Description:

The BERNINA 1008 is the company’s last all-mechanical model—a free-arm machine built around the rock-solid CB oscillating hook that generations of Bernina owners prize for perfect tension and longevity. Seventeen factory stitches (straight, zig-zag variants, stretch/overlock, two décor stitches) are selected with dial-up colour codes; width to 5.5 mm, length to 5 mm and any of five needle positions are set instantly from the front panel
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Mary Janes & Galoshes
. A manual six-step buttonhole, drop-feed lever, snap-on shank with five all-metal soles, and a slide-off free-arm table cover everyday garment, quilting and craft work. The 105-watt AC motor drives up to 900 stitches-per-minute through thick denim or fine voile
Hobbyschneiderin 24
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, while an incandescent work-light, front-loading bobbin and top-mounted stitch chart keep operation straightforward. With an all-metal chassis that tips the scale at 26 lb
Mary Janes & Galoshes
, the 1008 is engineered for decades of schoolroom or atelier duty.

Economic Advantage:

Introduced as the swan-song of Bernina’s mechanical line, the 1008 delivered Swiss precision without the cost or learning curve of computerised models. Its analog knobs never need firmware, its metal drivetrain shrugs off years of classroom abuse, and every consumable—from Class 15 bobbins to standard needles—costs pennies. As a result, trade schools, costume shops and cottage-industry tailors found that a single 1008 could outlast multiple plastic-framed electrics, cutting total cost of ownership even though the purchase price was higher. Strong resale values and ready parts support have kept the model in production for more than two decades, making it a “buy once, sew forever” favourite.