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Bernina Q 20 Sit-Down Longarm vs Bernina Q16 Plus ST

The Q 20 Sit Down is the bigger machine: 20 inches of throat space versus 16, and it comes with a Horn lift table that adjusts height for sit-down quilting. The Q16 Plus ST costs $9,749 at Sew It Online as of November 6, 2026, while the Q 20 is $17,499 at Nebraska Quilt Company as of the same date. Buy the Q 20 if you quilt large king-size projects and want the extra reach and the lift table. Buy the Q16 Plus ST if 16 inches covers your quilts and you would rather save about $7,750.

Today the Bernina Q16 Plus ST costs $7,750.00 less at its best price.

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Bernina
Bernina Q 20 Sit Down Longarm With Horn Lift Table

Bernina Q 20 Sit-Down Longarm

Bernina Q 20 Sit Down Longarm With Horn Lift Table

$17,499.00at Nebraska Quilt CompanyObserved Nov 5, 2026, 4:01 PM
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Choose the Q 20 Sit Down if you quilt large quilts, want the widest throat space here, and value the included Horn lift table for sit-down work.

Pros
  • 20-inch throat space handles large quilts with less fabric bunching
  • Includes a Horn lift table that expands from 36 x 45 to 36 x 77 inches
  • Digital thread tension adjustment and independent bobbin winder
  • 2,200 stitches per minute with three stitch regulator modes
Cons
  • Costs $17,499, about $7,750 more than the Q16 Plus ST
  • Only one store prices it new as of November 6, 2026
  • Hook system and bobbin capacity are not specified
  • Large table footprint needs a dedicated space
Bernina
Bernina Q16 Plus ST

Bernina Q16 Plus ST

$9,749.00at Sew It OnlineObserved at 2:38 PM
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Choose the Q16 Plus ST if a 16-inch throat fits your projects and you want the same 2,200 stitches per minute and dual stitch regulators for about $7,750 less.

Pros
  • $9,749 at Sew It Online as of November 6, 2026, with three stores pricing it new
  • Dual stitch regulators with optical sensors for even stitches at any speed
  • KickStart foot-free quilting and 5 user profiles on the touchscreen
  • M Class rotary hook with high-capacity metal bobbins
Cons
  • 16-inch throat is tighter for king-size quilts than the Q 20's 20 inches
  • No Horn lift table included
  • Costs $9,749, still a large outlay

What separates them

Bernina Q 20 Sit-Down LongarmBernina Q16 Plus ST
Throat space20 inches16 inches
Stitches per minute2,2002,200
Stitch regulatorThree stitch regulator modesDual BERNINA Stitch Regulators with optical sensors
TableHorn lift table, 36 x 45 in basic, expands to 36 x 77 inSit-down table, no lift table listed
Foot-free quiltingQuilting without foot controlKickStart foot-free continuous quilting via touchscreen
Touchscreen4.3-inch color touchscreen4.3-inch color touchscreen with 5 user profiles
Hook systemNot specifiedM Class rotary hook with high-capacity metal bobbins
Price$17,499 at Nebraska Quilt Company as of November 6, 2026$9,749 at Sew It Online as of November 6, 2026

Price history

  • Bernina Q 20 Sit-Down Longarm: lowest $10,999.00 on Nov 5 at Quilting Mayhem.
  • Bernina Q16 Plus ST: lowest $10,499.00 on Nov 6 at bernina.pinsandneedlesny.com.

Prices at every store

Bernina Q 20 Sit-Down Longarm

  • Nebraska Quilt CompanyNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $17,499.00Observed Nov 5, 2026, 4:01 PM
    Visit store

Also available at

  • Quilting MayhemCheck price at Quilting Mayhem
Prices and history →

Bernina Q16 Plus ST

  • Sew It OnlineNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $9,749.00Observed at 2:38 PM
    Visit store
  • bernina.pinsandneedlesny.comNew

    In stock

    $10,499.00Free shippingObserved at 2:37 PM
    Visit store
  • Cannizzaro CreationsNew

    In stock

    $10,499.00+ $40.00 shippingObserved at 2:37 PM
    Visit store
All 3 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecBernina Q 20 Sit-Down LongarmBernina Q16 Plus ST
Throat space20 inches16 inches
Stitches per minute2,200 stitches per minute2,200 stitches per minute
Stitch regulator modesthree modesthree modes
LED lights50 bright LED lights50 bright LED lights
Frame compatibilityBERNINA Studio FrameBERNINA Studio Frame
Color touchscreen4.3" (109 mm)—
Free arm illumination50 LEDs—
Table size basic36” x 45” (0.91 x 1.15m)—
Table size expanded36” x 77” (0.91 x 1.96m)—
Table height30”—
TypeQuilting—
Hook system—M Class Rotary Hook
Show all 17 specsShow fewer specs
SpecBernina Q 20 Sit-Down LongarmBernina Q16 Plus ST
Touchscreen size—4.3” (109 mm)
Illumination—50 LEDs
Presser foot lift—Electronic
Stitch regulator—Dual Stitch Regulators
Frame sizes—5 ft or 10 ft frame

Questions and answers

Which is better for king-size quilts?
The Q 20 Sit Down, because its 20-inch throat gives more room to move bulky layers than the Q16 Plus ST's 16 inches. The Q 20 also includes a table that expands to 36 x 77 inches.
Is the Q 20 worth the extra money?
It costs $17,499 at Nebraska Quilt Company as of November 6, 2026, against $9,749 for the Q16 Plus ST at Sew It Online. The extra buys 4 more inches of throat space and a Horn lift table. If you mostly quilt smaller projects, the Q16 Plus ST covers the same 2,200 stitches per minute for less.
Do both have stitch regulation?
Yes. The Q 20 lists three stitch regulator modes, and the Q16 Plus ST has dual BERNINA Stitch Regulators with optical sensors. Both keep stitch length even as you change speed.
Can I quilt without a foot pedal on either machine?
Yes. The Q 20 supports quilting without a foot control, and the Q16 Plus ST has KickStart, which starts and stops continuous quilting from the touchscreen.
Which has more stores selling it?
The Q16 Plus ST, with three stores pricing it new as of November 6, 2026. The Q 20 is priced new at one store, Nebraska Quilt Company.
Which is easier to fit in a room?
The Q16 Plus ST, since the Q 20's table runs 36 x 45 inches at its smallest and expands to 36 x 77 inches. Plan your space around the Q 20's table before buying.

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best sit-down longarm quilting machines