Saturday 8th August, 2026
As promised … no introduction for this Blog Post … it’s straight into the details of another great Bernina Overlocking/Coverstitching Accessory!
… A Little Help Over the Humps …
OL/CS Height Compensating Tools
If you’re looking for must-have accessories, the Overlock/Coverstitch Height Compensating Tools would certainly be high on my list. These clever little tools help keep the presser foot level when sewing over changes in fabric thickness, helping maintain even, consistent stitches across your project.
They can be used when sewing overlock, combination and coverstitches, making them particularly useful when crossing seams, hems or other bulky areas where the fabric suddenly becomes thicker.
The set contains two tools—one intended for overlock/combo stitching (OL wider with one toe, and open on the right side to allow for the movement of the blade) and the other for coverstitching (two toes). There’s another clever feature to notice: each tool has two different thicknesses. One side measures 1.5 mm and the other 3.0 mm, allowing you to select the side that best matches the thickness of the fabric layers you are sewing over.
The Height Compensating Tools are designed to fit beneath the Standard Overlock Foot #L10 on the L 850/L 860, the Standard Overlock/Combo Foot #C11 on the L 890, and the Cover-/Chainstitch Foot #C13 on the L 890. Other feet can be used of course.
Height Compensating Tools were used to ‘level up’ the presser foot as I stitched over bulky seams with both Coverstitch and overlocking as well as the beginning of some topstitching.
Here is a link to the Bernina International video for this accessory.
OL/CS Height Compensating Tools
Additional Notes for other Models
Bernina L850 and L860 – Compatible as mentioned above
Bernina L620 and L660 – Compatible
Bernina L450 and L460 – Compatible with some limitations
Bernette Funlock 40 Series (b42, b44 and b48) and Airlock 60 Series (b62, b64 and b68) – compatible with some limitations
… This Week’s Foot Highlights or Challenges …
These are all very practical samples for two simple, yet incredibly useful and effective accessories. I’ve actually used the Height Compensating Tools several times throughout the Challenge when highlighting other feet and techniques, as they are so handy when working over seams and changes in fabric thickness.
As I mentioned earlier, they are definitely a must-have in my Studio. Whether I’m overlocking, coverstitching, sewing garments or working on other creative projects, these little tools have more than earned their place in my sewing toolbox. Sometimes it’s the simplest accessories that prove to be the most useful!
All samples were denim, a much loved and used fabric here in the Studio so I had plenty of offcuts! Love that either side looks great.
‘Overlocking Over a Seam’ –I had the machine still set up from making a previous sample so kept it at the 3-Thread stitch, however in real life, I’d be using a 4-Thread Overlock.
Machine Setup: 3-Thread Overlock Wide Stitch #3 SL 2.5, CW – 6.0, DF 1.0 Default Tensions
Needle and Loopers – Seracor Overlock Thread, OL Height Compensating Tool (HCT) used
‘Cover-/Chainstitching Over a Seam’ – This was almost a repeat of the process from the #C31 Hemmer 25mm post – only without that accessory. I did not alternate the seam allowances, so there is 6 layers of denim at the seam to ‘jump over’.
Machine Setup: 3-Thread Coverstitch Wide Stitch #22 SL 3.5, CW – NA, DF 1.0 Default Tensions
Needles – Seracor Overlock Thread, Cover Looper – Wonderfil 12wt Fruitti and CS HCT used
‘Beginning of a Seam’ – I topstitched the edge of a pocket shape, however this tool is great for when you have heavy decorative thread at the edge as well
Machine Setup: 3-Thread Coverstitch Wide Stitch #22 SL 3.5, CW – NA, DF 1.0 Default Tensions
Needles – Seracor Overlock Thread, Cover Looper – Wonderfil 12wt Fruitti and CS HCT used
Summary
This is definitely not the time for high-speed overlocking or coverstitching—take things slowly and let the machine do the work. As you sew, the Height Compensating Tool will automatically move backwards and out from under the presser foot.
I’ve occasionally found that mine gets a little over-enthusiastic and ‘shoots out the back’, so keep an eye on it!
The Free Hand System is particularly useful here. Use it to raise and lower the presser foot while keeping both hands free to position and manoeuvre the Height Compensating Tool exactly where you need it. A little patience and a slower sewing speed make this process much easier and more controlled.
Don’t forget that your Bernina Sewing Machine has its own version of this accessory – been an included accessory in the machines for many, many years!! Love mine!! … might have used these when overlocking/coverstitching before the newer ones were introduced 😉
… A Little Something Extra …
Accessory User Manuals
On the Bernina Website, you can download a User Manual for the Height Compensating Tools
OL/CS Height Compensating Tools
There is a very good and detailed post over on the We All Sew blog, where you’ll find a lot of photos of these tools in use.
Height Compensating Tools on the Overlocker
Coming up next is the LAST POST in the Overlocking Foot Challenge I set myself—and I’ll be finishing this rather long journey with the Right and Left Seam Guides.
So, if you’ve been following along, don’t miss the finale!
The final post is scheduled for two days’ time!
Until then, happy stitching!
