A common question is how the Bernette 64 AIRLOCK differs from the Bernette 48 FUNLOCK, and which one to buy. They can look similar in photos, but they solve different problems: the 64 is an air-threading overlocker, while the 48 is a manual-thread combo that also coverstitches. Soft street pricing has often put the 48 around the high hundreds and the 64 nearer about $1,200 USD / roughly £1,000-£1,200, though deals vary. Brand overview: Bernette / bernette.com. A comparison table is at the bottom.
Bernette 64 AIRLOCK vs Bernette 48 FUNLOCK
If you want fast looper threading and stick to overlock work, the 64 is usually the more pleasant daily machine. If you need coverstitch hems in the same footprint and do not mind manual threading plus mode changes, the 48 earns its place. Both are capable; the decision is less about “better brand quality” and more about air threading versus combo versatility.
Bernette 64 AIRLOCK overlocker
The Bernette 64 is a four-thread air-threading overlocker. You guide thread into the ports, use the air system, and the loopers thread with far less of the usual serger wrestling. It includes useful extras such as a knee lift and a free-arm style accessory setup for sleeves and cuffs. Soft pricing is often a bit higher than the 48, commonly around £1,190 / roughly $1,200 USD depending on seller.
Stitch count is 16 overlock-related options. That is enough for seaming, finishing, and rolled hems, but there is no coverstitch. If knit hems are a big part of your work, you will still want a coverstitch machine, a twin needle, or a combo like the 48.
The free-arm accessory support is one of the practical highlights for tubular sewing. You are paying for easier threading and overlock convenience, not for a two-in-one coverstitch machine.
Bernette 48 FUNLOCK overlocker / coverstitch
The Bernette 48 is a five-thread combo: it can overlock and coverstitch. Threading is manual, with an extra chain looper for coverstitch work such as T-shirt hems. That flexibility is the reason to choose it over the 64. The tradeoff is clear every time you rethread or convert between modes.
Total stitches: 23. Soft pricing has often been a bit lower than the 64, commonly around £999 / under about $1,200 USD depending on the market.
If coverstitch matters and you are fine with manual threading, the 48 is the more complete single-machine answer in this pair. If you hate looper threading and rarely need coverstitch, the 64 will feel better in daily use.
Summary
Choose the 64 AIRLOCK for air threading, knee lift convenience, and focused overlock work. Choose the 48 FUNLOCK for overlock plus coverstitch in one machine at a typically lower price, accepting manual threading and conversion time. Neither is a bad machine; they serve different workflows.
For more Bernette options, see the Bernette 40 Funlock series comparison and the Bernette 60 Series AIRLOCK overview.
Comparison Table
bernette 64 AIRLOCK | bernette 48 FUNLOCK |
|
|---|---|---|
| Total number of stitch patterns | 16 | 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) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Comfort Features | ||
| Safety switch activated when cover open | ✓ | ✓ |
| Accessories in looper cover | ✓ | y |
| Sewing light | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stitch length adjustable while sewing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Color-coded threading paths | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic air threader for looper threads | - | ✓ |
| Free Hand System (FHS) including knee lifter | - | ✓ |
| Micro Thread Control (mtc) | - | ✓ |
| Freearm with freearm cover | - | ✓ |
| Technical data | ||
| Space to the right of the needle | 130mm | 87mm |
| Overlock seam width | 5-7 mm | 3–7 mm |
| Coverstitch width | - | 2.8/5.6 mm |
| Combo stitch width | - | 3–10 mm |
| Knife drive from below | - | y |
| Maximum sewing speed (stitches per minute) | 1300 | 1300 |
| Standard accessories |
||
| Standard overlock presser foot | ✓ | ✓ |
| Standard coverstitch foot | - | |
| Upper looper converter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Freearm cover | ✓ | - |
| Deco guide | ✓ | - |
| Cut-offs bin | ✓ | ✓ |
| Slide-On Table | ✓ | - |
| BERNINA ELx705 needle set | ✓ | ✓ |