
BERNINA L850 Overlocker Product Review & Demonstration
The BERNINA L850 is a large overlocker designed for sewers who demand the highest level of precision with intuitive ease of use. With its advanced features and innovative technology, this overlocker ensures flawless finishes on a wide range of projects, from garments to home décor. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to sewing, it delivers exceptional results every time.
One-step air threading for the looper threads removes one of the most common frustrations in overlocking. It runs at up to 1,500 stitches per minute and, notably, also allows stitch-by-stitch sewing for tight curves and precise detail work.
With 18 stitch options spanning 2, 3 and 4-thread configurations, the L850 covers the full range of overlocking work: seam finishing, rolled hems, flatlock stitching, blanket stitch and more. Adjustable differential feed keeps seams even on knits and prevents puckering on delicate fabrics with both stitch length and cutting width adjustable while sewing. The integrated upper looper converter removes the need to rethread entirely when switching between stitch types.
The freearm design gives you full access for tubular work, so sleeves, cuffs and trouser legs can be guided onto the machine without difficulty. Sewing space measures 143mm to the right of the needle with a workspace height of 86mm, which is one of the most generous of any BERNINA overlocker. The included slide-on extension table adds further working area for larger projects. Bright LED lighting covers the work area, and the Free Hand System (knee lifter) keeps both hands on the fabric.
Micro Thread Control (MTC) allows fine adjustment of the over-edge thread length for precise seam edges on detailed work. The swing-out presser foot with auto swing-back makes threading and cleaning straightforward, and thread tension releases automatically when the presser foot is raised. The 6-step presser foot pressure adjustment and 2-step presser foot lifter with front-foot-lift give you control over how the machine handles different fabric weights.
Key Features
What makes this machine worth it
Machine Type
Large overlocker, mechanical control
Stitch Range
18 stitch options: 2, 3 and 4-thread configurations
Control Type
Mechanical dials with speed selection switch
Workspace
143mm (5.6 inches) to the right of the needle
Needle System
Built-in needle threader with automatic needle stop up
Overlock Seam Width
Adjustable 3–9mm cutting width while sewing
Skill Level
Intermediate to professional sewers
Machine Weight
12.3kg

This machine is perfect for
- Sewers looking to upgrade to a precision engineered overlocker that will perform reliably for years to come
- Sewers who value smooth and ultra-quiet operation
- Garment makers working with varied fabrics who understand tension adjustment - the mtc (Micro Thread Control) offers precision unavailable on auto-tension machines
Can sew but not ideal for
- Occasional makers - this is a premium investment. Use our machine match service and we will recommend a model suited to you
Not suitable for
- Those wanting on-screen guidance and tutorials
- Complete beginners - this is a specialist machine suited to sewers with experience
Materials and Build Quality
From fine detailing to durable finishes, precision engineering ensures professional results at every level. A powerful DC motor delivers consistent high-speed performance while BERNINA Stitchprecision™ guarantees ultra-smooth and quiet operation. The 6-step presser foot pressure adjustment handles a wide range of fabric weights with ease and accuracy. The 2-year BERNINA warranty covers parts and labour.
Easily access the needle and threading area for a smooth workflow when switching between stitches and working at speed. The presser foot will automatically swing back when the presser foot is lowered.
Generous sewing space of 143mm to the right of the needle and a workspace height of 86mm provide more workspace than most other BERNINA overlocker. The freearm slides into position for tubular and intricate stitching on sleeves and cuffs while the included slide-on extension table supports larger projects. The knife can be disengaged from outside the machine without lifting the cover.
The Difference is in the Details
Sew up to 1,500 stitches per minute without sacrificing accuracy or quality. Stitch length, cutting width and differential feed are all adjustable while sewing, which means you can respond to fabric behaviour without stopping. The thread cutter and automatic needle stop-up keep the workflow moving between each seam.
The colour-coded threading path and intuitive guides make setup fast and simple. A built-in needle threader and One-Step BERNINA Air Threader streamline preparation and remove frustration, while neatly stored accessories keep essentials close at hand.
The included product brochure covers all key features and settings at a glance, which is useful when you are working through the L850's 18 stitch options for the first time. You'll find useful video tutorials from our team of sewing experts on our YouTube channel. We put the machine through its paces to help you make an informed decision on whether it's the right model for you.
BERNINA L850: A Machine for Every Maker
And every project
For the Sewer Who Works Across Fabric Types
Adjustable differential feed and 6-step presser foot pressure give you the tools to move between knits, wovens and delicate fabrics without changing machine. All key controls adjust while sewing, so you keep your hands on the work.
For Detail and Precision Work
Micro Thread Control and stitch-by-stitch sewing give you precise command on intricate seam edges and tight curves. The L850 handles both high-speed production runs and slow, controlled detail work without compromise.
For Sewers Ready to Work at Professional Pace
Air threading, a 1,500 spm top speed and 18 stitch configurations mean the L850 is built to keep pace with serious project workloads. The freearm and slide-on table cover the range from garment construction to home furnishings.
Inside the BERNINA L850 Overlocker
One-Step BERNINA Air Threader
A pneumatic threading system that threads the loopers in a single step. Insert the thread, press the button and the air carries it through the path, so looper threading takes seconds rather than requiring manual guides or tweezers.
Micro Thread Control (MTC)
Adjusts the over-edge thread length at the looper for precise control over seam edge appearance. Useful on fine or sheer fabrics where standard tension settings leave too much or too little thread at the edge.
Differential Feed and Cutting Width Adjustment
Both differential feed and cutting width adjust while sewing, so you respond to fabric behaviour without lifting the presser foot. Differential feed keeps seams even on stretch fabrics and prevents puckering on lightweight wovens. Cutting width adjusts between 3 and 9mm to suit the seam finish required.
Integrated Upper Looper Converter and Rolled Hem Lever
The upper looper converter is built into the machine, which means switching between standard overlocking and 2-thread work does not require a separate attachment. The rolled hem lever sits under the stitch plate for quick access. Thread remains in the same threading path when switching between most stitch types, so changeovers take less time.

Product Specifications
Accessories In The Box
- Standard foot x1
- Torx T10 screwdriver
- Spool disc x4
- Spool net x4
- Needle set ELX705 CF (3 x Nr. 80, 2 x Nr. 90)
- Free Hand System (FHS) / knee lifter
- Knife cover insert
- Foot control
- Power cable
- Dust cover
- Slide-on extension table
- Spool stabiliser
- Overlocker oil
- Accessory box
- Right seam guide
- Needle threader/inserter
- Cut-offs bin
Feet In The Box
- 1 x Standard Foot
Manufacturers Specifications
- One-step BERNINA Air Threader (for looper threads)
- Freearm
- Sewing space to the right of the needle - 143mm
- Overlock seam width: –9mm (adjustable while sewing)
- Stitch length: 0.8–4.5mm
- BERNINA Free Hand System (FHS) with knee lifter
- Speed selection switch
- Integrated upper looper converter
- Easy to engage and disengage the knife from outside
- Rolled hem lever integrated under stitch plate
- Adjustable cutting width while sewing
- Thread tension release when presser foot raised
- Adjustable thread tension while sewing
- 2-step presser foot lifter with front-foot-lift
- Swing-out presser foot with auto swing back
- Workspace height - 86 mm / 3 3/8 Inch
- Product brochure – All information at a glance
- Built-in needle threader
- Colour-coded threading path
- Automatic needle stop up
- Needle up/down with BERNINA foot control
- Stitch length fine tuning for rolled hem
- Thread tension release when presser foot raised
- Stitch-by-stitch sewing
- Micro Thread Control (mtc)
- Adjustable stitch length while sewing
- Adjustable differential feed while sewing
- Safety switch for open cover and raised presser foot
- 2 LED sewing lights
- Thread cutter
- Accessories in the threader cover
Machine Dimensions & Weight
- Machine weight: 12.3kg
- Sewing space to the right of the needle: 143mm (5.6 inches)
- Workspace height: 86mm (3 3/8 inches)
Stitch Options and Controls
- Total stitch options: 18
- 4-thread overlock: 1
- 3-thread overlock (wide/narrow): 2
- 3-thread super-stretch: 1
- 3-thread flatlock (wide/narrow): 2
- 3-thread narrow seam: 1
- 3-thread rolled hem: 1
- 3-thread picot stitch: 1
- 2-thread rolled hem: 1
- 2-thread wrapped overlock (wide/narrow): 2
- 2-thread overlock (wide/narrow): 2
- 2-thread blanket stitch (wide/narrow): 2
- 2-thread flatlock (wide/narrow): 2
- Thread configurations: 2, 3 and 4-thread
Sewing Features and Functions
- One-step BERNINA Air Threader (looper threads)
- Built-in needle threader
- Colour-coded threading path
- Micro Thread Control (MTC)
- Adjustable differential feed while sewing
- Adjustable cutting width while sewing
- Adjustable stitch length while sewing
- Adjustable thread tension while sewing
- Integrated upper looper converter
- Rolled hem lever integrated under stitch plate
- Freearm
- Swing-out presser foot with auto swing-back
- 2-step presser foot lifter with front-foot-lift
- 6-step presser foot pressure adjustment
- Automatic needle stop up
- Needle up/down with BERNINA foot control
- Stitch-by-stitch sewing
- Easy knife engagement/disengagement from outside
- Speed selection switch
- Thread cutter
- Safety switch for open cover and raised presser foot
- 2 LED sewing lights
- Accessories stored in threader cover
Needle System
- Needle type: ELX705 CF
- Needle sizes included: 3 x Nr. 80, 2 x Nr. 90
- Built-in needle threader: Yes
- Automatic needle stop up: Yes
- Motor: DC
Warranty & Support
The BERNINA L850 is covered by a 2-year BERNINA parts and labour warranty. Our support team is here if you ever need help or servicing.
Product Downloads
Ratings & Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Let us help with the answers.
How does the BERNINA Air Threader work on the L850?
The air threading system handles the looper threads. You position the thread at the entry point, press the button and a pulse of air carries it through the threading path automatically. It is a one-step process, so you do not need to guide thread manually through the looper with a pin or tweezers.
What is Micro Thread Control and when would I use it?
MTC lets you adjust the length of thread at the over-edge of a seam, which affects how the finished edge looks. It is most useful on fine or sheer fabrics where the standard looper thread setting leaves a visible excess, or on decorative work where a precise thread edge is part of the finish.
Can the L850 switch between stitch types quickly?
Yes. The integrated upper looper converter handles the switch between standard overlocking and 2-thread stitches without a separate attachment. Thread stays in the same path for most stitch changes, and the rolled hem lever under the stitch plate means you can move to a rolled hem without rethreading. Cutting width and stitch length adjust while sewing, so mid-seam changes are possible on many settings.
Is the L850 suitable for lightweight and stretch fabrics?
Yes. Differential feed is adjustable while sewing, which means you can fine-tune the feed ratio as you work through different fabric sections. Reducing the differential feed prevents puckering on lightweight fabrics; increasing it controls stretch on knits. The 6-step presser foot pressure adjustment gives further control over how firmly the foot holds the fabric during stitching.
What sewing space does the BERNINA L850 offer?
The L850 has 143mm of space to the right of the needle and a workspace height of 86mm, which is the largest working area of any BERNINA overlocker. The freearm gives access for tubular items such as sleeves and cuffs, and the included slide-on extension table supports larger fabric pieces during 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).
