BERNINA L 890 Overlocker and Coverstitch Combo
The BERNINA L 890 brings overlocking, coverstitching, chainstitching and combination stitches together in one premium machine. It is designed for garment makers and experienced sewing enthusiasts who want professional-looking seams, stretch hems and edge finishes without finding permanent bench space for two separate machines.
Its One-Step BERNINA Air Threader simplifies looper threading, while the centrally positioned 4.3-inch colour touch screen guides you through stitch selection, threading and machine setup. The L 890 can automatically apply recommended starting values for thread tension, stitch length and differential feed, yet still gives you detailed control when a fabric or creative technique calls for fine adjustment.
- Four functions in one machine:Â overlock, coverstitch, chainstitch and combination stitching
- One-Step BERNINA Air Threader:Â foot-control-operated air threading for the looper threads
- 27 programmed stitches:Â using two, three, four or five threads
- Guided and Expert modes:Â choose step-by-step assistance or direct access to settings
- Personal stitch memory:Â save up to 100 customised stitch settings
- Generous workspace:Â 143 mm to the right of the needle, plus an included slide-on table
- Precise speed control:Â sew from individual stitches up to 1,350 stitches per minute
- Free Hand System:Â raise and lower the presser foot with the included knee lifter
- Australian BERNINA overlocker warranty: five years on mechanical parts and two years on motors, electrical and electronic parts for normal domestic use, subject to BERNINA Australia’s warranty terms
Why Choose a Combination Overlocker and Coverstitch Machine?
A conventional overlocker trims and encloses a raw edge as it sews. A coverstitch creates the flexible parallel-needle hems commonly seen on T-shirts, sportswear and ready-to-wear knit garments. The L 890 performs both jobs and adds a chainstitch plus combination stitches that can construct and neaten a seam in one pass.
This combination format can be particularly useful when you want:
- One machine instead of separate overlocker and coverstitch units
- Professional knitwear construction and hems
- Stretch-friendly seams for T-shirts, leggings, activewear and children’s clothing
- Neat edge finishes on woven dressmaking fabrics
- Strong five-thread combination seams
- Rolled hems, flatlock effects and decorative edge treatments
- Adjustable settings that can be saved for fabrics and techniques you use regularly
Switching between overlock and coverstitch configurations still involves changing the relevant needles, inserts, threading and machine controls. It is not a fully automatic conversion. The advantage of the L 890 is that its on-screen setup guidance, colour-coded paths and air-threaded loopers make each step easier to identify and repeat.
One-Step BERNINA Air Threader
The L 890 uses air to carry thread through its upper, lower and coverstitch loopers. Pressing the foot control positions the loopers correctly and activates the threading process, leaving both hands available to handle the thread.
The air system threads the loopers ; the needle threads are still threaded manually. BERNINA includes a manual needle threader and inserter to assist with needle-threading and needle changes. The machine also releases its thread-tension discs when the presser foot is raised, helping thread settle correctly into the threading paths.
Touch-Screen Guidance Without Giving Up Control
The 4.3-inch colour touch screen is positioned centrally and provides access to stitch selection, recommended settings, threading animations, tutorials, Personal Memory and adjustment tools.
Guided Mode
Guided Mode is designed for sewists who want the machine to lead them through setup. After you select a stitch, the screen presents the required changes in sequence, including needle positions, threading paths, knife and looper settings, covers and presser-foot selection.
Expert Mode
Expert Mode provides quicker access to the same stitch information and settings without presenting every setup step individually. It is useful once you are familiar with the machine or when frequently changing between known configurations.
Creative Sewing Consultant and Stitch Optimiser
The Creative Sewing Consultant helps establish a starting point based on the selected fabric and technique. If the test seam needs refinement, the Stitch Optimiser identifies which settings may improve the result. This is particularly helpful when working with unfamiliar knits, loosely woven fabric, bulky seam intersections or decorative thread.
Total Stitch Control
The L 890 is not limited to fixed factory presets. Depending on the selected stitch, you can adjust individual thread tensions, stitch length, differential feed, cutting width, presser-foot pressure and Micro Thread Control.
Many adjustments can be made while sewing, allowing you to observe the result and refine the seam without repeatedly stopping and restarting. Once a stitch is balanced for a particular fabric and thread combination, it can be named and stored in one of 100 Personal Memory positions.
Micro Thread Control
BERNINA’s Micro Thread Control, or mtc, changes the amount of thread wrapped around the fabric edge. It lets you refine the overedge formation without relying only on separate tension changes, helping the stitch sit neatly along the cut edge.
Adjustable Differential Feed
Differential feed is adjustable from 0.7 to 2.0. It can help reduce stretching on knit seams, minimise puckering on lightweight fabrics or create intentional gathering and lettuce-edge effects. Results depend on the fabric, stitch, thread and presser-foot settings, so a test seam is recommended before sewing the finished project.
27 Stitch Variations
The L 890 uses two, three, four or five threads and divides its stitches into overlock, cover/chainstitch and combination groups.
Overlock and Edge-Finishing Stitches
- 4-thread overlock
- 3-thread overlock, wide and narrow
- 3-thread super-stretch
- 3-thread flatlock, wide and narrow
- 3-thread narrow seam
- 3-thread rolled hem
- 3-thread picot stitch
- 2-thread overlock, wide and narrow
- 2-thread flatlock, wide and narrow
- 2-thread rolled hem
- 2-thread wrapped overlock, wide and narrow
- 2-thread blanket stitch, wide and narrow
Coverstitch and Chainstitch Options
- 4-thread coverstitch using three needles
- 3-thread wide coverstitch
- 3-thread narrow coverstitch in two needle-position options
- 2-thread chainstitch
Combination Stitches
- Chainstitch with 3-thread overlock, wide or narrow
- Chainstitch with 2-thread overlock, wide or narrow
The published L 890 stitch list does not include a top-cover stitch. Buyers who specifically require decorative covering on both the top and underside of the fabric should discuss that technique with Two Petals before choosing a machine.
Control at Every Sewing Speed
The DC motor supports a maximum speed of 1,350 stitches per minute, while also allowing slow, controlled sewing and individual stitch placement. Maximum speed can be programmed through the touch screen, which can make it easier to approach corners, curves, hem joins and bulky seam intersections at a comfortable pace.
The foot control can also raise or lower the needle by a half stitch using a heel action. Needle stop can be programmed up or down, helping you position work accurately before turning or removing it.
Comfortable Handling and Generous Workspace
The L 890 provides 143 mm of room to the right of the needle and a workspace height of 86 mm. This additional space is especially useful during coverstitching, when more of the garment sits to the right of the needle than it would during conventional edge overlocking.
- Slide-on extension table:Â supports larger panels and longer hems
- Freearm:Â useful for cuffs, sleeves, necklines and other closed shapes
- Free Hand System knee lifter:Â raises or lowers the presser foot while both hands remain on the project
- Swing-out presser foot:Â improves access when changing needles or threading
- Two-step presser-foot lift:Â provides additional positioning clearance for layered areas
- Externally operated knife control:Â allows the upper knife to be disengaged when trimming is not required
- Cut-offs bin:Â catches trimmed fabric during overlocking
- LED lighting:Â illuminates the sewing and looper areas
Fabric, Needle and Accessory Compatibility
Which Fabrics Can the L 890 Sew?
The L 890 is designed for overlocking and coverstitching knitted and woven fabrics. Typical projects include jersey garments, sweatshirts, activewear, lingerie, children’s clothing, dresses, casual trousers, home textiles and decorative overlocker work.
The manufacturer lists a maximum fabric thickness of 6 mm. Actual results across bulky seams depend on the combined material density, number of layers, needle, thread, presser-foot pressure and stitch selection. Always test a representative layered sample rather than assuming every heavy or highly compressed material will feed in the same way.
Which Needles Does It Use?
The manufacturer-specified needle system is ELx705 CF , with listed sizes from 70/10 to 90/14. Assorted ELx705 CF and ELx705 SUK CF needle sets are supplied. The SUK version has a ballpoint suited to many knit and jersey applications.
The BERNINA manual also discusses selected household-style specialty needles for particular fabric applications. Because needle choice affects clearance, stitch formation and looper timing, check the manual or ask Two Petals before substituting a different needle system, style or size.
Will Standard BERNINA Sewing-Machine Feet Fit?
No general interchangeability should be assumed. The L 890 uses compatible BERNINA overlocker and coverstitch accessories, including C-series feet designed for the L 890 and related applications. Domestic BERNINA sewing-machine feet are not automatically compatible. Before ordering an optional binder, piping foot, elasticator, clear foot or other attachment, confirm that the accessory specifically lists the L 890.
Which Threads Can Be Used?
The machine can work with common overlocker threads and a range of suitable decorative threads. Thread choice should be matched to the selected stitch, needle, fabric and threading path. Thick or textured decorative threads are generally used in an appropriate looper rather than forced through a needle eye or air channel for which they are unsuitable.
Verified Technical Specifications
| Specification | BERNINA L 890 |
|---|---|
| Machine type | Overlock, coverstitch, chainstitch and combination machine |
| Total programmed stitches | 27 |
| Threads | 2, 3, 4 or 5 |
| Loopers | 3 |
| Needle positions | 5 positions across overlock and coverstitch configurations |
| Needle system | ELx705 CF |
| Manufacturer-listed needle sizes | 70/10 to 90/14 |
| Overlock stitch width | 3–9 mm |
| Coverstitch width | 3 mm or 6 mm |
| Combination stitch width | 7–11 mm |
| Stitch length | 0.8–4.5 mm |
| Differential feed | 0.7–2.0 |
| Presser-foot pressure | 6-step adjustment |
| Maximum listed fabric thickness | 6 mm |
| Maximum sewing speed | 1,350 stitches per minute |
| Motor | DC |
| Touch screen | 4.3 inches / 10 cm, colour |
| Personal stitch memory | Up to 100 customised stitches |
| Space to the right of the needle | 143 mm / 5 5/8 inches |
| Workspace height | 86 mm / 3 3/8 inches |
| Machine dimensions with thread stand retracted | 43 × 28 × 41 cm |
| Manufacturer-listed dimensions with table and cut-offs bin | 57 × 35 × 65 cm |
| Machine weight | 13.4 kg |
| Power rating | 140 W |
| Input voltage | 100–240 V, 50–60 Hz |
Standard Accessories
The manufacturer’s standard L 890 accessory list includes:
- Overlock/Combostitch Foot #C11
- Cover/Chainstitch Foot #C13
- BERNINA Free Hand System knee lifter
- Slide-on extension table
- Freearm cover
- Coverstitch cover
- Cut-offs bin
- BERNINA foot control
- Right seam guide
- Tweezers
- Manual needle threader/inserter
- Assorted ELx705 CF needles
- Assorted ELx705 SUK CF needles
- Touch-screen pen
- Brush
- Screwdriver
- CS Lock Tool
- Accessory storage boxes
- Dust cover
Accessory supply can be revised by the manufacturer or vary by country, so the contents of the Australian package should be confirmed at the time of purchase.
Is the BERNINA L 890 Right for You?
The L 890 is an excellent machine to consider if you regularly make garments, want both overlock and coverstitch functions, value detailed control and prefer on-screen guidance over relying only on printed threading diagrams.
It may be especially well suited to:
- Garment makers who sew a mixture of knits and woven fabrics
- Sewists upgrading from a basic three- or four-thread overlocker
- Users who find conventional looper threading frustrating
- Studios where there is not enough bench space for separate overlock and coverstitch machines
- Experienced makers who want to save customised settings for repeat projects
- Beginners prepared to learn a sophisticated machine with guided setup and dealer support
Separate machines may still suit a production-style workflow where you want to move immediately between overlocking and coverstitching without converting one machine. For many home studios, however, the L 890 offers a practical balance of capability, space efficiency and setup assistance.
Classes, Support and Servicing from Two Petals
A feature-rich combination machine is most rewarding when you understand its stitch groups, threading paths and conversion sequence. Two Petals offers the BERNINA L8 Series Overlocking Skill Hub Class as well as a flexible Overlocking 101 one-on-one session . Please check the current product offer or speak with the team to confirm which classes, if any, are included with your purchase.
Two Petals also provides in-house sewing-machine, overlocker and coverstitch servicing and repairs from Pakenham in Melbourne’s south-east. As an authorised BERNINA warranty provider, the team can assist with machine setup, routine servicing and eligible warranty concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the BERNINA L 890 both an overlocker and a coverstitch machine?
Yes. It produces overlock, coverstitch, chainstitch and combination stitches. It can trim and finish an edge in overlock mode, produce flexible parallel-needle hems in coverstitch mode and sew selected chainstitch-plus-overlock seams.
Does the air threader thread all five threads?
No. The One-Step BERNINA Air Threader threads the machine’s loopers. Needle threads are threaded manually, with assistance from the included manual needle threader/inserter and the machine’s on-screen directions.
Does it convert automatically between overlock and coverstitch?
No. Conversion requires setup changes and rethreading for the selected stitch. Guided Mode displays the required steps, while the colour-coded threading system and air-threaded loopers make the conversion more approachable.
Can I leave five thread cones on the machine?
The L 890 is a five-thread-capable machine, but the active threads and threading paths depend on the selected stitch. Changing stitch groups may still require removing, repositioning or rethreading threads even if the cones remain available on the spool stand.
Does the L 890 make a top-cover stitch?
The manufacturer’s published list of 27 stitches does not include a top-cover stitch. It makes conventional two-needle and three-needle coverstitches with the covering formation on the underside of the fabric.
Is it suitable for someone new to overlocking?
Guided Mode, setup animations and recommended default settings make the L 890 more accessible than its extensive feature list may suggest. It is still a sophisticated machine, so a demonstration or lesson is valuable for learning conversion, test sewing, tension adjustment and stitch selection.
Can it sew T-shirt hems?
Yes. Its wide and narrow coverstitches are designed for stretch hems and topstitching, including the parallel rows of stitching commonly used on T-shirts and knit garments.
Can it sew woven fabric as well as stretch fabric?
Yes. The L 890 can finish and construct both knitted and woven fabrics. Needle, thread, differential feed, cutting width, presser-foot pressure and stitch selection should be adjusted for the individual material.
Can it handle denim and bulky seams?
The machine offers a DC motor, adjustable presser-foot pressure and a two-step presser-foot lift. The manufacturer lists a maximum fabric thickness of 6 mm. Test the actual number and density of layers, use an appropriate needle and avoid pulling or pushing the work through the machine.
What needles should I buy for the L 890?
ELx705 CF is the manufacturer-specified needle system, with listed sizes from 70/10 to 90/14. ELx705 SUK CF ballpoint needles are suitable for many knit applications. Confirm specialty-needle substitutions before use.
Can I use my regular BERNINA sewing-machine feet?
Not unless the individual accessory is specifically listed as compatible. The L 890 uses dedicated overlocker and coverstitch feet and attachments. Always check the model compatibility of optional accessories before ordering.
Is the extension table included?
Yes. A slide-on extension table is listed as a standard accessory, along with the cut-offs bin, freearm cover, coverstitch cover and two standard presser feet.
What is the Australian warranty?
For BERNINA overlockers used under normal domestic conditions, BERNINA Australia currently lists five years on mechanical parts and two years on motors, electrical and electronic parts. Business or school use has shorter warranty periods. Warranty eligibility, labour charges, exclusions and registration requirements are governed by BERNINA Australia’s current terms.
Where can I try, learn or service a BERNINA L 890 in Melbourne?
Contact Two Petals in Pakenham for current demonstration options, classes and purchasing advice. Two Petals also offers in-house servicing and repairs for overlockers and coverstitch machines in Melbourne’s south-east.
Professional Finishing with Personal Control
The BERNINA L 890 combines time-saving threading assistance with the control expected from a premium garment-making machine. Its 27 stitch variations, spacious coverstitch area, programmable settings, Free Hand System and touch-screen guidance make it a versatile choice for sewists who want to construct, trim, neaten, hem and embellish with one carefully integrated machine.
View the BERNINA L 890 at Two Petals or contact the team for a demonstration, accessory guidance and advice about whether a combination machine suits your sewing workflow.
