A coverstitch machine is a specialized type of sewing machine. It does topstitching, and is primarily used for hemming. If you make a lot of garments, whether for personal use or for a small business, a coverstitch machine can help. So, how does this model stack up? Carry on reading our Bernette b42 review find out.
About Bernette and the Bernette B42 Coverstitch Machine
Bernette is a member of the Bernina Textile Group. Bernina is a Swiss company that manufactures stylish, high-end sewing machines, overlockers, longarm quilting machines, and more.
The company’s name is a combination of Bernina and the first name of Odette Gegauf-Ueltschi, who ran the company from 1959 to 1988, and is currently chairman of Bernina’s board. 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.
Today, the Bernina Textile Group operates in 80 countries worldwide. Their 15 companies, including Bernette, produce a variety of sewing machines, accessories, and software. [1]
What is a Coverstitch Machine?
The Bernette Funlock B42 is a coverstitch machine.
What is a coverstitch machine, and how is it different from a serger?
Looking at the two types of machines, it would be easy to mistake them, as they look very similar. However, their features and functions are quite different.
The main job of a serger is seams and edging. It cannot do topstitching. A coverstitch machine, by contrast, is a topstitching machine. [2]
Coverstitchers use three needles, as opposed to a serger’s two. Two of the needles sew parallel rows of straight stitches on top of the fabric, while the single looper (sergers have two loopers) creates a chain stitch on the reverse side, which connects the rows.
Like a serger, a coverstitch machine seals off raw fabric edges. However, the two machines accomplish this task differently.
A serger casts loops of fabric around the seam edges. A coverstitch machine, on the other hand, sews a chain stitch across a single fabric edge, and seals that edge to the underside of the fabric.
Finally, a serger has a knife to trim raw fabric edges to fit the overcasting stitches. Cover stitching doesn’t require edge trimming, so there is no knife.
People most often use a coverstitch machine to create a professional finish on hems, cuffs, collars, and so on.
For a deep dive into the differences between these specialized sewing machines, check out Serger Vs. Coverstitch Vs. Coverlock.
Who is the Market for the Bernette Funlock B42?
The Bernette Funlock B42 is a simple, well-made coverstitch machine. It’s affordable and user-friendly. It does what most coverstitch users will need it to do, without overwhelming the user with unnecessary features and functions.
This model doesn’t have a huge number of built-in stitches (it has four: three coverstitches and a chain stitch). At the same time, all of the necessary features are there, including:
- Built-in cover stitches
- Chain stitch
- Differential feed
And with simplified threading and its limited stitch repertoire, it should be easy to start sewing right out of the box.
The Bernette Funlock B42, therefore, would make a good choice for a first-time coverstitch machine user. At the same time, its reliability also makes this a good fit for an experienced sewist’s sewing room.
If you make a lot of garments, housewares, or other items that need a clean, professional-looking finish, the Bernette Funlock B42 is worthy of your attention. We’ll take a more in depth look at what it can do in just a bit.
Bernette b42 Pros And Cons
LIKES
- Easy to use right out of the box
- Simplified threading
- High-speed sewing (1,300 stitches per minute)
- Stylish design
- Affordable
DISLIKES
- No fabric release features
- No free arm
What’s in the box?
Accessories that come with the Bernette b42 Coverstitch Machine, include:
- Standard overlock presser foot
- Screwdriver
- Oiler
- Four spool nets
- Four spool caps
- Four spool holders
- Dust brush
- Needle set
- Needle Threader
- Allen wrench
- Serger tweezers
- Dust cover
Technical Specifications
Are You Considering a Coverstitch Machine?
A coverstitch machine’s primary use is creating sealed, professional-looking hems. Additionally, you can use it for:
- Decorative stitching
- Working with stretches and knits
- Creating special effects like ruffles and pleats
But can’t a regular sewing machine do these things?
Yes. But a coverstitch machine does each of these differently. What’s more, they do them faster and more efficiently than a regular sewing machine. And these differences are the reason that some sewists prefer a dedicated coverstitch machine.
So, if you’ve decided that a coverstitch machine is in your future, how do you choose a good one?
Here are a few of our must-have features.
Stitch Selection
In general, coverstitch machines have a smaller stitch selection than the best serger sewing machines, and a much smaller selection than most regular sewing machines.
Still, the more built-in stitches you have, the more types of projects you can do.
Stitching Speed
Like sergers, coverstitch machines are high-speed pieces of equipment. The average speed of a domestic coverstitch machine is around 1,300 stitches per minute, though speeds can range from 1,000 to 1,500.
Number of Threads
Most home coverstitch machines have two (or three) needle threads and one looper thread. Some premium models can sew with more than four threads.
Simplified Threading
Because most coverstitch machines have one looper instead of two, they’re easier to thread than a serger. At the same time, they’re more complicated to thread than a regular sewing machine.
Some manufacturers try to make threading less of a chore with features like:
- Color-coded threading paths
- Movable lower loopers
- Included threading implements
- Attached needle-threaders
- Auto-threading
In general, only premium models will be auto-threading. However, most will have color-coded threading.
Differential Feed Range
Coverstitch machines, like most sergers, have two sets of feed dogs. For most types of sewing, you’ll want the feed dogs to move at the same speed. However, for other types, you may want them to move at different speeds. This is what the differential feed does.
Increasing or decreasing the relative speed of the feed dogs stretches or compresses the fabric during stitching. This can help you to sew knits more efficiently. It can also help you to create special effects like ruffles.
Most coverstitch machines have a differential feed range of 0.7 to 2.0. Some, however, have a greater range — from 0.5 to 2.25.
Automatic Tension Features
After threading, setting and manipulating the thread tension can be one of the most frustrating parts of operating a coverstitch machine (or a serger, for that matter). There are a few convenience features that can help, though.
Auto Tension
Some coverstitch models have automatic thread tension adjustments. This means that when you choose your stitch, the machine makes the appropriate tension adjustments so that you don’t have to.
Auto Tension Release
One of the main complaints that coverstitch machine users have is that it can be difficult to take your work out of the machine once you’ve finished stitching. Thread tension is one reason.
Some coverstitch models automatically slacken the thread tension when you lift the presser foot lever. This makes it easier to free your work from the machine.
Auto Drop Feed
A few coverstitch machines automatically drop the feed dogs when you lift the presser foot. This is another feature that makes it easier to remove your work from the machine when you’re done.
Free Arm
A free arm allows you to work on smaller circular projects like collars and cuffs. It’s a very handy feature to have on a coverstitch machine.
Thread Cutter
Some coverstitch models have a flip-up thread cutting blade. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it is convenient.
Extended Throat Space
Because a coverstitch machine lacks a serger’s cutting knife, it typically has more room to the right of the needles than a serger does. Extra throat space can help you to accommodate larger work, and to sew further to the left of the fabric.
Some models have a small amount of extra space. Others have a similar amount of space as a regular sewing machine.
Think about the types of sewing you’ll be doing, and how much space you may need to the right of the needles.
Features and Benefits of the Bernette Funlock B42
This model has quite a bit to recommend it. But does it have everything that you need? Let’s run through what you’ll get…
Ease of Use
Bernette machines are generally straightforward and easy to use. Convenience features include:
- Clearly labeled stitch map
- Conveniently located control knobs
- Simplified threading
High Speed Stitching
The Bernette Funlock B42 stitches at a speed of 1,300 stitches per minute, to make quick work of your projects.
Easier Threading
Most coverstitch machines have color-coded threading paths. But the Bernette Funlock 42 also comes with a special looper threading mechanism and a separate threading tool.
Affordable
Coverstitchers are a bit more expensive than regular sewing machines. The Bernette Funlock 42, while not a budget model, is affordable. It will cost you around the same as a mid-range regular sewing machine.
Alternatives to the Bernette Funlock B42
Although there are fewer coverstitch models on the market than serger models, you can find quite a variety of features. Think about the features you will use most, and shop accordingly.
Here are a few models that we consider worthy competition to the Bernette Funlock B42.
Janome CoverPro 1000CPX
The first thing you’ll notice is that the Janome CoverPro 1000CPX looks a lot more like a regular sewing machine than like a serger. And if you want a coverstitcher with maximum space to the right of your needles, this could be your model.
Other features include:
- Extended differential feed range
- Spring-powered (rather than disc-powered) looper thread tension
- Free arm
- Auto tension release
- Adjustable presser foot pressure
This model will cost you slightly more than the Bernette Funlock B42. At the same time, the additional features may well be worth it to the right buyer.
Baby Lock Cover Stitch
The Baby Lock Cover Stitch is Baby Lock’s entry-level coverstitcher.
Baby Lock makes expensive machines, and their entry-level models are often similar in price as many manufacturer’s premium models. However, if it’s convenience features you’re after, paying the extra may be worth it to you.
Check it out:
- Jet air threading
- Auto tension release
- Auto drop feed
- Thread cutter
Baby Lock’s signature is removing the complexity from sewing and leaving all the fun. And if this is the experience you’re after (and, quite frankly, who isn’t?), then this may be the model for you.
Juki MCS 1500
The Juki MCS 1500 is a straightforward, easy-to-use coverstitch machine. It’s priced around the same as the Janome CoverPro 1000CPX and, like that model, it offers a few more features than the Bernette Funlock B42.
These include:
- Push-button looper lowering for easier threading
- Extra-high presser foot lift
- Adjustable presser foot pressure
- Thread cutter
Is the Bernette Funlock B42 for You?
That’s a question that only you can answer.
The Bernette Funlock B42 is an affordable, well-made, easy-to-use coverstitch machine. It’s fit for the coverstitch tasks that coverstitch users perform most frequently. Most users will be able to start sewing right out of the box.
At the same time, it’s a bit light on features when compared to similar models.
If you’re looking for a gentle introduction to coverstitching, or a solid addition to your sewing room, this could be a good model to check out. On the other hand, if you don’t mind spending a bit more, there are other devices out there with more built-in convenience features.
Have you used the Bernette Funlock B42? What did you think? What’s your favorite coverstitch model? Tell us about it in the comments!
REFERENCES
- Encyclopedia.com | Bernina Holding AG | https://www.encyclopedia.com/books/politics-and-business-magazines/bernina-holding-ag
- wikiHow Staff | How To Top Stitch | https://www.wikihow.com/Top-Stitch
