
bernette b64 Airlock Product Review & Demonstration
Packed with innovative features, the bernette b64 Airlock overlocker is built to simplify your sewing while delivering precise, beautiful results. It's reliable, easy to use and efficient. With effortless air threading, you can forget the frustration of threading loopers - this machine's air threading system does the work for you in seconds, leaving you more time to sew.
The free arm design makes it perfect for sewing intricate items, trouser hems, sleeves, cuffs and other tubular pieces. With an extended working area and included slide-on table, managing larger fabrics and complex projects is more comfortable than ever.
The 2/3/4-thread configuration and 16 stitch options give you the flexibility to handle anything from a delicate rolled hem on chiffon to a sturdy 4-thread safety stitch on denim, which means one machine covers the full range of edge finishing you'll need. Stitch length adjusts from 1.0 to 4.0mm and can be changed mid-seam, which means you can transition between heavier construction seams and finer decorative finishes without stopping. The differential feed adjusts from 0.6 to 2.0, so you can prevent stretchy knits from waving and ease gathered fabrics with control.
Five LEDs light the needle and looper area for accurate threading and fabric handling. Adjustable presser foot pressure handles fabric weights from sheer linings to upholstery-weight cottons. With Micro Thread Control (MTC), tension is set once and stays balanced even when you change cutting width or fabric thickness.
The bernette Free Hand System (FHS) includes a knee lifter that raises and lowers the presser foot without removing your hands from the fabric, giving you continuous control through corners and curves.
Key Features
What makes this machine worth it
Machine Type
2/3/4-thread overlocker with automatic air threading
Stitch Range
16 stitches, including rolled hem, flatlock and 4-thread safety stitch
Control Type
Mechanical dials with Micro Thread Control tension system
Workspace
130mm to the right of the needle plus slide-on extension table
Needle Configuration
1 or 2 needles, ELx705 system, sizes 80–100
Differential Feed
Adjustable 0.6 to 2.0 for puckering and gathering control
Skill Level
Intermediate sewers and confident beginners
Machine Weight
9.3kg

This machine is perfect for
- Makers who sew sleeves, cuffs, trouser legs regularly - the freearm makes tubular projects genuinely easy
- Larger sewing projects - 130mm workspace plus slide-on extension table included
- Sewers wanting hands-free control - knee lift leaves both hands free to guide fabric
- Garment makers wanting 16 stitch versatility including rolled hems and flatlock
- Speedy sewers - 1,300SPM is fast and efficient
Can sew but not ideal for
- Anyone needing fully automatic tension adjustment - manual tension setting still required initially
Not suitable for
- Sewers prioritising maximum portability - use our Machine Match Service if you'd like a recommendation for a compact and portable overlocker
Materials and Build Quality
The b64 Airlock is built around an internal chassis that supports stable running at the full 1,300 stitches per minute. The upper knife is a hardened steel cutter with a replaceable spare included and the lower stationary blade pairs with it for clean, even fabric trimming through repeated layers.
Internal looper paths are precision-engineered to keep airflow consistent over the machine's lifetime, and the colour-coded threading paths support quick, accurate setup.
Five LEDs illuminate the needle, looper and cutting area, lighting the work area for accurate threading and fabric handling. The knife cover and looper cover are reinforced to take repeated opening, and the integrated safety switch stops the machine from running with the cover open, protecting both the user and the cutting mechanism.
The Difference is in the Details
Enjoy high stitch quality with speeds of 350 up to 1,300 stitches per minute. bernette machines are part of the BERNINA family. They are built with the same Swiss quality and engineering standards that BERNINA is known for.
Micro Thread Control solves a long-standing overlocker frustration. Set tension once and it stays balanced across changes in cutting width, fabric weight and stitch type.
The Bernette Free Hand System (FHS) includes a knee lifter that raises and lowers the presser foot without your hands leaving the fabric. Colour-coded threading paths, tension release on raised presser foot, and accessible accessory storage under the looper cover make every session less interrupted and more enjoyable.
The b64 Airlock: A Machine for Every Maker
And every project
For Knitwear and Stretch Garments
Jersey, French terry and ribbing come together cleanly, with stretchy seams that hold up to wear. T-shirts, leggings, sweatshirts and activewear come together with the elasticity and clean finish you'd expect from ready-to-wear, all in a single pass.
For Dressmaking and Tailoring
Rolled hems on chiffon, narrow seams on linings and 3-thread finishes on cotton lawns each get their own setting. The slide-on table supports full-skirt hems and the free arm makes setting in sleeves and finishing trouser hems a far simpler task than working flat.
For Home Furnishings and Crafts
Curtain edges, cushion seams and quilted bag construction all benefit from the 130mm workspace and adjustable presser foot pressure.
Inside the bernette b64 Airlock
Automatic Air Threader
A single push of pressurised air routes each looper thread through internal pipes, eliminating the trickiest part of overlocker setup. Loopers can be threaded individually or both together at once.
Micro Thread Control (MTC)
MTC sets thread tension once and holds it stable across changes in cutting width, fabric weight and stitch type. No re-tuning when you switch between knits and wovens.
Differential Feed System
Two feed dogs running at independently adjustable rates from 0.6 to 2.0 prevent stretchy knits from rippling and ease woven fabric for controlled gathers without manual intervention.
Free Hand System with Knee Lifter
The included knee lifter raises and lowers the presser foot without removing your hands from the fabric, delivering continuous control through corners, curves and tubular work.
ELx705 Needle System and Cutting Mechanism
The b64 uses ELx705 overlock needles in sizes 80–100 with 1 or 2 needle positions. The hardened upper knife pairs with a stationary lower blade for clean trimming.

Product Specifications
Accessories in the Box
- 1 x Screwdriver
- 1 x Oiler
- 4 x Spool net
- 1 x Spare upper knife
- 4 x Spool cap
- 1 x Brush
- 1 x BERNINA needle set (ELx705)
- 1 x Needle threader/inserter
- 1 x Allen screwdriver (small)
- 1 x Tweezers
- 1 x Upper looper converter (ULC)
- 4 x Spool stabilizer
- 1 x Cut-offs bin
- 1 x Freearm cover
- 1 x Deco thread guide
- 1 x Threading wire
- 1 x Extension table
- 1 x Knee lifter
- 1 x Foot controller
- 1 x Power cord
Feet in the Box
- 1 x Standard Foot
Manufacturer's Specifications
- Maximum Sewing Speed (stitches per minute: 1300
- Overlock Stitch Width: 3 - 7 mm
- LED Sewing Light: 5
- Space to the Right of the Needle: 130 mm
- Stitches: 16
- Needle Threader/Inserter: Manual
- Micro Thread Control (mtc)
- 2, 3 and 4-thread overlock stitches
- Thread Cutter Manual
- Automatic Air Threader
- 2- and 3-Thread Rolled Hem
- 3-Thread Super Stretch Stitch
- 2- and 3-Thread Flatlock
- 3-Thread Narrow Seam
- 3-Thread Picotstitch
- 2-Thread Wrapped Overlock
- Freearm
- Knee Lifter
Machine Dimensions & Weight
- Machine size (W x D x H): 43cm x 27cm x 29cm
- Machine weight: 9.3kg
- Workspace: 130mm to the right of the needle
Stitch Options and Controls
- Total built-in stitches: 16
- Thread configuration: 2, 3 or 4-thread
- Stitch types: 4-thread overlock, 3-thread overlock, 3-thread super stretch stitch, 2- and 3-thread flatlock, 3-thread narrow seam, 3-thread picot stitch, 2- and 3-thread rolled hem, 2-thread wrapped overlock
- Stitch length: 1.0 to 4.0mm
- Differential feed: 0.6 to 2.0
- Maximum sewing speed: 1,300 stitches per minute
- Stitch length adjustable while sewing: Yes
- Overlock stitch width: 3.0 to 7.0mm
Sewing Features and Functions
- Automatic air threader for looper threads
- Micro Thread Control (MTC)
- Free Hand System (FHS) with knee lifter
- Colour-coded threading paths
- Adjustable presser foot pressure
- Adjustable differential feed
- Thread tension release when presser foot is raised
- Accessory storage under the looper cover
- Safety switch activated when cover is open
- Integrated freearm
- Slide-on extension table
- Upper looper converter for 2-thread stitches
- Retractable thread guide
- 5 LED lights in the needle and working area
- Cut-offs bin
Needle System
- Needle system: ELx705
- Needle sizes: 80–100 (12–16)
- Number of needles: 1 or 2
- Number of loopers: 2
Warranty & Support
The bernette b64 Airlock is covered by a full bernette 2-year parts and labour guarantee. The Sewing Studio's in-house team is here for setup help, threading walkthroughs and ongoing support.
Product Downloads
Ratings & Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Let us help with the answers.
Is the b64 Airlock suitable for a first-time Overlocker user?
Yes, with one caveat. The air threading and colour-coded paths remove the steepest part of the overlocker learning curve, which makes the b64 a strong choice for confident beginners ready to upgrade their finishes. You'll still want to spend time getting comfortable with tension and differential feed, but the machine itself does the hard work of looper threading for you.
What does Micro Thread Control actually do?
MTC is a tension management system that works with the machine's thread tension dials. Once you've set tension for the stitch you're using, you can change cutting width or move from a lightweight cotton to a heavier knit without retuning each thread individually.
Can the b64 sew a coverstitch?
No. The b64 Airlock is an overlocker only. If you want both overlock and coverstitch in one machine, the Bernette B68 Airlock combination machine adds coverstitch capability alongside the same air threading system. The b64 covers seam construction, edge finishing and rolled hems, but not the topstitched twin-needle coverstitch hem you see on ready-to-wear T-shirts.
How often will I need to replace the knife?
Under normal household use, the upper knife stays sharp for years. A spare upper knife is included with the machine and replacement blades are available through Bernette dealers when you do eventually need one. Keeping the cutting area clean and avoiding pins in the seam line will extend its life considerably.
Will the b64 handle heavyweight fabrics like denim and canvas?
The presser foot pressure is adjustable, which means the b64 will handle most household-weight denims, twills and canvas without issue. For very heavy upholstery layers or thick leather, you'll want a specialist machine. For dressmaking-weight denim and lighter home furnishings, the b64 will cope with everyday seams.
Our standard width fabric can be cut as a Fat Quarter, measuring 50cm x 1/2 the width of the bolt. Above is an example of how your fabric will be received, depending on the quantity ordered.
We also offer a sample service, where you can order 1 single fat quarter of any standard width fabric, to have at home and compare colours. When you are finished, you can send them back to us for a refund (feel free to contact us for more information on this service).
Our fabric can be cut as a Long Quarter, measuring a minimum of 25cm x width of bolt. We will supply the fabric as a continuous length (eg; if you bought 1.25m it will be sent as one piece of fabric).
