Bernina L460 Operation instructions

©2020 BERNINA of America. Permission granted to copy and distribute in original form only.
Content may not be altered or used in any other form or under any other branding.
Basic Overlocker Use
For current BERNINA models
Overlocker Workbook 1
BERNINA

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Overlocker Workbook 1
Introduction .................................................................................................................3
4-thread Overlock Stitch..............................................................................................6
Adjusting Tension Settings ..........................................................................................7
Micro Thread Control (MTC)........................................................................................8
Stitch Length ...............................................................................................................9
Cutting Width..............................................................................................................10
Differential Feed.........................................................................................................11
Securing Seams.........................................................................................................14
Presser Foot Tape Guide............................................................................................15
3-Thread Overlock Stitch: Wide and Narrow...............................................................16
Inside Corners............................................................................................................17
Outside Corners ........................................................................................................18
3-Thead Rolled Hem ..................................................................................................19
3-Thread Flatlock .......................................................................................................20
2-Thread Rolled Hem .................................................................................................21
2-Thread Flatlock .......................................................................................................22
Color-Coded Threading Charts...................................................................................23
Table of Contents
The information in this workbook
applies to the current line of BERNINA
Overlockers. Note: Some exercises
apply only to certain models equipped
with the feature being highlighted.
Basic Overlocker Use

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Overlocker Workbook 1
Introduction
Congratulations on the purchase of your new BERNINA overlocker. The information in this workbook will help
you learn the basics of using your new piece of sewing equipment. Even though it is very different from your
sewing machine, once you learn to incorporate these techniques into your sewing, you’ll wonder how you ev-
er got along without it.
Your overlocker will speed your sewing in several ways, letting you produce more in less time. The speed of
the overlocker is faster than a sewing machine and because it performs several operations (trimming, seam-
ing, and overcasting) at the same time, you sew faster, and in the process, produce neater and more profes-
sional-looking results.
Because the overlocker is a specialized piece of equipment, it only “sews”
a limited number of techniques and even though the workings are more
complex than a sewing machine, it doesn’t take long to learn the basics.
The stitching exercises in this workbook use four, three, and two thread
stitch formations.
Once you have completed the exercises designated for your BERNINA
overlocker, attach the sewn samples to the indicated pages and insert the
pages into plastic page protectors and store them in a 3-ring binder. They
can then be used as a reference tool in the future as you use your overlocker
and explore the creative possibilities it affords you.
BERNINA of America strives to provide its customers with quality sewing ma-
chines, overlockers, and also with informative publications and classes.
Along with providing My BERNINA Classes your local BERNINA dealer
stocks BERNINA books and magazines, such as the Serger Technique Ref-
erence Guide and Inspirations. Instructional video tutorials are available on
bernina.com and the BERNINA YouTube channel. You will also find inspiring
overlocker projects on the BERNINA website at www.bernina.com in the Ex-
perience Section.
4-thread overlock stitch
3-thread overlock stitch
2-thread overlock stitch

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Overlocker Workbook 1
Needle and Thread
Overlocker Needles
BERNINA overlocks use the same type of nee-
dles as most sewing machines: 130/705H.
Recommended needle sizes for your overlocker
are 70/11, 80/12 and 90/14. Larger needles can
interfere with looper movement and cause dam-
age; smaller needles may not form the stitches
correctly.
Always make sure needles are fully inserted as
high as possible, with the flat side to the back.
When using both the right and left needle, the
needles will not be even when they are fully in-
serted. The left needle will be slightly higher
than the right one. This preserves the order the
threads are used to form the stitch.
Overlocker Thread
Overlocker threads are usually polyester and are finer (lighter weight) than many sewing machine threads to
avoid thread build-up and excessive bulk in seams. It is important that the thread is smooth without
variations in diameter as it needs to feed smoothly through many thread guides for good stitch formation.
You also want a good-quality thread – such as Mettler Seracor – that is not “fuzzy” and does not leave exces-
sive lint in the lower part of your overlocker. Overlocker threads are sold on cones for economy and conven-
ience; regular spools of thread may be used but will not last very long when forming overlock stitches. Along
with overlocker thread, there are applications that call for specialty and decorative threads.
Listed below are some of these threads commonly used in the overlocker:
Texturized Nylon Thread – such as YLI Woolly Nylon and Seraflock—A very elastic
thread with excellent coverage; perfect for rolled edges and knit seams. Available in solid
and variegated colors, and metallics.
Polyester Topstitching Thread – such as YLI Jeans Stitch & Mettler Cordonnet – this heavy
thread is used for decorative stitching (flatlocked seams and overcast edges). Also
nice for cover and chain stitching. Available in solid and variegated colors.
Rayon Decorative Threads – such as YLI Pearl Crown Rayon & YLI Designer 6 – shiny
threads for decorative applications. Pearl Crown Rayon is twisted, while Designer 6 is
untwisted. Available in solid and variegated colors.
Metallic Decorative Threads – such as YLI Candlelight – adds a bit of glitz to seams and edgings.
Decorative Sewing Threads – sewing machine threads can also be used in the overlocker, and are
particularly effective when several are used together as one thread.

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Overlocker Workbook 1
4-Thread Overlock Stitch
Fabric: Firm fabric, 6” x 6”
Needle: 80/12 Universal
Thread: 4 cones of overlocker thread (blue, red, green, yel-
low)
Presser Foot: Standard
Thread the overlocker for a 4-thread overlock stitch using thread colors
to match the color-coded threading path on the machine. Adjust all
thread tension settings as indicated below.
Fold the fabric in half to 3” x 6”.
To begin stitching, lift the front of the presser foot with your right thumb
and slide the fabric under the presser foot. Release the tip of the
presser foot and begin stitching, trimming the fold away.
Stitch to the end of the fabric. Continue stitching off the fabric until you
have a 3”- 4” thread chain. Cut thread chain.
Examine the stitch formation:
Blue: Loops should extend to the edge of the fabric,
interlocking with the red loops of the lower looper.
Red: Loops should extend to the edge of the fabric,
interlocking with the blue loops of the upper looper.
Yellow: Needle stitches should appear along the inside
edge of the stitch as straight stitches or tiny “dots”
of thread.
Green: Needle stitches should appear as a line of
straight stitching running through the middle of
the overlock stitching
See the following page for tension adjustment information. Make
any necessary tension adjustments and sew another 4-thread overlock
stitch.
Suggested Settings
L 460/L 450
Upper Looper 3-5
Lower Looper 3-5
Left Needle 3-5
Right Needle 3-5
Stitch Length 2.5
Cutting Width 6
Differential Feed 1