Product · BERNINA
Bernette b68 Airlock: air threading, 2 to 5 threads
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The Bernette b68 Airlock is for sewists who already know they will use an overlocker heavily and want to remove the most frustrating part of the job: threading the loopers. Its automatic air threader blows the thread through the looper path, and that is the feature that separates it from conventional overlockers in this group. It also adds 5 thread capability, a knee lifter and a large slide-on table.
- Type
- Overlocker, air threading
- Stitches
- 2 to 5 thread stitches
- Buttonhole
- Not applicable
- Key extra
- Automatic air threader
- Weight
- 14.8 kg
In its favour
- Air threading removes the hardest part of using an overlocker.
- A knee lifter, slide-on table and large cut-offs bin are listed.
- Two to five thread stitches give the widest choice in the Bernette lineup.
Good to know
- The listing does not say which cover hem stitches are included.
- At 14.8 kg it is heavy for an overlocker.
Our take
Air threading and colour paths
The listing names an automatic air threader for the loopers and colour coded paths for the rest. With air threading you feed the thread into a port and a burst of air carries it through, instead of following tweezers through a tight route. For people who change thread colour often, that saves real time.
Stitch range and control
Bernette lists 2, 3, 4 and 5 thread stitches and a top speed of 1300 stitches per minute. Five thread work usually means a chain stitch seam alongside an overlock edge, which is popular for woven garments.
Micro Thread Control is mentioned as a precision feature. The listing does not explain whether the b68 also does a cover hem, so do not assume it replaces a dedicated coverstitch machine.
Workspace, knee lifter and waste bin
A 5 inch (130 mm) work area, five LED lights and a large slide-on table give more room than a typical overlocker. The knee lifter lets you raise the foot while keeping both hands on the fabric, useful when guiding curves. A large cut-offs bin is included. At 14.8 kg it is heavy, so plan a permanent spot for it.
Against coverstitch and combination options
The Juki MO735 is a five thread overlocker that also lists coverstitch, so it covers hems as well as seams. The Janome CoverPro 2000CPX is a dedicated cover hem machine with a free arm. Within Bernette, the b44 is the lighter four thread choice without air threading.
Who it does not suit
Occasional sewists who overlock a few seams a month will struggle to justify the weight and footprint. A beginner on a first garment may also find a simpler four thread machine less intimidating, even if threading takes longer. Anyone who mainly wants hems should consider the Juki MCS-1500, a cover and chain stitch machine, alongside or instead.
Verdict
Pick the Bernette b68 Airlock if looper threading is what puts you off overlocking and you want five thread seams with a knee lifter. If you need cover hems from the same machine, the Juki MO735 is the more complete option, and if you only need four threads on a smaller budget of space, the Bernette b44 is enough.
Compared with alternatives in: Bernette sewing machines compared, Best coverstitch and combination overlockers
Amazon listing title: bernette b68 Airlock - Maker Edition