Bernette B48 Funlock Review: A Coverlock Coverstitch Serger

The Bernette B48 is the top model in Bernette’s Funlock line of coverstitch machines and sergers. Which is it, though? Actually, it’s both. The B48 combines the features of a serger and a coverstitch machine in a simple, stylish, surprisingly affordable package. Will it be your sewing room’s next top model? Let’s find out as we work our way through this Bernette B48 review, shall we?

About Bernette and the Bernette B48

In the United States and the UK, Bernette isn’t as much of a household name as, say, Singer or Janome. But Bernette is a member of the Bernina Textile Group, a family of Swiss companies that have been manufacturing straightforward, stylish, well-made equipment for over 125 years.

The company that would become Bernina was founded in 1893 with Karl Friedrich Gegauf’s invention of the hemstitch machine. By 1900, Gegauf had a factory that employed nearly 80 people, and the hemstitch machine had become an international sensation. [1]

Bernina produced its first home sewing machine in 1900, naming it for Pia Bernina, the highest peak in the eastern Alps. Bernina released a zigzag machine in 1938, and in 1954, introduced a machine with a semi-automatic buttonhole and a proprietary clip-on presser foot.

In 1959, Odette Ueltschi took the company’s helm. It was for her that Bernette was named. Under Ueltschi’s hand, the company pioneered the knee-activated presser foot lift, the built-in stretch stitch, and the first fully automated sewing machine.

Ueltschi remains chairman of Bernina’s board to this day. 

Today, the Bernina Textile Group operates in 80 countries worldwide. Their 15 companies, including Bernette, produce a variety of sewing machines, accessories, and software.

The Bernette B48 Funlock Review

The Bernette B48 Funlock is a combination coverstitch and overlock machine. 

What does this mean?

It means that it combines the functions of an overlock serger:

• Multi-thread overlock seams
• Decorative edgings
• Sewing stretches and knits
• Simultaneously sewing seams and trimming seam edges
• Special effects like ruffles, pintucks, pleats, and lettuce edges

With those of a coverstitch machine, such as:

• Topstitching
• Chain stitching
• Professional hemming
• Decorative stitching

It’s a powerful type of machine. Even more importantly, if you need both a coverstitch machine and an overlocker, a combo can be a cost-effective, space-saving solution.

Which is why they’re typically expensive.

The Bernette B48 Funlock is expensive, compared to a mid-range regular sewing machine. However, for highly specialized equipment like a coverstitch/serger combo, it’s priced quite reasonably.

Who is the Bernette B48 Funlock For?

A combination overlocker/coverstitch machine is a specialized piece of equipment with a steep learning curve. As such, it’s not the right fit for everyone.

However, for experienced sewists who make a lot of garments and housewares, it could be a fabulous tool. And people who work primarily with knits will get a lot of use out of the differential feed.

That’s not to say that a serger novice couldn’t enjoy this machine. The Bernette B48 Funlock has a user-friendly design and convenience features that make setup and operation easier.

However, both coverstitch machines and sergers can be complicated and temperamental. So it’s important to be honest with yourself about your tolerance for frustration and how much time you can devote to learning an intricate new technology.

Before we dig deeper, let’s have a look under the hood.

Do You Need a Coverstitch/Overlocker Combo?

A combination coverstitch and overlock machine is an expensive, highly specific piece of equipment. It’s fun to play with, but if you’re going to invest that much money in a sewing machine, you’ll want to get regular use out of it.

The fact is, many of the tasks that a combo machine can do, such as topstitching, hemming, and making seams, can also be done with a regular sewing machine. Not to mention that a regular sewing machine also does, well, regular sewing. And this is something that you can’t do with either a serger or a coverstitch machine.

The difference between sewing with a coverstitch/overlock combo and a regular sewing machine is not so much in the tasks that each machine can perform. The difference is in how the machines perform those tasks. Because that affects the results, as well.

Construction

The main job of an overlocker is construction. Overlockers create strong, stretchy, professional seams. Also, they trim the fabric edges while you sew. The result is a fast, professional finish.

You can also do construction with a regular sewing machine. The difference is that a regular sewing machine makes topstitched seams and doesn’t trim or finish the edges. Finishing the edges requires a few extra steps.

It’s important to note that an overlocker can’t do topstitching. It’s an edges-only machine.

Decoration

Many regular sewing machines have a selection of embroidery stitches for adding a decorative touch to your items. In addition, you can use a regular sewing machine to make ruffles, pintucks, pleats, lettuce edges, and so on.

Neither sergers nor coverstitch machines have embroidery stitches. However, both have a differential feed mechanism that makes the above-mentioned flourishes fast and easy. Also, the differential feed makes easy work of tricky knits and stretch fabrics.

Finally, a coverstitch machine typically has three needles. This allows you to create up to three parallel rows of decorative stitching.

Professional Finishes

As we’ve said, a serger doesn’t do topstitching. But a coverstitcher is a topstitching machine. The primary job of a coverstitcher is professionally finishing hems and other topstitched items. 

With a combination serger and coverstitch machine, you can get the best of both types of machines, including seams, hems, edges, and topstitching.

What is a Combination Serger/Coverstitch Machine Like?

There aren’t a huge number of coverstitch/serger combination machines on the market. And each of them comes with a slightly different complement of features.

However, almost all combination machines have:

• A selection of overlock stitches
• Some built-in rolled hems
• A selection of cover stitches
• A chain stitch
• Differential feed
• A cutting blade
• Extra room on the right side of the needle

Most combo machines can sew with between two and five threads. They may have either two or three needles. 

So, Do You Need It?

That’s a question that only you can answer. However, this type of machine may be a good fit for you if:

• You frequently make clothing and housewares
• Stretches and knits are your go-to fabrics
• You enjoy learning new technologies
• You have a high threshold for frustration

Sergers and coverstitch machines are a lot more complicated than a regular sewing machine, and they can be tricky to master. But if, taking that into consideration, it still sounds like fun, then a combination serger/coverstitcher may be a great fit for your sewing room.

Features and Benefits Review of the Bernette B48 Funlock

This is an enjoyable machine to use, and it’s packed with features. Here are a few of the ones we like best.

2-3-4-5 Thread Sewing

Most home sergers sew with two, three and four threads. Some even sew with just three and four. However, two to five is a wide range that creates a lot of possibilities.

Two thread stitching, for example, is great for delicate decorative edgings on ultralight fabrics. Three and four threads will allow you to create the most commonly used serging stitches. And five threads means an even greater ability to sew heavy fabrics and multiple layers.

Differential Feed

Sergers, coverstitch machines, and overlocker/coverstitch combos have two sets of feed dogs, which move the fabric through the machine. For many types of sewing, you want them to move the fabric at the same speed. But for other types, you want one set to move faster or slower.

The differential feed mechanism adjusts the speed of the feed dogs relative to one another. This, in turn, either stretches or compresses the fabric while you sew it, which can help to stop stretch fabrics from bunching. It can also help you to gather the fabric for pleats, pintucks, ruffles, and more.

Overlocking

An overlocker simultaneously sews a straight seam, trims the seam edges, and casts loops of thread over the fabric edges. The result is a strong, flexible seam with a professional finish.

The Bernette B48 Funlock has 15 built-in overlock stitches, which is quite respectable.

Cover Stitching

A cover stitch is a type of topstitch that consists of two rows of parallel straight stitches on the top of the fabric, connected by a chain stitch on the bottom. It’s an excellent way to make a professional-looking hem with the fabric edge not only sealed, but also secured on the underside of the fabric.

The Bernette B48 has three built-in cover stitches.

Chain Stitching

Every coverstitch machine has a chain stitch. Very few sergers do. You can use the chain stitch to:

• Connect two rows of stitches to make a coverstitch
• Sew two pieces of fabric together
• Make decorative stitching on the top side of fabric

The Bernette B48 also has a chain stitch.

Cutting Blade

Sergers have a cutting blade that trims fabric edges while you sew. Coverstitch machines do not trim edges, so they don’t have a cutting blade.

The Bernette B48, however, does have a cutting blade.

Throat Space

Sergers don’t have much space to the right of the needles. Coverstitch machines do. The Bernette B48 has extra space to the right of the needles, which helps it to accommodate larger work, as well as to do topstitching.

Trim Trap

Overlocking involves trimming fabric edges to fit the width of the stitches, which makes a lot of mess. A trim trap catches the cuttings so they don’t gather on your table, on your floor, on your lap…or all three! Some machines lack a trim trap, but the Bernette B48 has one built in.

Alternatives to the Bernette B48 Funlock

There are a huge number of regular sewing machines on the market, and a very decent selection of sergers (check out our serger reviews if you haven’t done so already). However, coverstitch machine models are thin on the ground. And there are even fewer models that do both. Here are some of them.

Singer Professional 14T968DC

The Singer Professional 14T968DC is Singer’s combination coverstitch/overlock serger, and it’s a beaut. Priced a bit lower than the Bernette B48, it features:

• 2,3,4 and 5-thread stitching
• Four built-in rolled hems
• An excellent variety of overlock and cover stitches
• A chain stitch
• Self-adjusting thread tension
• Color-coded threading

This is a feature-rich yet surprisingly low-cost combo model, which will cost you about the same as a high-quality mid-range sewing machine. If value for money is your main concern, this is definitely one to consider.

Juki MO-735

The Juki MO-735 is Juki’s take on a serger/coverstitch combination machine. Like many of Juki’s machine, this one has a distinct industrial sensibility. It may cost you a bit more but, for the right user, its feature-richness may be well worth it. 

So, what do you get for your money?

• 14 built-in stitches, including overlock, coverstitch, chain, and rolled hem stitches
• Simplified threading and a dedicated chain looper threading mechanism
• 1,500 stitches per minute stitching speed
• Three needles
• Two, three, four, and five-thread sewing

This is a lot of machine for the price, and it is well worth your consideration.

Baby Lock Ovation

Baby Lock machines are typically loaded with convenience features that remove the complexity of usage while keeping the fun aspects of the craft alive. The Baby Lock Ovation is their take on the coverlock machine. 

Like most Baby Lock machines, the Ovation will cost you. At the same time, for the right buyer, it will be well worth it. Check out these features.

• Sewing with between two and eight threads
• 87 stitch combinations for overlock and coverstitch sewing
• Proprietary Baby Lock decorative edging stitches
• Air threading
• Five inches of workspace to the right of the right needle
• Automatic thread tension
• Knee lifter
• Speed control
• Presser foot lift lever

This is a premium serger at a premium price. If you want all the bells and whistles, then this could be your machine.

Bernette b48 Review: Final Thoughts

A combination coverstitch machine/serger is a specialized piece of equipment for a handful of very specific purposes. For the right user, it can be a sound investment.

The Bernette B48 is a well-made, feature-rich serger/coverstitch combo. Will it be the next addition to your sewing room? 

REFERENCES

1. Alan Bamber | Bernina’s History | http://www.vintagebernina.com/berninas-history/