Bernette Funlock Series
The Bernette 40 Funlock series (released around 2017) covers three specialty machines: the bernette 42 coverstitch, the bernette 44 overlocker, and the bernette 48 combo overlock/coverstitch. They sit beside the Bernette 30 series sewing machines as Bernina’s more affordable Bernette line (see bernette.com and our Bernina brand overview). Soft U.S. pricing for Funlock models often lands from several hundred dollars into the low four figures depending on model and seller. A full comparison table is at the bottom of this page. Note: these are older Funlock models; Bernette’s newer air-threading options live in the 60 Series AIRLOCK range.
bernette 42 FUNLOCK
The 42 is coverstitch only. Use it for hems, cuffs, bindings, and topstitching on knits and other stretch fabrics where you want a flexible finish that looks like ready-to-wear. It is not an overlocker, so it will not cut and finish raw edges the way a serger does. Pair it with a sewing machine (or a separate overlocker) if you need both jobs.
Main features
- 4-thread / 3-needle coverstitch machine
- Working area about 87 mm (about 3.4 in)
- LED lighting
- Differential feed (important for preventing wavy knit hems)
- Color-coded threading paths
- Manual threading (no air threading)
Stitch overview
You get four coverstitch options aimed at stretch hems and durable topstitching on sportswear, lingerie, and knit garments. Mechanical threading aids for loopers and needles keep setup manageable once you learn the paths. The LED and open work area help on long hems, but plan on a learning curve for looper threading and differential feed settings. Choose the 42 only if coverstitch is the gap in your setup; it will not replace an overlocker.
bernette 44 FUNLOCK
The 44 is a dedicated overlocker for seam finishing and seaming knits. It offers 15 stitch options controlled with a rotary knob, color-coded threading, and looper/needle threading aids. The lower knife position improves visibility and safety when cutting. Top speed is about 1,300 stitches per minute, which is quick enough for long seams once tension is set. Tradeoff: no coverstitch, so T-shirt hems still need a coverstitch machine, a twin needle on a sewing machine, or the combo 48.
Main features
- 2-, 3-, and 4-thread overlock stitches
- Overlock seam width 3-7 mm (about 1/8-1/4 in)
- Rolled hem width about 1.5 mm (about 1/16 in)
- LED lighting
- Up to about 1,300 stitches per minute
- Differential feed
- Color-coded threading paths
- Manual needle threader / threading aids
Stitch overview
Fifteen overlock options cover edge finishing, seam construction, and rolled hems on a wide range of fabrics. Differential feed is the feature that keeps knits from stretching into wavy seams. Color coding and threading aids help, but this is still a manual-thread serger: expect to practice looper paths before it feels quick. A good pick if your main goal is clean seam finishes and you already have a plan for coverstitch hems.
bernette 48 FUNLOCK
The 48 is the combo machine in the Funlock range: overlock plus coverstitch in one body. You get 23 stitches total (15 overlock, 3 coverstitch, 4 combo, and 1 chain stitch), with overlock width up to 7 mm (about 1/4 in). Speed is again about 1,300 spm, with a lower knife for cutting visibility and color-coded manual threading. Converting between overlock and coverstitch takes time and rethreading, so it is one machine doing two jobs rather than two machines ready at once. For a direct comparison with an air-threading overlocker, see Bernette 64 AIRLOCK vs 48 FUNLOCK.
Main features
- 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-thread stitches
- Overlock seam width 3-7 mm (about 1/8-1/4 in)
- Coverstitch width about 2.8 / 5.6 mm (about 1/8 / 7/32 in)
- Combo stitch width up to about 10 mm (about 3/8 in)
- Rolled hem width about 1.5 mm (about 1/16 in)
- Working area about 87 mm (about 3.4 in)
- LED lighting
- Up to about 1,300 stitches per minute
- Differential feed
- Color-coded threading paths
- Manual threading
Stitch overview
Fifteen overlock stitches handle seaming and edging; three coverstitches cover knit hems; combo stitches and a chain stitch add stronger or decorative options. Color-coded paths and mechanical threading aids help, but you should expect conversion time between modes. The 48 makes sense if you want one footprint for both finishing and coverstitch and you sew enough knits to use both regularly. If you only need edge finishing, the 44 is simpler. If you only need coverstitch, the 42 is the focused tool.
Comparison Table
The table below lists the Funlock models side by side so you can compare stitch types, widths, and shared features quickly.
| General Functions and Features | bernette 42 | bernette 44 | bernette 48 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total number of stitch patterns | 4 | 15 | 23 |
| 5-thread safety stitch – – | – | – | ✓ |
| 4-thread safety stitch | – | – | ✓ |
| 4-thread overlock | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| 4-thread/3-needle coverstitch | ✓ | – | ✓ |
| 3-thread/2-needle coverstitch (wide/narrow) | ✓ | – | ✓ |
| 3-thread overlock (wide/narrow) | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3-thread super-stretch | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3-thread flatlock (wide/narrow) | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3-thread narrow seam | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3-thread rolled hem | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| 2-thread chain stitch | ✓ | – | ✓ |
| 2-thread overlock (wide/narrow) | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| 2-thread flatlock (wide/narrow) | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| 2-thread rolled hem | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| 2-thread wrapped overlock (wide/narrow) – 2-thread wrapped overlock (wide/narrow) – | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Comfort Features | |||
| Lower looper threader | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Color-coded threading paths | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lay-in threading system | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Thread tension release when presser foot raised | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stitch length adjustable while sewing | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Accessories in looper cove | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Sewing light | LED | LED | LED |
| Safety switch activated when cover open | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Technical Data | |||
| Overlock seam width 3–7 mm | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Coverstitch width 2,8/5,6 mm | ✓ | – | ✓ |
| Combo stitch width 3–10 mm | - | - | ✓ |
| Knife drive from below | - | ✓ | ✓ |
| 7-step presser foot pressure | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rolled hem lever integrated into stitch plate | - | ✓ | ✓ |
| Maximum sewing speed (stitches per minute) | 1300 | 1300 | 1300 |
| Standard Accessories | |||
| Standard overlock presser foot | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Upper looper converter | - | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual needle threader | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cut-offs bin | - | ✓ | ✓ |
| Needle set (ELX 705) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tools and accessories in separate box | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dust cover | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |