BERNINA L 860 Overlocker with Air Threading and Colour Touch Screen
The BERNINA L 860 Overlocker brings guided, screen-based operation to precision overlocking. Designed for garment makers and enthusiastic sewists who want efficient threading, excellent control and generous working space, it combines the One-step BERNINA Air Threader with a centrally positioned 4.3-inch colour touch screen, built-in tutorials and 18 overlock stitches.
It is particularly useful for stretch garments, knit fabrics, activewear, lingerie, children’s clothing and neatly finished woven projects. The L 860 can sew, trim and neaten an edge in one operation, with adjustable differential feed helping you manage waving in stretchy fabric, puckering in fine fabric or intentional gathering.
- One-step BERNINA Air Threader for the looper threads
- 18 built-in 2-, 3- and 4-thread overlock stitches
- 4.3-inch colour touch screen with Guided and Expert modes
- Built-in needle threader and colour-coded, one-path threading
- Up to 1,500 stitches per minute, with programmable speed control
- 143 mm of space to the right of the needle
- Freearm and included slide-on table
- BERNINA Free Hand System with knee lifter
- Personal Memory for up to 100 individually adjusted stitches
- Adjustable stitch settings and Micro Thread Control
Easy Looper Threading with Both Hands Free
The One-step BERNINA Air Threader is operated through the foot control. The machine positions the loopers for threading, and air carries the looper threads through their threading paths. This removes much of the reaching, handwheel positioning and threading-path uncertainty commonly associated with an overlocker.
The air system threads the loopers . Needle threading is handled separately using the L 860’s built-in needle threader. Colour-coded, one-path threading provides a consistent route when setting up or changing threads.
A wide range of suitable looper threads can be used, including selected decorative threads. Coated or waxed threads must not be passed through the air-threading pipes because their coating may cause a blockage. Thread and needle choices should always be matched to the fabric and technique.
Choose Guided Mode or Expert Mode
The touch screen places stitch selection and adjustment information in the centre of the machine. Select a stitch and the L 860 provides the corresponding starting settings for thread tension, stitch length and differential feed.
- Guided Mode:Â provides step-by-step assistance when preparing the selected stitch.
- Expert Mode:Â presents the settings directly for experienced users who prefer a faster setup.
- Stitch Optimiser:Â helps identify which adjustment to make when a test seam needs refining.
- Creative Sewing Consultant:Â assists with stitch selection for different applications.
- Animations and tutorials:Â provide visual help for operating and setting up the machine.
- Personal Memory:Â stores as many as 100 customised stitch settings for repeat projects.
The recommended settings are a practical starting point rather than a replacement for test sewing. Fabric weight, stretch, number of layers and thread type can all affect the final seam, so testing on a project offcut remains worthwhile.
Total Stitch Control
The L 860 gives you access to the settings that most directly affect an overlocked seam. Thread tension, stitch length, differential feed and cutting width can be adjusted while sewing, allowing you to respond to changes in fabric or refine the finish without repeatedly stopping the machine.
BERNINA Micro Thread Control, commonly called mtc, adjusts the amount of looper thread wrapping the fabric edge. This helps refine the stitch when changing the cutting width or moving between different fabric and thread combinations.
The differential feed range of 0.7 to 2 helps control how the fabric is transported:
- Increase differential feed to help reduce stretched or wavy seams in knit fabrics.
- Reduce differential feed to help control puckering in fine fabrics.
- Use a higher setting with an appropriate stitch length to create intentional gathering.
18 Overlock Stitches for Construction and Finishing
The L 860 is a dedicated 2-, 3- and 4-thread overlocker. Its stitch selection covers everyday garment construction, stretch sewing, edge finishing and decorative overlocking:
- 4-thread overlock with integrated safety seam
- 3-thread super-stretch stitch
- Wide and narrow 3-thread overlock
- Wide and narrow 3-thread flatlock
- 3-thread narrow seam
- 3-thread rolled hem
- 3-thread picot stitch
- Wide and narrow 2-thread overlock
- Wide and narrow 2-thread flatlock
- 2-thread rolled hem
- Wide and narrow 2-thread wrapped overlock
- Wide and narrow 2-thread blanket stitch
These options suit tasks ranging from constructing T-shirts and stretch garments to neatening woven seam allowances, making rolled edges, working with decorative thread and producing flatlock effects.
Precise Control at Fast or Slow Speeds
The DC motor provides a maximum sewing speed of 1,500 stitches per minute. The programmable speed range can be reduced to approximately 250 stitches per minute when you need additional control around curves, corners or small pieces. Stitch-by-stitch sewing is also available for careful positioning.
Needle stop up or down can be programmed from the touch screen. The BERNINA foot control can also raise or lower the needle by half a stitch using its heel-operated back-kick function.
Comfortable Handling and Generous Working Space
With 143 mm of room to the right of the needle and an 86 mm workspace height, the L 860 provides more space for guiding fabric than a compact conventional overlocker. The included slide-on table expands the supporting surface for larger garment pieces and home-sewing projects.
Remove the table and freearm cover to access the freearm for cuffs, sleeves and other tubular pieces. The swing-out presser foot gives easier access to the needles, while the two-step presser-foot lift provides additional clearance when positioning layers.
The BERNINA Free Hand System raises and lowers the presser foot with the knee lifter, leaving both hands available to position the fabric. This can be especially helpful when approaching corners or matching seam intersections.
Verified Specifications
| Specification | BERNINA L 860 |
|---|---|
| Machine type | Dedicated 2-, 3- and 4-thread overlocker |
| Number of stitches | 18 |
| Touch screen | 4.3-inch colour touch screen |
| Maximum sewing speed | 1,500 stitches per minute |
| Programmable speed range | Approximately 250–1,500 stitches per minute |
| Overlock stitch width | 3–9 mm |
| Stitch length | 0.8–4.5 mm |
| Differential feed | 0.7–2 |
| Presser-foot pressure | Six-step adjustment |
| Space to the right of the needle | 143 mm |
| Workspace height | 86 mm |
| Needle system | ELx705 CF; needle sizes 70–90 |
| Motor | DC motor |
| Machine weight | Approximately 13.1 kg |
| Personal stitch memory | Up to 100 individual stitches |
Standard Accessories
BERNINA’s published standard-accessory list for the L 860 includes:
- Standard Overlock Foot #L10 with tape guide
- Slide-on extension table
- Freearm cover
- Cut-offs bin
- BERNINA foot control
- Right seam guide
- BERNINA tweezers
- Manual needle threader and inserter
- Assorted ELx705 CF needle set
- Touchscreen pen
- Brush
- Screwdriver
- CS Lock Tool
- Accessory boxes
- Dust cover
Accessory packages can be revised by the manufacturer, so the supplied contents should be confirmed with Two Petals when ordering if a particular item is essential to your work.
Needles, Feet and Accessory Compatibility
The specified needle system is ELx705 CF , in sizes 70–90. BERNINA recommends the chrome-finish ELx705 CF design for reliable operation. Choose the needle size and point according to the fabric and thread being used, and replace bent, blunt or damaged needles promptly.
The included foot is Standard Overlock Foot #L10 with tape guide. When adding optional feet, guides or attachments, look for accessories specifically listed for the BERNINA L 860 or compatible L 8 Series overlockers. Do not assume that a BERNINA domestic sewing-machine foot or an accessory for another overlocker series will fit.
Optional overlocker accessories can expand the machine’s applications to jobs such as applying elastic, piping, blind hems, decorative thread work and more specialised fabric guiding. Please contact Two Petals before ordering an accessory if you would like its model compatibility checked.
Who Is the BERNINA L 860 Best For?
The L 860 may be a strong choice if you:
- Regularly sew knit, jersey, stretch or activewear fabrics.
- Want air threading but do not require coverstitch capability.
- Prefer visual, on-screen assistance rather than relying only on printed threading diagrams.
- Make garments frequently and want settings that can be saved for repeat projects.
- Value adjustable slow-speed control as well as high-speed seam finishing.
- Want a freearm, extension table and knee-operated presser-foot lift.
- Would benefit from local product guidance, classes and ongoing servicing support.
New overlocker owners can use Guided Mode and the built-in tutorials to learn the setup sequence, while experienced users can move directly to Expert Mode. To build confidence with threading, tension, differential feed and finishing techniques, explore the BERNINA L8 Series Overlocking Skill Hub Class or book an Overlocking 101 one-on-one session .
Important Buying Consideration: Overlock or Coverstitch?
The L 860 is an overlocker only . It does not form coverstitches, chainstitches or combined overlock-and-cover stitches. It is designed for overlocked construction seams, trimmed edge finishing, rolled hems, flatlock effects and related techniques.
If you want both overlocking and coverstitching in one machine, compare the L 860 with the BERNINA L 890 Overlocker/Coverstitch Combo . If your priority is premium overlocking without the setup changes associated with a combination machine, the focused L 860 format may be preferable.
Australian Warranty and Local Support
For private, non-commercial use, the published BERNINA Australia overlocker warranty provides five years’ coverage for mechanical parts and two years for motors, electrical and electronic parts, subject to the manufacturer’s full conditions. Different periods apply to products acquired for business or school use.
Warranty eligibility can be affected by unauthorised servicing, modifications or non-genuine parts. Follow the cleaning and maintenance instructions in the manual and arrange technical repairs through an authorised BERNINA dealer.
Two Petals provides machine advice, education and servicing support from Pakenham in Melbourne’s south-east. You can also browse the complete BERNINA overlocker range or contact the team to discuss whether the L 860 suits your fabrics, experience level and preferred techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the BERNINA L 860 suitable for a beginner?
Yes, particularly for a beginner who wants guided setup and plans to use an overlocker regularly. Guided Mode, on-screen tutorials, automatic starting settings and the Stitch Optimiser reduce some of the uncertainty involved in selecting and adjusting stitches. It remains a feature-rich machine, so an introductory class and test sewing are recommended.
Does the BERNINA L 860 thread itself?
The One-step BERNINA Air Threader carries the upper and lower looper threads through the machine. The needle threads follow their colour-coded paths and are threaded with the separate built-in needle threader.
Can the L 860 sew coverstitch hems?
No. The L 860 does not make coverstitches or chainstitches. A dedicated coverstitch machine or an overlocker/coverstitch combination model such as the BERNINA L 890 is required for true coverstitched hems.
Does it replace a regular sewing machine?
No. An overlocker excels at stretch seams, trimming and finishing raw edges, but it does not replace a conventional sewing machine for straight stitching, topstitching, buttonholes, zips and many construction details. The two machine types complement each other.
What fabrics can the L 860 handle?
It is designed for a broad selection of woven and knitted materials and is particularly well suited to highly elastic and knitted fabrics. Presser-foot pressure, differential feed, cutting width, stitch length, tension, needle and thread should be matched to the project. Always test bulky, unusual or heavily layered materials before starting the finished item.
Can I use woolly nylon or decorative thread?
Suitable woolly nylon and decorative threads can be used in relevant applications. Very thick thread may require the alternative threading method described in the manual. Do not put coated or waxed threads through the air-threading system.
What needles does the BERNINA L 860 use?
The specified system is ELx705 CF in sizes 70–90. Select the size according to fabric and thread, and consult Two Petals before substituting another needle system.
Can stitch settings be adjusted while sewing?
Yes. Thread tension, stitch length, differential feed and cutting width can be adjusted while the machine is sewing. A test seam is still recommended before making adjustments on the final project.
Can I save my preferred settings?
Yes. Personal Memory can hold up to 100 individually adjusted stitches, which is useful when returning to a recurring fabric, thread and seam combination.
Is the slide-on table included?
Yes. BERNINA lists the slide-on extension table as a standard L 860 accessory. The freearm cover and cut-offs bin are also included in the published accessory package.
Is the L 860 a good choice for professional dressmaking?
Its speed, repeatable stitch memory, air threading, stitch control and garment-oriented stitch range make it well suited to frequent dressmaking. Buyers using the machine commercially should note that BERNINA Australia publishes shorter warranty periods for business and school use.
Where can I see or learn to use the BERNINA L 860 in Melbourne?
Contact Two Petals in Pakenham to discuss demonstrations, machine availability, classes, one-on-one tuition and servicing arrangements.
