For BERNINA presser feet, identify the mounting opening and the exact machine category before choosing a foot. “Old style” and “new style” are common buying terms. BERNINA's accessory catalog gives a more precise distinction: a 2-point shank opening for Category A models and a closed shank opening for the catalog's Categories B–F.
These mounting families are not a complete foot-selection chart. After finding the right family, check the exact foot reference, stitch opening and any model-specific conditions.
Catalog exception: this edition also lists Category G / BERNINA 990 (B 990). Its quoted shank-opening rule names A and B–F but does not classify G. For Category G, use the exact foot-to-model listing or current BERNINA confirmation; do not infer a mount from this rule.
Old style versus new style: compare the mount
| Buying term | Catalog distinction | Verified model example |
|---|---|---|
| Old style | 2-point shank opening; Category A | BERNINA 1008 |
| New style | Closed shank opening; Categories B–F | BERNINA artista 180; modern B 830 |
These are examples of the catalog categories, not a list of every model that fits a particular foot. Find your complete model in the machine overview, then follow the categories and foot-specific notes for the accessory you want.
Look at the upper mounting opening, rather than relying on the sole's shape or the color of a number label. If you inherited a box of feet, separate pieces by mount first and retain any full reference numbers. Do not force a foot onto the machine to identify it.
Why a year or a bare model number can mislead
The 1008 belongs to the catalog's 2-point family even though BERNINA continued to present it alongside later machines. Buying a machine recently does not make its foot mount “new style.”
Be especially clear about 830 Record versus B 830 / 8 Series. They are different machines. The catalog's modern B 830 entry cannot identify a foot for the vintage 830 Record. Keep the generation name in searches and support requests.
BERNINA OEM category and subgroup chart: A1 to G1
The chart below covers every subgroup in the machine overview of BERNINA's 2026 accessory catalog. A1 means Category A, subgroup 1. Within Category E, Ea is the 7 Series column, Eb the 5 Series column and Ec the 4 Series column. Keep the full code when consulting an accessory row.
| Group | Model names as listed |
|---|---|
| A1 | 910, 930, 931, 932, 933, 940, 950, 1000, 1001, 1004, 1005, 1006, 1008, 1010, 1011, 1015, 1020, 1021, 1030, 1031, 1050, 1070, 1080, 1090, 1091, 1120, 1130, 1230, 1240, 1241, 1260, 1530 |
| A2 | 1630 |
| B1 | 125, 125 S, 135, 135 S, 145, 145 S, 210, B 215, 220, 230, 230 PE, 240, B 325, B 325 (Gen. 2), B 330, B 335, B 335 (Gen. 2), B 350 PE, B 380 |
| B2 | 130, 140, 150, 153, 153 QE, 155, 160, 163 |
| B3 | 165, 170 |
| B4 | 430, 440 QE, B 555, B 570 QE, 630 |
| B5 | B 530, B 550 QE |
| C1 | 180, 185 |
| C2 | 200, 730 |
| C3 | 435, 450, B 560, B 580, 640 |
| D1 | B 710 |
| D2 | B 750 QE, B 780 |
| Ea1 | B 700, B 700 PRO |
| Ea2 | B 720, B 735, B 735 PRO |
| Ea3 | B 740 |
| Ea4 | B 770 QE, B 770 QE PLUS, B 770 QE PRO, B 790, B 790 PLUS, B 790 PRO, B 790 ULTRA |
| Eb1 | B 500 |
| Eb2 | B 535 |
| Eb3 | B 540 |
| Eb4 | B 570 QE, B 580 LE, B 590 |
| Ec1 | B 435 |
| Ec2 | B 475 QE, B 485, B 495 LE |
| Ec3 | B 480 |
| F1 | B 820 QE |
| F2 | B 830, B 880, B 880 PLUS |
| G1 | B 990 |
These are accessory-catalog lookup memberships, including older and newer machines. They do not mean every model is currently sold or that every foot in a category fits every listed machine. Check the individual foot's category symbols, full reference and conditions.
Keep the generation and full model name
- B 570 QE appears in both B4 and Eb4. The shared name is insufficient to choose between those catalog entries. Confirm your machine's generation and exact accessory application.
- 435 in C3 and B 435 in Ec1 are separate chart labels. Keep the B prefix and catalog context.
- B 325 and B 335 each have separately listed Gen. 2 entries. Preserve that generation suffix; do not infer that an unqualified listing covers every generation.
- G1 identifies B 990 in the model overview. The catalog's quoted A-versus-B–F shank-opening paragraph does not classify G. Use current exact foot-to-model confirmation for that category.
How to use a code when choosing a foot
- Copy the complete machine name and locate the matching subgroup above.
- Find the exact foot reference in the accessory catalog or manufacturer's model list.
- Match the catalog category/subgroup shown for that foot. If the row uses a broader category symbol, read its notes rather than expanding it from the letter alone.
- Check mount family, stitch opening, coding, Dual Feed and any adapter requirement.
- Resolve a repeated model name or unclear generation before ordering.
What do C and D mean on BERNINA feet?
| Marking | Meaning | Buying check |
|---|---|---|
| Number only, such as #1 | Common 5.5 mm foot variant | Check the exact foot's model and stitch limits; some are usable on specified wider machines within narrower limits |
| C, such as #1C | Coded variant associated with 9 mm machines | Check the foot-specific opening and sensor details |
| D, such as #1D | Variant for BERNINA Dual Feed | Requires an appropriate Dual Feed machine and engagement as instructed |
A machine's Category C is not the same thing as a foot's C suffix. The category locates the machine in the catalog; the suffix describes a foot variant. Do not treat the letters as a shortcut around the model chart.
BERNINA's sewing workbook also gives exceptions: #16C lacks a wide-stitch sensor, and #2A has a wider form without that sensor. Avoid deciding a foot's complete behavior from one letter. A D foot needs the prescribed Dual Feed setup; it is not simply a generally upgraded version.
Can an adapter make other feet fit?
Evaluate the exact adapter, machine and foot as a combination. The mount, needle alignment and permitted stitch still need to match. “For BERNINA” or “snap-on adapter” is incomplete identification when it does not state which mounting family and accessories it supports.
A reliable shopping sequence
- Copy the complete machine name, including artista, Record or B-series information where applicable.
- Locate its category in the accessory catalog.
- Match the shank-opening family.
- Check the complete foot reference, suffix and individual model notes.
- Confirm stitch width, needle position and any Dual Feed or adapter requirement.
For an old-style invisible zipper foot, see the separate 0308207000 identification and supported-model guide. For plate selection, use the BERNINA needle plate guide. A foot and a plate require their own compatibility checks.
For the broader buying sequence, return to the compatibility guide.
Read the accessory-specific requirements
BERNINA C vs D Presser Feet: What the Suffix Means explains the next checks after finding your machine.