The Bernina L 450 Overlocker and Bernina L 460 Overlocker models are both high-quality machines from Bernina, rich in features, perfect for your overlocking needs. While they share many characteristics, there are also several key differences that set them apart. Let’s examine each feature and see how they compare.
Overview: Bernina L 450 and L 460 Overlockers
Before diving into individual features, it’s helpful to understand what both machines have in common. The Bernina L 450 and L 460 are part of Bernina’s premium overlocker lineup, designed to deliver clean, professional finishes on a wide range of fabrics with speed, precision, and reliability.
Bernina L 450 vs L 460: Stitch Variations
Both the L 450 and L 460 are highly versatile machines, boasting 16 stitch variations including the 4-thread overlock, 3-thread super-stretch, 3-thread flatlock (wide/narrow), 2-thread overlock (wide/narrow) among others. This allows for a wide range of stitch selection, perfect for all your overlocking projects.
Comfort & Ease-of-Use Features
The comfort features of these overlockers are designed to make sewing a more enjoyable and efficient experience. Both machines have a manual needle threader, lower looper threader, color-coded threading path, lay-in threading system, and handwheel position indicator among others. These features not only simplify the threading process but also add to the overall comfort and ease of use.
Unique to the L 460 model, however, are features like the automatic needle stop up and the safety switch activated when the cover is open or the presser foot is raised. The automatic needle stop up allows for more precision while the safety switch provides an extra layer of safety during operation.
Technical Specifications Compared
The technical specifications of these machines speak to their functionality and performance. Both models have the Micro Thread Control (mtc), 3–9 mm overlock seam width, upper knife drive from below, 2-step presser foot lift with additional front foot lift, and 5-step presser foot pressure, which significantly enhance the quality of your overlocking.
However, one key difference between the two machines is the motor type and sewing speed. While the L450 utilises an AC motor and achieves a sewing speed of 1,200 stitches per minute, the L460 is equipped with a DC motor and offers a superior sewing speed of 1,500 stitches per minute. This could potentially allow you to complete your projects faster with the L 460.
Standard Accessories Included
Both models come with an array of standard accessories, including the standard overlock presser foot, upper looper converter, cut-offs bin, and a set of needles, among others. The L 460, however, includes the BERNINA Free Hand System (FHS) and a slide-on table as standard, enhancing the machine’s versatility and ease of use.
Extra Functions & Optional Accessories
In terms of additional features, both models offer a differential feed adjustment, thread cutter, and stitch width adjustment to name a few. For accessories, both models come with a standard presser foot, rolled hem foot, zipper foot, buttonhole foot, blindstitch foot, and overcasting foot.
In summary, while the Bernina L450 and Bernina L 460 Overlockers share many similarities, key differences in comfort features, technical specifications, and standard accessories make the L 460 a slightly more advanced model. Whether you choose the L 450 or L 460 will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Summary
Both the Bernina L 450 and L 460 are strong performers and excellent long-term overlocker investments. The L 450 is ideal for sewists who want premium stitch quality and reliability without paying for extras they may not use. It offers all the essential features you need for precise seams, rolled hems, and general overlocking at a lower price point.
The Bernina L 460, however, adds more comfort and speed, making it the better choice for frequent sewists and anyone who values efficiency. With a faster DC motor, automatic needle stop up, the Free Hand System, and a slide-on table included as standard, it provides a smoother, more intuitive sewing experience.
In short:
- Choose the L 450 if you want a high-quality, dependable overlocker at the best value.
- Choose the L 460 if you want extra speed, convenience, and advanced comfort features for more demanding sewing or higher-volume projects.
Whichever model you pick, both offer Bernina’s signature precision and durability that sewists trust for years of use.
Comparison Table
To make your decision easier, the table below highlights all the major differences between the Bernina L 450 and L 460, including stitch options, motor type, speed, comfort features, and included accessories. Use this side-by-side overview to quickly compare specifications and choose the model that best matches your sewing style and project needs.