Thursday, June 23, 2016

Bernina Bernette 705 Sewing Machine

 The Bernina Bernette 705 is the most recent addition to my sewing machine collection.  This metal body machine was manufactured sometime in the mid 1990's.  It's Bernina's low end machine, without all the fancy bells and whistles, but still feels like a quality machine with all the basic stitches you need.  It does a straight stitch, zigzag, buttonhole, blind hem, stretch, and 3 step zigzag.  

 It came with a soft cover, the original manual, and a box of accessories.

 Oreo investigated the accessories box.  All the original feet, screwdrivers, seam guide, seam ripper, and lint brush were in the box.  The feet included are a general purpose foot, an embroidery foot, an overlock foot, a zipper foot, a darning/quilting foot, a buttonhole foot, and a blind hem foot.
  
 The only thing missing was the bobbin.  I found my box of Kenmore bobbins fit and worked perfectly - Yay!


After cleaning and oiling, this machine sewed wonderfully.  This isn't the most beautiful sample, but this is me, playing with the different stitch functions.  I'm going to try this machine for my next project.

Get creative!

Jennifer Schifano Thomas

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28 comments:

  1. Hi Jennifer -
    You mentioned that your Kenmore bobbin fit into your machine. I just inherited a Bernette 705A but my bobbins from my Brother, 3 Singers, Prodigy do not fit. I have been searching on the internet and came across your blog. Do you happen to know what size your Kenmore bobbin is? Your help would be so appreciated.

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    1. Hello Michigirl, Thanks so much for your comment. I believe it is a class 15 bobbin. Have fun with your new Bernette!

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  2. I bought one without all the feet or manual n a lady on a site said it was not a Bernina. If it's not a Bernina like she says why does it carry their name ?

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    1. Hello Terry, I've never heard that before. I do believe that the Bernette is Bernina's low cost, low end machine. They are no longer in production, but you can download a manual for your machine from Bernina. Here's a link: https://www.bernina.com/en-US/Support-US/Out-of-Print-Manuals/bernette-manuals/Bernette-Sewing-Machines

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    2. My research has come up with this same answer. It was made by Bernina. And yes it uses a 15 bobbin 😊

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    3. Bernette and Berninas are made by different companies however they are all sold and serviced under Bernina. A bernette isn’t a Bernina. When you go to a Bernina store they also sell bernettes. All bernettes are lower ended that the lowest Bernina machine. They have cheaper parts in the bernettes.

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  3. I had 3 Bernette 705 machines I used teaching Kids Can Sew in the 1990's and they probably only have 30 hours each on them. They are a solid mechanical machine without all of the fancy computer boards but they sew beautifully and it's a great machine to teach with and makes a beautiful stitch. I am preparing now to sell them as I have always had Berninas and I have old 930's that I love which have a heavier duty system to sew. I love mechanical machines; and almost any sewing machine repairman can work on them. Yes, it's a Class 15 bobbin and easy to sew with. When the 930 was selling at $1000, these machines were $200 in the 1990's. The Two I have are like brand new. I'm in Charlotte, NC

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  4. did you sell the machines? I'd like to get a manual for my 705 couldn't find it on the bernina site.

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    1. Hello CCtaco. I'm sorry, but I'm not currently selling any sewing machines. Have you tried contacting Bernina with your inquiry, or done an internet search? I haven't searched for this manual online, but I've found downloads for other machine manuals this way. Have a lovely day!

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  5. i have found manuals for the other machines; however as a novice, the 705 I have does not have a manual and the threading directions don't seem to be helpful. Can someone help me with threading directions for a 705?

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    1. Hello! Thank you for your comment. I replied to you via email, however I was also thinking it may be most helpful for you to take your machine to a Bernina dealer, quilt shop, or fabric store. You should be able to get some hands on help to learn how to thread your machine.

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  6. One word of caution for anyone who owns a Bernette 705. Hang onto your feet like you life depends on it. That model of Bernette uses a foot with a different length shank and they don't make them anymore. I had to buy an extender to make the foot shaft long enough to touch the throatplate.

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    1. I realize this is an old post but I am losing my mind trying to find the extender you speak of. Can you give me any info? Thanks!

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    2. I ordered an extender that uses all snap on feet from Sewing Parts Online

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  7. Im borrowing a 705a from a family friend who has no idea how to use it. The machine seems to be stuck on the bobbin loader mode and i have no idea how to switch it back, what do i do?

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  8. I am buying one from a friend. Are you still taking questions?

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  9. I also have a Bernette 705 which I haven't used in years. I have the lost the manual and am trying to find out where to adjust settings. If anyone has a manual that is willing to share, I would be thrilled to have.

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  10. I'm having difficulty with my Bernina Bernette 705a bobbin loader when first starting to catch the beginning thread. What might I be doing wrong?

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  11. I have an Bernina Bernette 705a that gives me problems when trying to use the bobbin loader. The thread doesn't seem to catch and hold to continue loading. Any suggestions on proper loading?

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  12. Can anyone tell me what the difference between a 705 and a 705A is? There’s so little info about either out there. I bought a 705 that needs a bed ( the extension that slides in and out) and accessories. Would the 705A’s bed and accessories fit the 705?

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  13. What is the value of a bernett 705 machine

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  14. Some machines are called multi purpose machines. This machine is like a little work horse that you mainly will use as you are learning to sew and it is great to use for projects and crafts. It usually has some different stitches, forward and reverse, hand switch or pedal and other features. easiest sewing machine

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  15. Can you tell me what my Bernette 705 Sewing Machine is worth? It is in excellent condition and I was wanting to sell it because I have purchased a new one. Thank you

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    1. I'm sorry, but I do not have that knowledge. Have you tried checking prices on Ebay?

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  16. do you know if this sewing machine would be able to handle sewing pleather pants? I know mine has difficulties with sewing more than 2 layers of denim, and I want to make sure it could handle the material/project

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    1. I'm sorry. I no longer own this sewing machine, and I did not sew pleather on it. I would try using a leather or denim needle for your project.

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  17. What walking foot works on this machine? Also, I need a presser foot holder. My mom gave me this machine years ago and that piece is missing. nancygibson33@gmail.com

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