The BERNINA Q 16 PLUS Longarm Quilting Machine gives dedicated quilters the space, speed and control of a purpose-built longarm in a configuration suited to the home studio. Its generous 16.5-inch throat, integrated BERNINA Stitch Regulator and digitally adjustable thread tension make it easier to move from domestic-machine quilting to larger, more ambitious projects.
Choose a sit-down table when you prefer to move the quilt beneath the needle, or pair the Q 16 PLUS with a compatible Studio Frame and move the machine across the quilt. Explore the available configurations on the BERNINA Q 16 PLUS product page , or browse more longarm quilting machines at Two Petals .
- 16.5-inch throat space:Â provides substantially more room for bulky quilts than a conventional domestic sewing machine.
- Up to 2,200 stitches per minute:Â supports fast free-motion quilting while retaining control for detailed work.
- Three regulated BSR modes:Â choose responsive stitch regulation, a stop-when-you-stop mode or regulated basting.
- Manual quilting mode:Â turn stitch regulation off when you want direct control over stitch formation.
- Digital upper-thread tension:Â make repeatable adjustments from the machine interface.
- Bright, open work area:Â 50 LEDs illuminate the freearm and needle area.
- On-board bobbin winding:Â the separate bobbin-winder motor allows a bobbin to be prepared independently of the main stitching motor.
- Flexible studio setup:Â configure the Q 16 PLUS for sit-down quilting or a compatible BERNINA Studio Frame.
A dedicated longarm for bigger quilting ideas
Guiding a large quilt through the limited opening of a domestic sewing machine can mean repeatedly rolling, folding and repositioning the project. The Q 16 PLUS places 420 mm of space to the right of the needle at your disposal, with approximately 275 mm of workspace height. This gives your hands and quilt sandwich more freedom when stitching edge-to-edge textures, feathers, fillers, ruler-guided motifs or detailed custom quilting.
The Q 16 PLUS is intended for hand-guided quilting rather than general garment sewing or embroidery. It is an excellent choice for quilters who already have a machine for piecing and want a dedicated setup for finishing cot, lap, single, double, queen or larger quilts at home.
BERNINA Stitch Regulation with three useful modes
Two integrated sensors monitor movement at the stitch plate and adjust sewing speed to help maintain the selected stitch length as you move the fabric or machine. Regulated stitch length can be set between 1 and 24 stitches per inch, giving you options for everything from long basting stitches to fine quilting.
BSR 1
The needle continues stitching at an adjustable idle speed when movement pauses. This can help maintain smooth stitching through corners, points and tightly curved designs.
BSR 2
The needle stops when movement stops. Many quilters prefer this response for rulerwork and designs where deliberate pauses are important.
BSR 3 regulated basting
Select 1, 2 or 4 stitches per inch for basting quilt layers without filling the quilt with short permanent stitches.
Manual mode
Switch off regulation when you want stitch length to be determined entirely by your quilting speed and movement. Manual mode is useful for experienced free-motion quilters and techniques where intentional stitch variation forms part of the design.
Control your thread and stitch settings
Upper-thread tension is adjusted electronically through the machine interface, allowing settings to be changed without relying on an external mechanical tension assembly. The colour touchscreen also provides access to quilting modes, stitch-length settings, user profiles, stitch counts, tutorials and maintenance information.
Five user profiles can be created to store preferred combinations of thread tension, stitches per inch, idle speed and manual-mode speed. This is especially helpful when changing between fine fillers, general quilting, basting and different thread combinations.
Upper- and bobbin-thread monitoring can alert you to interruptions before a missing section of quilting becomes difficult to correct. As with any longarm, a test sample made from the same quilt top, batting, backing and thread remains the best way to confirm tension before starting the project.
Easy threading and independent bobbin winding
The forward-facing threading path and accessible spool positions are designed to keep routine setup straightforward. A semi-automatic needle threader assists with threading the needle, while the on-board bobbin winder uses a separate motor so bobbins can be wound independently of the main drive system.
The Q Series uses large M Class bobbins, helping reduce interruptions on dense or generously sized quilting projects. A bobbin-tension gauge is listed among the standard machine accessories, giving you a repeatable starting point when changing bobbin threads.
Choose the right Q 16 PLUS configuration
The Q 16 PLUS must be installed in a suitable longarm table or quilting frame. The best choice depends on how you like to quilt, the available floor space and whether future frame accessories or automation are part of your plans.
Sit-down table
With a sit-down configuration, the machine remains stationary and you move the quilt sandwich beneath the needle. This approach feels familiar to domestic-machine free-motion quilters while providing a much larger throat and a smooth, dedicated work surface.
- Suitable for custom quilting, detailed free-motion work and rulerwork with the appropriate optional ruler foot and accessories.
- No need to load the quilt onto rollers.
- Allows quilting in any direction by moving the fabric.
- Requires you to support and manoeuvre the weight of the quilt across the table.
- The KickStart function can be used on a compatible sit-down setup so the machine can be started and stopped without continuously holding down the foot control.
The height-adjustable BERNINA Foldable Table has a surface of approximately 91 x 115 cm and three working heights. The larger Q Series Lift Table provides powered height adjustment from approximately 72 to 121 cm and can expand to approximately 200 x 100 cm. Please confirm which Two Petals table option corresponds to your preferred table and what is included before ordering.
5-foot Studio Frame
The 5-foot Studio Frame offers frame-style quilting in a more compact footprint. Instead of pushing the full quilt through a stationary machine, you guide the Q 16 PLUS across the loaded quilting area using its handles.
- Approximate footprint: 1.8 x 1 metre.
- Working height adjusts from approximately 92 to 112 cm.
- Useful for quilters who prefer moving the machine rather than the quilt.
- The quilt must be advanced more frequently than it would on a longer frame.
- Start and stop functions are operated from programmable handle controls on the frame configuration.
10-foot Studio Frame
The 10-foot Studio Frame offers a wider working span for larger quilts and fewer side-to-side limitations. It is the configuration to consider when broad edge-to-edge work, pantograph quilting or a compatible Q-matic automation pathway is important.
- Approximate footprint: 3.3 x 1 metre.
- Working height adjusts from approximately 92 to 112 cm.
- Provides a leader width of approximately 2.89 metres.
- Compatible optional equipment may include a pantograph kit or Q-matic automation; confirm the required frame, components and local availability with Two Petals.
Verified specifications
| Model | BERNINA Q 16 PLUS |
|---|---|
| Machine type | Dedicated longarm quilting machine |
| Throat space | 16.5 inches / approximately 420 mm to the right of the needle |
| Workspace height | Approximately 11 inches / 275 mm |
| Maximum sewing speed | Up to 2,200 stitches per minute |
| Stitch regulation | Integrated BERNINA Stitch Regulator with dual sensors |
| Quilting modes | BSR 1, BSR 2, BSR 3 regulated basting and unregulated manual mode |
| Regulated stitch-length range | 1 to 24 stitches per inch |
| Regulated basting settings | 1, 2 or 4 stitches per inch |
| Screen | 4.3-inch / 109 mm colour touchscreen |
| User profiles | Five |
| Thread tension | Electronically and digitally adjustable upper-thread tension |
| Needle threading | Semi-automatic integrated needle threader |
| Hook and bobbin system | BERNINA M Class rotary hook system |
| Bobbin winding | On-board winder with separate motor |
| Thread monitoring | Upper-thread sensor and bobbin-thread indicator |
| Lighting | 50 LEDs illuminating the freearm and needle area |
| Needle compatibility | Compatible with domestic-style 130/705 H needles; needle type and size must be matched to the thread and project |
| Foldable Table dimensions | Approximately 91 x 115 cm; selectable heights of approximately 71, 76 and 81 cm |
| Q Series Lift Table dimensions | Approximately 125 x 100 cm, expanding to approximately 200 x 100 cm; powered height range approximately 72–121 cm |
| 5-foot Studio Frame dimensions | Approximately 1.8 x 1 metre; working height approximately 92–112 cm |
| 10-foot Studio Frame dimensions | Approximately 3.3 x 1 metre; working height approximately 92–112 cm |
Standard machine accessories
BERNINA documentation for the Q 16 PLUS lists a practical selection of machine accessories, including:
- Darning Foot #9 for free-motion and contour quilting
- Six M Class bobbins, including the bobbin installed in the machine
- Thread-lubrication unit and silicone oil
- Spool disc, spool stabilisers and spool net
- Needle assortment
- Seam ripper and cleaning brush
- Machine oil and microfibre cleaning cloth
- Bobbin-thread tension gauge
- Screwdrivers and maintenance tools
- Power cable and configuration-related controls
Important:Â table, frame, installation hardware, controls, promotional bundles and accessory contents can differ between configurations and markets. Confirm the exact inclusions for your selected Two Petals option before purchase.
What can you quilt on the BERNINA Q 16 PLUS?
- Free-motion meandering and edge-to-edge textures
- Feathers, florals, geometric fills and background designs
- Custom quilting around appliqué and pieced blocks
- Fine fillers and detailed microquilting
- Regulated basting at 1, 2 or 4 stitches per inch
- Ruler-guided straight lines, curves and motifs with compatible optional accessories
- Cot, lap, bed and display quilts
- Wholecloth quilts, quilted bags, wall hangings and home-decor panels
- Decorative twin-needle effects with the appropriate optional stitch plate and setup
Is the Q 16 PLUS right for you?
Consider the Q 16 PLUS if you want more quilting room than a domestic sewing machine can provide, but do not necessarily want the footprint of a larger 20-inch or 24-inch longarm. Its 16.5-inch throat is spacious enough for substantial home quilting while remaining compatible with compact sit-down and frame options.
Before choosing your bundle, measure the room as well as doorways, hallways and access points. Allow extra working space around a frame or table for loading quilts, handling fabric and carrying out cleaning and maintenance. It is also worth deciding whether you prefer to move the quilt or move the machine, as this choice has a greater effect on the quilting experience than the headline specifications alone.
For advice on configuration, optional feet and studio planning, speak with Two Petals before ordering. You can also read the BERNINA Q 16 brochure or explore the wider range of sewing machines and accessories .
Frequently asked questions
Is the BERNINA Q 16 PLUS a sit-down or frame longarm?
It can be configured for either style. On a sit-down table, the machine stays in place while you move the quilt. On a Studio Frame, the quilt is loaded onto the frame and you move the machine using its handles. The machine must be installed in a suitable table or frame and is not intended to operate as a freestanding benchtop machine.
How much throat space does the Q 16 PLUS have?
It has 16.5 inches, or approximately 420 mm, of space to the right of the needle and approximately 275 mm of workspace height. This creates substantially more room for a rolled or bunched quilt than most domestic sewing machines.
What is the difference between the BERNINA Q 16 PLUS and Q 20?
The principal physical difference is throat depth: the Q 16 PLUS provides 16.5 inches, while the Q 20 provides approximately 20 inches. The Q 20 gives more room for fabric on a sit-down table and a deeper quilting field on a frame, but it also requires consideration of the larger machine and overall setup. The Q 16 PLUS is often the more space-conscious choice.
Does the Q 16 PLUS keep stitches even?
Yes. Its integrated dual-sensor BERNINA Stitch Regulator adjusts sewing speed according to movement to help maintain the selected stitch length. Three BSR modes are provided, along with an unregulated manual mode.
Can I quilt without holding down a foot pedal?
On a compatible sit-down configuration, KickStart allows the machine to be started and stopped without continuously pressing the front of the foot control. On a frame configuration, start and stop functions are operated from programmable buttons on the machine handles.
Does the Q 16 PLUS cut the threads automatically?
No automatic upper-and-lower thread-cutting system is listed for this model. Thread tails are managed as part of the longarm quilting workflow.
Can I use ordinary sewing-machine needles?
The Q Series is compatible with domestic-style 130/705 H needles. Choose the point and size to suit the quilt layers and thread. BERNINA documentation includes universal, quilting, SUK, cordonnet/topstitch and compatible twin-needle options.
What thread can I use?
Quality cotton, polyester, silk and suitable decorative threads can be used when the needle, tension and quilting speed are adjusted appropriately. Heavier and metallic threads generally require a larger needle, reduced speed or tension changes. Always test the exact thread, batting and fabric combination first.
Can the Q 16 PLUS be used for rulerwork?
Yes, with the correct compatible ruler foot and, where required by the configuration, a rulerwork base. These are not assumed to be included with every package, so check the required accessories with Two Petals.
Can the Q 16 PLUS be automated?
The PLUS model can support compatible BERNINA Q-matic automation and pantograph equipment in an appropriate Studio Frame configuration. The required frame, carriage, automation components and installation are separate considerations. Confirm current Australian availability and complete compatibility before purchase.
What should I confirm before ordering?
Confirm the exact table or frame option, overall installed dimensions, included accessories, delivery access, assembly or installation arrangements and any optional equipment you intend to add. A test drive is also recommended so you can compare sit-down fabric movement with frame-guided machine movement.
Bring dedicated longarm quilting into your studio
With its spacious throat, responsive stitch regulation, bright work area and choice of table or frame configurations, the BERNINA Q 16 PLUS offers a considered step into dedicated longarm quilting. Select your preferred configuration on the Two Petals BERNINA Q 16 PLUS page and contact the team if you would like help planning the right setup for your quilts and available space.
