Simply Enjoyable: Meet the New BERNINA Overlockers
Introducing the new BERNINA overlockers! The BERNINA L 620 and L 660 are simply enjoyable. Why, may you ask? Designed, engineered, and made by BERNINA, these machines give you the quality stitches and ease of use that you have come to expect in two compact machines. Speaking of ease of use, both machines have the One-step BERNINA Air Threader and Semi-automatic Needle Threader, along with many other features that I will share with you below.
The L 620 is the BERNINA coverstitch machine you have been asking for! Create perfect hems or add decorative threads for creative touches on any project.
The L 660 is an overlock machine that sews 2-, 3-, and 4-thread stitches. Serge a trimmed and finished seam with an overlock stitch, finish an edge with a rolled hem, or create perfectly flat seams with a flatlock. With One-path Threading, switching between stitches is quick and easy.
When set-up and threading are easy, it is simply…enjoyable! The convenience of having a separate machine for overlocking and coverstitching makes quick work of your next project, as well.
Grand Workspace, Small Footprint
The machine size works in any sewing space. At 21 pounds, it’s sturdy, yet lightweight enough to move from a shelf to your sewing spot in minutes.
The modern design with gentle curves and soft white color makes it a joy to look at. It reflects elegance and simplicity.
But enough about its appearance. How easy is it to thread?
Getting Ready to Sew
Color-coded threading paths guide the placement of your thread, which can be done in any order. You will find the guide on the reverse of the magnetic looper cover. I love how the Cut-offs Bin and Looper Cover are all one piece.
Looper threading ports are visible at the front of the machine. When the pipes are connected, the LED light shines down for clear visibility and indicates the machine is ready to thread.
With a press of the Foot Control threads are quickly pulled through the Air Threader Pipes and ready for action. The Swing-out Presser Foot makes positioning the threads a snap. You will notice right away how quiet the process is, too.
The Semi-automatic Needle Threader is convenient for threading the needles, no matter which position they are in.
Speed and Control
Do you need to slow down from the top speed of 1200 stitches per minute? The Slide Speed Control is there to help. Below the speed control is a button for the lighting. You can dim or even turn off the lights when there is too much reflection from your fabric or foot, or if you want to take perfect photographs for your next social media post.
The needle will automatically stop in the up position, but with a long press of the Back-kick on the Foot Control, you can program it to stop down in your fabric. And of course, a quick tap on the heel of the Foot Control will raise or lower your needle whenever a new position is desired.
Total Stitch Control
The included Reference Chart suggests settings for every stitch. Creative Consultant on the reverse of the chart will guide you as you set up for specific techniques and fabrics, but you are still in control. Adjust thread tensions, Stitch Length, and Differential Feed as needed. The Cutting Width can be set to a maximum of 9 mm. Think of wide, beautiful edges on your next project! Micro Thread Control (mtc) allows you to fine-tune the stitch to perfection.
Free Hand System
On these machines, the Free Hand System (FHS) really shines. You may already enjoy using this on your sewing machine…you can keep your hands on your fabric while raising and lowering the Presser Foot with your knee. But on the L 620 and L 660, the Feed Dogs also drop! This makes it easy to place thick fabrics under the presser foot or position a zipper for your next bag project. The toe of the Presser Foot raises just a little bit more when using the FHS, too, aiding in positioning your fabric in just the right spot.
Convenient Tool Storage
The tools you use the most are easily accessible in the lid of the Accessories Box. Just flip the lid over, and you have slots for your tweezers, lint brush, needle holder, screwdriver, and CS Lock Tool. A foam pad holds needles at the ready.
A magnet on the underside of the Thread Stand holds your tweezers or snips, conveniently keeping them at hand and not lost under the things that tend to collect around the machine (you know what I mean!)
Fabric Support
Both machines come with a Slide-on Table to support your fabric to the left of the needle. The L 620 also includes a Coverstitch Insert Extension that provides more support in front of the Presser Foot.
Feet and Accessories
The standard feet for the machines will give you success on most serging tasks. The Clear Cover/Chainstitch Foot #C28 on the L 620 has markings on the toe, making it easy to place and guide your fabric. For accurate chainstitch piecing, the right edge of the foot is 1/4″ away from the Right Cover Needle (and the left edge is 1/4″ from the Left Cover Needle).
Many fun (and practical) techniques can be accomplished more easily with additional feet and accessories. The L 660 uses feet that start with an “L”, the same ones that are compatible with the L 850 and L 860. Your favorite coverstitch feet (starting with a “C”) can be used on the L 620, along with accessories such as the Belt Loop Folders and Binding Attachments.
Are you excited?
If an air-threading overlocker has been on your wish list, or maybe a second machine for ease and convenience, now is the time to head over to your local BERNINA dealer and try one out. See for yourself how enjoyable serging can be!
