Bernina Q24 Best Longarm Quilting Machine on the Market Review

The Bernina Q24 is the first longarm quilting machine with 24 inches of quilting space from the needle to the back of the unit. It’s one of the best long arm machines.

The front of the model is where all the necessary features like the threading path, handwheel, controls, and thread stand, are located. They’re easy to reach.

This machine will help you master hand-guided quilting fast with the help of the incorporated Bernina stitch regulator. It’s easy to activate and easy to adjust via the touch screen.

You can adjust the stitch length as you want for different quilting styles. The stitch regulator makes sure that the length is consistent despite the different stitching speeds.

Also, you can choose between 3 different stitch regulation modes, including a completely manual mode or a basting mode. The completely articulating handles can be easily adjusted.

They can be easily positioned to suit your quilting needs. No matter if you’re doing ruler work, edge-to-edge, or custom designs, you can adjust your handles according to your needs.

If you’re interested in learning more about this machine, keep on reading. I will reveal all the necessary information you need to know before you buy this long arm quilting machine.

Without further ado, let’s dive into my detailed Bernina Q24 review.

Product Specifications

Quick Overview

The Bernina Q24 has a throat space of 24 inches. It’s one of Bernina’s first long arm quilting machines. It provides quilting frames in different sizes, including:

• Small
• Classic
• Large

I like this very much because it allows you to find the perfect solution for both your floor space limits and quilting needs. Let’s see what else I like about this machine.

Easy Hand-Guided Quilting

The Bernina Q24 has made hand-guided quilting super easy. You get precise regulated stitches, 4 modes for complete flexibility, and easy adjustment via the touch screen.

The Bernina stitch regulator allows you to get ideal stitches at the same length despite the speed. There is also a manual mode without stitch regulation on your service.

Quick Threading and Winding

Threading was a breeze with this quilting machine. You can enjoy comfort while working and wind your bobbin in record time thanks to the on-board bobbin winder.

The forwarded threading path and well-positioned spool holders are simple to get to and easy to follow. If you want to complete your projects fast, this is the machine for you.

Original User Interface

If you choose this unit, you will get to enjoy the simple-to-use touch screen. You have individual settings for complete comfort and inbuilt tutorials for help.

Completely adjustable, the user interface comes with helpful options such as 5 user profiles, tutorials for maintenance, and a stitch counter.

Maximized Comfort While Quilting

I love this machine because it comes with eight-way, completely-customizable handles. You can quilt in your favorite position and adapt your position to any quilting technique.

The most common options are at arm’s length. The handles provide maximized comfort whether you’re making custom designs or stitching edge-to-edge.

Fine Stitches Every Time

With this quilting machine, you will get precise and beautiful stitches every time. They’re consistent and perfect. Perfection comes as standard with this machine.

Also, thanks to the high speed of 2,200 stitches per minute, you can save time and complete more tasks in a shorter period. Quilting has never been faster.

Ergonomic Features

What I like most about this machine is the features located on the front of the machine. Also, the frame height is adjustable, and the manual needle positioning is easy.

You can operate your Bernina Q24 from the front, thanks to the well-positioned features. Customize the height of your frame according to your needs and enjoy it.

Illuminated Space

I am a big fan of good lighting. I wouldn’t buy a machine or recommend one unless it has good lighting. This model comes with a naturally illuminated work area.

You will get enough lighting, even in darker places. The illumination of the quilting space is ideal thanks to the 50 LEDs above the needle and along with the throat space of the unit.

Original Thread Tension Control

The thread tension control is adjusted digitally. There is also a presser foot tension release for threading ease. No external assembly is needed.

At First Sight

Q24 can perform with a large quilt frame. It’s the first longarm quilting machine by Bernina made to also work as a sit-down quilter.

It’s a sit-down model with a bobbin winder on the right side and a thread path that holds the thread on either side of the unit head before going to the needle threader.

This tells me that threading this machine is not as easy as everyone thinks. At least it’s not for me. There is also LED lighting under the needle and along the length of the arm.

What I like most about this quilting machine is the presser foot tension release control, a USB port, and the electronic presser foot lift. I also like the bright LCD screen over the needle.

It’s used in the way of customizing the stitch length. You can find the bright LED lights and the automatic needle threader straight under the needle.

The unit is attached to a table that is specifically made for this machine. It’s available in 2 regular colors, including Asian golden teak and English white ash.

You can also choose from 6 extra finishes, including African ebony, Brazilian cherry, North American oak, American walnut, Canadian maple, and American birdseye maple.

With all these options, anyone who buys this unit can be assured of matching their décor, personal taste, and style. I find the following features helpful and impressive:

• Customizable stitch length
• Personal program
• Stitch regulator (dual stitch regulators)
• On-board bobbin winder
• Work with domestic sewing needles
• Automatic presser foot lift
• Automatic thread tension
• Automatic needle threader
• 4.3-inch LED touch screen
• 2,200 stitches per minute
• A table that opens to show 2 big storage parts on both sides of the unit head

Working on this quilting machine is simple, thanks to the owner’s manual. To thread your unit properly, you need to refer to the instructions.

Winding the bobbin is also simple, especially for beginners, as well as adjusting the stitch length. You will be surprised by how easy adjusting the stitch length is.

All you need to do is follow the clear guides on your touch screen. Once the stitch length is set, just push the icon on the touch screen to decrease the presser foot.

Then, lay your hands atop your fabric on both sides of the needle and push the foot pedal. The amount of pressure you apply on the foot pedal determines the speed.

While working with this quilting machine, you will notice that it’s straightforward and super fast. I even have a nickname for it. I call it the Lighting bolt.

When timed up with the stiffness of the steering mechanism, I have to admit that it took me a few times before I could master quilting on this machine.

Another thing I have to mention is how surprised I was by the stitches. This model delivers well-formed, evenly-shaped, and sturdy stitches.

It’s capable of handling different types of fabric, including natural fibers like wool, linen, and cotton, fine fabrics like velvet, taffeta, satin and silk, knits, and upholstery.

It also works with synthetic fibers like polyester, rayon, and blends, denim, leather, super-dense fabrics, and multiple layers of fabric.

Regular accessories include a free motion foot, an easy-to-follow owner’s manual, an instructional DVD, and a metal accessories case. Optional accessories include:

• Vertical and horizontal spool holders
• Twin needle stitch plate
• Optional presser feet
• Ruler base kit

No matter how slow or fast this model works, you will notice that it’s a bit noisy. It’s the loudest when compared to other sit down quilting machines.

If you don’t have experience with a sit-down, high-speed quilting unit, this model might seem a bit scary. Keep in mind that it has a learning curve for beginners.

Once you master quilting on this machine, you will find it easy and enjoyable to use. You will notice a bit of vibration while sliding your fabric beneath the needle.

Also, you will like the popular Bernina stitch regulator. This feature is a huge advantage for every quilter. It guarantees sturdy, evenly made, beautiful stitches.

If you’re looking for a versatile quilting model that can be utilized either with the regular table, optional frame, or as a sit-down unit, look no further than this model.

Features of Bernina Q24

This unit by Bernina is easy to learn, reliable, versatile, and doesn’t need much maintenance. It’s packed with impressive features, including the following:

Inbuilt Stitch Regulator

Unlike household quilting machines, this model comes with a built-in stitch regulator with 3 modes. It’s one of my favorite features of this machine.

Table Alternatives

When I bought this model, the table/cabinet was the single table choice and came as standard with the machine. The table in different finishes is 36 x 45 inches.

It has expandable inserts. The expanded table, on the other hand, is 36 x 77 inches. At the moment, it’s sold with the original table, but you can buy a foldable table as well.

Original Thread Tension Control

The Bernina Q24 includes a presser foot tension release. The tension system has numeric settings. They make it super easy to utilize different thread types with success.

Speed

If you want to save time and complete more projects, this model is ideal for you. It’s capable of making 2,200 stitches per minute. You will be amazed by the stitch quality.

LED Lighting

I am a huge fan of good lighting. I wouldn’t buy or recommend a machine with poor lighting. This model is loaded with 50 LEDs above the needle and along the length of the unit.

Ergonomic Features

One of my favorite things about this model is the ergonomic design of the handles. They’re original and completely articulating. They can be easily adjusted.

No matter if you’re making ruler work, custom designs, or edge-to-edge, the handles can be adjusted for comfort and visibility. Program each of the buttons on both handles to keep common functions at hand.

Simple Threading and Winding

The forward location of the thread stand is easy to reach, and the threading path is straightforward. But it’s the integrated bobbin winder that makes this unit unique.

Original User Interface

Bernina brings the user-friendly color touch screen of domestic quilting machines to the long arm units. This model has a touch screen with a lot of helpful options, such as built-in tutorials and a stitch counter.

Sturdy Construction

Q24 has enough room for large quilting projects. The frame can handle a quilt until 108 inches wide. But what I like most about this unit is the sturdiness and stability.

The strong frame allows users to enjoy quilting for years to come. It’s built to last. If you want a durable, long-lasting, sit down quilting unit, this model is perfect for you.

Positive Sides of Bernina Q24

Let’s take a look at some of the things I like about this machine.

For starters, I like the possibility to utilize different quilting feet and change them fast and easy but what I like is the ability to use standard machine needles.

I can easily switch my needle according to the fabric I use. The sturdy, strong frame is another thing that I like because it prevents vibration in the handles.

The presser foot can be raised and lowered easily for exact needle placement. The handles are simple to use. They’re programmable and adjustable.

Let’s review some other positive sides of this popular quilting machine in detail.

Simple Hand-Guided Quilting

Hand-guided quilting has never been easier. You get precise stitches despite the speed. You can choose from 3 different modes for complete flexibility.

You can also enjoy simple customization through the touch screen. The popular Bernina stitch regulator ensures perfect stitches at the same length despite the speed.

There is also a manual mode without stitch regulation.

Effortless Threading and Winding

You can enjoy effortless threading and winding.

The forward threading path and smartly positioned spool holders are simple to reach and easy to follow, while the on-board bobbin winder makes winding even easier.

User-Friendly Touch Screen

The touch screen is easy to use and comes with individual settings for complete comfort. You can enjoy effortless work thanks to the built-in tutorials.

The user interface is completely customizable and provides helpful options such as stitch counter, inbuilt tutorials for maintenance, and 5 user profiles.

Completely Adjustable Handles

You will love the completely adjustable, 8-way handles. They allow you to quilt in your favorite position. Also, you have the common functions at arm’s reach.

Impressive Stitch Quality

This unit delivers precise stitches every time. They’re always consistent and perfect. Perfection comes as standard with this machine. Also, it’s a high-speed model.

This means that you can complete your quilting projects a lot faster and save time. This unit is capable of producing 2,200 stitches per minute, which is impressive.

Ergonomic Features

The Q24 can be completely operated from the front. The frame height is adjustable, and you can enjoy a simple manual needle positioning.

You can adjust the frame height according to your needs and personal preference. The dual handwheels enable simple manual needle positioning.

50 LED Lights

The Bernina Q24 has a naturally illuminated working space. You will get enough lighting, even in the dark spaces. The illumination of the quilting space is perfect.

This machine includes 50 bright LED lights over the needle and along with the throat space illuminating the work for better visibility. The lighting is my favorite thing.

Advanced Thread Tension Control

You can adjust the thread tension control digitally. There is also a presser foot release for easy threading, and no external tension assembly is needed.

The impressive tension system has numeric tension options, which makes it easy to utilize different types of threads with success.

Integrated Wi-Fi

The Bernina Q24 quilting machine comes with integrated Wi-Fi and meets the highest safety standards. The Q-Matic system works perfectly with the frame.

You can transfer designs from your laptop or PC to the Q-Matic system with ease. The Wi-Fi capability is what makes everything a lot easier and simpler.

Easily Accessible Features

You have some of the common commands at your fingertips. You can easily access all the features and make changes in parameters with a single touch.

You also have view choices for an ideal quilt layout. You can position designs, alter designs, layout your quilt, and control the stitch out with a single direct click.

Freehand Quilting Anytime

You can choose between freehand and automated quilting. This machine comes with a single quick belt release system. You can nicely combine digitized patterns with free-hand work.

Switching from automated to freehand quilting is very easy thanks to the single touch quick belt release system.

Portability

You can move your machine easily. EasyGlide is the power steering of Q-Matic. MicroMove will put your needle right where it’s supposed to be.

EasyGlide will help to place the belted unit head in all directions with ease and without extra force when activated. MicroMove will take care of your needle.

Art & Stitch Software Included

This is designing software for passionate long arm quilters. You can access this software straight on the touch screen. It allows you to make original quilt stitches.

Thanks to this creative software, you can switch designs or make original designs. This is your chance to bring your wildest ideas to life and express your creativity.

+600 Designs for Free

You will get designs from popular designers for free. The software includes 350 free designs. However, you can also upload your formats via Art & Stitch to Q-Matic.

You will also enjoy over 250 designs from multiple popular designers, including Amanda Murphy, Patricia Ritter, Keryn Emmerson, Tula Pink, Lisa H. Calle, and so on.

Position Your Design With Ease

You can enjoy the ideal design placement in your projects.

Align your design as you want directly on the touch screen using the software or Q-Matic. Alignment has never been simpler with the grab and drop function.

You can virtually attach the design and drop it in your quilt blocks or set virtual markers for easy border placement.

Negative Sides of Bernina Q24

The only issue I have experienced is from putting my bobbin backward.

The unit stitches for about 20s, and then the thread breaks. For unknown reasons, I tend to put it wrong.

The logo should be visible, and it should spin clockwise. Another downfall is the lack of an automatic thread cutter for cutting the bobbin and top thread with ease.

You can find this automatic feature on other Bernina models but not on this one. I was very surprised to learn that I have to pull the quilt out and cut my threads.

However, there is a logical explanation for this. I think it wasn’t possible to incorporate the automatic thread cutter because of the engineering needs of the inbuilt stitch regulator.

If this isn’t a deal-breaker for you, purchase the Bernina Q24 before it goes out of stock.

Summary

The Bernina Q24 quilting sit-down unit has enough space for large quilt projects. The frame can handle a quilt until 108 inches wide. It’s sturdy and long-lasting.

If you’re looking for a sit-down quilting model that will provide enjoyable quilting for years to come, look no further than Bernina Q24.

Hopefully, my Bernina Q24 review can help you determine if this machine is the right one for you or not. Have you ever used this model?

What is your opinion on this quilting unit? Would you recommend it? Please, share your thoughts in the comments below.