BERNINA L 860

BERNINA L 860

Overlocker with color touch screen

  • One-step BERNINA Air Threader
  • Easy on-screen stitch selection
  • Convenient freearm
  • Total Stitch Control for perfect seams
  • Grand sewing space

BERNINA L 860 – The unique Overlocker

The BERNINA L 860 is perfectly suited for working with all types of threads and fabrics, particularly highly elastic and knitted materials. The machine offers a variety of stitches, all selectable via the color touch screen. The exclusive One-step BERNINA Air Threader makes threading the loopers unbelievably easy.

Julian Collins about the BERNINA L 860
" The technology of the L 860 makes you feel like there’s a teacher inside the machine."Julian Collins, Designer "Julian Creates"

Julian Collins is fascinated by the L 860 – and for good reason. Because the L 860 is the perfect overlocker for beginners and professionals alike. From easy looper threading with the One-step BERNINA Air Threader, to navigation on the large touch screen for an easy stitch selection, to the built-in Needle Threader and swing-out presser foot, the L 860 simplifies his entire sewing process. Like Julian, you’ll appreciate the Expert and Guided Modes to help you create your perfect stitch.

Watch Video
The One-step BERNINA Air Threader

The One-step BERNINA Air Threader

  • Thread the machine by one simple step
  • Now, you're ready to sew
  • Imagine threading that is actually fun

The looper threads are magically moved through the machine by air with one simple step on the foot control. Now both hands are free to guide the threads. The L 860 automatically sets the loopers in the correct position of the air threader – no turning the handwheel or searching for the correct position. Simply press the foot control and you're off!

Extremely fast, precise & quiet

Extremely fast, precise & quiet

  • Sew up to 1,500 stitches per minute
  • Strong and consistent at any speed
  • Program speed via touch screen

Not only can you sew quickly, but you can also sew stitch-by-stitch, making the flawless production of precise lines and curves a simple process. Plus, you will enjoy how extremely quiet the BERNINA L 860 sews. Best of all, you can easily adjust the maximum and minimum speed at any time on the color touch screen. 

Sew in comfort

Sew in comfort

  • Raise and lower presser foot easily
  • Both hands free to guide the fabric
  • Easy access to the needles

With the BERNINA Free Hand System (FHS) you can raise and lower the presser foot with your knee. In addition, the presser foot easily swings out for convenient access to the needles.

Intuitive operation via touch screen

  • Centrally located color touch screen
  • Sewing Consultant, Stitch Optimizer & helpful animations
  • Expert Mode or Guided Mode

Stitch selection, individual stitch settings or personal memory – the touch screen has all available & allows you to make changes while sewing. Advanced users can apply all settings directly in Expert Mode, while the Guided Mode offers step-by-step instructions. Both modes automatically set the thread tension, stitch length and differential feed along with stitch selection.

Grand sewing space

Grand sewing space

  • 5 5/8" right to the needle
  • Easy on/off Slide-on Table included
  • Convenient freearm

The space offered on the L 860 is generous by any definition. The L 860 has the room to the right of the needle and work space height you expect from a BERNINA serger. Sew closed items with ease by simply sliding sleeves or cuffs over the convenient freearm.

Total Stitch Control

Total Stitch Control

  • Save 100 Stitches in your Personal Memory
  • Adjust stitch parameters while sewing
  • Set needle stop permanently up or down

With the L 860 you can change all settings individually and save up to 100 stitches in your Personal Memory. Also, stitch length, differential feed, thread tension, cutting width or any other stitch parameter can be adjusted while sewing. A simple turn of the mtc (Micro Thread Control) lets you modify the amount of overedge thread.

Quick threading

Quick threading

  • One-path, color-coded threading
  • Automatic needle stop function
  • Integrated Needle Threader

The integrated Needle Threader and automatic needle stop up function make threading the needles simple. You can easily change from an overlock seam to a rolled hem or flatlock seam in no time because the thread remains in the same threading path.

Get a feel for this fantastic machine

Get a better feel for this incredible machine. Simply click the button below and you will see every stunning angle of the BERNINA L 860.

Take a spin

Personal advice at your Local BERNINA Store

Over 2,000 BERNINA Stores worldwide offer valuable services to all our customers. Your local BERNINA Store is there to proudly help you, with advice on machines and accessories that best suit your needs, selection of BERNINA Embroidery Software and also in servicing your BERNINA.

Features & Functions

  • Overview
  • Technical Specifications
  • Comfort Features
  • Stitch Variations
BERNINA L 860

Note:
Not all models and accessories are available in all countries. We reserve the right to make changes in both features and design.

Total number of stitches 18
One-step BERNINA Air Threader (for looper threads)
Expert Mode and Guided Mode
Stitch Optimizer
Freearm
BERNINA Free Hand System (FHS) with knee lifter
Built-in needle threader
Needle-stop up/down programmable
3– 9 mm overlock seam width
Sewing speed, stitches per minute 250-1500

Product brochure – All information at a glance

Download now

Note:
Not all models and accessories are available in all countries. We reserve the right to make changes in both features and design.

3– 9 mm overlock seam width
Weight of machine 28.9 lb
6-step presser foot pressure

Product brochure – All information at a glance

Download now
Motor DC
Sewing speed, stitches per minute 250-1500
One-step BERNINA Air Threader (for looper threads)
Color touch screen 4.3"
Expert Mode and Guided Mode
Stitch selection / Settings on the screen
Personal Memory for 100 individual stitches
Helpful animations and tutorials
Creative Sewing Consultant
Stitch Optimizer
Freearm
Sewing space to the right of the needle 5 5/8"
BERNINA Free Hand System (FHS) with knee lifter
Speed control via touch screen
Integrated upper looper converter
Easy to engage and disengage the knife from outside
Rolled hem lever integrated under stitch plate
Adjustable cutting width while sewing
Thread tension release when presser foot raised

Product brochure – All information at a glance

Download now
Adjustable thread tension while sewing
2-step presser foot lifter with front-foot-lift
Swing-out presser foot with auto swing back
Workspace height 3 3/8"
Built-in needle threader
Color-coded threading path
Needle-stop up/down programmable
Needle up/down with BERNINA foot control
Automatic needle stop up
Stitch-by-stitch sewing
Micro Thread Control (mtc)
Adjustable stitch length while sewing
Adjustable differential feed while sewing
Safety switch for open cover and raised presser foot
2 LED sewing lights
Thread cutter
Accessories in the threader cover
Total number of stitches 18
4-thread overlock 1
#

4-thread overlock

The 4-thread overlock is a sturdy and strong stitch, most often used for durable and elastic seams in knits and stretchy fabrics.

Suitable for:
  • Fine to medium heavy woven and knitted fabrics
  • Sportswear
  • Apparel
  • Home textiles
  • 3-thread overlock (wide / narrow) 2
    #

    3-thread overlock (wide / narrow)

    The 3-thread overlock is a balanced seam and also ideal for neatening edges, hems and facings, quick-sewn edge finishing and effect seams. It is often used in the garment industry for T-Shirts, children's garments, dessous.

    Suitable for:
  • Strong woven fabrics, pile, furry materials or sturdy knits (wide)
  • Fine to medium heavy woven and knitted fabrics (narrow)
  • Apparel
  • Home textiles
  • 3-thread super-stretch 1
    #

    3-thread super-stretch

    The 3-thread super-stretch stitch creates overlock seams for super stretchy and two-way-stretch fabrics used for gymnastic or swimwear. An especially soft stitch, ideal for dessous and gymnastic wear, is achieved by using a wooly nylon in the looper (and needles).

    Suitable for:
  • Elastic materials
  • Highly elastic sportswear, swimwear
  • Dessous
  • 3-thread flatlock ( wide / narrow) 2
    #

    3-thread flatlock ( wide / narrow)

    The 3-thread flatlock is a flat, only little stretchy seam that is sewn on the right side of the fabric and is especially ideal for creative overlock projects in combination with decorative threads. The wrong side of the stitch is known as "ladder stitch" and also used for decorations or base to weave tape or cord into the stitch.

    Suitable for:
  • Woven and knitted fabrics
  • Patchwork
  • Apparel and sportswear
  • Home textiles
  • Dessous (narrow)
  • 3-thread narrow seam 1
    #

    3-thread narrow seam

    The 3-thread narrow seam is used for fine fabrics or see-through materials like silk, cotton or synthetic fabrics. It can be used for pintucks in heirloom projects and as a decorative fine edge finish, e.g. with two different shades of embroidery thread in the loopers.

    Suitable for:
  • Woven and knitted fabrics
  • Sewing or inserting laces
  • Lightweight outerwear
  • Accessories
  • 3-thread rolled hem 1
    #

    3-thread rolled hem

    Attractive and quickly sewn decorative edge finish, for example with two different shades of embroidery thread in the loopers. The rolled hem can also be used for pintucks in heirloom projects.

    Suitable for:
  • Fine woven and knitted fabrics
  • Accessories
  • Lightweight outerwear
  • Home textiles
  • Product brochure – All information at a glance

    Download now
    3-thread picot stitch 1
    #

    3-thread picot stitch

    The 3-thread picot stitch is an attractive and quickly sewn edge for woven fabrics and is also ideal for scarfs or bridal wear, as well as edges on ruffles.

    Suitable for:
  • Fine and light woven and knitted fabrics
  • Accessories
  • Lightweight outerwear
  • Home textiles
  • 2-thread rolled hem 1
    #

    2-thread rolled hem

    Achieve fine edge finishing on hems, ruffles and flounces, ideal for bridal wear, or lingerie. Is often used as lettuce edge finish in knits with differential feed or fishing line.

    Suitable for:
  • Fine and light woven and knitted fabrics
  • Pintucks or lace insertion
  • Linen, foulards, handkerchiefs
  • Lighter outerwear, evening wear
  • Home textiles
  • 2-thread wrapped overlock (wide / narrow) 2
    #

    2-thread wrapped overlock (wide / narrow)

    The 2-thread wrapped overlock is a reversible stitch, ideal for neatening single layers of fabric, seams, hems and facings or as a decorative element with woven or fleecy fabrics or firm knits.

    Suitable for:
  • Medium heavy to heavy woven and knitted fabrics (wide)
  • Light woven and knitted fabrics (narrow)
  • Reversible edgings
  • Neating
  • Decorative finishing on outerwear and home textiles
  • 2-thread overlock (wide / narrow) 2
    #

    2-thread overlock (wide / narrow)

    The 2-thread overlock is ideal for neatening fine single layers of fabric and assures no seam puckering.

    Suitable for:
  • Medium heavy to heavy woven and knitted fabrics (wide)
  • Light to medium heavy woven and knitted fabrics (narrow)
  • Apparel
  • Home textiles
  • 2-thread blanket stitch (wide / narrow) 2
    #

    2-thread blanket stitch (wide / narrow)

    The 2-thread blanket stitch is used on ready-made blankets or on heavier fabrics with longer stitch and maybe more cutting width.

    Suitable for:
  • Medium heavy to heavy woven and knitted fabrics and pile (wide)
  • Light to medium heavy woven and knitted fabrics and pile (narrow)
  • Furry materials
  • Decorative finishing on apparel, coats, jackets, home textiles
  • 2-thread flatlock (wide / narrow ) 2
    #

    2-thread flatlock (wide / narrow )

    A highly stretchy and flat stitch, often used with decorative threads or wooly nylon for dessous, swimwear and gymnastic wear.

    Suitable for:
  • Woven and knitted fabrics
  • Patchwork
  • Sportswear, swimwear
  • Apparel
  • Dessous (narrow)

    Accessories

    Unleash your creativity with the included accessories and be prepared for any creative challenge with a huge variety of optional accessories

    • Included
    • Compatible
    Show all Hide all

    Note:
    Not all models and accessories are available in all countries. We reserve the right to make changes in both features and design.

    Tutorials

    • Starting to sew
    • Threading
    • Stitch optimization
    • Seam variations
    • Machine maintenance
    • 4:11

      L 860 Overlocker: Getting started

      This video will show you how to get started with the BERNINA L 860 Overlocker. How to attach or detach kneelifter, slide-on table, cut-offs bin or presser foot. What are the functions of foot control and knee lifter. How can the presser foot swing out or be detached and attached.

    • L 860 Overlocker: Getting started

      L 860 Overlocker: Getting started

      4:11
    • 7:31

      L 860 Overlocker: Stitch Selection and Settings

      The BERNINA L 860 has various symbols for stitch selection and settings. This video shows how to change the user mode: Where to find animations for machine settings and how to change stitch displays. How to adjust electronic default settings such as thread tension, stitch length and differential feed. How to select tutorial contents, Sewing Consultant and eco mode and how to retrieve or personalize machine settings

    • 5:36

      L 860 Overlocker: How to Thread an Overlock Stitch in Guided Mode

      The 3-thread flatlock is a decorative seam for garments or deco projects. This video shows in Guided Mode, how to select an overlock stitch and thread accordingly. Example is selecting and threading 3-thread flatlock, threading and sewing it. How to follow the Guided Mode step by step. Which automatic settings are controlled by the machine. Which settings are done manually. How to thread and how to perform a sewing test.

    • 4:48

      L 860 Overlocker: How to Tread an Overlock Stitch in Expert Mode

      The 2-thread rolled hem is ideal for fine, soft fabrics and finest edge finishes. This video shows how to use the Expert Mode to select an overlock stitch and thread accordingly. Example is selecting a 2-thread rolled hem, threading and sewing it. How to read the instructions and settings in Expert Mode. Which automatic settings are controlled by the machine. Which settings are done manually, how to thread and how to perform a sewing test.

    • L 860 Overlocker: Stitch Selection and Settings

      L 860 Overlocker: Stitch Selection and Settings

      7:31
    • L 860 Overlocker: How to Thread an Overlock Stitch in Guided Mode

      L 860 Overlocker: How to Thread an Overlock Stitch in Guided Mode

      5:36
    • L 860 Overlocker: How to Tread an Overlock Stitch in Expert Mode

      L 860 Overlocker: How to Tread an Overlock Stitch in Expert Mode

      4:48
    • 4:17

      L 860 Overlocker: Save Stitches in personal Memory

      The Personal Memory is the place to save your unique, creative and practical Signature Stitches. This video shows how to save a personal or optimized stitch in the Personal Memory. How to rename a personal stitch or select it for sewing. How to delete one or more personal stitches. How to clear the Personal Memory. Which settings are automatically saved. Which settings can be noted and stored in the Personal Memory. How big is the capacity of the Personal Memory

    • 4:01

      L 860 Overlocker: How to Optimize Overlock Stitches

      The Stitch Optimizer guides through the optimization process step by step for perfect results for any stitch, thread and fabric combination. This videos shows how to optimize an overlock stitch, step-by-step instructions in the graphical user interface. In Expert Mode or in Guided Mode, the procedure of the Stitch Optimizer is the same. Which settings are recommended and how to test sew.

    • 2:30

      L 860 Overlocker: Selecting Stitch with the Creative Consultant

      The Creative Consultant makes selecting and sewing a new technique easy. This video shows how to choose a stitch with the Creative Consultant. Which stitches, needles, threads and presser feet are recommended by the Creative Consultant based on the fabric and application selected. The video also shows what information, fabrics and applications are in the Creative Consultant.

    • L 860 Overlocker: Save Stitches in personal Memory

      L 860 Overlocker: Save Stitches in personal Memory

      4:17
    • L 860 Overlocker: How to Optimize Overlock Stitches

      L 860 Overlocker: How to Optimize Overlock Stitches

      4:01
    • L 860 Overlocker: Selecting Stitch with the Creative Consultant

      L 860 Overlocker: Selecting Stitch with the Creative Consultant

      2:30
    • 4:19

      L 860 Overlocker: Standard Presser Foot #L10

      The Standard Presser Foot #L10 is suitable for all stitches and fabrics and is ideal to sew on tapes. In this video you will see what the standard presser foot is used for. Identification and purpose of the marks. How to detach and attach the presser foot. How to use the tape guide. How to adjust the tape guide. How to swing the foot out. How to sew in tape and how to stabilize a seam by sewing in a tape.

    • 2:18

      L 860 Overlocker: How to Attach and Detach the Seam Guide

      The seam guide right is ideal for practical and decorative seams. This video shows how to attach and detach the seam guide, how to adjust the seam guide. You will see examples that show how to regularly trim excess seam allowance or how to sew along a folded edge.

    • 1:48

      L 860 Overlocker: How to Adjust Presser Foot Pressure

      Perfect seams, optimal fabric feed by adjusting the presser foot pressure. This video shows how to adjust the presser foot pressure, how and why to decrease pressure and why to increase presser foot pressure.

    • 3:15

      L 860 Overlocker: How to Secure the Beginning and End of the Seam

      To secure seam begin and end increases seam stability and endurance. This video shows examples how to secure seam beginning and end and how to sew in thread chains.

    • 4:58

      L 860 Overlocker: How to Sew Corners

      Sewing techniques for beautiful, visible corners. This video shows how to sew corners and examples of sewing outside corners and how to neaten inside corners.

    • 5:50

      L 860 Overlocker: Sew the Beginning & End of the Seam in a Tube

      Beautiful circles or visible edge finishes are easy to sew. This video shows how to stitch seam begin and end in a tube and examples of seam begin and end in circles.

    • L 860 Overlocker: Standard Presser Foot #L10

      L 860 Overlocker: Standard Presser Foot #L10

      4:19
    • L 860 Overlocker: How to Attach and Detach the Seam Guide

      L 860 Overlocker: How to Attach and Detach the Seam Guide

      2:18
    • L 860 Overlocker: How to Adjust Presser Foot Pressure

      L 860 Overlocker: How to Adjust Presser Foot Pressure

      1:48
    • L 860 Overlocker: How to Secure the Beginning and End of the Seam

      L 860 Overlocker: How to Secure the Beginning and End of the Seam

      3:15
    • L 860 Overlocker: How to Sew Corners

      L 860 Overlocker: How to Sew Corners

      4:58
    • L 860 Overlocker: Sew the Beginning & End of the Seam in a Tube

      L 860 Overlocker: Sew the Beginning & End of the Seam in a Tube

      5:50
    • 5:22

      L 860 Overlocker: Maintenance, Cleaning and Oiling

      This video shows how to clean and oil the BERNINA L 860 Overlocker based on the L 850.

    • L 860 Overlocker: Maintenance, Cleaning and Oiling

      L 860 Overlocker: Maintenance, Cleaning and Oiling

      5:22

    Support for your BERNINA L 860

    To ensure that you enjoy your BERNINA for as long as possible, we recommend that you read the detailed operating instructions. Further support information and firmware updates can be found on the support page.

    Download manual Support page BERNINA L 860

    Sewing project

    Classic and cool at the same time: 
    this unisex v-neck t-shirt with raglan sleeves is easy to sew, which leaves all the more time to play with different fabrics, seam details and sleeve options. A perfect project to upcycle fabric remnants!

    To the instructions

    Personal advice at your Local BERNINA Store

    Over 2,000 BERNINA Stores worldwide offer valuable services to all our customers. Your local BERNINA Store is there to proudly help you, with advice on machines and accessories that best suit your needs, selection of BERNINA Embroidery Software and also in servicing your BERNINA.