Description
Overview
Most people who buy an overlocker have been putting it off. They have heard the horror stories about threading, or they had a go on someone else’s machine years ago and never went back. The b44 Funlock is the machine that changes that.
It is Bernette’s entry level overlocker, which in practice means it does everything a home sewer actually needs and leaves out the things that only ever confuse people. The thread path is colour coded and sits open in front of you, so you can see exactly where each thread is going. There is a manual needle threader and a threading mechanism for the lower looper. Nobody is pretending it threads itself, but it is about as approachable as an overlocker gets.
What it does
Fifteen stitches using two, three or four threads. That covers the ordinary work of an overlocker, which is finishing raw edges so they do not fray, and sewing stretch seams that move with the fabric instead of popping. It cuts and sews in one pass, so a seam that would take you two operations on a sewing machine takes one here.
Rolled hems go down to 1.5mm, which is the setting you want for scarves, napkins, lightweight dressmaking and anything where a turned hem would look heavy.
Working with different fabrics
The differential feed adjusts from 0.6 to 2.0. This is the control that stops jersey stretching into a wavy mess along the seam, and stops fine wovens puckering. Set it above 1.0 to gather, below 1.0 to stretch. Once you understand this one dial you will use it constantly.
It handles wovens and stretch equally well, so it is not just a knits machine.
Living with it
It runs at up to 1,300 stitches per minute, noticeably quicker than a domestic sewing machine, so seam finishing on a whole garment stops being an afternoon job. There is 87mm of space to the right of the needle, an LED light over the work, and a cut offs bin that catches the trimmings instead of letting them go all over the floor.
Who it suits
If you make clothes and you are tired of zigzagging every raw edge, this is the machine. Same if you sew with jersey and have never been happy with the seams. It also pairs neatly with the Bernette b42 coverstitch if you later want proper twin needle hems, since the two together give you the full ready to wear finish without buying a combination machine.
If you already have an overlocker and want coverstitch as well, look at the b48 instead, which does both in one.
Specification table
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Overlocker (serger) |
| Stitches | 15 |
| Thread configurations | 2, 3 and 4 thread |
| Stitch width | 3mm to 7mm |
| Rolled hem width | 1.5mm |
| Differential feed | 0.6 to 2.0, adjustable |
| Speed | Up to 1,300 stitches per minute |
| Space right of needle | 87mm |
| Threading | Colour coded open thread path |
| Needle threader | Manual, included |
| Lower looper | Threading mechanism |
| Lighting | LED |
| Needle system | ELx705 |
| Cut offs bin | Included |
Included accessories
Standard overlock presser foot, upper looper converter, cut offs bin, dust cover, needle set (ELx705), needle threader and inserter, four spool nets, four spool caps, four spool stabilisers, spare upper knife, tweezers, oiler, brush, large screwdriver and small Allen screwdriver.
Available to order. We do not keep the b44 on the showroom floor, so this one comes in for you rather than off the shelf. Give us a ring on 01553 773362 and we will confirm the current lead time from Bernina UK before you commit to anything.
- Free one to one lesson included with purchase
- 2 year warranty
- Free mainland UK delivery
- In house servicing and after sales care
- Expert advice on 01553 773362











