b08 Bernette Straight Stitch Sewing Machine Review
The bernette world has been waiting for YEARS to have a high speed, straight stitch machine. With the release of the new b08 straight stitch machine, bernette finally made those dreams come true. Just a couple weeks after its reveal, the bernette b08 straight stitch machine is already making a splash and exceeding expectations.
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Transparency disclaimer: At this time, String & Story is a bernette dealer. We sell these machines because we believe that are reliable and an awesome value. I frequently choose to sew on the b77 or another bernette model even though I also own a BERNINA 590. In the past I have also sewn on a Juki J-150, several Singer machines, and a Kenmore
Bernette sewing machines are designed by BERNINA, and I often describe them as the “little sister” line of machines. They are the Toyota to BERNINA’s Lexus, the GMC to Cadillac, etc. These machines focus on newer sewists, folks looking for a more affordable price point, and folks looking for a reliable and highly functional back up machine.
With the release of the bernette b08 Straight Stitch sewing machine, though, bernette has broken its own mold and created a machine that is unique amongst both the other bernettes and the full BERNINA line. The bernette b08 is uniquely powerful and built to last, perfect for folks with the need for speed, who want their machine to power through the thickest of seams and laters, and those who want to sew for hours and hours without slowing down.
Video Review
Machine Overview
The Bernette b08 Straight Stitch sewing machine is a fully mechanical, workhorse of a sewing machine. It is perfect for quilters (speedy chain piecing and bindings, plus beautiful stitch quality for walking foot quilting and FMQ), bag makers (no more stalling as you sew over thick seams and embellishments– the b08 can sew through anything), and garment makers/ cosplayers (fast, reliable stitches and an easy to maintain machine for all your projects). bernette did an extraordinary job eliminating parts from this machine that could cause mechanical issues, so you can sew longer, faster, stronger, and more reliably than ever. At a glance, the bernette b08 straight stitch sewing machine comes with all the vital features and accessories:
1,600 stitches per minute
Powerful DC motor
9-inch, extra tall throat space
Extra Large Bobbin
Independent Bobbin Winding Motor
Automatic Thread Cutter
Extension Table
Feet Sets
bernette has set the b08 apart from other straight stitch sewing machines on the market by curating two amazing feet sets to go with it.
The first set (pictured left) is a quilt making set featuring a free motion quilting hopping foot with four different bases (including open toe and ruler), an edge stitch foot, a quarter inch foot with guide, and a guide bar for even straight line quilting, plus an extra thick sole plate to disable the feed dogs for free motion and ruler quilting.
In the second, DIY Sewing, set (pictured right) there is a collection of feet specially curated for bag and garment making, including a non-stitck foot, zipper foot, invisible zipper foot, straight stitch hemmer, adjustable binding foot, and leather roller foot, plus an additionally sole plate with a smaller needle hole, especially for sewing fine fabrics and reducing the risk of them being “sucked” under the sole plate while sewing.
Review
The bernette b08 Straight Stitch sewing machine was love at first sight for me. Some Quilting Rockstars will remember the Juki sewing machine that I had and loved for years, and the b08 reminds me of “Jehoshaphat” so much I was honestly a bit emotional the first time I sewed on the b08. I love, love, love sewing fast, and this machine delivers the speed I love. Even more, as I’m expanding my skills to bags and garments, I know that this machine will deliver the strong, reliable stitches I need.
In my opinion, this machine is ideal for:
Sewists of all disciplines with a need for speed
Mechanical Sewing Machine enthusiasts
Sewists who sew through a lot of layers– bags, leather, garments, cosplay, bindings, etc
Sewists or Cosplayers who like to sew “experimentally” or with unusual materials and need a workhorse of a machine
Why buy from String & Story
Shopping for a machine can be overwhelming and intimidating, not to mention high stakes since you’re looking to make a substantial investment into a machine you’ll be spending a lot of time with. In light of that, why should you buy from String & Story?
If you’re local to the Duluth, GA area, we are excited to offer in person testing of the machine, troubleshooting, and open-sew time during shop hours— which means buying a machine from us comes with access to a local sewing community. Huzzah!
But what about if you’re online?
String & Story was one of the first quilting companies to offer independent, online education back in 2017— that means we have a lot of experience offering customer service and support virtually
We actually sew on the bernette machines we offer, both in store and at home. That means when we are helping you learn the machine, we are speaking from hands-on experience, not just reading the manual or attending a training to know the “right answers.”
We offer an amazing library of digital classes and resources and host an impressive online community. Buying a machine from us means that you are part of a wholistic quilting and sewing experience— where you can grow your skills, meet new friends, and get tailored help with the machine as needed.
Ready to experience the fun and features of the bernette b08 Straight Stitch Sewing Machine?
b08 Band Camp Overview
Resources
Free Ebooks in the Quilting Rockstar Library
BLOG: How to Sew a Burrito Pillowcase (ideal for new sewists)
COURSE: Library of Online Courses
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