Bernette 60 Series Review: Comparing the b62, b64 & b68 AIRLOCK Overlockers

The Bernette 60 Series is a newer line of overlock and coverstitch machines aimed at sewists who want air threading and solid workspace features without moving into full Bernina pricing. The range has three models: the bernette 62 AIRLOCK (coverstitch and chainstitch), the bernette 64 AIRLOCK (air-threading overlocker), and the bernette 68 AIRLOCK (combo overlock, coverstitch, chainstitch, and combo stitches). Manufacturer details are on bernette.com.

A full comparison table is at the bottom of the page, or jump here.

Bernette 62 AIRLOCK (Coverstitch and Chainstitch)

The bernette 62 AIRLOCK is the coverstitch and chainstitch specialist. Air threading for the looper removes a lot of the fiddling that puts people off coverstitch machines, which matters if you hem knits often and rethread for color changes.

With 4 coverstitches and 3 chainstitches, it is built for stretch hems, activewear, and topstitching that needs to move with the fabric. A knee lifter raises and lowers the presser foot hands-free, so you can keep both hands on the hem while you position the next section.

The slide-on table and coverstitch insert widen the work surface for larger garments. Five LEDs light the needle area, which helps when matching coverstitch lines on dark knits. Remember the tradeoff: this is not an overlocker, so edge finishing still needs a separate overlock machine or another method.

Bernette 64 AIRLOCK (Overlocker)

The Bernette 64 AIRLOCK is the dedicated overlocker in the series. Air-threaded loopers make setup faster, which is useful if you switch between rolled hem, flatlock, and standard 4-thread seams during a project.

A freearm helps with sleeves, cuffs, and other tubular pieces that fight a flat-bed-only serger. Across 16 stitch types (including rolled hems, flatlocks, and 4-thread overlock), it covers most garment finishing needs. Speeds up to 1,300 spm keep longer seams moving once tension is dialed in.

The large slide-on table, 5-LED lighting, and Free Hand System knee lifter make the sewing area more comfortable for longer sessions. You still give up coverstitch hems on this model; for those, you need the b62, the b68, or a separate coverstitch machine.

Bernette 68 AIRLOCK (Combo Overlocker and Coverstitch)

The Bernette 68 AIRLOCK is the top model: overlock, coverstitch, chainstitch, and combo stitches in one machine. If you want one footprint instead of two machines, this is the one that makes the most sense, with the usual combo-machine caveat that mode changes take a little time and planning.

Air threading for the loopers keeps setup manageable, and 130 mm (about 5.1 in) to the right of the needle gives more room for coverstitching and bulkier pieces than many compact sergers. The freearm, knee lifter, slide-on table, and LED lighting carry over from the rest of the series.

With 31 total stitches (including 7 coverstitches and 8 combo stitches), it can finish seams and hem knits without swapping machines. Combo machines cost more and weigh more than a single-purpose model, so buy this only if you will use both functions regularly.

Key Features of the bernette 60 Series

Stitch Options Across the bernette 60 Series

bernette 62 AIRLOCK (Coverstitch and Chainstitch)

The b62 uses 2, 3, or 4 threads for hem and topstitch options:

• Wide coverstitch (2-3 needles)
• Narrow coverstitch (center + left or center + right needle)
• Chainstitch using any single needle position

That mix suits knit hems, activewear finishes, and decorative topstitching where stretch recovery matters.

bernette 64 AIRLOCK (Overlocker)

The b64 is a 2/3/4-thread overlocker with 16 stitch variations, including:

• 4-thread overlock
• 3-thread overlock (wide or narrow)
• Flatlock stitches
• Rolled hem
• Decorative edge finishes

Those options cover seam construction, stretch fabrics, and neat edge finishing for most garment sewing.

bernette 68 AIRLOCK (Combo Overlock/Coverstitch)

The b68 offers the broadest stitch set:

• 16 overlock stitches
• 7 coverstitches
• 8 combo stitches

Its 12.6 mm (about 0.5 in) extra-wide combo stitch is useful on loosely woven fabrics or mixed-material projects. Building a durable seam and hem in one pass can save time when the fabric and construction support that approach.

Slide-On Table and Coverstitch Insert

All three models include a large slide-on table that expands the work area to the left of the needle. That extra support helps with skirts, jersey yards, and other pieces that drag and distort on a small bed.

Each machine also includes a coverstitch insert for a flatter sewing surface. Paired with the slide-on table, you get a more stable area for straight hems and long seams.

Knee Lifter (Free Hand System)

Every model includes a knee lifter so you can raise or lower the presser foot without letting go of the fabric. It is especially helpful when:

• Aligning seams
• Working with delicate fabrics
• Feeding stretchy knits
• Positioning tricky layers

On an overlocker or coverstitch machine, that hands-free lift often prevents the fabric shift that creates wavy hems.

Generous Sewing Space

All three machines offer 130 mm (about 5.1 in) to the right of the needle, which is more than many compact overlockers. That room helps with coverstitching, hemming larger garments, and guiding thicker fabrics. Combined with the slide-on table, the setup feels less cramped on bigger projects.

Freearm Capability

Each model includes a freearm for:

• Sleeves
• Cuffs
• Narrow tubes
• Small circular items

The freearm cover attaches and removes quickly, so you can switch between flat work and tubular pieces without a long teardown.

Cut-offs Bin

The b64 and b68 include a cut-offs bin that attaches at the front to catch trimmed fabric. On the coverstitch-only b62, the cut-offs bin is optional and mounts beneath the coverstitch insert to collect thread tails and trimmings.

High Sewing Speed (Up to 1,300 SPM)

All three machines sew up to 1,300 stitches per minute with smooth acceleration. Light pressure on the pedal keeps stitching slow for curves and matching; firmer pressure opens up speed on long seams. Each model uses an AC motor for consistent drive across common garment fabrics.

MTC: Micro Thread Control (b64 and b68)

Exclusive to the b64 and b68, Micro Thread Control (MTC) lets you fine-tune looper thread amount for more balanced stitches. It is useful with:

• Decorative threads
• Varied thread weights
• Extra-wide overlock stitches (up to 7 mm)

Tighter or looser looper loops can mean the difference between a clean edge and a floppy or tunnelled seam, especially on lightweight knits.

Included Accessories

All overlockers in the Bernette 60 Series include:

• Tweezers
• Screwdrivers
• Accessory box
• Spool nets and spool caps
  • b68: 5 of each
  • b64 and b62: 4 of each

That kit covers the usual setup and maintenance tasks when you start sewing.

Summary: Which 60 Series Model Fits?

The Bernette 60 Series brings air threading, a roomy 130 mm (5.1 in) needle-to-right space, LED lighting, a knee lifter, and freearm capability into a more accessible price band than many Bernina overlockers. Pick by function, not by marketing labels:

• b62 if you mainly need coverstitch and chainstitch hems
• b64 if you need a dedicated overlocker (see our b64 review)
• b68 if you want overlock and coverstitch in one machine (see our b68 review)

Check current pricing in the product boxes, since combo models usually cost more and street prices change with stock.

Bernette 60 Series Comparison Table

The table below highlights core differences between the b62 AIRLOCK, b64 AIRLOCK, and b68 AIRLOCK, including stitch options, threading features, workspace, accessories, and overall capabilities.

Use it to match a machine to garment sewing, knit hemming, overlocking, or full combo stitching.

Model	68 Airlock	b64 Airlock	b62 Airlock
Stitches	Combo	Overlock	Cover
Total number of stitch patterns	31	16	7
4-thread overlock	✓	✓	–
3-thread overlock (wide/narrow)	✓	✓	–
3-thread super-stretch stitch	✓	✓	–
3-thread flatlock (wide/narrow)	✓	✓	–
3-thread narrow seam	✓	✓	–
3-thread rolled hem	✓	✓	–
3-thread picot stitch	✓	✓	–
2-thread overlock (wide/narrow)	✓	✓	–
2-thread flatlock (wide/narrow)	✓	✓	–
2-thread rolled hem	✓	✓	–
2-thread wrapped overlock (wide/narrow)	✓	✓	–
4-thread coverstitch	✓	–	✓
3-thread coverstitch (wide/narrow)	✓	–	✓
2-thread chainstitch	✓	–	✓
5-thread safety stitch	✓	–	–
4-thread safety stitch	✓	–	–
Comfort features
Automatic air threader for looper threads	✓	✓	✓
Freearm with freearm cover	✓	✓	✓
Color-coded threading paths	✓	✓	✓
Stitch length adjustable while sewing	✓	✓	✓
Accessories under the looper cover	✓	✓	✓
Sewing light	5 LEDs	5 LEDs	5 LEDs
Safety switch activated when cover is open	✓	✓	✓
Micro Thread Control (mtc)	✓	✓	–
Free Hand System (FHS) including knee lifter	✓	✓	✓
Technical data
Space to the right of the needle	130 mm	130 mm	130 mm
Manual thread cutter	✓	✓	✓
Overlock stitch width 3-7 mm	✓	✓	–
Coverstitch width 2,8 / 5,6 mm	✓	–	✓
Combo stitch width 7,8-12,6 mm	✓	–	–
Maximum sewing speed (stitches per minute)	1,300	1,300	1,300
Standard accessories
Standard overlock foot	–	✓	–
Standard coverstitch foot	–	–	✓
Standard overlock/coverstitch combo foot	✓	–	–
Deco thread guide	✓	✓	✓
Slide-on table	✓	✓	✓
Coverstitch insert for slide-on table	✓	–	✓
Cut-offs bin	✓	✓	optional