
bernette Funlock b48 Product Review and Demonstration
The bernette Funlock b48 is a powerful combination overlocker and coverstitch machine for sewers who want professional results, strong seams and neat hems without owning two separate machines. Whether you are stitching activewear using Lycra, enhancing home decor or making summer dresses, this model delivers the precision, reliability and flexibility you need.
It is programmed with 23 professional stitch configurations across overlock, coverstitch, combination and chain stitches, including 2, 3, 4 and 5-thread options. The rolled hem function produces a fine 1.5mm finish for lightweight fabrics. You can tailor your stitch choice to each fabric and project, from stretchy activewear, comfortable loungewear and everyday knit garments to handmade summer dresses, knowing you will achieve strong seams and a polished finish.
Colour-coded threading guides, adjustable stitch settings and intuitive controls make setup and operation a breeze, even for beginners. The adjustable differential feed can be changed while you sew, which keeps stretch fabrics like jersey from waving and stops fine fabrics from puckering.
The 87mm working area gives space for larger projects, a bright LED light keeps the area under the needle well-lit, and speeds up to 1,300 stitches per minute keep seams and hems moving quickly and precisely.
Built with premium materials and precision engineering, the bernette Funlock b48 offers long-lasting performance you can trust.
Top Uses for the bernette Funlock b48

This machine is perfect for
- Space-limited sewers who need both overlock and coverstitch but can't fit two machines
- Those who can batch their work - doing all overlocking then all coverstitching to minimise mode changes
- Knit garment makers wanting complete construction capability (seam & hem) from one machine
- Sewers comfortable with mechanical threading who don't need air-threading convenience
Can sew but not ideal for
- Complete beginners may find the steep learning curve tricky or overwhelming. Use our free Machine Match Service and we'll recommend a model suited to your level of experience
- Professional workrooms needing instant switching between functions - mode changes disrupt high-volume workflow
Not suitable for
- Heavy-duty thick fabric work - this is a versatile machine but not a heavy-duty specialist
- Sewers wanting air threading convenience - use our Machine Match Service and we'll find a model suited to your needs
- Those with dexterity or eyesight issues - mechanical threading requires a steady hand and good eye sight
bernette Funlock b48: A Machine for Every Maker
And every project
Overlocker and Coverstitch in One
Enjoy the convenience of two machines in one with the bernette b48 funlock. Its combined overlock and coverstitch capabilities make it easy to create durable seams and professional hems, whether you're sewing stretch leggings, dancewear or everyday garments.
23 Stitch Options
Whatever you're making, there's a stitch to suit. With 15 overlock stitches, 3 coverstitches, 4 combination stitches and a chain stitch, you can achieve strong seams, neat hems and professional finishes across a wide range of fabrics.
2 to 5-Thread Capability
Run 2, 3, 4 or 5 threads at once, moving from a delicate two-thread rolled hem to a strong five-thread safety seam in one pass.
Inside the bernette Funlock b48
Coverstitch Mode
Coverstitch mode produces flat, t-shirt quality hems 2.8mm and 5.6mm wide, with twin rows on top and a serged look beneath.
Colour-Coded Threading
Colour-coded paths let you lay each thread in rather than feed it through, keeping setup manageable when switching stitch types.
Looper Threading Mechanism
A mechanical assist reaches the loopers, usually the hardest points to thread on an overlocker, with a separate needle threader included.
Differential Feed
Two feed dogs move at independently adjustable rates, changeable while you sew, to stop knits waving and fine fabrics puckering.


Product Specifications
Accessories In The Box
- 1 x Screw driver (large size)
- 1 x Oiler
- 5 x Spool net
- 1 x Spare upper knife
- 5 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
- 1 x Upper looper converter (ULC)
- 5 x Spool stabilizer
- 1 x Dust cover
- 1 x Cut-offs Bin
- 1 x Cover-/Chainstitch Insert
Feet In The Box
- 1 x Standard foot
Machine Dimensions & Weight
- Machine weight: 8.3kg
- Working area: 87mm
- Machine size: Medium
Stitch Options & Controls
- 23 stitch options across overlock, coverstitch, combination and chain stitches
- 2, 3, 4 and 5-thread configurations
- Coverstitch hems 2.8mm and 5.6mm wide
- Rolled hem with a 1.5mm finish
- Overlock seam width: 3.0 to 7.0mm
- Combination stitch width: up to 10mm
- Stitch length: 1 to 4mm
- Maximum sewing speed: 1,300 stitches per minute
- Lay-in tension dials
- Adjustable differential feed, changeable while sewing
- Micro Thread Control for looper thread fine-tuning
- Adjustable foot pressure
- Lower knife cutting system, disengageable for coverstitch
Needle & Threading System
- Needle system: ELx705, with two needles for coverstitch and combination work
- Upper and lower loopers, with the upper looper converter (ULC) for 2-thread stitches
- Colour-coded threading paths with easy lay-in threading
- Lower looper threader and manual needle threader/inserter included
Warranty & Support
- 2-year parts and labour warranty included
- In-house servicing from our team in Redruth
- Expert advice from The Sewing Studio team
Product Downloads
Ratings & Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions About the bernette Funlock b48
Let us help with the answers.
What is the difference between overlocking and coverstitching?
An overlocker trims and locks raw edges so seams won't fray, while a coverstitch makes flat twin-row hems. The b48 does both on one machine.
Is the bernette Funlock b48 suitable for a beginner?
Yes, with a little patience. The colour-coded paths, looper threading mechanism and lay-in tension dials make setup more manageable than most overlockers, with tutorials to guide you.
Can it sew stretchy fabrics like jersey and knits?
Yes. The adjustable differential feed can be changed while sewing to keep knits and activewear flat, and the stitches stretch with the fabric without popping.
Do I need to buy anything extra to start?
No. The b48 arrives with its standard foot, needle set, looper converter, tools, spare upper knife, dust cover and cut-offs bin. You will need overlocker thread.
How many threads does it use, and does that matter?
It works with 2, 3, 4 or 5 threads. A two-thread setup suits fine rolled hems, while five threads create a strong seam that stitches and overlocks together.
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).