“Much easier to use than I expected and the service when i bought the machine was very good.”

bernette Funlock b42 Coverstitch Product Review
The bernette Funlock b42 is built specifically for coverstitching tasks, this machine ensures clean, durable hems, reinforced edges, and decorative finishes that rival ready-to-wear clothing. It's perfect for stretch fabrics so you can master stretchy fabrics like knits, lycra, and jersey, achieving smooth and flexible seams without puckering or missed stitches.
Threading is guided by colour-coded paths and a lower looper threader, so you follow the coloured symbols rather than guesswork to get set up. The b42 produces clean coverstitched hems, cuffs and decorative detailing across a range of fabric weights. It also includes a mechanical looper threader and a manual needle threader for quicker setup.
Differential feed prevents puckering on stretchy and knitted fabrics, which means smooth, flat seams on jersey, lycra and knits. The 87mm of fabric passage space to the right of the needles gives you room for larger projects, and a bright LED light keeps your work area clear. Speed runs up to 1300 stitches per minute via the foot control for precise stitching at any pace.
At 6.8kg the b42 is light enough to move, store between sessions or take along to a class. It suits sewers who already use a sewing machine and overlocker and want a professional hemmed finish.

Top Uses for the bernette Funlock b42

This machine is perfect for
- Beginners to coverstitching who want straightforward, no-frills operation
- Sewers who take machines to classes or sewing groups - lightweight and portable
- Knit garment makers wanting professional hems without major investment
- Anyone wanting a dedicated coverstitch that's always ready (no mode-switching)
Can sew but not ideal for
- Widest possible workspace - if workspace is a key consideration for you, use our free Machine Match Service and we'll recommend a model suited to your needs
Not suitable for
- Those needing top coverstitch for sportswear - use our free Machine Match Service and we'll recommend a model suited to your needs
- Business use - this model is best suited to domestic and hobby sewing rather than production volumes
bernette Funlock b42: A Machine for Every Maker
Colour-Coded Threading Paths
Follow the coloured symbols and lower looper threader to thread the b42 quickly, which keeps setup simple and frustration-free.
Three Coverstitch Widths
Choose narrow, wide or triple coverstitch to match your project, so hems, edges and cuffs get a finish suited to the fabric.
Always Set Up Ready
A dedicated coverstitch machine stays threaded alongside your other machines, so you can switch to hemming without rethreading every time.
Inside the bernette Funlock b42
Differential Feed for Stretch Fabrics
Set the differential feed to the fabric so jersey and knits feed evenly through every seam.
87mm Working Space
Generous fabric passage to the right of the needles gives you room to handle larger projects with control.
Adjustable Foot Pressure
Set the foot pressure to suit fabric weight, which means even feeding across lightweight knits through to heavier materials.
Lay-In Tension Dials
Lay-in tension dials make adjusting each thread straightforward, helping you balance stitches for a neat, even result.
Speed up to 1300 s.p.m.
The foot control gives you fine control over speed, so you can slow down for detail or speed up on long hems.

Product specifications
Key features
- Dedicated coverstitch machine for hems, edges and decorative stitching
- Three coverstitch widths: narrow, wide and triple
- Chain stitch option
- Differential feed for stretch and knit fabrics
- Colour-coded threading paths with lower looper threader
- 87mm working space to the right of the needles
- Bright LED light
- Adjustable foot pressure
- Lay-in tension dials
- Maximum speed of 1300 stitches per minute
Accessories in the Box
- 1 x Screw driver (large size)
- 1 x Oiler
- 4 x Spool net
- 4 x Spool cap
- 1 x Brush
- 1 x Needle set (ELx705)
- 1 x Needle Threader / inserter
- 1 x Allen screw driver (small)
- 1 x Tweezers
- 4 x Spool stabilizer
- 1 x Dust cover
Feet in the Box
- 1 x Standard foot
Manufacturer's Specifications
- Coverstitch Machine
- Mechanical control type
- Threads: 2, 3 and 4
- Seam widths: 2.8 to 5.6mm
- Stitch lengths: 1 to 4.0mm
- Differential feed
- Chain stitch option
- Lay-in tension dials
- Adjustable foot pressure
- Easy threading with colour-coded paths
- Maximum sewing speed: 1300 s.p.m.
- Bright LED light
- Approximate weight: 6.8kg
Machine Dimensions & Weight
- Weight: 6.8kg approximately
- 87mm fabric passage space to the right of the needles
- Dimensions: 336 x 263 x 294mm
Design Options and Controls
- Three coverstitch widths: narrow, wide and triple
- Chain stitch option
- Seam widths: 2.8 to 5.6mm
- Stitch lengths: 1 to 4.0mm
- Differential feed adjustment
- Adjustable foot pressure
- Lay-in tension dials
- Electronic speed via foot control, maximum 1300 s.p.m.
Needle and Threading System
- Uses 2, 3 and 4 threads
- Colour-coded threading paths
- Lower looper threader
- Mechanical looper threader and a manual needle threader
- Needle system: ELx705
Warranty and Support
- 2-year parts guarantee included
- 2-year labour guarantee included
- 1-year guarantee for business or teaching use
- Expert advice and servicing from The Sewing Studio team
Product Downloads
Ratings & Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions About the bernette Funlock b42
Let us help with the answers.
Is the bernette Funlock b42 suitable for beginners?
It suits anyone already comfortable with a sewing machine or overlocker who wants professional hems. The colour-coded threading paths make setup approachable, though coverstitch is a step up from basic sewing.
What is the difference between this and an overlocker?
A coverstitch machine creates hems, topstitching and decorative finishes, while an overlocker seams and trims fabric edges. The b42 does not trim edges, so many sewers use both machines alongside each other.
Can the bernette Funlock b42 handle stretch fabrics?
Yes. The differential feed adjusts how the fabric feeds through, which keeps jersey, knit and lycra seams flat and stretchy so they move with the garment.
How many coverstitch options does it have?
Three widths: narrow, wide and triple, plus a chain stitch option. This gives you a range of finishes for hems, cuffs and decorative work.
What warranty comes with this machine?
The bernette Funlock b42 includes a 2-year parts and labour guarantee (1 year for business or teaching use).
How fast does the bernette Funlock b42 sew?
The foot control regulates speed up to a maximum of 1300 stitches per minute, so you can work slowly for precise detailing or pick up the pace on longer hems.
Is the bernette Funlock b42 easy to move and store?
Yes. At 6.8kg, the bernette Funlock b42 offers a balance of stability while remaining practical to move and store when not in use.
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).
