The Bernina 215 and the Toyota FSR21 are two of the most popular affordable sewing machines we will compare today. In addition to being packed with features in an affordable price range, these two sewing machines produced excellent stitch quality.
What are the major differences between the two? Below I will describe the differences in the simplest terms possible.
Table of Contents
Bernina 215 vs. Toyota FSR21: Comparison in Features
Sewing Machine Types
The Bernina 215 is a computerized sewing machine, while the Toyota FSR21 is a mechanical sewing machine. Since the machine types decide they differ a lot in features, I won’t make a suggestion.
The sewing machine you choose should be tailored to your skill level and goals.
Bernina 215 vs. Toyota FSR21 : Built-in Stitches
The Bernina 215 sewing machine comes with an attractive amount of built-in stitches, 11 to be exact. Within those 11 stitches you can find standard stitches, decorative stitches and easy-to-use buttonhole stitches. While the Toyota FSR21 sewing machine features 21 stitches. Similar to the Bernina 215, these stitches include standard and decorative stitches.
Weight
The Bernina 215 weighs approximately 17 lbs, while the Toyota FSR21 comes with a weight of 15 lbs.
When you don’t have a specific spot in your home where your sewing machine belongs, the extra weight can become burdensome.
| Bernina 215 | Toyota FSR21 | |
| Product Image | |
|
| Sewing Machine Type | Computerized | Mechanical |
| Stitches | 11 | 21 |
| Buttonhole Styles | 1 4-step | 1 four-step |
| Start/Stop Button | – | – |
| Built-in Memory | – | – |
| Programmable Needle Up/Down | Yes | – |
| Monogramming Font | – | – |
| Drop Feed | – | No |
| Free Arm | – | Yes |
| Working Light | Yes LED | – |
| Speed Control Slider | – | – |
| Weight | 17 lbs | 15 lbs |
| Extra High Presser Foot Lifter | – | – |
| Snap-on Presser Foot | – | – |
| Automatic Thread Cutter | – | – |
| Automatic Needle Threader | – | No |
| Drop-in Bobbin | No | No |
| USB Connectivity | – | – |
| Stitch Selection | Direct Push Button | Dial |
| Adjustable Stitch Length/Width | Yes | No, Preset Only |
| Included Feet | – | – |
| Dedicated Locking Stitch Button | – | – |
| Tension | – | – |
| Knee Lifter | – | – |
| Warranty | – | – |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Bernina 215 Video Review
Toyota FSR21 Video Review
The Verdict
The Bernina 215 and the Toyota FSR21 have a number of differences in terms of features. The stitch quality, however, is a common aspect. These two machines sew on a range of materials with reliable results. Any of these two machines would be my first choice if you asked me to choose an affordable, sophisticated sewing machine. I won’t offer a recommendation and the choice should be based on your sewing ability and experience.
Q. Can a regular sewing machine sew vinyl?
A. Yes, with the same modifications listed above for leather.
Q. Can I interchange metal and plastic bobbins if they are the same size?
A. Metal bobbins and plastic bobbins of the same size can NOT be swapped. Machines are set for a very precise tension setting. If they are set for a lighter plastic bobbin, the tension will change if a heavier metal bobbin is used.
Q. Why adjust tension on sewing machine
A. Sewing machine tension adjustment is controlled by devices that separately control the needle thread and the bobbin thread, putting varying amounts of tension (or strength) on the threads they control to form a strong, balanced stitch.
Q. Do you need a special sewing machine for leather?
A. No, although a heavy-duty machine will make it easier. However, any good-quality home sewing machine can handle leather with a few special accessories. You will need a Teflon presser foot, a needle designed for sewing leather, and heavy-duty thread.
Q. Can i use clipper oil on my sewing machine
A. Yes, you can as some people do recommend it as an alternative to sewing machine oil.
Q. How much electricity does a sewing machine use
A. A typical home sewing machine may be in the 100-watt range. One estimate for portable sewing machines says that you are paying about 0.013 cents per hour every time. For the day you may be spending about 10 cents.
