Bernette 05 Crafter Sewing Machine

I have been looking at this machine for a while, and finally decided to take the plunge. This machine is comparable to the Singer Heavy Duty 4452. They have similar stitch counts, both sew at 1100 stitches per minute, and the only tear down video I can find of this machine shows that both machines are very similar on the inside, and both use the exact same power cord and pedal. But don't let the universal cord and similar layout fool you, these are not the same machines. Here's the difference, Bernette is manufactured by Janome. Bernina engineers or approves machines that meet their quality standards. Then before leaving the factory, each machine is tested, and the proof of the stitch quality is included with each machine. This causes some buyers to think they got a pre-owned unit, when in reality the machines have been quality control tested. I put both the Singer HD and the Bernette B05 through a denim test. The Singer struggled to sew at layer 5 and the stitches were crooked, and it was sending the fabric everywhere but straight. The Bernette did an impressive 16 layers of fabric. The stitches were incredibly straight and tight. The only reason why it stopped at 16 layers, is simply because that is all that would fit under the pressor foot. The Singer can fit more layers, but honestly if it can't sew through them, what's the point? This Bernette is a very refined and well balanced machine. It is less noisy than the Singer Heavy Duty, and has way higher quality plastics and metal. The Bernette is also better packaged, it comes completely in cases in styrofoam. Singer skimps on protective packaging. The Singer does not have a printed diagram or arrows to show how to thread the bobbin, but it does have a better overall threading experience (including the needle threader) than the Bernette. However, the Bernette has very clear and sharp printed diagrams printed on the machine, so it's easier to follow. If you are looking for a beginner machine that you can grow into, the Bernette B05 Crafter is light years ahead of the Singer Heavy Duty. You will not be disappointed and you will not need a 25 year warranty either. (In the pictures, the nice crisp clean denim bundle bundle was produced by the Bernette.)