The short answer

The Bernina 1005 appeals to buyers who want a direct, uncluttered mechanical machine. It is less appealing if you want a brand-new purchase, modern convenience features, or a machine that feels guided from the first stitch.

Search Amazon for the Bernina 1005 . This is a model-name search, not a verified in-stock machine listing; results checked on September 8, 2026 included accessories and other machines. For a used 1005, compare the actual seller’s machine and included parts with the checks below.

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PickBest forOn Amazon
Brother XM2701Brother lists 27 built-in stitches, an automatic needle threader, a one-step buttonhole, a top drop-in bobbin and six included feet. It uses a dial stitch selector with no display, so it suits plain hems, clothing and repairs rather than decorative or quilting work. GuideBrother XM2701
Janome 2212Janome calls it a mechanical machine with 12 stitches, a four-step buttonhole, a front-loading bobbin and a free arm. It has no needle threader, so it fits only if you do not need one. GuideJanome 2212
Brother CS7000XBrother lists a computerized machine with 70 built-in stitches, an LCD, an automatic needle threader, adjustable sewing speed, seven one-step buttonhole styles and a detachable wide table for larger projects. Brother's page gives no throat measurement. GuideBrother CS7000X
SINGER Quantum Stylist 9960SINGER lists a computerized machine with 600 built-in stitches, an LCD, a built-in needle threader, 13 one-step buttonholes, a large extension table and 6.4 inches between needle and tower. It is the feature-heavy option here. GuideSINGER Quantum Stylist 9960
SINGER Heavy Duty 4423SINGER lists 23 built-in stitches, a built-in needle threader, adjustable presser foot pressure, a one-step buttonhole, mechanical controls and 6.25 inches between needle and tower, plus a motor it describes as 60 percent stronger than a standard one. That makes it the roomy, simple-controls pick for thicker fabric. GuideSinger Heavy Duty 4423
Janome HD3000Janome's manual for this model shows a needle threader, a pressure dial, a pattern selector dial, a drop-feed lever, a thread cutter, an automatic buttonhole and an extension table. Those are the controls to look for when you sew thicker layers. GuideJanome HD3000
Brother SE700Brother lists a sewing and embroidery machine with 103 sewing stitches, 135 built-in embroidery designs, a 4 by 4 inch embroidery area, an LCD, an advanced needle threader and wireless transfer. One machine does both jobs, with the smaller hoop. GuideBrother SE700
Brother PE900Brother calls it an embroidery-only machine: 5 by 7 inch maximum embroidery area, 193 built-in designs, 13 lettering fonts, an automatic needle threader and wireless transfer. It does not sew seams, so you also need a sewing machine. GuideBrother PE900

Which accessories fit the Bernina 1005?

Check the part, not just the BERNINA name. The manufacturer’s catalog places the 1005 in category A1. Category A feet use a two-point shank opening; a matching foot number alone does not establish fit.

BERNINA 1005: parts to identify before paying for a used machine
Missing itemCatalogue matchBuying consequence
General-purpose footZigzag Foot #0, 002 598 72 00, category A.Ask for this version. The other #0, 008 444 73 00, is listed for different machine categories.
Spare bobbinCB-hook bobbin 001 536 73 00.A listing that says only “1000 series” is insufficient: the catalog puts the 1000 and 1001 in a rotary-hook group.
Ordinary sewing bobbin caseCB-hook case 034 320 71 07.Do not confuse it with 034 320 71 06, the separately listed bobbinwork case.

Ask the seller to identify the fitted parts and get a replacement quote for anything missing before agreeing a price. Treat a box of unidentified feet as unverified extras, not savings. These are catalog identifiers, not proof that an old part is sound or that a third-party substitute fits.

Source check: September 8, 2026, BERNINA English accessory catalog, pages 2, 11–12 and 41 . BERNINA’s Zigzag Foot #0 page explains its sewing uses; its CB-hook parts page distinguishes the hook system. The exact 1005 mapping above comes from the catalog, including its model-range footnote. No hands-on fit test or current replacement-price claim is made.

Judge the actual used machine

The useful question is whether this particular 1005 is complete and sews your seams. Age, brand reputation and an uncluttered mechanical layout do not establish its present condition or make it easier to learn than a new machine.

Ask the seller for a demonstration on an ordinary woven scrap: straight stitch, reverse, zigzag and a buttonhole using the fitted foot. Inspect the stitch from both sides. Then try a representative folded hem if alterations are the reason for buying. A clean case or a running motor is insufficient evidence of correct feeding, tension or stitch formation.

Include the correct power lead and foot control in the inspection. Photograph the machine and controller ratings; have a service provider identify a missing replacement before buying an apparently similar connector. Ask when it was last serviced and whether you can obtain local service for this model. A long period in storage does not by itself prove a fault, but it makes a current demonstration particularly useful.

Compare the complete cost

Write down machine price + missing compatible parts + quoted service + delivery. Compare that total with a complete alternative, rather than crediting a box of unidentified feet as savings. Do not assume a third-party foot with the same number fits the category-A shank.

The 1005 merits a shortlist when you want this mechanical layout, the fitted parts match the catalog and a sewing demonstration meets your needs. A buyer who needs a new-machine warranty, a speed limiter or an automatic needle-position control has a different purchase requirement.

The accessory mapping above is researched manufacturer evidence, not a hands-on fit test. This review makes no reliability, current replacement-price or resale-value claim.

Want to compare it with a new starter machine? See our best sewing machines for beginners .

The current-machine alternative

If you can’t inspect a used 1005, a new mechanical machine is the simpler route. SINGER’s 4423 page lists 23 built-in stitches, a top-loading bobbin and a top speed of 1,100 stitches per minute. The exact Amazon listing is the SINGER Heavy Duty 4423, ASIN B0DQQPMZXJ , sold by Amazon.com when checked on November 1, 2026. It isn’t a Bernina part or an equivalent model, and we haven’t shown that it outlasts a sound 1005. See our heavy-duty machine list for how it compares.

Questions before buying

Is a used BERNINA 1005 better than a new machine?

Not automatically. Compare the demonstrated condition and total cost, including compatible missing parts and service, against your requirements for controls, warranty and support.

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