How to Use the Bernette 68 Airlock for Perfect Serger Stitches

Quick answer

To get perfect serger stitches on the Bernette 68 Airlock, start by properly threading the machine using the air threader, then select the right stitch type for your fabric and adjust tension as needed.

Step-by-Step: Setting Up the Bernette 68 Airlock for Perfect Stitches

1. Thread the machine using the air threader: Turn on the machine and activate the air threader. Guide each looper thread through the air threader funnel; the machine will pull the thread through the looper eye. Repeat for all loopers. For the needles, thread them manually from front to back. Common mistake: threading the loopers in the wrong order. Always follow the machine's color-coded threading path.
2. Select the stitch type and adjust tension: Use the stitch selector dial to choose overlock, cover, chain, or combo stitch. Set the differential feed to 1.0 for balanced seams. Adjust tension dials: start with 4 for all threads, then increase or decrease by 0.5 increments based on fabric type (e.g., lower tension for knits, higher for wovens). Checkpoint: test on a scrap of your project fabric before sewing the actual piece.
3. Sew a test seam and fine-tune: Place fabric under the presser foot and lower the foot. Start sewing slowly, guiding the fabric evenly. Examine the stitch: the loops should interlock at the fabric edge without pulling or tunneling. Adjust tension or differential feed if needed. Common mistake: ignoring stitch quality on the test piece. Always adjust before moving to your project.

Product Facts

• Bernette 68 AIRLOCK: The bernette 68 AIRLOCK Overlocker machine is a combo machine with overlock, cover-, chain- and combo stitches. Its many strengths include an air threader for easy threading of looper threads, 5" (130 mm) of space to the right of the needle for comfortable sewing of large projects – especially for coverstitching. The air threader simplifies threading the loopers, saving time and frustration, while the extra space to the right makes handling large quilts or garments much easier during coverstitching.

  

• Maxi-Lock Serger Thread 50wt 3000 yds – White: A serger room essential, Maxi-Lock Serger Thread 50wt in White delivers smooth, consistent performance stitch after stitch. The generous 3000-yard cone means fewer changes and more time sewing. Weight: 50wt — ideal for serging, overlocking, and coverstitch machines. 100% polyester for strength, durability, and colorfastness. Smooth, lint-free thread for clean, consistent serged seams. Using a lint-free, strong polyester thread like Maxi-Lock reduces machine cleaning and thread breaks, letting you focus on stitching rather than troubleshooting.