rotary Hook
#

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.
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 24: 610 mm
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.
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.
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.
Maximum Sewing Speed (stitches per minute) 2200

Maximum Sewing Speed (stitches per minute)

High speed with high power.

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) 2200

Maximum Sewing Speed (stitches per minute)

High speed with high power.
Maximum Stitch Length 25.4 mm (1 stitch per inch)

Maximum Stitch Length

The variable Stitch Length provides a smooth transition from length to length and can be adjusted while sewing.
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
#

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
#

Semi-automatic Needle Threader

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

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 24: 610 mm
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.

Frame Options

For excellent quilting results, we have developed ideal, high-quality frames which are available in different sizes. All frames are constructed from anodized aluminum for a light weight yet sturdy frame that can handle the weight, size and speed of the BERNINA longarm machines with ease.

Large PRO
#
Classic PRO
#
Small PRO
#
Studio Frame
(5 foot)
#
Studio Frame
(10 foot)
#
BERNINA Q 24 - -
BERNINA Q 20
BERNINA Q 16 PLUS - - -
Size (length & depth)
12'11" × 3'11"
4.0 × 1.2 m
11'11" × 3'11"
3.6 × 1.2 m
8'10" × 3'11"
2.75 × 1.2 m
5'10" x 3'3"
1.8 m x 1 m
10'11" x 3'3"
3.3 x 1 m
Maximum quilt size
ca. 120"
ca. 3.05 m
ca. 108"
ca. 2.75 m
ca. 71"
ca. 1.8 m
ca. 42.5"
ca. 1.1 m
ca. 104"
ca. 2.6 m
Leaders
132”
3.36 m
120”
3.07 m
83”
2.12 m
52"
1.32 m
114"
2.9 m
Adjustable frame height
35” - 47”
0.9 - 1.2 m
35” - 47”
0.9 - 1.2 m
35” - 47”
0.9 - 1.2 m
35” - 44”
0.9 - 1.1 m
35” - 44”
0.9 - 1.1 m
Number of legs 6 6 4 4 6
Hydraulic Lift optional optional not available not available not available
Floorplan  Floorplan   Floorplan   Floorplan   Floorplan   Floorplan 
Further information Learn more Learn more Learn more Learn more Learn more

BERNINA Q-matic: Longarm Quilting Automation

Teaming up with the innovative BERNINA Q Series machines, Q-matic will fulfill your automated quilting needs in just a few simple steps. Whether stitching out simple edge-to-edge designs or intricate custom patterns, your way to an original masterpiece will be extremely easy.

Learn more about Q-matic

Tutorials

  • General
  • Operation
  • Frame and Machine Mounting
  • Accessories
  • Introducing the BERNINA Q Series Longarm Quilting Machines

    Get in touch with the new BERNINA Q Series longarm machine.

  • Manufacturing of the BERNINA Q Series

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

  • Introducing the BERNINA Q Series Longarm Quilting Machines

    Introducing the BERNINA Q Series Longarm Quilting Machines

  • Manufacturing of the BERNINA Q Series

    Manufacturing of the BERNINA Q Series

  • BERNINA Q Series: User Interface Tour

    Have a look on the user interface.

  • BERNINA Q Series: Stitch with and without the BERNINA Stitch Regulator

    How to quilt with or without the BERNINA Stitch Regulator.

  • BERNINA Q Series: Preparing to Stitch

    How to prepare a stitch.

  • BERNINA Q Series: Customizing Machine Settings

    How to customize the machine settings.

  • BERNINA Q Series: Raising the Quilt Top Rail

    How to raise the top rail of the BERNINA Q Series quilt frame.

  • BERNINA Q Series: Bobbin Tension Gauge

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

  • BERNINA Q 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: Cleaning, Oiling and Maintenance

    How to clean your Q series longarm machine

  • BERNINA Q Series: User Interface Tour

    BERNINA Q Series: User Interface Tour

  • BERNINA Q Series: Stitch with and without the BERNINA Stitch Regulator

    BERNINA Q Series: Stitch with and without the BERNINA Stitch Regulator

  • BERNINA Q Series: Preparing to Stitch

    BERNINA Q Series: Preparing to Stitch

  • BERNINA Q Series: Customizing Machine Settings

    BERNINA Q Series: Customizing Machine Settings

  • BERNINA Q Series: Raising the Quilt Top Rail

    BERNINA Q Series: Raising the Quilt Top Rail

  • BERNINA Q Series: Bobbin Tension Gauge

    BERNINA Q Series: Bobbin Tension Gauge

  • BERNINA Q Series: Threading for Twin Needles

    BERNINA Q Series: Threading for Twin Needles

  • BERNINA Q Series: Cleaning, Oiling and Maintenance

    BERNINA Q Series: Cleaning, Oiling and Maintenance

  • BERNINA Q 16 PLUS: Machine preparation

    How to prepare the BERNINA Q 16 PLUS for the Studio Frame.

  • BERNINA Q Series: S, C & L Frame Assembly

    How to assemble the quilt frame.

  • BERNINA Q Series: Loading the Quilt Frame

    How to load the quilt Frame.

  • BERNINA Q Series: Loading the Quilt Frame

    How to install the take-up leader, the back leader and the quilt-top leader on the BERNINA Q Series quilt frame.

  • BERNINA Q 16 PLUS: Machine preparation

    BERNINA Q 16 PLUS: Machine preparation

  • BERNINA Q Series: S, C & L Frame Assembly

    BERNINA Q Series: S, C & L Frame Assembly

  • BERNINA Q Series: Loading the Quilt Frame

    BERNINA Q Series: Loading the Quilt Frame

  • BERNINA Q Series: Loading the Quilt Frame

    BERNINA Q Series: Loading the Quilt Frame

  • BERNINA Q Series: Using the BERNINA ruler work kit

    How to use the ruler work kit.

  • BERNINA Q Series: Channel Locks

    How to attach the channel lock on the carriage and on the leg of the frame in a few easy steps.

  • BERNINA Q Series: Using the BERNINA pantograph kit

    How to use the BERNINA pantograph kit.

  • BERNINA Q Series: Using the Needle Point Laser

    How to use the BERNINA needle point laser.

  • BERNINA Q Series: Using the Palm Precision Handles

    How to use BERNINA palm precision handles.

  • BERNINA Q Series: Using the BERNINA ruler work kit

    BERNINA Q Series: Using the BERNINA ruler work kit

  • BERNINA Q Series: Channel Locks

    BERNINA Q Series: Channel Locks

  • BERNINA Q Series: Using the BERNINA pantograph kit

    BERNINA Q Series: Using the BERNINA pantograph kit

  • BERNINA Q Series: Using the Needle Point Laser

    BERNINA Q Series: Using the Needle Point Laser

  • BERNINA Q Series: Using the Palm Precision Handles

    BERNINA Q Series: Using the Palm Precision Handles

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:

Is automation available for the BERNINA Q Series longarms?

Yes, indeed! Get a chance to have a look and demonstration of the BERNINA Q-matic longarm quilting automation system at one of our many BERNINA longarm dealers. One of a kind, the BERNINA Q-matic automation uses state-of-the-art technology and is URL certified, the highest standard for safety while running an automated system. Q-matic can be added to your BERNINA stand-up frame at any time as a 100% add-on, not having to exchange or discard of any parts.

The Q-matic system consists of all hardware parts including an industry standard touch PC, the Q-matic software and an additional two licenses of the Art&Stitch software.

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 big of a quilt can I quilt on a BERNINA stand-up frame?

The maximum quilt width you can quilt on a longarm depends on the leader width of the frame. Assuming you use the full leader width to attach your quilt back, subtract about 2 x 6” to get to your maximum quilt top width.

In the case of the BERNINA Q Series frames you will have the following measurements:
 
Frame Large PRO Classic PRO Small PRO Studio Frame (5') Studio Frame (10')
Leader length
132"
3.36 m
120"
3.07 m
83"
2.12 m
52"
1.32 m
114"
2.9 m
Maximum quilt size
ca. 120"
ca. 3.05 m
ca. 108"
ca. 2.75 m
ca. 71"
ca. 1.8 m
ca. 42.5"
ca. 1.1 m
ca. 104"
ca. 2.6 m

You will need to have a classic frame for a classic King Size quilt and the large frame in case of a California Supersize quilt.

How much space do I need for a BERNINA stand-up frame?

The following chart gives all details for the BERNINA quilt frame sizes:
 
Frame Large PRO Classic PRO Small PRO Studio Frame (5') Studio Frame (10')
Size (length & depth)
12'11" × 3'11"
4.0 × 1.2 m
11'11" × 3'11"
3.6 × 1.2 m
8'10" × 3'11"
2.75 × 1.2 m
5'10" x 3'3"
1.8 m x 1 m
10'11" x 3'3"
3.3 x 1 m
Adjustable frame height
35” - 47”
0.9 - 1.2 m
35” - 47”
0.9 - 1.2 m
35” - 47”
0.9 - 1.2 m
35” - 44”
0.9 - 1.1 m
35” - 44”
0.9 - 1.1 m
Maximum quilt size
ca. 120"
ca. 3.05 m
ca. 108"
ca. 2.75 m
ca. 71"
ca. 1.8 m
ca. 42.5"
ca. 1.1 m
ca. 104"
ca. 2.6 m

*) depending on machine and accessories

Two feet of walking space around the frame is recommended, but the frame’s left side (looking from the front) can be pushed against a wall in case of need.

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 on Frame

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 on 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.