The bernette 64 Airlock is one of the newer overlocker models from Bernette. It is part of the Bernette 60 series which contains the Bernette 62, Bernette 64 and Bernette 68 overlockers. The Bernette 64 is in the middle range of the series and comes with a good mix of affordability and functions. We’ll be doing a deeper look at the b64 in this post and if you are interested in how the B64 compares to the other models please check out our comparisons.
The bernette 64 airlock serger not only is it a great four thread serger but it also has air threading capabilities which makes threading very easy. It comes with a freearm making working on sleeves and cuffs easier and along with the large work area and included slide-on table working with the bernette 64 is very easily.
Bernette 64 Airlock Main Features and Functions
The bernette 64 overlock machine comes with a ton of useful and impressive feature set. The main ones are listed here below and we’ll also go over them in more depth in the review.
- 2, 3 and 4-thread overlock stitches
- 16 Stitches
- High stitch quality with speeds of 350 up to 1300 stitches per minute
- Width overlock stitches of 3 – 7 mm
- Practical freearm
- Micro Thread Control for professional seams
- Large working area (130 mm)
- Slide-on Table
Ease Of Use
This is a very easy machine to get started with, even if you are new to overlock stitching. It has a large working area to the right of the needle, 5 LED’s to make sure the working area is properly lit. It also includes a slide-on table, to make it easy working with larger items. It has a quick start guide and of course a full user manual to help getting started and troubleshooting. Bernette has also created a series of Youtube videos that covers how to get started, needle threading and changing the needle.
Stitches and Buttonholes
The b64 AIRLOCK sews with four, three and two threads. It has sixteen different overlock stitches, such as 4-thread overlock, 3-thread overlock wide or narrow, flatlock, rolled hem and a variety of stitches. The width of the overlock stitches is 3 – 7 mm which we would consider good and well enough for any home user. In terms of speed it does 1,300 stitches per minute which is more than sufficient.
Design and Build Quality
Overall the Bernette 64 is a very good looking, slick machine. The quality is solid and feels to be well made, comparable to the more expensive Bernina models (who also manufacturers the Bernette machines). The Bernette 64 comes with 2 years of warranty in the UK so you can feel secure in your purchase.
Key Features To Consider Before Buying
Extension Table
The first thing you will notice with the Bernette 64 is the large table attachment that can be equipped on the machine. It is super easy to install and remove as it slides just right on. This gives you ample space to work and support larger projects.
Cuto-offs bin
The b64 comes with a cut-offs bin that easily attaches to the front helps you collect thread bits or and trimmings of your hem allowance.
Freearm
The freearm cover and freearm are included as standard equipment with the b64 Airlock, and they can be quickly removed or re attached. You can easily sew tubular or circular items using the free arm.
Knee Lift
Additionally, it has a knee lift (Free Hand System) so that you can raise and lower the presser foot while still having free hands to guide the fabric.
MTC
The Bernette 64 comes equipped with something that was exclusive to Bernina machines until now, which is the micro thread control. Micro thread control is a little lever that controls the stitch finger, so the seams are not meeting on the edge of the fabric. It can be made wider or narrower which really helps getting perfection with the serger stitch.
Sewing Space
The Bernette 64 comes with sewing space of 130 millimetres on the right side which is really a good amount space to conveniently sew larger projects. The sewing space is also well lit with five bright led lights, making it very easy to see what you are working on.
Sewing Speed
What about the motor and the maximum speed? So the maximum speed from the machine is up to 1300 stitches per minute, and I can push really soft for slow or for fast push it harder. And that’s of course, again the same for all three models. All three models are driven by an AC motor with a max. speed of 1300 stitches.
Accessories
The Bernette 64 Airlock comes with a good range of accessories so you don’t miss anything out of the box. Below is the standard included features but of course Bernette has a wide variety of additional accessories available in their Accessory Catalogue.
- Standard overlock presser foot
- Upper looper converter
- Freearm cover
- Deco guide
- Cut-offs bin
- BERNINA ELx705 needle set
- Extension table
Comparison against other overlockers
Comparison against the popular Bernina L860: Bernina L860 vs Bernette 64.
Conclusion
The Bernette 64 is a fantastic overlock machine with many impressive features of top of the line sergers. The Bernette 64 machine should unquestionably be on your short list if you’re looking for an overlocker that’s simple to use, convenient to thread, produces lovely stitching, and is incredibly versatile. The nice big extension table that it comes with gives you lots of room to work on your projects and will hold the weight of some of what you work on, it is also very easy to take it off, it has got more of the standard footprint of a serger. It is also a a really awesome as a garment sewer and a free arm extension it is easy to do sleeves, pant legs and that sort of things.
