Bernette b42 Coverstitch Machine Review

I've been using a coverstitch machine for a few years now, and it's been a game changer. It hems knits without the waves and puckers you get from other methods. If you've been on the fence about buying one, and you do a fair amount of garment sewing, I think it's worth the investment.

I own the Bernette b42 Coverstitch. I bought it because I already trust the brand, I own the Bernette b79 sewing and embroidery machine and love it, and the b42 happened to be on sale for a good price at the time. Bernette is made by Bernina, so the quality is there.

Overall, I like the machine and recommend it based on quality and ease of use. With minimal effort, it produces hems and seams that look professionally finished instead of homemade.

Why I Use a Coverstitch Machine

The biggest advantage to using a coverstitch machine is stretch. You can sew with one, two, or three needles at once, and every seam has more give than what you'd get from a stretch stitch on a regular sewing machine or even a double needle. That extra stretch is what prevents wavy hems and wonky seams on knits. That alone was worth the purchase for me.

Coverstitch vs. Serger

A coverstitch machine is not the same as a serger, even though people mix them up…

A serger finishes seams and trims fabric edges at the same time, mainly used for seaming knits and preventing fraying. A coverstitch machine doesn't trim fabric. Instead, it creates that flat, parallel-stitch hem you see on the bottom of most store-bought t-shirts, and it's built specifically for that clean, stretchy finish.

If you sew knits regularly, a coverstitch machine will change how your garments look and fit.

Combo Machines: Are They Worth It?

Combination serger/coverstitch machines exist, and they're a solid option if you're tight on space and don't want two separate machines taking up room. The tradeoff is convenience. Switching between serger and coverstitch functions takes a few extra steps, so it's not as fast as having two dedicated machines side by side. If you sew often and switch functions constantly, that hassle adds up. If you have the budget, opt for two separate machines.

What to Look for in a Coverstitch Machine

• How often you'll actually use it. If you sew knits regularly, a dedicated coverstitch machine earns its keep fast. If it's occasional, weigh the cost against how often you'd reach for it.

• Needle configuration. Look for a machine that lets you switch between one, two, and three needles depending on the seam or hem you need.

• Space and storage. If space is limited, a combo serger/coverstitch machine might make more sense, even with the extra switching steps.

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Ease of threading. Coverstitch machines can be intimidating to thread. A machine with clear guides makes a real difference, especially early on.

The Verdict

If you sew a lot of garments, especially knits, a coverstitch machine like the Bernette b42 is worth the investment. It's not a replacement for a serger, but it fills a different, essential role: clean, stretchy, professional-looking hems that hold up wash after wash.

Related reading: Bernette b79 Sewing and Embroidery Machine Review