Bernina International

Bernina International AG is a privately owned international manufacturer of sewing and embroidery systems. The company was founded in Steckborn, Switzerland, and develops, manufactures, and sells goods and services for the textile market, primarily household sewing-related products in the fields of embroidery, quilting, home textiles, garment sewing, and crafting.[4]

The origins of the company lie in the 1893 invention of the hemstitch sewing machine by Swiss inventor and entrepreneur Karl Friedrich Gegauf. Currently, the company's products include sewing machines, embroidery machines, serger/overlocker machines, and computer software for embroidery design.

History

1890s to 1910s: Karl Friedrich Gegauf and the invention of the hemstitch sewing machine

The present-day Bernina International AG was founded by Karl Friedrich Gegauf (1860–1926),[5]

Models

brands	Bernette

products	Bernina sewing machines Textile machines Software

homepage	http://www.bernina.com

Timeline

Model ranges

Mechanical

These machines have fully mechanical controls and internal drive train and from model 125 were electrically driven with an external motor. Starting from the 500 series the 'x30' was the top model in each subsequent range, offering a larger number of stitches and from the 700 series incorporating a knee operated presser foot lifter as a 'third hand' for the busy machinist. These early machines all have a robust cast metal enamelled body, simple controls and produce accurate stitches in a range of fabrics, epitomised by the long running '830 Record' launched in 1971, offering 21 practical and decorative stitches and weighing over 9 kg (without case) popular with keen sewists, educational establishments and costume departments [33]

The model ranges also included smaller and slightly lighter '3/4' sized portable machines with similar build quality intended for sewing class or domestic use, typically offering 7 practical stitches (e.g. 707/717 minimatic). The portable machines incorporating a transport handle from the 800 series were designated 'Sport' to distinguish them from similarly numbered models intended for static use. The 900 series, introduced a new squarer metal body and an integrated motor housing. The 950 Industrial was a long running flat bed model for professional use. The 1000 series with its increased 5.5mm stitch width, was the final mechanical model range and the mid-range 1008 model with 16 practical and decorative stitches remained in production until 2020. The high build quality, simplicity and durability of these Swiss built electro-mechanical models of all eras mean they remain popular on the used market and will give a lifetime of service with regular maintenance.

Mechanical models from the 530 to the 1000 series (and early computerised models to the 1630) use the Bernina 'CB' hook and take either the vintage engraved number two-pronged presser feet (4.5mm stitch width models) or the later type 'A' two-pronged presser feet (4.5 & 5.5mm stitch width models).

type	Aktiengesellschaft
foundation	1893
founder	Fritz Gegauf
location city	Steckborn (TG), Switzerland
area served	Worldwide
key people	Hanspeter Ueltschi (owner and chairman of the board of directors)‡R1R‡ Kai Hillebrandt (CEO)
industry	Sewing and embroidery systems
revenue	CHF241 million (2023)‡R2R‡
num employees

Bernina International

History

1890s to 1910s: Karl Friedrich Gegauf and the invention of the hemstitch sewing machine

1920s to 1940s: Fritz Gegauf and the development of the first Bernina household sewing machine

1950s to 1988: Odette Gegauf-Ueltschi and the fully automatic sewing machine

1988 to 2007: Hanspeter Ueltschi and the first sewing computer, expansion of markets and production

2008 to present

Company structure

Models

Timeline

Model ranges

Mechanical

Computerised

Presser feet

Embroidery software

See also

Further reading

External links

References