Over the years, I’ve sewn on all kinds of machines, from simple straight-stitch models to more modern ones. For the longest time, over 15 years, I told myself I didn’t need a computerized sewing machine. I figured the money was better spent on fabric and notions, and honestly, my non-computerized machine worked just fine.
That all changed when I got my Bernina 570.
The feature that completely won me over is the programmable foot pedal.
The result? A neat, clean seam with tiny securing stitches that are just as strong as a backstitch, but far less bulky. And I don’t have to fumble with scissors or reach for levers.
It might sound like a small detail, but those saved seconds add up. Every seam feels smoother, faster, and more efficient.
If you’ve been wondering whether a computerized machine is worth the investment, the Bernina foot pedal alone might convince you. It certainly did for me.
That all changed when I got my Bernina 570.
The feature that completely won me over is the programmable foot pedal.
First Impressions: A Bigger, Smarter Pedal
When I first unpacked my Bernina, I noticed the foot pedal was much larger than any I’d used before. At first, I thought, why is this thing so big and heavy? But then I realized the brilliance behind it:- It stays put. No more chasing my foot pedal across the floor as I sew.
- Cord storage is built in. The cord loops neatly into the base, making travel and storage easier.
- It’s separate from the power cord. Unlike other machines where the cords are all tangled together, this setup keeps things tidy and less awkward.
But the real magic is in the pedal’s heel-kick function.
On my Bernina 570, I can program the heel kick on the foot pedal to handle it all automatically. With just a few taps on the foot, the pedal will automatically:
What the Heel Kick Can Do
With most machines, sewing a seam goes something like this:- Lower the presser foot manually
- Sew forward
- Backstitch to secure
- Sew forward again
- Backstitch at the end
- Lift the presser foot
- Pull out the fabric, snip threads
On my Bernina 570, I can program the heel kick on the foot pedal to handle it all automatically. With just a few taps on the foot, the pedal will automatically:
- Lower the presser foot
- Sew a securing stitch with a knot or tiny stitches
- Sew the line of stitching and finish off with another securing stitch
- Cut the thread
- Lift the presser foot
It's so easy! I just start sewing, and when I get to the end of a seam, I simply tap my heel on the pedal. Instantly, the machine ties off the stitch, trims the thread, and lifts the presser foot—ready for me to pull the fabric away.
The result? A neat, clean seam with tiny securing stitches that are just as strong as a backstitch, but far less bulky. And I don’t have to fumble with scissors or reach for levers.
It might sound like a small detail, but those saved seconds add up. Every seam feels smoother, faster, and more efficient.
Why I Love It
For me, the programmable foot pedal transforms sewing from a series of repetitive steps into a seamless process. It’s intuitive, customizable, and genuinely makes me excited to sit down at my machine.If you’ve been wondering whether a computerized machine is worth the investment, the Bernina foot pedal alone might convince you. It certainly did for me.
Stop by The Cotton Patch and try one out for yourself!
Thanks for reading and if you want to see the foot in action, check out my YouTube video!
- Vivian