Bernina International

[4] The origins of the company lie in the 1893 invention of the hemstitch sewing machine by Swiss inventor and entrepreneur Karl Friedrich Gegauf.

The present-day Bernina International AG was founded by Karl Friedrich Gegauf (1860–1926),[5] who, at the beginning of his career, decided to pursue an apprenticeship as a mechanic instead of studying medicine.

Karl Friedrich built a new workshop in an old barn, where the focus was no longer on embroidery but on the construction of the hemstitch sewing machine.

[12] During the Great Depression, Fritz Gegauf joined forces with the embroidery factory, Brütsch & Sohn in St. Gallen, which was also operating in the red.

[17] Hanspeter Ueltschi took over the management of Fritz Gegauf AG in 1988 from his mother Odette Gegauf-Ueltschi,[7] and currently runs the company as owner and chairman of the board of directors.

After studying business administration at the University of St. Gallen, Ueltschi spent seven years gaining professional experience in the USA before getting into the leadership of the family company in Switzerland.

[18] Under Ueltschi, the company expanded its leading position in the sewing machine technology sector, reduced manufacturing costs, and advanced product innovations and marketing.

[23] The Bernina factories are located in Steckborn in Switzerland and in Lamphun in Thailand,[24] and the logistics center in Appenweier, Germany.

[30] With "Bernette", the company has a second brand that is aimed at a younger target group and beginners with lower prices and simple operation.

[32] Aurora 440 QE Artista 730 These machines have fully mechanical controls and internal drive train and from model 125 were electrically driven with an external motor.

These early machines all have a robust cast metal enamelled body, simple controls and produce accurate stitches in a range of fabrics, epitomised by the long running '830 Record' launched in 1971, offering 21 practical and decorative stitches and weighing over 9 kg (without case) popular with keen sewists, educational establishments and costume departments [33] The model ranges also included smaller and slightly lighter '3/4' sized portable machines with similar build quality intended for sewing class or domestic use, typically offering 7 practical stitches (e.g. 707/717 minimatic).

The portable machines incorporating a transport handle from the 800 series were designated 'Sport' to distinguish them from similarly numbered models intended for static use.

The high build quality, simplicity and durability of these Swiss built electro-mechanical models of all eras mean they remain popular on the used market and will give a lifetime of service with regular maintenance.

Manufacture of the simpler models is undertaken in Berninas factory in Thailand, whilst the top end ranges in each generation are still assembled in Switzerland.

Bernina is noted for producing an extensive range of presser feet for its machines to suit a wide variety of uses and materials.

Company founder Karl Friedrich Gegauf and his sons
Fritz Gegauf introduced the Bernina brand name in 1932.
Odette Ueltschi took charge of the company in 1965.
Hanspeter Ueltschi (left), owner and chairman of Bernina, with Kai Hillebrandt, managing director of Bernina, in 2024