The bernette 64 AIRLOCK is a mid-range overlocker (serger) from Bernette, part of the Bernette 60 series alongside the b62 and b68. It sits in the middle of that lineup: air-threaded loopers, a freearm, Micro Thread Control (mtc), and a slide-on table, without jumping to a combo coverstitch machine. This review covers what the b64 offers day to day. If you want a side-by-side with other 60-series models, see our comparisons.
In short, it is a 2/3/4-thread serger built for garment finishing. Air threading takes a lot of the dread out of looper setup, the freearm helps with sleeves and cuffs, and the large work area plus extension table make bigger pieces easier to manage. In the US, dealer pricing often lands well below the roughly $1,999 MSRP, so check the product box below for the current dollar price.
Key Features of the bernette 64 AIRLOCK
The b64 focuses on practical serger features rather than a long gadget list. The main ones are below; the rest of the review walks through how they feel in use.
- 2, 3, and 4-thread overlock stitches
- 16 stitch patterns (overlock, flatlock, rolled hem, picot, and more)
- Automatic air threader for the looper threads
- Up to 1,300 stitches per minute
- Overlock stitch width about 3 to 7 mm (roughly 1/8 to 1/4 in)
- Freearm for sleeves, cuffs, and other tubular pieces
- Micro Thread Control (mtc) for fine-tuning the overedge wrap
- About 130 mm (5.1 in) of space to the right of the needle
- Slide-on extension table, cut-offs bin, and knee lifter (Free Hand System)
- 5 LED lights over the work area
Stitches
The b64 sews with two, three, or four threads and includes 16 overlock-related stitches: 4-thread overlock, 3-thread overlock (wide or narrow), super-stretch, flatlock, narrow seam, rolled hem, picot, and several 2-thread options. Overlock stitch width is listed at about 3 to 7 mm, which is enough for most home garment work. Top speed is 1,300 stitches per minute, which is plenty for finishing seams quickly once you are comfortable guiding the fabric.
Design and Build
The machine looks clean and feels solid for a mid-priced serger. Bernette is the more accessible sister brand to Bernina, and the b64 has that same practical, no-nonsense layout. Warranty terms vary by dealer and region in the US, so confirm coverage with the seller before you buy.
Features Worth Noting Before You Buy
Extension table
The slide-on table is one of the first things you notice. It installs and removes easily and gives you real support for larger projects so the fabric is not hanging off the end of the bed.
Cut-offs bin
A cut-offs bin attaches at the front and catches thread bits and trimmed seam allowances. It is a small thing, but it keeps the floor under the machine cleaner during long sessions.
Freearm
The freearm cover comes off quickly so you can sew tubular pieces. Sleeves, pant legs, and cuffs are much less awkward once the arm is open.
Knee lifter (Free Hand System)
The knee lifter lets you raise and lower the presser foot without taking your hands off the fabric. That helps when you are easing curves or turning a corner with both hands guiding the work.
Micro Thread Control (mtc)
mtc is a small lever that adjusts how much looper thread wraps the fabric edge. You can widen or narrow that wrap without chasing every tension dial again when you change cutting width or fabric thickness. It is one of the more useful controls on this machine for getting a clean, even serger seam.
Sewing space and lighting
There is about 130 mm (5.1 in) to the right of the needle, which is a comfortable amount of room for a serger. Five LEDs keep the stitching area bright, so you can see the cut edge and stitch formation clearly.
Speed
Maximum speed is 1,300 stitches per minute. Foot pedal pressure controls how fast you go, so you can creep along on tricky bits and open it up on long straight seams. The 60-series models share that same AC-motor speed range.
Included Accessories
You get a useful starter kit in the box. Bernette also sells a wider range of extras in their accessory catalog.
- Standard overlock presser foot
- Upper looper converter
- Freearm cover
- Deco guide
- Cut-offs bin
- BERNINA ELx705 needle set
- Extension table
Setup and Ease of Use
This is an easy serger to get started on, even if overlocking is still new to you. Color-coded threading paths help with the needles, and the air threader handles the loopers with a push rather than fishing with a wire. Tension releases when you raise the presser foot, which makes rethreading less fiddly.
Bernette provides a quick start guide and a full user manual, plus short YouTube videos on getting started, needle threading, and needle changes. The five LEDs and slide-on table also help when you are setting up larger pieces for the first time.
Performance and Stitch Quality
Stitch quality is consistently good across the usual home fabrics when tension and mtc are set sensibly. The 4-thread overlock is the workhorse for knits and woven seams; rolled hem and flatlock cover the decorative and stretch finishes most people actually use. Speed is responsive on the pedal, so you are not stuck at one pace.
For garment sewing, the freearm and extension table do a lot of the heavy lifting. With the table on, you have support for skirts, dresses, and larger cuts. Take it off and you are back to a standard serger footprint for narrower work. Sleeves and pant legs are straightforward once the freearm is open.
If you are comparing upward in the Bernina family, we also looked at the Bernina L860 vs Bernette 64.
Strengths and Limitations
Strengths
- Air threading for the loopers makes setup much less intimidating
- Freearm, knee lifter, and slide-on table cover real garment-sewing needs
- mtc helps keep seam edges looking even when fabric or cutting width changes
- 16 stitches and 1,300 spm are enough for most home finishing work
- Bright lighting and a usable amount of space to the right of the needle
Limitations
- It is an overlocker only, not a coverstitch or combo machine (look at the b68 if you need both)
- Needle threading is still manual; only the loopers are air-threaded
- At roughly 21 lb (about 9.5 kg), it is portable enough to move, but not a light tote-around machine
- Street price is mid-range for a feature-rich serger; budget shoppers may find simpler models for less
Ideal User
The b64 suits home sewists who finish a lot of garments and want air threading without paying for a full combo coverstitch unit. It is a strong fit if you sew sleeves, knits, and everyday clothing and want a freearm plus a real extension table in the box. Absolute beginners can learn on it thanks to the air threader and color coding, though any serger still has a learning curve. If you already know you need coverstitch hems on the same machine, step up to the b68 instead.
Manuals, warranty, and registration
Manuals: Download manuals from bernette.com support resources or your regional dealer.
US: US warranty and registration typically run through authorized bernette / BERNINA dealers. Keep your dated receipt.
UK / EU: Confirm warranty length and registration with your local bernette dealer or national distributor.
Official site: bernette.
Verdict
The bernette 64 AIRLOCK is a strong overlocker with many of the comfort features you usually see on pricier sergers. If you want a machine that is straightforward to thread, produces clean stitching, and handles garment work well with the freearm and extension table, it belongs on your short list. Check current US pricing in the product box below, confirm warranty with your dealer, and compare it with the rest of the 60 series if you are unsure whether you need coverstitch too.