BERNINA 540

BERNINA 540

BERNINA makes sewing easy

  • Powerful, fast & precise sewing
  • Handle big projects with ease
  • Perfect for decorative stitches
  • Your threads are cut automatically
  • Embroidery compatible

BERNINA 540 - the perfect machine for passionate sewists

"Sailing or sewing - it's all about speed and precision." Livia Naef & Nelia Puhze, Swiss Sailors and Sewing enthusiasts

When Livia and Nelia are not sailing, they love to tap into their creativity through sewing and embroidering. Because training is hard work, they appreciate the ease-of-use of the B 540 but love the machine’s power and precision to sew on anything from fine fabrics to old sails. Experience the BERNINA 540 difference today!

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Get a feel for this fantastic machine

Get a feel for this fantastic machine

The next best thing to seeing it in person. This 360-viewer shows you every stunning angle of the BERNINA 540.

See for yourself
Perfect tension for perfect stitches

Perfect tension for perfect stitches

  • Precise & powerful sewing
  • Just sew without any worries
  • Achieve beautiful stitch results

Thanks to the Adaptive Thread Tension you get optimal thread tension for perfect stitch quality on both sides of the fabric.

More space for creative freedom

More space for creative freedom

  • Realize big projects with ease
  • Enough space for your creations
  • Embroidery module optional

The extended freearm offers 8.5" right of the needle. Therefore you will enjoy a grand sewing area for grand ideas.

Get the right pressure everytime

  • Sew any material with ease
  • Increase pressure for thin materials
  • Reduce pressure for thick materials

Ensures that the ideal pressure is always used for the selected stitch. The basic setting can be individually adjusted.

Ask your on-screen support

Ask your on-screen support

  • Modern colorful touch screen
  • Easy to use with simple navigation
  • On-screen support when needed

The Sewing Consultant helps you to find the right settings. Adjust suggested alterations quickly with the multifunction-knobs.

Sew quieter, faster, longer, better

Sew quieter, faster, longer, better

  • Sew perfect stitches with 9 mm stitch width
  • Jumbo bobbin to sew longer
  • Frontload the bobbin with new thread

The BERNINA Hook keeps the stitches consistent and precise with a maximum speed of 1,000 stitches per minute.

Automatic features save time

Automatic features save time

  • No manual thread cutting
  • Press a button to cut your thread
  • Save time for your creativity

Thanks to the automatic thread cutter your threads are cut automatically and the needle will be lifted afterwards.

Personal advice at your Local BERNINA Store

Over 2,000 BERNINA Stores worldwide offer valuable services to all our customers. Your local BERNINA Store is there to proudly help you, with advice on machines and accessories that best suit your needs, selection of BERNINA Embroidery Software and also in servicing your BERNINA.

Features & Functions

  • Overview
  • Sewing & Quilting
  • Embroidery
  • General Features
  • Stitches
  • Embroidery Designs
BERNINA 540

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

Sewing space to the right of the needle 8.5”
Centrally Located Color Touch Screen 4.3” / 10 cm
Hook system BERNINA Hook
Adjustable Presser Foot Pressure
Maximum stitch width in mm 9
Start/stop button (stitching without foot control)
Embroidery Area 15.7" x 5.9"
Freearm Embroidery
On-screen Editing of Designs
Embroidery Module opt.

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) 1000
Maximum stitch width in mm 9
Stitch length maximum in mm 6
Needle positions 11

Needle positions

Multiple Needle Positions allow for very precise sewing.
Automatic buttonhole
Manual multi-step buttonhole
Import/Export Stitches via USB

Import/Export Stitches via USB

To import and export sewing stitches via a USB stick.
Memory (short-term/altered stitches)
Creative consultant

Creative consultant

Access Tutorials for sewing techniques and use Creative Consultant for sewing different fabrics successfully.
Drag & Drop

Drag & Drop

Simple drag and drop allows for easy positioning of sewing combinations and/ or embroidery motifs. Swipe the layer to eliminate motifs.
Pattern repeat (up to 9) 1-9
Pattern start/end function
Pattern end programmable
Pattern mirroring

Product brochure – All information at a glance

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Reverse sewing
Automatic securing function
Programmable Securing Function
BSR functionality, straight stitch and zigzag

BSR functionality, straight stitch and zigzag

The patented BERNINA Stitch Regulator (BSR) provides consistent free-motion stitching even at high speeds. Select straight stitch and zigzag free-motion stitching with the BSR.
Start/stop button (stitching without foot control)

Start/stop button (stitching without foot control)

As an alternative to the traditional foot control, start sewing, quilting or embroidering using the Start/Stop button.
Number of stitch patterns (incl. alphabet) total 1048
Sewing alphabets 5
Decorative stitches total 300
Button sew-on program
Buttonholes (incl. eyelet) total 14
Utility stitches total 30
Quilting stitches total 43
Darning programs
Maximum Embroidery Speed (Stitches per minute) 1000

Maximum Embroidery Speed (Stitches per minute)

Enjoy high speed for completing embroidery projects quicker.
Embroidery Area 15.7" x 5.9"

Embroidery Area

Large embroidery fields reduce multiple hoopings on a project.
Freearm Embroidery
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Freearm Embroidery

Easy freearm embroidery with all embroidery hoops without additional tools. For embroidering tubular items such as pant legs, t-shirts, onesies, etc.
Embroidery Alphabets 4
On-screen Editing of Designs
#

On-screen Editing of Designs

Easily and quickly edit embroidery designs directly on the touch screen.
Duplicate/Add Designs
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Duplicate/Add Designs

Increase the number of designs quickly with duplicate. Use + to combine designs and lettering onscreen.
Change Design Size Proportionally

Change Design Size Proportionally

Enlarge or reduce designs proportionally on-screen. Increasing/decreasing in a range of +/- 20% provides the best results. Other ranges should be tested first.
Change Design Size Non-Proportionally

Change Design Size Non-Proportionally

Change the height and width independently. Increasing/decreasing in a range of +/- 20% provides the best results. Other ranges should be tested first.
Move, Rotate, and Mirror
#

Move, Rotate, and Mirror

Move designs through drag and drop or the multi-function knobs; Rotate in 1 degree increments and mirror image embroidery designs for optimal placement on projects.
WordArt
#

WordArt

Create vertical, horizontal and curved baselines. Adjust letter spacing to create the best look.
Drag and Drop

Drag and Drop

Simple drag and drop allows for easy positioning of embroidery designs.
Absolute Check Design Positioning

Absolute Check Design Positioning

Design placement tool – stitch by stitch. Check individual stitch locations for precise placement on the project from the Edit screen. the needle moves to that location in the hoop.
Check Design Size
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Check Design Size

Tool for placing designs. Check the embroidery design size. The center of the pattern can also be displayed.
Adjust Stitch Density
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Adjust Stitch Density

Change Stitch Density to complement varied fabric.
Change Stitch Type
#

Change Stitch Type

Change a satin stitch to a fill stitch to minimize long satin stitches that may catch.
Change Thread Brand
#

Change Thread Brand

Quickly change thread color and/or brand on-screen to suit your project at hand.
Basting
#

Basting

Stitch your choice of basting stitches before embroidering. Choose to baste around your design or the inner hoop.

Product brochure – All information at a glance

Download now
Color Resequence
#

Color Resequence

Several identical colors of an embroidery design are combined into one color, thus reducing the number of color changes to a minimum. Saves time.
Stitch Design as Single/Multi-Color
#

Stitch Design as Single/Multi-Color

Stitch an entire design in one color without stopping or as a multi-color design.
Personal Memory for Saving Embroidery Designs

Personal Memory for Saving Embroidery Designs

Own combinations, altered embroidery designs or external designs can be stored.
Programmable Jump Stitch Cutting
#

Programmable Jump Stitch Cutting

Set any length of jump stitches to be cut and eliminate manual cutting.
Smart Secure

Smart Secure

Missing tie-on/off stitches are added automatically if none were programmed.
Invisible Secure

Invisible Secure

Enhanced tie-on/off stitch formation is completely invisible under design.
Centering the Embroidery Design

Centering the Embroidery Design

Off-center design positioning can be saved to the machine and design position in hoop is imported as set in the BERNINA Embroidery Software.
Switch Unit of Measurement

Switch Unit of Measurement

Choose to view embroidery design dimensions and hoop sizes in inches or millimeters.
Multi-format Reading

Multi-format Reading

No need to convert. Reads EXP, DST, PES, PEC, JEF, PCS, SEW, XXX.
Embroidery design formats EXP, DST, PES, PEC, JEF, SEW, PCS, XXX
Embroidery Design Import/Export via USB Interface
#

Embroidery Design Import/Export via USB Interface

Enjoy rapid and direct connectivity for design transfer and updates.
View Stitch-out Time, Thread Colors, Size, Stitches
#

View Stitch-out Time, Thread Colors, Size, Stitches

View design details at a glance.
Embroidery Sequence Control
#

Embroidery Sequence Control

This function helps to reposition the embroidery position after a thread breakage. You can move forward or backward stitch-by-stitch or in steps of 50.
Position Recall

Position Recall

The last embroidered stitch is always saved so that embroidery can be resumed at exactly the same point in the project in case of a power failure.
Embroidery Module opt.
Embroidery Module M (SDT) opt.
#

Embroidery Module M (SDT)

  • Smoother movement and less vibration
  • Quieter embroidery
  • Less loop formation

The Embroidery Module M with BERNINA Smart Drive Technology (SDT) elevates your embroidery experience with enhanced stitch quality, as well as smoother and quieter movement.

Sewing space to the right of the needle 8.5”
#

Sewing space to the right of the needle

More sewing and embroidery space to the right of the needle offers comfort and more maneuverability when stitching large and small projects.
Workspace Height 4,3"
#

Workspace Height

The extra height presents more space for quilts and spacious large projects and makes sewing easier in general.
Centrally Located Color Touch Screen 4.3” / 10 cm
#

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.
Multi-function Knobs
#

Multi-function Knobs

Easily accessible knobs for making stitch adjustments before and during sewing in .05 increments for smooth stitch transitions. Used in embroidery for composing and design alterations.
LED Sewing Light 12
#

LED Sewing Light

Bright illumination in the needle area and over the freearm. On some machines the brightness is adjustable.
Semi-automatic Needle Threader
#

Semi-automatic Needle Threader

Easy threading of the needle.
Manual Thread Cutters 4
#

Manual Thread Cutters

Conveniently positioned thread cutters in the area of the bobbin case, the bobbin winder motor and the needle to cut off thread ends.
Total Stitch Control

Total Stitch Control

Permanent or temporary altering of length, width, needle position and other creative functions of all stitches - even while sewing.
BERNINA Adaptive Thread Tension

BERNINA Adaptive Thread Tension

Once the tension is set according to the fabric and thread used, the thread tension is constantly monitored and adjusted automatically, if needed, resulting in the finest stitching.
Hook system BERNINA 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.
Jumbo Bobbin with 70 % more Capacity
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Jumbo Bobbin with 70 % more Capacity

More thread on the bobbin ensures significantly fewer interruptions in sewing, which is particularly helpful for large quilts or when embroidering.
Bobbin Winding while Sewing/Embroidering

Bobbin Winding while Sewing/Embroidering

Fast winding of the bobbin, even while sewing.
Powerful DC Motor

Powerful DC Motor

Full power at all speeds provides for consistent stitching on multiple layers and heavy fabrics.
Hammer Mode

Hammer Mode

Built-in mechanism that drives the needle to stitch through more than 30 layers of fabric. The needle pulsates through the fabric to form the stitch.

Product brochure – All information at a glance

Download now
BERNINA Free Hand System (FHS)
#

BERNINA Free Hand System (FHS)

Knee operated lever raises the presser foot, lowers the feed dog and releases the thread tension keeping your hands free for guiding the fabric and the height for the fabric passage increases so that even thick layers of fabric can be easily pushed under the presser foot.
BERNINA Foot Control
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BERNINA Foot Control

Consistent control and a back-kick function to raise and lower the needle. One single push onto the front sews one stitch, one heel push makes the needle move up or down.
Thread-up Command
#

Thread-up Command

Push the needle up/down button to lower and raise the needle to bring the bobbin thread to the top of the fabric so the threads can be secured manually. Perfect for quilting and free-standing lace.
Automatic Thread Cutter
#

Automatic Thread Cutter

The upper and lower threads are cut automatically or at the touch of a button. The top thread is carried to the back side of the fabric. Program 2 types of tie-offs.
Adjustable Presser Foot Pressure
#

Adjustable Presser Foot Pressure

Adjust the presser foot pressure to eliminate skipped stitches and wavy seams on knits.
Needle Reminder

Needle Reminder

To save the settings for the needle type used.
Upper Thread Sensor

Upper Thread Sensor

Indicates when the upper thread breaks or runs out.
Tutorial
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Tutorial

Access Tutorials for sewing, quilting and embroidery techniques. Also provides information about threading, needles and other including animation videos.
On-screen Help
#

On-screen Help

Use the ‘?’ to identify functions and stitches. Built-in animations lead you through processes and provide reminders.
Retractable Feed Dog
Slide speed control
#

Slide speed control

Regulate the speed with the Slide Speed Control.
Machine weight 24.2 lb
Machine size 18.1″ / 7.9″ / 12.9″
  • Practical Stitches

  • Buttonholes

  • Decorative Stitches

  • Quilt Stitches

  • Quilt Designs

  • Embellishment

  • Flowers

  • Children

  • Seasons

  • Sport and Hobbies

  • Animals

  • Borders and Lace

  • Frames

  • DesignWorks

Accessories

Unleash your creativity with the included accessories and be prepared for any creative challenge with a huge variety of optional accessories

  • Included
  • Compatible
Show all Hide all

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

Tutorials

  • Sewing tutorial: First steps with the B 540

    This video shows you first steps with your BERNINA sewing machine – learn how to attach the sewing foot, wind the thread and use the bobbin, to thread your machine correctly.

  • Sewing tutorial: Screen functions of the B 540

    In this tutorial we take a look at all the areas and functions of your sewing machine’s screen. Learn more about thread tension, change stitches and about the "Help" function.

  • Sewing tutorial: changing and saving stitches with the B 540

    The video tutorial shows how to select a decorative stitch and to mirror a stitch pattern. All changes are stored in the sewing machine for a short time, but can also be stored permanently.

  • Sewing tutorial: Buttonholes with the B 540

    This video shows you how to choose from a selection of buttonholes and how to set the buttonhole width and length. You can also save the same buttonhole settings for future use.

  • Sewing tutorial: quilting with the B 540

    Presser foot # 97 is perfectly suited to patchworking. In these video instructions you will see how to attach the presser foot and align the fabric edges correctly.

  • Embroidery tutorial: first steps with the B 540

    Learn how to attach the embroidery module, to remove the stitch plate and to insert a straight stitch plate in its place. The video also shows how to use embroidery files from a USB stick.

  • Embroidery tutorial: editing designs with the B 540

    For particularly creative embroidery, this video shows you how to add letters and other patterns to an existing embroidery pattern.

  • Cleaning and Oiling the B 540

    This video shows you how to clean and oil the B 540 using the example of the BERNINA 4 Series machines.

  • Sewing tutorial: First steps with the B 540

    Sewing tutorial: First steps with the B 540

  • Sewing tutorial: Screen functions of the B 540

    Sewing tutorial: Screen functions of the B 540

  • Sewing tutorial: changing and saving stitches with the B 540

    Sewing tutorial: changing and saving stitches with the B 540

  • Sewing tutorial: Buttonholes with the B 540

    Sewing tutorial: Buttonholes with the B 540

  • Sewing tutorial: quilting with the B 540

    Sewing tutorial: quilting with the B 540

  • Embroidery tutorial: first steps with the B 540

    Embroidery tutorial: first steps with the B 540

  • Embroidery tutorial: editing designs with the B 540

    Embroidery tutorial: editing designs with the B 540

  • Cleaning and Oiling the B 540

    Cleaning and Oiling the B 540

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use off-brand bobbins?

We recommend to use only BERNINA quality bobbins because using off-brand bobbins can cause unsatisfying thread tension and other problems.

How often should the machine be oiled?

The frequency of oiling depends on the number of the sewn stitches. We recommend to place a drop of oil onto the hook race before sewing for a longer period, but at least when the machine prompts you. When sewing bigger projects, you can oil the machine once a day.

The machine is running very slow.

Check the slide speed control on the front of the machine and move to the right. Here you can set the  maximum speed setting when sewing with the foot control or use it to adjust the speed when working with the start/stop button.
 

What should I do if the message with gears appears?

Cut off the upper thread, raise the presser foot, carefully lift the fabric to cut off the lower thread and any twisted threads. Do not pull! Remove the fabric. Remove the bobbin case, open the hook to check whether any thread is tangled in the hook area and remove it. Also check whether there is any thread under the needle plate. Replace the hook, bobbin case, bobbin and needle plate. Check whether the upper thread is threaded correctly and rethread if necessary.

Whats the use of the vertical spool pin?

Necessary when using a second thread for example sewing with the twin needle.
For stacked (parallel wound) threads, use the vertical spool pin to allow the thread to evenly feed off the spool.
Important: use the foam pad as base.

What is the thread cutter to the right of the machine head for?

It makes threading using the semi-automatic threader easier, since the end of the thread no longer needs to be held manually. Instead, the thread is pulled over the thread cutter  after it has been laid into  the hook of the threader. The threader is then released and the thread is pulled through the eye of the needle. The cutter is available as an optional accessory for models where it is not included as standard.

Support for your BERNINA 540

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.

Download manual Support page BERNINA 540

Personal advice at your Local BERNINA Store

Over 2,000 BERNINA Stores worldwide offer valuable services to all our customers. Your local BERNINA Store is there to proudly help you, with advice on machines and accessories that best suit your needs, selection of BERNINA Embroidery Software and also in servicing your BERNINA.