BERNINA Corporate Blog -If you have seen the Behind the Scenes video of the B 990 development, then you have seen Sarah Caldwell before. She is the Head of the Customer Education & Training team at BERNINA International and plays a pivotal role in shaping how BERNINA’s cutting-edge products such as the B 990 are developed, taught, and enjoyed by users worldwide. From collaborating on product design to creating educational resources, her extensive expertise and passion for sewing ensures that customers have everything they need to make the most of their BERNINA machines. Today she’ll answer some frequently asked questions about BERNINA’s highlight of the year: The BERNINA 990!
Sarah Caldwell, Head of Customer Education & Training at BERNINA International
BERNINA 990 Frequently asked questions
Sarah will answer the following topics and more:
- Where is the B 990 made?
- What is new?
- Does the camera recognize presser feet?
- What is the BISR?
- Do you need an embroidery software?
- Where is the eco Mode?
Development and specifications of the B 990
Sarah, how are you involved with the development of the B 990?
Sarah: When we launch a new BERNINA product, we start with gathering specifications, feasibility studies, and discuss in focus groups to figure out what’s needed. During development we test extensively, gather feedback, and prepare educational and marketing materials to support the launch. It’s very interesting to be involved in these tasks especially the training side. I know very early on what will be coming and I am very good at keeping secrets.
What are your next tasks for the B 990?
S: I’m testing updates, gathering feedback from markets, supporting the product launches all over the world, and I’m working on training and marketing projects—it’s an ongoing process.
Where is the B 990 made?
S: Right here in Switzerland! I’m sitting here in my office in Steckborn, and when I look out my window, I can see the actual building where they are being produced. So yes, they are Swiss made, which is something important to many customers. We also have our own factory in Chiang Mai, Thailand, which has been in existence for the last 30 years. It is very high-tech just like here in Switzerland and values it’s staff very highly as we do with all our employees worldwide.
BERNINA dealers from the US visited the B 990 production hall in Switzerland, 20.09.2024
What are the machines specifications?
S: The B 990 has a length/ width/ height of 673/ 242/ 422 mm ( or 26.5”/ 9.5”/ 16.6”) and it weighs 19.2 kg (43.3 lb) . It has a sewing speed of 1200 stitches per minute and an embroidery speed of 1000 stitches per minute. The embroidery area of 410×305 mm (16.1” x 12”) is extremely spacious and perfect to embroider a 12 inch quilt block! It also has WiFi functionality. You can check all specifications or download the brochure in the features & functions section of www.bernina.com/b990.
The new functions of the B 990
What’s new with the B 990?
S: It’s bigger—14 inches (36 cm) of space to the right of the needle, which people are always wanting more of since it’s great for large projects like quilts, bags or any kind of large garment. The user interface is a centralized 10.1″ Color Touch Screen in a whole new design that includes gestures and labelled icons, making it very user-friendly.
14 inches (36 cm) of space to the right of the needle
What is the Jumbo Stitch feature?
S: Jumbo Stitch lets you enlarge decorative stitches up to 500%. This gives you the freedom to sew your stitches in a multitude of sizes. You can use it in sewing or embroidery mode, giving endless creative options for projects.
Do you use Jumbo Stitches yourself?
S: I love using Jumbo Stitches a lot because it gives you bold, eye-catching results. Whats the point of a decorative stitch if nobody can see it?
Does the camera recognize presser feet?
S: No, the camera does not recognize presser feet. The camera is primarily there to show the area underneath the foot to help with precise positioning, especially paired with the BERNINA Pinpoint Laser. You can also adjust the view of the foot on the screen: Either turn the stitches horizontally or even remove the presser feet preview so you can fully see what the final result is going to look like.
Quilting with the BERNINA 990
What is the BISR?
S: The BERNINA Integrated Stitch Regulator (BISR) is a new feature which quilters will love. The great advantage of the BERNINA Integrated Stitch Regulator (BISR) is that it works with all our free-motion feet and is especially useful when it comes to ruler work, as you have 360° contact with a ruler. The BISR turns this machine into a very capable quilter’s machine.
Speaking of quilting, what is Computerized Quilting?
Computerized Quilting with BQM files on the B 990
S: “Computerized Quilting” or “Quilting in the hoop” uses the embroidery mode to position and stitch quilt designs perfectly. We use BQM files, which come from our Longarm quilting system, where you can adjust the shape or size of the design and regulate the stitch length. You can also easily combine these designs, then you place your project into the hoop and have your design embroidered perfectly. So there’s no need to worry about whether you’re confident with free-motion quilting or not. If you wish to try it, we already have some project ideas on the BERNINA Blog and Website!
- Embroidering and quilting a Patchwork Block in the Embroidery Hoop – Part 1
- Quilting in the Hoop with a continuous line design
- B 990 “Love” Design Pillow
- B 790 “Window to my world” Quilt
- Kaffe Fassett Zipper Pouch
- Kaffe Fassett Flower Quilt
Can you tell us more about the Giant Hoop?
S: The Giant Hoop is exclusive to the 990, with a 12-inch space for larger designs. This size was a big wish from our quilting fans. It is perfect for quilts or big garment panels. It is wonderful because you can do so much in just one hooping. I see that quilted jackets are really in fashion, so that might be one opportunity to use the Giant Hoop for!
Sarah is inspecting the Giant Hoop
Embroidery with the B 990
What can you use the Placement Scanner for?
S: The scanner lets you scan your fabric in any hoop size, even the Giant Hoop, and displays the scan on the screen. This helps with precise positioning of your embroidery and quilt designs.
Do you need an embroidery software for the B 990?
S: No, but the BERNINA Embroidery Software Version 9.2 expands what you can do. A big advantage of the machine and its WiFi functionality is that you can scan your fabric, import the scan into the software and use it as your base for designing your own embroidery motif.
Be sure to install the version 9.2 of the software so you can use all the new features and the new hoop sizes.
That said, the machine’s screen makes editing easier and offers more editing possibilities then previous models, so I find I use the embroidery software less often at present.
Other BERNINA 990 frequently asked questions
What resources help users learn to use the B 990?
S: The B 990 is based on our previous machines like the 7 series, so for those people who are coming from a machine like that, the learning curve is not so steep. There’s a printed and a built-in manual on the machine in the Help Center, including a quick-start guide. You can also utilize the consultant feature that suggests settings based on fabric and technique and animations to guide you through the changes in your settings. Online we have the mastery series and how-to videos which teach how to operate the machine. There are also in-store events and classes you can take. For this, best call your local dealer and ask for any B 990 activities happening soon.
User Manual on the B 990
Where is the eco Mode?
S: The eco Mode is a Stand-by mode of certain BERNINA models. It locks the sewing functions, the motor will be blocked and the machine cannot be started.
eco mode on the B 485
S: For the BERNINA 990, the name and symbol changed, but the functionality is the same. You can now find it in the Lock Screen! If you first press the lock symbol, only the touchscreen is locked. That is helpful if you are rehooping or threading and want to avoid moving your embroidery design by accidently touching the screen. The motor is only blocked by additionaly activating the slider “Lock/Unlock Sewing Functions”. Here’s a quick demonstration of activating and deactivating the Sewing Functions:
How to Lock Sewing Functions on the B 990
What reactions have you seen around the world?
S: The BERNINA 990 is very popular! In my work I’ve had the honor of participating in many different launch events or training courses and it’s great to see people enjoying using it. They share their excitement and projects online with pride and I love seeing what beautiful ideas people are creating with the B 990. It’s truly magical!
4-Point Placement, Camera and the BERNINA Pinpoint Laser help perfectly place the design.
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