Sewing Without Limits: Adaptive Features of the BERNINA 790 PRO

Something that I discovered about my BERNINA 790 PRO is that it has adaptive features that make sewing easier. A lot of the times, these features are created for the ease of sewing, not necessarily for people who have injuries and disabilities that prevent them from being able to make certain movements and complete certain actions, especially on a sewing machine. But with these different features that I will highlight, I was able to start sewing again. These features have made my transition back into sewing seamless and easy, and I wanted to take a moment to highlight them just in case anyone else has any ailments or disabilities that prevent them from sewing as they normally would.

Why I Need Adaptive Features

A little backstory, back in November 2024, while on my usual morning run, I was shot by a complete stranger. He shot me in my shoulder and in my leg. I have spent the last eight months going to physical therapy and doctors appointments. I have had to learn how to walk again and use my arm again, and even how to sew again with my new injuries. It has been such a learning experience! I didn’t know if I was ever going to be able to sit behind the sewing machine again because of how bad my injuries were. But with hard work, determination, my skilled doctors and physical therapists, and key features on the BERNINA 790 PRO, I am once again back behind the sewing machine! I could not be more excited!

Extra Large 7″ Touch Screen

The first feature that is adaptive is the extra large, seven-inch touch screen.  This is so easy to navigate, and with the extra large symbols, I can use my finger or a stylus to select the stitches that I want, the settings that I want, and any other programming.  It is all right there on the big screen. This was perfect for me because I only had limited use and range of my one arm.  Having the touch screen be easy to navigate, easy to press, and programming that made things automated and simplified really helped me with the sewing process. Programming that I found helpful was the ability to set the foot control to different actions, such as lowering the needle when the back of the foot control is pressed down, and program it to cut the thread or tie it.  This was helpful because the leg I was shot in is my primary sewing leg when it comes to the foot control. Being able to adjust my foot slightly and enable different actions was helpful while I regained my strength and mobility in my leg and foot. Another cool feature that helps with accessibility is that the screen can be adjusted! You can change the background pattern and the background color. You can personalize it to your style, what you like, and what best serves your creativity or disability.

Direct Selection Buttons

Other adaptive features are the buttons on the front of the B 790 PRO. I have easy access to many features of the machine, such as the quick reverse, the thread cutter, the presser foot up and down, and, my favorites, the start and stop and automatic needle threader.  The most adaptive feature of the machine has to be the start and stop button. The button allows you to start and stop the machine without relying on foot control. At the very beginning of my recovery, I couldn’t use my leg or my foot, which meant I wasn’t able to use my foot control. With the start and stop button being on the front of the machine, I was easily able to press the button, and the machine was able to stitch for me without me needing to use my leg and foot. When I’m finished with my stitch, I can easily push the button and stop the sewing and even press the thread cutter to cut my threads.  Everything is easily within reach and accessible. This feature makes it easy to do my sewing projects.

Automatic Needle Threader

Another feature that helped me during my recovery was the automatic needle threader. I personally love the automatic needle threader! It’s super easy to use. By threading my thread through the proper channels and pushing the automatic needle threader button on the front of the machine, it automatically threads my needle for me. No struggling with trying to place the thread through the eye of the needle, just a seamlessly threaded needle with the push of a button. With my limited arm mobility and movement, this was a lifesaver!

Free Hand System

When I was able to use my leg a little more, the Free Hand System came in handy.  This lever can raise and lower the presser foot.  With a simple move of my knee against the bar, I could make the presser foot raise and lower, meaning I didn’t have to press any of the buttons on the machine.  This came in handy when my one good arm was holding the fabric. This feature is convenient because it gives me two different ways to raise and lower the presser foot. Having multiple ways to operate a machine and complete a specific task is great because it allows the person who is sewing to choose what feature works best for their injury or disability and doesn’t limit them in what they are able to do.

Accessible Sewing

Sewing is my life. It is my passion, and it is one thing that brings me the most happiness. The thought of not being able to sew because of my injuries was devastating for me. The thoughts were quickly erased from my mind because of these key features on the B 790 PRO.  The adaptive and convenient features have allowed me to get back behind the sewing machine and get back to doing what I love. Other people can feel confident sitting behind this machine knowing that they are able to able to sew without the worry or concern that their injuries or disabilities will prevent them from sewing. Sewing should be accessible to everyone, and the features of the BERNINA 790 PRO make this possible!