Perfect Button Sewing with the BERNINA 790 PRO Pinpoint Laser
Did you know that the B 790 PRO has a laser?! It is a game-changer for sewing and embroidery, and it’s simple to find and use. I have been using the laser to sew my buttonholes and my buttons onto my button-down shirts. It makes doing these tasks quick and easy because I can line up the laser and the needle at the exact position I want the buttonhole and button to go. And then with the Buttonhole Foot with Slide #3A and Button Sew-On Foot #18, I can seamlessly create the perfect buttonhole and button placement every time with the help of the laser!
How the Laser Feature Works
The laser is used to show the exact point your needle is at in the fabric. Whether your needle is moved to the left or right, the laser will still work in any position. This small but mighty tool comes in handy when you are working on a project and need to position it during your sewing and embroidery. Click the symbol on the display to turn the laser on or off. When the laser is off, the symbol will be grey, and when the laser is on and activated, the symbol will be yellow.
Before I discovered this feature, I used to mark button placements with chalk or pins. I would painstakingly double-check my button placement before sewing each button. It worked, but it wasn’t foolproof. The laser changed all of that. Now I can see exactly where the needle will enter, and it gives me total confidence that my buttons will be aligned evenly down the front of my button-downs every time. This feature doesn’t just help with buttons; it’s also amazing for precision topstitching, appliqué, quilting lines, and embroidery alignment. But for button sewing, it’s a total game-changer.
How I Use the Laser to Sew Buttons
Here’s my foolproof process for sewing buttons with the laser on the B 790 PRO:
- Mark the Button Placement — I still make light markings to plan out the spacing according to the pattern
- Set Up the Machine — I then chose stitch 60 on the button sewing program, or you can use a zigzag stitch
- Attach Presser Foot 18 – This presser foot has an anti-slip bottom that holds the button securely in place while you are sewing. I don’t have this presser foot, so I just use 1C.
- Lower the Feed Dog
- Align with the Laser — I position the fabric so the laser shines directly in the center of the buttonhole. No guessing and no adjusting mid stitch. The needle will go into the button hole perfectly every time
- Use Handwheel To Sew – I will use the handwheel to manually sew the first two or three stitches in the first hole, and to make sure the stitch width between the two holes is correct
- Sew the Button — The machine sews the button automatically, perfectly centered every time!
How I Use the Laser for Embroidery
Another way that I like to use the laser is when I’m doing my embroidery designs. I just started using the embroidery module that comes with the B 790 PRO and have started doing simple designs. I really appreciate the laser because, whether the design is simple, like a few letters, or more complex, like a colorful butterfly or dragon, the laser makes it easy to know where the needle will go and where exactly the design will start. The embroidery foot 26L works perfectly in conjunction with the laser to ensure a seamless design every single time. I get the perfect designs every time!
Lately, I have been embroidering zipper pouches with inspirational phrases and messages. This is such a quick but beautiful project, and the laser makes the project even more seamless for a beginner embroiderer like me. Everything lines up perfectly every time.
Why This Feature Matters to Me as a Designer
As someone who sews a lot of button-down shirts, precision is important when adding buttons. Whether I’m sewing a tailored shirt, a flowing duster, or an embroidered zipper pouch, every small detail matters. The laser on the B 790 PRO helps the sewing process become easier without slowing down my creative flow. It’s especially valuable when working on multiple sizes or custom orders. I know every piece I make will have perfect, consistent button placement. And since sustainability and quality are so important to my brand, this kind of consistency allows me to make no errors and no fabric waste. To me, technology like this enhances the sewing experience. It gives me more time to focus on design details, fabric choices, and creativity, while the machine ensures every technical aspect is perfect.
A Feature That Elevates The Sewing Experience
The laser feature on the BERNINA B 790 PRO is more than just a convenience; it’s a precision tool that elevates my sewing to the next level. Whether you’re a professional designer or a passionate hobbyist, this feature will completely change the way you approach button sewing and buttonholes. Every time I sew buttons now, I think about how this small beam of light has completely transformed my process. At the end of the day, great design starts with great details, and the B 790 PRO helps me get everything right.
