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Bernina Bernette Funlock 004D Sewing Machine – 2025 Review
Note from Editor: This Bernina Bernette Funlock 004D review was originally written in 2013. We reviewed and revised it in 2024 and provided alternatives to the now discontinued Funlock 004D such as Brother 1034D and the Juki MO 644D
While visiting a sewing buddy, I had a chance to review her serger, a Bernina Bernette Funlock 004D, an older model portable serger for home use.
She received it as a gift some time ago, and continues to use it in her sewing room. It is, in fact, the only serger in her collection of about four or five sewing machines.
Bernina Funlock 004D Serger Overview
The product is now discontinued and available only refurbished on EBAY
Bernina Bernette Funlock 004D is a standard serger with all the standard features present. One might find it a little too tricky to thread, which is not a sought-after feature in sergers, especially if the user is a beginner. Apart from this, the serger works fairly well. It is lightweight and portable, which is helpful.
Bernina Funlock 004D features
The first thing that caught my eye when I saw the Bernina Bernette Funlock 004D serger was the red markings on the front. Next was the placement of the thread stands, which are almost completely hidden behind the machine.
When I opened the lower looper cover, I noticed the seemingly simple threading instructions. You’ll understand why I say ‘seemingly’ when you read Working on the Bernina Bernette Funlock below.
The differential feed and stitch length control dials are on the right side of the machine, just above the balance wheel.
The features available on the Bernina Funlock 004D include:
- Snap on presser feet
- Differential feed
- Adjustable stitch length
- Adjustable cutting width
- Adjustable presser foot pressure
Working on the Bernina Bernette Funlock 004D
I alluded to the challenges of threading the Bernina Bernette Funlock 004D above. Threading any serger can be a bit daunting, but in my opinion this one comes very close to taking the prize for being one of the most difficult threading systems on any serger I’ve ever seen.
To look at it, you would think threading this compact serger would be quite simple. The first challenge is to remember which thread spindles are for the upper or lower loopers.
When she first got it, the owner of this particular serger used a label to remind her that the front thread positions are for the upper loopers. That label was still there when I went to review the machine.
The next challenge was threading the lower loopers. The on board diagram makes it look very simple. In reality, threading the Bernina Funlock 004D is anything but simple.
Although the owner’s manual shows the user how to thread the machine, it is almost impossible to thread it following those instructions.
This is the first serger I’ve ever seen where it was necessary to open the lower looper cover as well as the door on the left side of the machine in order to thread it properly.
This may be because the looper threader was not included with this machine when my friend received it. However, I suspect that even if the looper were present, this would be a big problem.
Once that hurdle was cleared, and I was ready to actually sew on the Funlock 004D, the going was great. The Bernina Bernette Funlock 004D is quiet and fast. The fabric movess through the feed dogs smoothly and evenly. The stitches are clean, perfectly formed and well balanced.
Alternative Sergers to Funlock 004D
The Brother 1034D and the Juki MO 644D are great alternatives to the now discontinued Funlock 004D
Juki MO644D is a 2/3/4 thread serger with auto-rolled hem and a color coded threading breakaway looper adjustment for stitch length and differential feed. It does not sew very heavy fabrics but can work with lightweight and medium weighing fabrics really well. Stitching speed rides up to a good 1500SPM and working with this is rather easy. This device is really quiet while working on fabrics is very smooth. It is a really good device for beginners and people who dont do heavy sewing.
- Quiet, Smooth and Realiable
- Threading can be difficult for beginner
If you want a sewing machine that does not fray your projects, the Brother 1034D Serger is the one. This machine will assist you in managing tough projects and thick fabrics. Then, you will come across a ¾ lay-in thread system. Plus, the model offers you multiple stitch options and three snap-on feet features. Hence, it is the best in this category.
- It has a color-coded threaded system that makes it easy to thread.
- The machine is pretty user-friendly.
- The machine is quite noisy.
- You might have difficulty sewing thick and bulky fabrics.
Fabrics
| Fabrics that work | Fabrics that don’t work |
|---|---|
| Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet Knits Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester Upholstery |
Accessories
The list of standard accessories included with the purchase of a brand new Bernina Bernette 004D includes:
- Lower knife
- Thread nets
- 4 Spool caps
- Tweezers
- Cleaning brush
- Looper threader
- Needle threader
- Set of household needles
- 2 screwdrivers (1 large/1 small)
- Oil dispenser
- Accessory bag
- Dust cover
According to the original manual, optional accessories not included with the machine, but available for separate purchase include:
- Blind stitch foot
- Elasticator foot
- Cording foot
Maintenance
| Maintenance activities | After each use | Monthly | Once each year | As needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clean race hook and feed dogs | Yes | No | No | No |
| Wipe head with soft dry cloth | No | No | No | Yes |
| Wipe head with soft damp cloth | No | No | No | Yes |
| Lubricate | No | No | No | Yes |
| Service by sewing machine repair professional | No | No | No | Yes |
Summary: Bernina Funlock 004D review
When my friend received this serger as a gift, it came with no accessories and no owner’s manual. I found a manual online.
If you have one of these sergers or if you should know someone who perhaps received it a as gift or purchased it at an estate sale or online at a site like e-bay and are looking for a manual, you can download it free of charge here.
If you are up to the challenge of threading this compact, lightweight serger, you might be able to find one on e-bay for less than $100.
All in all, the Bernina Bernette Funlock 004D is a serviceable home serger. There are others out there, old and new, that are far more user friendly, though.
If it were not for the challenges with the threading process, this would be an excellent serger, one that I would certainly consider for use by beginners.
The difficulties with threading, however, could discourage even a seasoned home sewer with little serging experience from using it at all.
In fact, the woman who owns this one admitted that she changes the thread as seldom as possible. Her rationale is “The threads are inside anyway. Who’s going to see them?” I can’t say I disagree with her.
My own serger is much easier to thread and I find myself doing much the same thing. First of all, as a rule, I use only three thread colors on my serger… black, white and beige.
When working on serging projects, I gather everything that works with a particular thread color and do all of that serging before changing the thread and moving on to the next color group.
If my serger were as hard to thread as the Bernina Bernette Funlock 004D, I would purchase the largest thread cones possible and would probably never change the thread until the cones are completely out of thread.
If you are an advanced sewist, have a look at our best sewing machines, best sewing books and best sewing magazines posts and if you are looking to get a mechanical, heavy duty, quilting or industrial sewing machine, have a look at some of our great articles. If you are a beginner sewist, review our best sewing books for beginners, best sewing machines for beginners and best sewing machines under $200 to get started.
For brand related articles, check Best Bernette | Best Bernina | Best Brother | Best Husqvarna Viking | Best Janome | Best Juki | Best Singer |
For best accessories, check Best Chairs | Best tables | Best tracing paper | Best machine oils | Best scissors and shears | Best presser feet | Best needles | Best sewing kits |
Happy Stitching.
Other Alternative Sergers you may like
BabyLock Enlighten Review (2023 update)
The Baby Lock Enlighten is one no ordinary serger. It is a 2/3/4 thread machine that can not only perform all the tasks of a basic serger, it can also render lots of other stitch options as well. When I first saw it, I thought I was looking at a Baby Lock Imagine, but upon closer examination, I discovered some very significant differences. The Enlighten has all the great features of the Imagine plus a few more features that the home sewer who is already an expert when it comes to working with a basic serger is bound to appreciate.
BabyLock Imagine Review (2023 update)
How often do you get to watch a sewing machine store owner uncrate and test a brand new serger? I was lucky enough to witness the whole process when Cynthia’s Fine Fabrics opened up a new Baby Lock Imagine. Watching this third generation serger being put through its paces was really a treat. It is simple enough for a beginner to use, yet it can do so many things, and do them with such precision I have no doubt that a seasoned home sewer would be thrilled to work on it as well.
Janome Coverpro 1000CPX Review (2023 update)
Our only complaint about the Janome Coverpro 1000 CPX specialty machine is that its uses are limited. The exclusive Janome Seam Tightening System ™ assures that every seam made on the Coverpro 1000 CPX is secure. It is so lightweight and easy to move from place to place that we cannot help but wonder how in the world it could possibly perform as well as it does.
Janome 634D Review (2023 update)
If you are in the market for a basic, no frills serger that has all of the essential features … differential feed, adjustable stitch length, on board seam guide and retractable upper knife… you should make a point of visiting your local Janome dealer and asking for a demonstration of the Janome 634D serger. This is an ideal serger for the beginner who has never touched a serger in their lives as well as the seasoned home sewer who just needs a basic serger for finishing seams. It is solid, quiet and affordable.
Juki MO-1000 Serger Review (2023 update)
When Juki decide to change its motto to “Juki is coming home”, the people in the Juki advertising department knew exactly what they were doing. The Juki MO 1000 Easy Threader is quite possibly the most user friendly serger I have ever reviewed. When you combine the ease of operation with the high quality workmanship that Juki is know for, you have a sure fire winner.
Singer Pro Finish 14CG754 Review (2023 update)
When I reviewed the Singer Pro Finish 14CG754, I was quite impressed by the features… especially the easily accessible free arm and the large on board storage compartment. The downside, however, was the hard plastic used on the outer body and the amount of vibration and noise that goes along with sewing on his affordable serger. I have concerns about how long this machine will last, but it could be just the answer for a beginner who doesn’t want to spend a lot on their first serger or a senior citizen who may be hanging up their scissors and sewing needles within a few short years.
If you are an advanced sewist, have a look at our best sewing machines, best sewing books and best sewing magazines posts and if you are looking to get a mechanical, heavy duty, quilting or industrial sewing machine, have a look at some of our great articles. If you are a beginner sewist, review our best sewing books for beginners, best sewing machines for beginners and best sewing machines under $200 to get started.
For brand related articles, check Best Bernette | Best Bernina | Best Brother | Best Husqvarna Viking | Best Janome | Best Juki | Best Singer |
For best accessories, check Best Chairs | Best tables | Best tracing paper | Best machine oils | Best scissors and shears | Best presser feet | Best needles | Best sewing kits |
Happy Stitching.
I have the fun lock and I love it. I got it new about 18 years ago. It is hard to thread but with patients I am able. My problem is getting my tensions correct. I don’t have a book and instructions breeze over this part. Is there anything that can help me? Please!
The best part is the rolled hem. Just the push of a lever and you can edge a tablecloth or napkins, scarves and runners. I love that. But I need help with the tensions.
Hi, I have this machine and I am always struggling to get the tensions right. I generally sew cotton and that is it. Can you please tell me what you have all your settings on
Hope you can help!
I have the same prob any ideas
Hi Arlene,
Please could you tell me how you do your settings for the rolled hemm?!!!
Thanks
Annina Coetzee
I am helping a friend with this serger, & javelin managed to thread it properly, But it is knowing how to twig the tensions.. I have it on Needles..both on 3, blue (top looper) 3.25…red bottom looper 4.. Looks ok but don’t know what the Back of stitching is supposed to look like.. Can anyone help me.. HUggs E
I recently just picked this serger up at a Goodwill Outlet for $5. It had seen better days as the telescoping thread guide arm was snapped off and the second row of spool holders was missing, and it was missing foot pedal power supply. Luckily I have a friend who works at a sewing machine company and was able to get me all of these items for less than an additional $15. So $20 is what I have in this machine. It is my first serger and yes I’m slightly intimidated by sergers in general. I have been practicing with different seam techniques and really starting to feel more comfortable using it. Like I said, this is my first serger and I’ve never threaded one prior to getting this one. Sure it’s cumbersome and not particularly simple, however I really didn’t have too much trouble getting it threaded. And now that I’ve done it a couple times, I’m really not too put out to have to do again. It’s definitely not as easy to do as today’s modern machines but if I figured it out with just the diagrams shown on the door cover, then anybody can do it as well. I’n short. I’m very happy with this funlock seger. And considering I found it laying on its face, all busted up looking. it’s a rather solid machine that I’m looking forward to learning on.
Gypsy-Lea –
Thank you for visiting Sewing Insight. I referred your question to the owner of the Bernina Bernette Funlock 004D. This is her reply:
“I tend to start with the factory settings and make any adjustments as I work on a sample using scraps of the fabric that I am going to be working on.
I use my serger mostly to finish inside seams in fashion clothing. I’ve never used the serger to make an outfit or project where the seams are on the outside, where I would want to see perfect stitches.
I hope this helps.”
Happy Stitching.
Hi, thanks for review.
I’m on my way to buy one for jersey sewing.
By your opinion, what serger would you choose: Bernina 004D or Brother 1034 ? Both are for almost the same price.
I am more about the quality, stability and ‘working horse’, so consider Bernina although the old one.
But there are not so many reviews for it and there are a lot for Brother. So I am wonder now what to choose.
Cheers,
M.
Definitely choose the Bernina over the Brother! I have had both. The Bernina will last you forever! It has more metal parts that won’t wear out like the cheaper plastic Brother will. I just bought a second one so my daughters can sew with me more easily! I mostly sew jersey knits. This makes pajamas a snap to make! I don’t think it is hard to thread at all. I bought it 2nd hand and then went to a sewing shop to learn how to use it. They “played” with it and got all the settings just perfect. My second one had never been used and the factory settings were perfect. You will LOVE it!!!
I have had my Bernina Burnette 004D for about 25 years, I think. It is a wonderful machine. Threading is not a problem if you just cut the thread at the spool, tie the new thread on then run the machine, it will bring that thread all the way through, no issues. Do the lower ones first, bring them through, then do the needle threads. The knots will not go through the needle hole, so stop the machine just before the needle threads get to the needles, cut the thread and thread the needles. You are then good to go.
If you are starting from scratch (no thread in the machine at all), then yes, it is a bit difficult to thread, but if there is thread on it already, just do the trick above and you will be flying high in seconds!
I think I use my serger more than my standard machine. Once you have one you will wonder how you ever got along without it! I even had a lady ask me where I bought the skirt I made her because she was positive that I could not have done such a nice job with such professional seams.
If you tie square knots on your needle threads and trim them, they will go through the needle without having to cut them and re-thread. Square knots are right over left, then left over right. I’ve had my 004D for about 27 years!
This is where I went wrong, cutting the old spools off and not using them to thread through the new colours. If only I’d waited until my boyfriend came home, as he took one look at it and said I should have done that!
This is my first ever overlocker (serger) and I wish I’d done my research first as we are having difficulty threading it. There’s a little hole that’s not staying threaded and it’s driving my boyfriend nuts. I think I’ll have to take it back to the sewing shop for further instructions.
I agree it is easier to use the old threads to bring the new colour through. I cut and then tie the end of the new spool on, dial all the tension discs down to 0 and the pull the treads through from the foot. I have found my knots don’t go through the needle eye but retreading the needle isn’t too time consuming.
use same quality thread, different thicknesses of thread used at the same time or stretchy and pure cotton make for ugly seams. Thread the “blue” thread first, then the “red”one, then the needle threads, when you are starting threadless. Knotting threads works reasonably well, but I tend to handturn the “crankwheel”at the right side till all four treads are well beyond and unde the presserfoot. The threading is not really easy, but one can practise with threads od the right dolours (machinethread in red, blue, green and yellow) on a piece of fabric and thus also adhust the tension of the according thread. Just remember, the pictures of the coloured threads on the knobs are upside down, like the seamside is to the left on the knobs, but to the right in real life, af, those engineers. The upper knife can be turned up to make needle threading easier!
I have a Bernina Bernette Funlock 004 & was interested to know second hand prices for a machine that has not had much use. Thank you.
Your best bet might be to check prices for similar machines on e-bay and other sites that may sell used sewing machines and sergers. You might also check with local dealers that specialize in selling used sewing machines and sergers.
If you can get one for under $300, grab it! New ones are running over $1200! When bidding I decide ahead of time how much I can afford to pay. Be patient because they ARE out there! I wouldn’t trade my old Funlock for anything!
trying to find free manual for Funlock 4, the link on this website keeps taking me to pay sites. thanks if you have any info
Hello, John.
Thank you for visiting Sewing Insight.
I could not locate a manual for your specific machine. I did, however, find a manual called “Mastering your Bernina Serger”.
It appears to address practically every type of serger made by Bernina in the last 20 years. I certainly hope you find it helpful.
Happy stitching.
Are you still looking for the fi lock manual. I have one I can scan if so
John, did you find a manual for your Funlock 4? I too had one given to me today & I need a manual. When I saw that the manual could be downloaded for free I clicked on it & it sent me to a pay site for $5.95. Just wondering if it was legit. Please email me if you know of any site to download it. sharonpendley@hotmail.com Thanks
I have a Bernina Fun-lock, received it new 20 years ago – Christmas present from Hubby! I have used it and used it over the years! I also have a Bernina sewing machine.
Recently I changed the thread, YES, it is a HUGE pain to do. But I use the trick mentioned above and and for the past 20 years I have had no problems. I used every color thread in the rainbow! And change it for different projects all the time.
Unfortunately, it is not serging correctly. I can tell it is the #1 thread (the yellow tension on the first picture above). The looped thread is not being caught by the first thread (if that makes sense). It looks fine, but when you turn the serged edge over, you can tell the loops are not catching by the finishing thread.
I do not know how to fix this. I have re-threaded it many times. I have looked in the manual and I’m at a loss for what to try next.
NOTE: I have tried to call the store where it was purchased (Sew Comtempo, Webster, Texas) and they are the very WORST at customer service (and have been for 20 years-even when you spend $1000’s of dollars in their store) being helpful and to take it in for service, it would be over $200.00 and take 6 months to get it back!
Does anyone have any suggestions on what might be wrong? Or perhaps you know someone in Houston area that can look at it on the same day?
I have several big projects on a fast approaching deadline that need to get done!
Thanks for listening and hopefully helping!
Toni
I had this recently and after re-threading it multiple times, I finally adjusted the tension knobs for the problem thread. Just lots of use had loosened it enough to re-calibrate it. I also have little ones who change my settings, so I have the best settings for my machine written in permanent marker pen inside the cover area. Hope that can help!
Hi thanks for responding back.
I tried going back to the factory settings and then adjusting the tension both ways (up and down)… But nothing worked.
After watching several YouTube videos, I took out the left needle and am using my machine this way to get these immediate projects finished. And then I will try to find someone to look at it.
Happy sewing! Toni
May I also suggest getting a better repair place? …that is ridiculous! So frustrating! ugh.
What are the settings you are using please
Hi all,
I realized that I did not come back her and give an update on my problem. I posted in August 2015 that I could not get the stitches to “lock” together after changing threads and needles.
I packed up my Funlock and took it back to Sew Comtempo – Clear Lale, TX where I had purchased it 20 years ago! I have to say the staff there was very nice and helpful. The store has been bought out by All Brands and maybe that is why they have a new attitude.
Anyway, I set up my machine and made a few seams and showed the sales lady, she had no clue, so a repair guy came out and she asked him, and he looked… he pulled all of the tension threads, and viola it worked!! I guess I didn’t have my thread “seated” on the tension knobs. Anyway, I was very lucky! No charge for the 2 seconds it took to pull a thread and I didn’t need to leave my machine for months!
I just want to say that I love this machine! As others have said it is a workhorse and works hard!
Thanks,
Toni
Toni, I too have the same machine. It was given to me today. I know absolutely nothing about this machine but want to learn. It looks in rough shape, a good cleaning needed. Also need the manual. I know of the Sew Contempo in Webster. I lived down there for many years. I’m in Sugar Land now. I may have to take mine there to see if they can help me. Do you have a manual?
Hi i have a variety of overlockers for teaching, and one of them is a Bernina Fun-lock 004d it is a great machine old i know, but students love it as the stitch is always perfect. My problem is a student recently dropped a chair on the pedal and has cracked it , i am having a problem trying to buy a new one, i also could do with new blades so of anyone knows where i can get these things i would be very happy as i don’t want to have to get rid as it is better than a lot of the newer ones.
Please check with all brands if you have not found one by now. They told me you could get almost any part online.
Hi, I just got given the Bernina funlock and was able to thread it and start sewing. When I changed the colours it doesn’t see in overlook anymore just straight stitches with the 2 needles, can anyone help please? I re thread it a few times but it didn’t make any difference. Thank you very much
Hello, Sandra –
Thank you for visiting Sewing Insight.
Is your thread seated properly in the tension discs? This could be the source of your problem. Try re-threading one more time paying special attention to your tension discs.
…also, be sure you thread in the proper order. It might be that your bottom threads aren’t in the right order. When you are a beginner threader, you must pull all the threads out and start again in order. After you see what is happening, you will learn to skip a few steps. But, yes, check the tension wheels by giving each thread a little tug up near the top of your machine.
Help!
I recently purchased one of these 2nd hand quite cheap. I have run over a pin recently and its going to cost a lot to get it done professionaly. I can get the blade for $37NZD but is it possible to replace yourself?
Yes it is.. The instruction book shows how.. But Google it.. I have changed my blade before.. HUggs E
Having trouble threading the machine but only the lower looping thread (red markings) in the part where the looper threaded is used (Steps 12 to 14 in the manual page 12). I do not know how to use that attachment. Can anybody please help? Many thanks.
Above post should state looper “threader” (not threaded).
Hi,
If you are trying to use the “looper threader” tool, I thread the needle first and pull the thread behind the presser foot (I make sure I have lots of thread pulled through, then I use the “looper threader” tool to pull the thread to the right so the thread lies in the long groove on the lower looper. When I thread my needles, I use long tweezers, which helps to thread in these tight areas. Good Luck and I hope this helps!
Thanks Toni. I was successful using tweezers. My next issue is that I am now breaking right needles. It previously worked well ….any suggestions to try and overcome this? I really appreciate your feedback.
Hello. Enjoying this site and the reviews. I’ve had my FunLock for nearly 30 years and love it. Recently, “somehow” the metal thread sorters were broken off the machine as well as the “cap” that was holding them down. They seem to be irreplaceable. I’m wondering if anyone has any tips on this problem. I just had it cleaned and repaired. It was out of sync. Now I want to use it. Oh, I bought another serger, a Janome, fairly cheap model about $200 on Amazon and it sounds like a train, though it does the job. But I miss my FunLock. Much better machine. imho
I have a funlock and having trouble with big loops on back. Is this a tension or threading problem? Help
Are you able to babylock on this particular over locker? Thanks 🙂
I was told that I could make ruffles on my Funlock serger. I watched a gal make them on a Singer – copied her settings but didn’t have any luck making ruffles. Would anyone know the settings on how to make ruffles/pleats on this serger?
Just bought a second hand one – thanks for the comprehensive review – yes, I’m going to have to practice the threading! Is it possible to sew with only two threads? The manual doesn’t say this but I was hoping to be able to do all my sewing on the one machine and not swop back and forth.
Looking for a Bernina 004D machine. I know they are no longer being made. If there is anyone that has one stashed in a closet or attic I would be interested.
recently re-threaded my funlock 004 cant not for some reason set the tension i keep getting loops at the top and using 100% does anyone know the correct numbers to set it on?
I just read this review and am wondering if you know the difference between the 004D and the 007D Bernette serger?