b42 Funlock Coverstitch Machine

I just got this as a replacement for another brand that failed to work well even after 3 months of fighting it. This Bernette f42 was easy to use right out of the box. I spent a couple of hours trying different fabrics out, and it sewed smoothly and cleanly over all of them- from the stretchiest spandex to the thickest crepe. I tried out all 4 stitches, and it looked great on all of them. Then I set it up for the wide 2-needle coverstitch and hemmed a stretch satin bridal gown. LOVE IT. The lift-to-lower, drop-to-raise presser foot lever is a little weird, but it's livable. The looper threading is easy and the instructions diagrams were clear, although it did take me a couple of minutes to figure out the last step. The on-board tool storage is genius. And, lastly, the super bright light is Amazing! I can see what I'm doing!

I was hesitant to purchase this machine sight unseen. I have been using Phaff (older German made machine) or Bernina (770QE) for over 20 years. I normally buy my machines at my local dealer. My Bernina dealer does not carry the Bernette line so I was hesitant to purchase this online. I decided to purchase a cover stitch machine to make figure skating dresses that look more professional than using a zig zag stitch to attach the elastic at the openings. I looked at the new Bernina L890 which would have run $7k! Until I know how much I'm going to use a cover stitch machine (I already have an overlock) I hesitated to spend that much money. The Bernette line is made by Bernina but it is a more basic mechanical machine. It is not the same quality as my Bernina (I didn't expect that for only $500). I will say this is a decently made little machine and stitches well. It is good for a cover stitch beginner and/or light use. If I like it and start making a lot of figure skating dresses, I will probably purchase the Bernina L890 down the road if I start making enough money off of dresses to justify the expense. This one may not hold up to long term heavy use but it will be a good start.

There are four BIG issues with this machine. 1) there is only 1/8” clearance under the foot, yep, I measured it 2) there is a black spring that should be on the foot but it’s off to the left about 1/4”, 3) there is little room behind the needle and thread for your left hand 4) under the looper there is a 1” wire that is just poking out of nowhere, catches the looper thread. I’ve tried to hem three items and the garment jams under the foot and I spent 25 minutes trying to remove my garments. Plus, sewing a thin 6 ounce tee shirt the machine would not go over this thin seam allowance. I’ve spent two days trying it figure out if it’s user error; think not, think it’s just a dysfunctional machine. I cannot deal with these issues.

it was fairly easy to thread. sews fine on thin fabric. the presser foot will only raise a tiny bit. i couldn’t see a double layer of fleece so it wasn’t useful for my purpose

It came very quick from the dealer. Thank you. FINALLY I have a coverstitch machine. Honestly it was a random purchase for this brand and afterwards I found out the brand line it came from. Bernina sewing products are top notch and I was extremely happy to know I now had a product in my arsenal of sewing machines from them. I already own a Brother serger 1034D which is a common brand. It does what I need it to do but owning this coverstitch is the cherry on top of the cake. I tested it with a swatch then finally hemmed a dress I made in March. I often fret hemming any knit material garments I make. NOT NO MORE. I am now looking around my sewing room for additional projects to hem or re-hem. And lastly, by the sound of the motor, its powerful. Its a smooth sew. Oh and btw they changed the light which in my opinion is now too bright, but certainly not a deal breaker.

Don’t get me wrong, this is a great machine! It is really easy to use, great stitches, does the job well. BUT the led light, please turn that thing off!!! It was seriously making me blind. I did fix it sticking a piece of fabric under the light so it wasn’t so bright. The other thing (a tiny thing really) a but so annoying: the presser foot... it lifts as you pull the lever down and it comes down when you lift the lever. The opposite!! I don’t know if is a BERNINA thing, but it takes some getting used to...

This machine is a great for a beginner starting out like myself. Easy to thread and learn once you’ve played around with it enough. There is a learning curve like many machines but once you get past that its great. Semi quiet the light is bright but not enough to be a deal breaker.

J ai réussi à l enfiler hier et essayer, c est sur il faut se pratiquer avec les ajustements pour voir les différence mais ça en vaut la peine, j ai telecharger le livre en français pour mieux comprendre