
Product Information
BERNINA
BERNINA
500 E
Unlock limitless embroidery creativity with the BERNINA 500 E! Designed exclusively for embroidery artists and monogrammers, it pairs an 8.5" freearm with the included Embroidery Module M with Smart Drive Technology (SDT) for smooth, quiet embroidery across a 400 × 150 mm field at up to 1,000 stitches per minute. Position designs with Pinpoint Placement, finish cleanly with Thread Away Mode and the automatic thread cutter, and edit on the 4.3" touchscreen — with 275 built-in designs, 8 alphabets, and a Jumbo Bobbin.
Included standard for smoother, quieter embroidery across a 15.7" × 5.9" (400 × 150 mm) field.
Match two on-screen points to your hoop and the machine aligns, rotates, and sizes the design for you.
Cuts threads and lifts the needle in one press, while Thread Away pulls tails underneath for a clean finish.
Undo/Redo, Group/Ungroup, Color Wheel, WordART, and more — all on screen with Creative Consultant help.
Extended 8.5" Freearm & Generous Embroidery Area
Extended 8.5" Freearm & Generous Embroidery Area
Handle big embroidery projects with ease. The extended 8.5" (215.9 mm) freearm provides ample room for garments and accessories, while the included Embroidery Module M with SDT supports a maximum embroidery area of 15.7" × 5.9" for bringing your boldest creative ideas to life.
Enhanced On-Screen Design Editing
Enhanced On-Screen Design Editing
Realize your embroidery vision directly on the touchscreen with powerful editing tools. Undo and redo steps with ease, edit designs as a group or break them apart, and customize the stitch-out sequence to create entirely new looks from your favorite motifs.
Pinpoint Placement for Precise Results
Pinpoint Placement for Precise Results
Position embroidery designs precisely without needing templates. Simply select two reference points on screen and match them to the markings on your hooped fabric — the machine automatically aligns, rotates, and scales the design for perfect placement every time.
Automatic Thread Cutter & Needle Lift
Automatic Thread Cutter & Needle Lift
Say goodbye to manual thread trimming. With a single button press, the automatic thread cutter operates two steps in one: cutting both threads cleanly and lifting the needle — so you can keep your hands on your project and your momentum moving forward.
Thread Away Mode for Flawless Embroidery
Thread Away Mode for Flawless Embroidery
Achieve professional-grade embroidery results on every project. Thread Away Mode performs a swift hoop movement that pulls most upper thread tails to the underside, eliminating manual trimming on the top side and delivering crisp, clean embroidery from the very first stitch.
BERNINA Hook System & Front-Load Jumbo Bobbin
BERNINA Hook System & Front-Load Jumbo Bobbin
Experience consistently precise, quiet, and fast embroidery execution. The patented BERNINA Hook keeps every stitch consistent at speeds up to 1,000 stitches per minute, while the front-loading Jumbo Bobbin holds up to 70% more thread so you can embroider longer between refills.
Key Features
- Extended 8.5" Freearm Workspace: 8.5 inches (215.9 mm) of clearance to the right of the needle for comfortable handling of garments, accessories, and large embroidery projects.
- 275 Built-In Embroidery Designs & 8 Alphabets: Expansive library of embroidery motifs and lettering alphabets for monogramming, decorative work, and specialty techniques.
- BERNINA Hook System & Front-Load Jumbo Bobbin: Precision all-metal hook system delivers consistent stitches at up to 1,000 SPM; Jumbo bobbin holds 70% more thread than standard bobbins.
- Included Embroidery Module M with Smart Drive Technology (SDT): Smoother, quieter, and more precise embroidery movement with a maximum field of 15.7" × 5.9" (400 × 150 mm).
- Pinpoint Placement (2-Point Placement): Automatic design alignment, rotation, resizing, and positioning to match two reference points on hooped fabric.
- Enhanced On-Screen Design Editing: Undo/Redo, Group/Ungroup, Color Wheel, rotate, mirror, scale, and combine designs directly on the 4.3" color touchscreen.
- Thread Away Mode: Swift hoop movement pulls upper thread tails to the underside for clean top-surface embroidery results without manual trimming.
- Automatic Thread Cutter: One-button two-step operation simultaneously cuts thread and lifts the needle for uninterrupted creative flow.
- Creative Embroidery Consultant & Tutorial: On-screen expert guidance, tips, tricks, and step-by-step tutorials available at any time during embroidery.
- WordART, Endless Embroidery & Color Resequence: Create custom text arrangements, execute seamless endless embroidery patterns, and resequence color changes to minimize thread swaps.
- Freearm Embroidery: Compatible with all BERNINA embroidery hoops for in-the-round garment embroidery without cutting or disassembling the item.
- Invisible Secure, Smart Secure & Jump Stitch Cutting: Automatically adds invisible tie-on/off stitches and cuts jump stitches for clean, professional embroidery results on every design.
Included Accessories
- Standard Embroidery Hoops (2 Hoops & Templates): Embroidery Hoop Large Oval with Template (255 × 145 mm / 10.0" × 5.7"), Embroidery Hoop Medium with Template (130 × 100 mm / 5.1" × 3.9").
- Included Embroidery Module M with Smart Drive Technology (SDT): Standard-included advanced embroidery module featuring SDT for enhanced stitch quality, smoother movement, and maximum embroidery field of 15.7" × 5.9" (400 × 150 mm).
- Software & Digital Tools: BERNINA ArtLink Embroidery Software (free download at bernina.com), Touch Pen.
- Thread & Bobbin Support Hardware: 3 × Spool Discs, 2 × Foam Pads, White Thread Spool Net, Template Holder, 5 × Jumbo Bobbins (1 in bobbin case + 4 in accessory box).
- Maintenance Tools, Protection & Storage: Seam Ripper, Embroidery Needle Assortment SUK, Cleaning Brush, Red Screwdriver, Power Line Cable, Soft Dust Cover with Pocket, Magnetic Accessory Box.
Included Embroidery Feet
- Embroidery Presser Foot #26L
BERNINA
BERNINA 500 E — Full Details
| General Specifications | |
| Machine Type | Computerized Embroidery Machine (Embroidery-Only) |
| Workspace Dimensions | 8.5" (215.9 mm) Space to the Right of the Needle |
| Maximum Embroidery Speed | 1,000 Stitches Per Minute (SPM) |
| Display & Navigation | 4.3" Color LCD Touchscreen with Home Button Concept & Multi-Function Knobs |
| Hook & Bobbin System | BERNINA Hook System with Front-Loading Jumbo Bobbin (70% More Capacity) |
| Thread Management | Upper & Lower Thread Sensors, Automatic Thread Cutter, Thread Away Mode |
| Lighting System | 12-LED Workspace Illumination Array |
| Embroidery Specifications | |
| Maximum Embroidery Field | 15.7" × 5.9" (400 × 150 mm) via Included Embroidery Module M with SDT |
| Built-In Embroidery Library | 275 Embroidery Designs & 8 Embroidery Alphabets |
| Supported Design Formats | EXP, DST, PES, PEC, JEF, SEW, PCS, XXX (Import/Export via USB) |
| Design Positioning | Pinpoint Placement (2-Point), Drag & Drop Positioning, Position Recall |
| Design Editing Tools | Undo/Redo, Group/Ungroup, Color Wheel, WordART, Endless Embroidery, Color Resequence, Sequence Control |
| Automation & Finishing | Invisible Secure, Smart Secure, Thread-Up Command, Programmable Jump Stitch Cutting, Basting |
| Hoop Compatibility | Small Clamp (6.25" × 6.5"), Large Freearm (5.7" × 10"), Midi (10.4" × 6.5"), Mega (15.7" × 5.9") |
Bernina Warranty Coverage
Bernina is the gold standard in home sewing machines. Their warranty coverage is built to match a machine designed to last generations.
- Mechanical Parts — 20-year limited warranty
- Printed Circuit Boards — 5-year warranty
- Electrical Parts — 2-year warranty
Bernina’s warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for the original purchaser. Mechanical parts are covered for 20 years, circuit boards for 5 years, and electrical parts for 2 years. Important: warranty coverage is limited to the cost of the affected part only — labor charges are not included. All shipping costs to and from the dealer or designated service point are the purchaser’s responsibility. The warranty must be registered via the Bernina Customer Portal within 30 days of purchase, or countersigned by an authorized Bernina dealer within 90 days — otherwise coverage is void. Original proof of purchase required for all service.
Your Bernina warranty is valid at any authorized Bernina dealer — return your machine to an authorized location for all repairs and replacements.
Why Buy From Us
When you buy from Sew It Online, you’re covered — before, during, and after the sale.
- Real Support When You Need It — call us first. Our techs and education specialists solve a lot over video, find you a local repair shop, or walk you through shipping it back. Just keep your box.
- Warranty Valid at Any Authorized Dealer — your coverage travels with you. Take your machine anywhere for service, no questions asked.
Plus, every machine purchase includes access to our full education library — see the Education tab.
What Education Is Included
Every machine purchase includes access to our full education library:
- 🪡 Sew What’s Possible Challenge — start sewing real projects fast.
- 📚 Beyond The Basics — level up your technique.
- 🧰 Machine Maintenance Course — keep your machine running right.
- 🏆 From Box to Confidence — sewing the same day it arrives.
Questions