Bernette 05 Academy Heavy Duty Sewing Machine
A reliable and versatile mechanical machine capable of a wide range of sewing projects
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£9.28 per month over 48 months*
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Shop with confidence today knowing that our sewing machine prices are the lowest possible. If we lower our prices within 14 days of your purchase, we'll refund you the difference.
Terms and Conditions apply*
This machine is covered by a 2-year bernette parts and labour warranty *Business use only 1 year warranty. If you ever need support or servicing, our team are always here to help.
Changed your mind? You’ve got 30 days to return any new, unused items in their original packaging.
Need advice?
Our in-house team knows every detail of this machine. Call, message or chat and get honest, expert advice from people who actually sew.
Our standard width fabric can be cut as a Fat Quarter, measuring 50cm x 1/2 the width of the bolt. Above is an example of how your fabric will be received, depending on the quantity ordered.
We also offer a sample service, where you can order 1 single fat quarter of any standard width fabric, to have at home and compare colours. When you are finished, you can send them back to us for a refund (feel free to contact us for more information on this service).
Our fabric can be cut as a Long Quarter, measuring a minimum of 25cm x width of bolt. We will supply the fabric as a continuous length (eg; if you bought 1.25m it will be sent as one piece of fabric).
bernette 05 Academy Product Review and Demonstration
The bernette 05 Academy is a solid mechanical machine built to handle a wide range of everyday sewing projects including dressmaking, home decor, crafting and quilting. Setup is straightforward, with a top-loading drop-in bobbin and a see-through cover that lets you check the thread level at a glance. A built-in needle threader takes the strain out of getting started.
Speed runs up to 1,100 stitches per minute. Half-speed mode gives you extra control on tricky fabrics and detailed work. Adjustable presser foot pressure keeps the feed even across different fabric weights, which means less unwanted gathering on lightweight materials.
The 05 Academy has 30 built-in stitches, including a 1-step buttonhole, a blanket stitch and an exclusive Lycra stitch designed for swimwear and activewear where standard stretch stitches tend to fail. Retractable feed dogs drop with a simple switch on the back of the machine, opening up free-motion sewing and darning.
A wide selection of presser feet and an extension table are included. It's a dependable first machine that gives newer sewers room to build their skills across varied projects.
Top Uses for the bernette 05 Academy
Beginner Dressmaking and Garment Making
Home Furnishing and Soft Furnishings
Everyday Repairs and Alterations
This machine is perfect for
- Beginners who want to start with everything they need - 12 presser feet means you can tackle almost any technique immediately without buying extras
- Crafters working on varied projects - the accessory package covers dressmaking, home décor, and repairs
- Those who sew stretch fabrics regularly - the Lycra stitch is a genuine differentiator for activewear and swimwear
- Quilters and large project sewers - an extension table is included. Comparable models do not include this accessory at this price point
Can sew but not ideal for
- This model handles denim and canvas well but it's not suited to regular heavy duty work
Not suitable for
- Sewers wanting computerised or automatic features such as an auto thread cutter - this is purely mechanical
- Sewers expecting a printed manual - you can easily download it from our website but it's not included in the box
- Sewists who prefer front-loading bobbins - this has drop-in only
bernette 05 Academy: A Machine for Every Maker
Exclusive Lycra Stretch Stitch
Sew swimwear and activewear with a specialist stitch built to hold stretchy seams securely.
Drop-In Bobbin System
Load the bobbin from the top and check thread levels through the clear cover for quick, simple refills.
Extension Table Included
The included extension table adds workspace for larger projects, giving you a steadier surface for quilts and furnishings.
Inside the bernette 05 Academy
30 Built-In Stitches With Buttonhole
Thirty practical stitches cover utility, stretch and decorative sewing, plus a one-step buttonhole and a handy blanket stitch.
Half-Speed Mode for Control
Halve the top speed for steadier, more accurate stitching on delicate or detailed makes.
Adjustable Presser Foot Pressure
Set the foot pressure to match fabric weight, so lighter fabrics feed smoothly without puckering.
Retractable Feed Dogs
Drop the feed dogs to move fabric freely for darning, then raise them again for regular stitching.
Speed Control up to 1,100 Stitches Per Minute
Reach up to 1,100 stitches per minute, with a half speed switch to limit the pace for confident, comfortable sewing.
Product specifications
Key features
- 30 built-in stitches including stretch and blanket stitch
- Exclusive Lycra (super stretch) stitch for swimwear and activewear
- 1-step buttonhole
- Top speed of 1,100 stitches per minute
- Half speed switch
- Adjustable presser foot pressure
- Adjustable stitch length and width
- Retractable (drop) feed dogs for free-motion sewing
- Top-loading drop-in bobbin with see-through cover
- Built-in needle threader
- 2 bright LED lights - clear, glare-free visibility on dark and detailed fabrics
- Extension table included
Accessories in the Box
- 1 x Finger Guard
- 1 x Needle Set
- 1 x Height Compensation Tool
- 3 x Bobbins
- 1 x Seam Ripper/Brush
- 1 x Right Seam Guide
- 1 x Screwdriver
- 1 x Second Spool Pin
- 1 x Spool Holder (Large)
- 1 x Spool Holder (Small)
- 1 x Spool Felt (Large)
- 1 x Oiler
- 1 x Spool Net
- 1 x Foot control with power cable
Feet in the box
- 1 x Zigzag Foot
- 1 x Buttonhole Foot
- 1 x Zipper Foot
- 1 x Blindstitch Foot
- 1 x Overlock Foot
- 1 x Invisible Zipper Foot
- 1 x Zigzag Foot with Non-Slip Sole
- 1 x Button Sew-On Foot
- 1 x Edgestitch Foot
- 1 x Hemmer Foot
- 1 x Open Embroidery Foot
- 1 x Darning/Embroidery Foot
Machine Dimensions & Weight
- Weight: 7.6kg
- Workspace: 165mm (6.5 inches) to the right of the needle
- Machine dimensions (W x D x H): 416mm x 174mm x 299mm
Stitch Options & Controls
- 30 built-in stitches, including a 1-step buttonhole
- Exclusive Lycra stretch stitch and blanket stitch
- Adjustable stitch width: maximum 6mm
- Adjustable stitch length
- Electronic speed control with a maximum of 1,100 s.p.m.
- Half-speed mode for detailed work
- Retractable feed dogs for free-motion sewing
Bobbin & Needle System
- Top-loading drop-in bobbin system
- See-through bobbin cover to check thread level
- Built-in needle threader
- Adjustable presser foot pressure
Warranty and Support
- 2-year parts and labour warranty included
- Business use only 1 year warranty
- Authorised bernette service support nationwide
- Expert advice from The Sewing Studio team
Product Downloads
Ratings & Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions About the bernette 05 Academy
Let us help with the answers.
Is the bernette 05 Academy suitable for beginners?
Yes. This is a straightforward mechanical machine with a built-in needle threader, drop-in bobbin and clear controls, so beginners can get sewing quickly while having room to grow into more varied projects.
What is the exclusive Lycra stitch for?
The Lycra stitch is designed for stretchy materials like jersey and elastic, giving newer sewers a secure seam on swimwear and activewear projects.
Does the bernette 05 Academy come with an extension table?
Yes. An extension table is included, giving you extra workspace for larger makes like home furnishing projects and small quilts. It creates a steadier, more level surface to guide bigger pieces of fabric.
Can I do free-motion sewing on this machine?
Yes. Lower the feed dogs to move fabric freely for darning and free-motion sewing, then raise them again when you return to regular stitching.
How fast does the bernette 05 Academy sew?
The machine reaches up to 1,100 stitches per minute. A half speed switch gives you extra control on delicate makes.
What warranty comes with this machine?
The bernette 05 Academy includes a 2-year parts and labour warranty. If you need support or servicing, The Sewing Studio team can help.
Does this machine handle different fabric weights?
Yes. Adjustable presser foot pressure adapts to light and heavier fabrics, helping you get consistent results across a range of projects.
