BERNINA L620 Coverstitch
A dedicated coverstitch and chainstitch machine for hems that stretch and lie flat
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£42.39 per month over 48 months*
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Shop with confidence today knowing that our sewing machine prices are the lowest possible. If we lower our prices within 14 days of your purchase, we'll refund you the difference.
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This machine is covered by a full BERNINA 2-year parts and labour warranty. And if you ever need support or servicing, our team is always here to help.
Changed your mind? You've got 30 days to return any new, unused items in their original packaging.
Need advice?
Our in-house team knows every detail of this machine. Call, message or chat and get honest, expert advice from people who actually sew.
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).
BERNINA L 620 Product Review
The BERNINA L 620 is a superb choice for sewers creating stretchy hems on T-shirts, leggings, activewear and lingerie. It's particularly suited to makers new to coverstitching for use alongside their existing sewing set up. It's intuitive to set up and use with exceptionally smooth operation. No matter what you sew, you'll complete your projects faster and your handmade pieces will look professional inside and out.
A stand out feature is the ease of threading. Needles and loopers are threaded effortlessly thanks to colour-coded One-Path Threading and the One-Step BERNINA Air Threader. The foot swings out to the side providing free access to the needles while the magnetic two-piece looper cover allows for quick and intuitive threading preparation and you can thread the machine in any sequence. Hold the threads over the Air Threader, press the foot control and the threads are drawn in by air. Thanks to the needle stop up, the loopers are automatically moved to the correct position for the Air Threader. No turning the handwheel - just thread in a flash and you're ready to sew! There are clearly defined colour-coded threading paths, which are the same for every stitch.
Seven stitch programs cover the range. The 4-thread coverstitch lays three needle rows across the face of the fabric for hems and flat joining seams that take strain. The 3-thread coverstitch runs wide at 6mm for medium to heavyweight knits and narrow at 3mm for topstitching fine jersey and lightweight fabrics. The 2-thread chainstitch is a strong straight seam with limited stretch, useful for joining wovens, topstitching denim or basting a seam you intend to unpick later. Stitch length adjusts from 1.5 to 5mm on an external numbered dial and you can change it while sewing.
There is 120mm of space to the right of the needles and 83mm of workspace height, so a jumper hem or a trouser leg has somewhere to sit while you feed it through. The slide-on table extends the surface to the left and the coverstitch insert that drops into it is marked with seam guides, so you can run a hem a set distance from the edge without measuring. Differential feed adjusts from 0.7 to 2.0 on a dial you can reach mid-seam, which means you can flatten a wavy jersey hem or gather a fine fabric deliberately. Presser foot pressure has three settings covering sheer through to thick.
Everything you need is within easy reach. The practical accessory box with its integrated tool-insert lid keeps everything secure and beautifully organised. Unleash your creativity with the included accessories and be prepared for any creative challenge with a huge variety of optional accessories.
Key Features
What makes this machine worth it
Machine Type
Dedicated coverstitch and chainstitch machine
Stitch Range
7 stitch programs, 1.5 to 5mm stitch length
Control Type
External dials, speed slider and BERNINA foot control
Workspace
120mm to the right of the needles
Needle Configuration
ELx705 needle system with built-in needle threader
Threading System
One-Step BERNINA Air Threader, illuminated, for looper threads
Skill Level
Intermediate through to professional sewers
Machine Weight
9.5kg with sound optimised housing for stable running
This machine is perfect for
- Sewers new to coverstitch wanting a machine that's easy to set up, thread, operate and plenty of considered features including chainstitch
- Makers who want a minimalist and modern design in their sewing space
Can sew but not ideal for
- The Bernina L 620 is a specialist machine dedicated to coverstitch and chainstitch, sewers wanting a combination overlock and coverstitch machine should try our free Machine Match Service and we'll recommend a model suited to your needs
Not suitable for
- Heavy daily use in workshops or teaching environments
- Not sure if this is the machine for you? Try our free Machine Match Service and we'll recommend a model suited to your needs
Materials and Build Quality
The machine has enough mass to hold its position on the table at full speed, which matters on a machine that runs long repetitive seams. The housing is sound optimised, so it runs at a low, steady hum rather than vibrating across the desk. The footprint stays compact enough to share a table with your sewing machine.
The L 620 takes ELx705 needles, a needle system built specifically for coverstitch and chainstitch work with a longer scarf and a deeper groove that helps the looper pick up the thread loop cleanly. The supplied set is ELx705 CF SUK, a medium ballpoint recommended for knitwear.
Coverstitch depends on four threads feeding at an even rate, so the thread path is engineered as carefully as the stitch mechanism. The telescopic thread guide extends above the machine to keep thread unwinding freely without drag. The spool stabiliser stops cones and spools of different sizes from vibrating at speed, and four spool nets are supplied for nylon, rayon, silk and metallic threads that tend to slip off the cone unevenly.
The Difference Is in the Details
Coverstitch hemming is repetitive work, so the L 620 is built to keep you moving. Top speed reaches 1,200 stitches per minute and the speed selection slider on the front panel caps it lower when a project needs a slower, even pace. The thread cutter on the outside of the machine has a clamp function that trims the thread chain and holds it out of the way ready for the next seam. Automatic needle stop up means the needle is always clear when you finish.
The DC motor delivers consistent needle penetration at any speed, from a single layer of fine jersey to several layers of denim, and it allows genuine stitch-by-stitch sewing. That consistency makes it easy to hold a precise line through corners and curves. BERNINA backs the L 620 with a full parts and labour warranty.
BERNINA's dedicated L 620 support page holds the full operating instructions and firmware updates, so you always have the current version to hand. The Sewing Studio are an authorised BERNINA retailer and a certified service centre. Chat, email or call for advice before you buy and for as long as you own the machine.
The BERNINA Free Hand System lets you raise the presser foot with your knee, and the feed dog drops automatically as it lifts, giving extra clearance to position or remove your work with both hands still on the fabric. The presser foot swings out to the left for threading and needle changes, then swings back on its own when you lower it. The 2-step presser foot lifter adds height for bulky seams, and the sewing light dims to suit the fabric in front of you.
BERNINA L 620: A Machine for Every Maker
And every project
Activewear, Swimwear and Lingerie
Elastic, elastic lace and high-stretch performance fabrics all need a seam that recovers rather than one that simply holds. The 4-thread coverstitch flat-joins elastic to fabric without a bulky seam allowance sitting against the skin, which is what makes it the standard finish on leggings, sports bras and swimwear. Fine ballpoint needles and adjustable presser foot pressure keep lightweight and slippery fabrics under control.
Jersey and Knitwear
T-shirt hems, sleeve cuffs and neckbands are the everyday work of a coverstitch machine and the L 620 covers the full weight range from fine jersey through to a heavyweight jumper hem without the edge rippling. Because the looper thread underneath stretches with the fabric, the hem moves with the garment and holds its shape through repeated wear and washing.
Wovens and Home Textiles
Not everything you make will stretch. Curtains, cushions and denim projects are all well within reach and a decorative thread in the looper turns a plain topstitched edge into a feature along a hem or panel seam.
Inside the BERNINA L 620
Coverstitch Stitch Formation
Two or three needles form parallel rows on the surface while a single looper thread crosses beneath, interlocking with each needle thread to produce a stitch that stretches.
Differential Feed
Two independent feed dog sets run at different rates. The front set delivers more or less fabric than the rear removes, easing waves out or gathering deliberately.
Thread Tension and Automatic Release
Infinitely variable tension dials adjust each thread independently. Lifting the presser foot releases the tension discs automatically, so threads pull through freely when you set up or reposition.
Programmable Needle Stop and Back-Kick
Set the needle to finish up or down for each project. A back-kick on the foot control raises or lowers it without touching the handwheel.
Clear Cover/Chainstitch Foot #C28
The included presser foot has a transparent body, giving a direct view of the needle rows as they form. Suited to tubular hems, topstitching and appliqué work.
Product Specifications
Accessories In The Box
- 1 x Dust Cover
- 1 x Power Cable
- 1 x Coverstitch Insert
- 4 x Spool net
- 4 x Spool disc
- 1 x Screwdriver
- 1 x Needle set ELx705 CF
- 1 x Foot control
- 1 x Slide-on Table
- 1 x Tweezers
- 1 x Brush/Needle Inserter
- 1 x Spool Stabilizer
- 1 x Knee Lifter/Free Hand System (FHS)
Feet In The Box
- 1 x Clear Cover/Chainstitch Foot #C28
Machine Dimensions & Weight
- Machine weight: 9.5kg
- Machine size without Retractable Thread Guide: 300 x 290 x 330mm (11.8 x 11.4 x 13 inches)
- Machine size with Slide-on Table fitted: 300 x 360 x 480mm (11.8 x 14.2 x 18.9 inches)
- Space to the right of the needles: 120mm
- Workspace height: 83mm
- Bed type: flat bed with slide-on table included
Stitch Options and Controls
- Total stitch programs: 7
- 4-thread coverstitch: 1
- 3-thread coverstitch wide and narrow: 3
- 2-thread chainstitch: 3
- Coverstitch width: 3mm and 6mm
- Stitch length: 1.5 to 5mm
- Stitch length adjustment: external numbered dial, adjustable while sewing
- Differential feed: 0.7 to 2.0
- Differential feed adjustment: external dial, adjustable while sewing
- Presser foot pressure: 3-step adjustment (L / M / H)
- Thread tension: infinitely variable dials
- Speed control: speed selection slider
- Maximum sewing speed: 1,200 stitches per minute
- Motor: DC motor
Sewing Features and Functions
- One-Step BERNINA Air Threader for looper threads, illuminated
- Built-in needle threader
- Colour-coded one-path threading
- Magnetic two-piece looper cover
- BERNINA Free Hand System (FHS) knee lifter with feed dog drop
- Swing-out presser foot with auto swing back
- 2-step presser foot lifter with front-foot-lift
- Programmable needle stop up or down
- Automatic needle stop up
- Stitch-by-stitch sewing
- BERNINA foot control with back-kick function
- Thread cutter
- Automatic thread tension release on presser foot lift
- Sewing light with on/off switch and dimmer
- Magnetic tool holder
- Telescopic thread guide
- Sound optimised construction
Needle & Looper System
- Needle system: ELx705
- Supplied needles: ELx705 CF SUK
- Looper threading: One-Step BERNINA Air Threader
- Coverstitch insert for looper area protection when the upper looper is deactivated
Warranty & Support
The BERNINA L 620 is covered by a full BERNINA 2-year parts and labour warranty. Our support team is here if you ever need help or servicing.
Product Downloads
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I still need an Overlocker if I buy the L 620?
Yes, if you want trimmed and enclosed seam edges. The two machines do different jobs and most sewers who buy a coverstitch machine already own an overlocker and want to finish garments properly rather than replace anything.
Is a Coverstitch Machine Difficult to set up and use?
Setup is the part sewers usually worry about and the L 620 handles most of it for you. The One-Step BERNINA Air Threader takes the looper threads through automatically and the built-in needle threader deals with the needles. If you are already sewing knit garments on a sewing machine, you will get a usable hem in your first session.
Can I sew a sleeve cuff or trouser hem in the round?
Yes. The L 620 is a flat bed machine rather than a free arm, so you feed tubular work around the presser foot area and the 120mm of space to the right of the needles gives you room to do it. The clear presser foot helps you see where the stitching meets its starting point. BERNINA's tutorial series covers securing the stitch when you sew in a circle.
What do I need to buy on top of the machine?
Very little to get started. The slide-on table, knee lifter, presser foot, needles, tools and dust cover are all supplied. You will want additional ELx705 needles as a consumable and four cones or spools of thread. The optional hemmer, binders and belt loop folders are worth adding later once you know which techniques you use most.
Will it sew anything other than stretch fabrics?
Yes. The 2-thread chainstitch is designed for woven fabrics, so curtains, cushions and denim projects are all within reach. It also unpicks easily, which makes it useful for basting a fitting toile before you commit to a final seam.
