Quick answer
Match your BERNINA presser foot to your machine's stitch width and the technique you plan to use: sideways-motion patterns call for the #40C foot, pintucks and decorative stitches work with the #46C foot, and free-motion embroidery is best with the #39C Embroidery Foot.
Machine compatibility matters first
BERNINA presser feet are designed for specific machine models. The #40C and #39C feet fit 9 mm machines only, while the #46C foot works on both 5.5 mm and 9 mm machines. Always check your machine's stitch width before buying a foot.
Decorative stitching vs. utility stitching
The #40C Sideway-Motion Foot is built for sideways-motion patterns as well as utility and decorative stitches. If you want to sew ribbons or create pintucks, the #46C foot includes a clear sole for visibility and a guide for even spacing. The #39C Embroidery Foot is ideal for buttonhole seams, appliqués, and couching perle yarns, with a clear view of the embroidery area.
Decision rules for selecting your BERNINA presser foot
- For sideways-motion patterns or utility stitches: Choose the #40C Sideway-Motion Foot. It handles both sideways-motion patterns and standard decorative/utility stitches on 9 mm machines.
- For pintucks, ribbons, or decorative stitches with clear visibility: Choose the #46C Pintuck and Decorative-Stitch Foot. It works on 5.5 mm and 9 mm machines, and the clear sole helps you see the needle area.
- For free-motion embroidery, appliqué, or couching: Choose the #39C Embroidery Foot with Clear Sole. It supports buttonhole seams, off-the-edge scallops, and couching perle yarns on 9 mm machines. If you own a 5.5 mm machine, the #39C foot will not fit; consider the #46C foot for decorative work instead.
Product facts at a glance
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#40C BERNINA Sideway-Motion Foot: Designed for sideways-motion patterns, utility stitches, and decorative stitches on 9 mm machines. If your BERNINA supports sideways-motion patterns, this foot unlocks creative stitching without repositioning the fabric.
#40C BERNINA Sideway-Motion Foot
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#46C BERNINA Pintuck and Decorative-Stitch Foot w/ Clear Sole: Creates decorative stitches between pintucks and works with ribbons; clear sole for visibility; fits 5.5 mm and 9 mm machines. This foot is ideal for heirloom sewing and ribbon work, and its dual-machine compatibility makes it versatile.
#46C BERNINA Pintuck and Decorative-Stitch Foot w/ Clear Sole
Which foot fits your project?
Best for
- Quilters who use sideways-motion patterns and want a dedicated foot (#40C)
- Sewists who frequently do pintucks, ribbon work, or decorative stitches on any BERNINA machine (#46C)
- Embroidery enthusiasts who need clear visibility for appliqué and couching (#39C)
Not for
- 5.5 mm machine owners who need a sideways-motion foot (the #40C is 9 mm only)
- Sewists who only do basic straight stitching and do not need specialized decorative feet
