Review of Bernina L 450
Pros
- Upgraded Features on a Manual Model: A manual overlocker with upgraded features typically not found on an entry-level machine. Ease and comfort, melded together without the high price tag of an advanced model.
- Easy Threading: Manual threading simplified with lay-in, color-coded tension guides, a handwheel positioning indicator, lower looper threader support, and a manual needle threader.
Cons
- Cost: Compared to other manufacturers’ similar manual overlockers, this Bernina machine comes at a higher price point. Its price is more on par with advanced, automatic models.
- Scrap Catcher: While useful to the sewist, removing and reattaching the scrap catcher bin is cumbersome. When attached, it also interferes with the opening and closing of the front cover.
Where to Find the Best Value
| Bernina |
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| Bernina L 450
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Review
When you purchase a Bernina machine – whether a sewing machine, coverstitch, or an overlocker – you are guaranteed a quality piece of equipment. The L 450 is no exception to this rule: a unique blend of simplicity and advanced features, a manual overlocker offering comfort and convenience upgrades over an entry-level model. It is a fantastic combination of simplicity and features without requiring moving up to an advanced, automatic model.
If you are a beginner or experienced sewist, the simple design of the Bernina L 450 will have you quickly cutting, sewing, and finishing professional-looking seams in one step.
Stitch Options
The Bernina L 450 comes equipped with sixteen built-in stitch options, offering the sewist a range of finishing options to choose from:
- 4-thread overlock
- 3-thread overlock (wide or narrow)
- 3-thread super-stretch
- 3-thread flatlock (wide or narrow)
- 3-thread narrow seam
- 3-thread rolled hem
- 3-thread picot stitch
- 2-thread overlock (wide or narrow)
- 2-thread flatlock (wide or narrow)
- 2-thread rolled hem
- 2-thread wrapped overlock (wide or narrow)
Specifications
Speed: 1200 stitches per minute
Number of Needles: 2
Threads: 2-3-4
Stitch width: 3 to 9 mm
Differential Feed: 0.7 to 2
Light: 2 LED lights
Product Features
Patented Micro Thread Control (mtc)
Bernina’s patented tension adjustment function quickly perfects every stitch, regardless of the stitch selection and thread quantity. With a single-step, the tension function fine-tunes the looper stitches to fit the cut edge for precise placement. Thus reducing the amount of time spent on test sewouts to find the right tension settings to seconds.
Cut-Off Bin
A specially designed cut-off bin attaches to the front of the L 450, catching fabric trimmings. This helps to keep your workspace neat and tidy. When the machine is not in use, the bin doubles as storage for the foot pedal.
Handwheel Position Indicator Window
The L 450 makes threading easier with a helpful handwheel position indicator window. Open the looper cover, and set the handwheel to the high position for threading — indicated when the red bar on the handwheel is aligned with the black triangle in the handwheel position indicator.
Two-step Presser Foot Lifter with Automatic Tension Release
A two-stage presser foot lifter accommodates both lightweight and thicker fabrics. Push the presser foot lifter upwards until it engages for the standard lift height. To navigate thicker fabrics under the foot, press up on the presser foot lifter even further for extra height and engage the front foot lift.
After sewing your seams, lift the presser foot, and all of the thread tensions release for easy fabric removal. The thread tensions stay released until you lower the presser foot again.
Variable Cutting Width and Retractable Blade
A serger is differentiated from a standard sewing machine by a set of knives that cut the fabric(s) when sewing. Controlling the cutting width dimensions lets the sewist change the size of the loops sewn by the serger by adjusting the knife’s position.
If you’re working on a project that doesn’t require the fabric ends trimmed, the retractable cutting blade lets you quickly disengage the knives. This is convenient when you don’t want to switch over to your sewing machine in the middle of a project.
Lay-in Tension Guides
When setting up some overlock machines, the threads wind through what may be considered a crazy maze of tension dials and hooks. Undoubtedly, it’s the most challenging concept to learn and the biggest frustration of using a serger. The L 450 eliminates tension disks and hooks to simplify manual threading. Follow the color-coded guide, lay your thread in the channels, and quickly and easily set the tension.
Warranties
Bernina offers a 20-year warranty on defective mechanical parts, a 5-year warranty on printed circuit boards, and a 2-year warranty period on all electrical components.
Click Here to See Bernina L 450 Pricing, Pictures and Reviews on Amazon!
Verdict
Bernina’s L 450 is an innovative combination of basic serger features and comfort upgrades that makes it simple for even the beginning user to deliver easy-to-achieve, professional results. Designed with uncomplicated, ergonomic threading and patented micro thread control, this overlocker consistently produces high-quality stitches and wave-free seams at any speeds.
Read Our Ultimate Guide On How To Find The Best Serger
About Amanda S.: Growing up, I was fascinated by watching my mom and grandma turn fabric into beautiful handcrafted items. In my early 20’s, I finally got brave, buying a sewing machine and teaching myself to sew. As I fell in love with sewing, my machine collection expanded, and I ran an Etsy shop sewing children’s clothing for a few years. As a single mom of 3 great kids, my sewing time has lessened, but I still try to find time to work on quilts, bags, and projects with my kids, teaching them what I love.