Bernette 48 Serger Coverstitch Sewing Machine Review: With Funlock Benifits

Product Description

The Bernette 48 Funlock is a versatile combination serger and coverstitch machine designed to handle a wide range of sewing projects. This machine eliminates the need for separate serger and coverstitch machines, making it a convenient choice for those with limited space. With its responsive tension adjustment and ability to handle various textiles, the Bernette 48 is a reliable tool for creating everything from casual wear to swimwear and activewear.

Basic Information About Bernette 48 Serger Machine Review

The Bernette 48 is a multi-functional sewing machine that combines the capabilities of a serger and a coverstitch machine. It is ideal for those who want to incorporate coverstitching into their sewing projects without needing multiple machines. This machine is suitable for both beginners and experienced sewers, offering a range of features that make it easy to switch between serger and coverstitch modes.

Key Features Of the Bernette 48 Serger Machine Review

Stitch Options

• 2, 3, 4, and 5-thread stitches: Offers a variety of stitching options for different projects.
• Coverstitches: Includes 3 coverstitches with a width of 2.8 or 5.6 mm.
• Overlock stitches: 15 overlock stitches with a width range of 3-7 mm.
• Combination stitches: 4 combo stitches with a maximum width of 10 mm.
• Chain stitch: 1 chain stitch for additional versatility.

Threading and Conversion

• Color-coded threading paths: simplify the threading process.
• Manual needle threader: Assists in threading the needles.
• Mechanical threader: For the chain looper and lower looper.
• Manual conversion: Switching between serger and coverstitch modes takes about 5-7 minutes.

Performance and Usability

• LED illumination: Provides bright, clear lighting for the workspace.
• Differential feed: infinitely adjustable for consistent stitching.
• Maximum sewing speed: Up to 1300 stitches per minute for efficient operation.
• Wide workspace: 87 mm to the right of the needles, ideal for larger projects.
• Adjustable presser foot pressure: Helps manage different fabric thicknesses.
• Responsive tension adjustment: Ensures perfect stitches on various textiles.

Accessories

• Standard presser foot: included for general sewing.
• Additional accessories: cut-off bin, extra upper knife, dust cover, needle threader tool, tweezers, brush, Allen key, screwdriver, spool caps, and nets.

Bernette 48: Performance

The Bernette 48 excels at sewing a variety of fabrics, from lightweight jerseys to thick denim. It produces high-quality stitches consistently, although it may require adjustments for thicker materials or specialized threads like wooly nylon. The machine handles bulky seams well, especially with the use of a hump jumper and by adjusting the presser foot pressure.

Usability

• Threading: The machine is easy to thread, with clear color-coded paths and a front that opens fully for access to the loopers.
• Switching Modes: While the manual conversion process between serger and coverstitch modes can be a bit finicky, it becomes quicker with practice.
• Stitch Quality: Delivers excellent stitch quality, particularly in serger mode, and handles a wide range of fabrics effectively.

included accessories for the Bernette 48 Serger Coverstitch Sewing Machine:

1. Standard presser foot
2. Cut-off bin
3. Extra upper knife
4. Dust cover
5. Needle threader tool (not integrated)
6. Tweezers
7. Brush
8. Allen key
9. Screwdriver
10. Spool caps
11. Spool nets
12. Large-sized screwdriver
13. Lubricant
14. Spare upper knife (stationary)
15. Set of needles (ELx705)
16. Small Allen screwdriver
17. Upper looper converter (ULC)
18. Spool stabilizer
19. Cover/Chainstitch inserter

What types of fabrics can a Bernette 48 Serger Coverstitch machine handle?

1. Lycra swimwear fabric – It sews this material well, producing stretchy and non-restrictive stitches.
2. Light, drapey jerseys – Such as merino-tencel blends. May require slight tension adjustments.
3. Stable medium-weight cotton jersey – Sews easily with default tension settings.
4. Thick-wicking knits – Like ponte. May require some adjustments for bulky seams.
5. Stretch denim – Handles well, though may need presser foot pressure adjustments for thick seams.
6. Woven cotton – Sews smoothly at default settings.
7. Elastic with jersey – Can handle sewing elastic to jersey fabrics, though may require some setting adjustments.
8. Delicate fabrics – The adjustable presser foot pressure and differential feed help with sewing lightweight and delicate materials.
9. Multiple layers – Can handle sewing through multiple fabric layers, though very thick sections may require manual assistance.

Specifications Of The Bernette 48 Serger Coverstitch machine

Tips for maintenance And Lubricating the Bernette 48 Serger Coverstitch machine Machine

Maintenance Tips:

1. Regular Cleaning:
   • After each use, remove lint and fabric debris from the machine, especially around the loopers and needle area.
   • Use a small brush or vacuum attachment to clean hard-to-reach areas.
   • Clean the feed dogs and under the needle plate weekly or after heavy use.
2. Needle Replacement:
   • Change needles regularly, ideally after 8-10 hours of sewing or when switching fabric types.
   • Use high-quality needles appropriate for your fabric.
3. Thread Path Inspection:
   • Regularly check the thread path for wear or damage.
   • Ensure all thread guides and tension discs are clean and free from lint.
4. Presser Foot and Needle Plate Check:
   • Inspect the presser foot and needle plate for nicks or burrs that could damage fabric.
   • Replace if necessary.

Lubrication Tips:

1. Frequency:
   • Lubricate the machine according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, typically every 3-6 months or after extensive use.
2. Lubrication Points:
   • Focus on lubricating moving parts like the upper and lower loopers, needle bar, and feed dogs.
   • Apply a small drop of high-quality sewing machine oil to each point.
3. Procedure:
   • Turn off and unplug the machine before lubricating.
   • Open the looper cover and remove the needle plate for better access.
   • Use the manual to identify specific lubrication points.
   • Apply oil sparingly – a little goes a long way.
   • After oiling, run the machine without thread to distribute the oil and remove excess.
4. Cleaning After Lubrication:
   • Wipe away any excess oil to prevent staining fabrics.

Additional Tips:

1. Use high-quality sewing machine oil specifically designed for sergers and coverstitching.
2. Keep the machine covered when not in use to prevent dust accumulation.
3. Have the machine professionally serviced annually or biannually for optimal performance.
4. Always refer to the Bernette 48 user manual for specific maintenance instructions.

Pros and Cons Of the Bernette 48 Serger Coverstitch machine

Pros:

1. Versatility: Combines serger and coverstitch functions in one machine, saving space and money.
2. Stitch Options: Offers 23 stitches including 15 overlock, 3 coverstitches, 4 combo stitches, and 1 chain stitch.
3. Ease of Threading: Features color-coded threading paths and a manual needle threader for easier setup.
4. Adjustable Tension: Responsive tension adjustment for various fabrics and threads.
5. Lighting: Strong LED illumination for a well-lit workspace.
6. Speed: Can sew up to 1300 stitches per minute for efficient operation.
7. Wide Workspace: 87 mm (3.4 in) workspace to the right of the needles for larger projects.
8. Fabric Handling: Performs well on a variety of fabrics, from lightweight jerseys to thick denim.
9. Differential Feed: Infinitely adjustable for consistent stitching on different fabrics.
10. Quiet Operation: This machine is relatively quiet compared to some other machines.

Cons:

1. Manual Conversion: Switching between serger and coverstitch modes takes 5-7 minutes and requires manual adjustments.
2. No Top-Cover Stitch: Lacks the ability to sew top-cover stitches, which are useful for swimwear and activewear.
3. Limited Accessories: This item only includes one standard presser foot; additional feet must be purchased separately.
4. No Free Arm: Makes it challenging to sew small openings like cuffs and sleeves.
5. Learning Curve: It takes time to learn how to switch between modes and adjust settings for different fabrics.
6. Binding Limitations: The binding foot attachment may have issues with certain fabrics.
7. Compatibility Issues: Doesn’t fit universal tape binder attachments, limiting options for accessories.
8. Bulky Seam Challenges: May require manual assistance when sewing over very thick seams or multiple layers.
9. Price: While versatile, it represents a significant investment compared to single-function machines.
10. Maintenance: Requires regular cleaning and occasional professional servicing for optimal performance.

Conclusion

The Bernette 48 Serger Coverstitch Machine is a versatile and efficient tool for both novice and experienced sewers. Its ability to handle a wide range of fabrics, from delicate jerseys to thick denims, makes it suitable for various sewing projects. The machine’s user-friendly features, such as color-coded threading paths and responsive tension adjustment, enhance its ease of use.

While the manual conversion between serger and coverstitch modes may require some practice, the time saved by having both functions in one machine is significant. The B48’s high-quality stitching, bright LED lighting, and wide workspace contribute to its overall value. Despite minor limitations like the lack of a top-cover stitch and limited accessory options, the Bernette 48 offers an excellent balance of functionality and performance for those seeking a combination serger and coverstitch machine.

frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the Bernette 48 Serger Coverstitch machine:

FAQs About Bernette 48 Serger Coverstitch Machine

1. Q: What types of stitches does the Bernette 48 offer?
   A: The Bernette 48 offers 23 stitches, including 15 overlock stitches, 3 coverstitches, 4 combo stitches, and 1 chain stitch.
   
2. Q: Can the Bernette 48 handle different types of fabrics?
   A: Yes, the Bernette 48 can handle a wide range of fabrics, including lightweight jerseys, medium-weight cotton jerseys, thick knits, stretch denim, and woven cotton.
   
3. Q: How fast can the Bernette 48 sew?
   A: The Bernette 48 can sew up to 1300 stitches per minute, making it efficient for various sewing projects.
   
4. Q: Does the Bernette 48 have an automatic needle threader?
   A: The Bernette 48 includes a manual needle threader and a mechanical threader for the chain looper and lower looper.
   
5. Q: Is the Bernette 48 easy to thread?
   A: Yes, the machine features color-coded threading paths and a front that opens fully for easy access to the loopers, making threading straightforward.
   
6. Q: Can the Bernette 48 switch between serger and coverstitch modes?
   A: Yes, the Bernette 48 can switch between serger and coverstitch modes, although it requires manual conversion, which takes about 5-7 minutes.
   
7. Q: Does the Bernette 48 have a free arm?
   A: No, the Bernette 48 does not have a free arm, which may make it challenging to sew small openings like cuffs and sleeves.
   
8. Q: What are the included accessories with the Bernette 48?
   A: The Bernette 48 comes with a standard presser foot, cut-off bin, extra upper knife, dust cover, needle threader tool, tweezers, brush, Allen key, screwdriver, spool caps, spool nets, large-sized screwdriver, lubricant, spare upper knife, set of needles (ELx705), small Allen screwdriver, upper looper converter (ULC), spool stabilizer, and cover/chainstitch inserter.
   
9. Q: Is the Bernette 48 suitable for sewing swimwear and activewear?
   A: Yes, the Bernette 48 can sew swimwear and activewear fabrics well, although it does not have a top-cover stitch feature, which is often used in these types of garments.
   
10. Q: How is the lighting on the Bernette 48?
    A: The Bernette 48 has LED illumination, providing bright and clear lighting for the workspace.
    
11. Q: What is the warranty on the Bernette 48?
    A: The Bernette 48 comes with a 10-year mechanical and 2-year electrical warranty.
    
12. Q: Is the Bernette 48 noisy?
    A: The Bernette 48 is relatively quiet compared to other machines, although it produces a mid-range whirr sound.
    
13. Q: How do you maintain and lubricate the Bernette 48?
    A: Regular cleaning, needle replacement, and periodic lubrication of moving parts like the loopers and needle bar are essential. Use high-quality sewing machine oil and refer to the user manual for specific maintenance instructions.
    
14. Q: Can the Bernette 48 handle thick fabrics like denim?
    A: Yes, the Bernette 48 can handle thick fabrics like denim, though it may require adjustments to presser foot pressure and the use of a hump jumper for bulky seams.

All Used Image Credit : Bernette.Com