Beginner's Guide to a Coverstitch Machine: Learn How to use a Coverstitch
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- Опубліковано 22 сер 2024
- Should you buy a coverstitch machine? And how do they differ from a serger or sewing machine? And which models are the best buys? In this video I talk about how the coverstitch machine works, why they are essential if you are sewing stretchy knits, which types there are and what you need to consider before you fork up money for a new machine.
Explore all my guides to coverstitching
➡️ Get started with coverstitching
• Coverstitching: A Begi...
🔍 Fix problems with your coverstitch machine
• Coverstitching: Fix pr...
⚙️ Reviews of coverstitch machines and accessories
• Coverstitch Machine Re...
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I also refer to my review of the Janome Cover Pro 2000 CPX www.thelaststit...
And the combination machine in the video is a Pfaff Coverstyle that is no longer sold. The costly combination machine I've been recommended is Babylock Ovation
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Besides finishing knits I also use my coverstitch machine to accent quilt blocks. Put decorative threads in the needles and you can accent either entire blocks or individual portions of a quilt.
Thank you for your videos! I agree with Sweetbriar McCollum - I love that you stay on point and provide all the important information I really need to know in a calm, clear way without making the videos longer than necessary. You're wonderful. Well done:)
Thank you! That feedback means a lot for me to hear, because that is how I want my videos to be. But since English is not my native langue it can sometimes feel like a struggle finding the right words :-) Again thank you for the kind words!
I appreciate all of your opinions and recommendations because you speak with honesty and clarity. Thank You!
o m g the random player found your film ....I don't have no clue that is so many types of mashines. ...... I think I am quite lucky to purchase brother ls 14 as beginner and have pretty good mashines who make more than strait stich ...... I will definitely watch all your films now .....and ...
Thank you for sharing ...This is the bigger strength in us woman ......strong ones like share and by doing that protect knowledge to do not die off or be forgotten. ....
I've recently purchased a BabyLock Lauren (which is the low end of their line and their only serger without the air-threading feature.) It is a convertible machine and requires switching the needle plate and removing the upper portion of the knife. For around $700 US retail - though I got it for $300 by trading in a Janome - it serves me well for a price I could afford. I can serge with 3 or 4 threads, and flatlock and cover stitch with 2 or 3 threads.
Thanks for all the great information. I would love to learn more about using the coverstitch machine to hem small circumference items like baby sleeves or pants, as it’s always a struggle for me to work in such a tight space.
I always sew the hem flat before stitching the ends together. It's much easier that way! And you'll find most rtw items are sewn the same.
Spicy Wifey Thanks! I like doing it that way too. You’re right! It’s way easier. The difficulty I find is when stitching those ends together, I tend to get uneven join. I’ve tried basting first, and that seems to help. Also, topstitching that last little bit hides the problem some. Let me know if you have any other tricks for this :)
Got here coz I didn't know what a coverstitch machine is but now I know that its the same as the piping machine I am using at work. Thanks for all the infos though. I would love to have that 2in1 coverstitch & serger machine at home 😍
Love your accent. You were very helpful.
Thank you, my English still feels like a little struggle, so I'm happy to hear you enjoy my video and found it helpful!
I just upgraded my combination serger to a Janome 1200D. I had a Singer Quantumlock 14T967DC, for which I paid about $400 had issues all along. After 7 years, and enough of it's issues, which included the upper looper hitting the needle occasionally among other things, I decided I to upgrade. I live in a small apartment so having a combination rather than two machines was a requirement. I looked at the Baby Lock, and while they are nice, especially with the air threading, I just could not afford nor justify $3000 for the Evolution, which is their second to highest on the range. The Ovation was much more. As far as I know, those are the only two combination machines they have with air threading. The Diana has coverstitch but it's the same machine I already had (Singer) but with a different name.
I've only had the Janome for a couple of days but I've already made a sweater with it and it's a dream, at least compared to my Singer. The best part is that I didn't have to sell my firstborn child to buy it. It's $1500 new, but I got a great deal on the (barely used) floor model.
That's excellent to hear that you can get a great combo machine without breaking the bank. Janome really seems to be knowing what they are doing when it comes to coverstitching. I love my Janome Coverpro and now I cannot understand how I was able to survive 12 years with my old Pfaff combo, that too was riddled with issues.
My Pfaff is 18 yrs old and phenomenal. It was top of the line then and my shop says it's still a great machine.
I enjoyed this because honestly I never quite understand the difference between using a double needle on a regular sewing machine vs. the cover stitch. However here's my biggest question - does the cover stitch prevent curling with knits? Every time I use knit I serge and sew the hem yet can not seem to prevent the hems from curling on my daughters dresses :-(
Thank you for your reply.
When i was at the shop you were the first person i thought i could ask because you make lots of outerwear and use this machine and i don't know many people who sews.
Greetings from Belgium.
Happy that I could give you some input, investing $$$ in a new machine is a nervous endeavor and it's hard to make the right decision. I did buy a Babylock serger recently and can attest to it being just as good as people say it is, but it was so pricey compared to other sergers!
Love your cover stitch series. I'm looking to invest in one and it really helps in deciding
Thank you! Awesome to hear!
Excellent tutorial, very helpful and clear. I now know I need this machine in my life! Thank you.
:-) Yes this machine is indispensable if you are sewing lots of knits, at least in my humble opinion!
I've bought it! I got a bank holiday weekend deal with 20% off so I'm delighted and can't wait for it to arrive.
Excellent - thank you. Your English is excellent by the way, don't worry x
I have a Huskavarna Serger...25 years old...work horse. I just upgraded my sewing machine for the fancy stuff. I would love the Ovation but way too much $$ for me as well. I am OK with having both machines for my own use. If I had a business...I would buy Babylock 2 in one. XO
Great video. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I have just ordered Pfaff coverlock 3. The combo machine. I hope I will not regret the decision to for combo.
Even now, 6 years after this video, the Babylock ovation is $6000 in Australia. I can never understand how they can can justify charging such outrageous prices this kind of stuff!
Best advice ever, thank you for covering coverstitch. ;-) :-)
You're welcome! I am happy to share my knowledge and plan do the a follow up after the new year where I do a step by step video sharing my best practises and tips to achieve the best stitches possible
Thank you for your wonderful videos! I bought your book and a gently used Janome CoverPro 1000 CPX with a few extras from the seller . Both arrived 4 days ago. I have spent 30 + hours trying to get this machine to work, but I was using the needles intended for wovens (seller said they came with the machine new - but she didn't use them) and could not get any success on woven samples except for a beautiful chain stitch. I wanted the machine for working with knits/stretch fabrics, but also for decorative stitching on wovens. When the ELX795 SUK needles arrived from Amazon I switched to knit scraps for training and am finally seeing some hope. What is your experience using a coverstitch machine on wovens? I believe I can now thread the machine correctly in my sleep, but the far right needle thread is the problem child 90% of the time. I wish I could look behind the metal plate in front of the take-up assembly. I believe that is where the problems begin. Tension on all the threads up to that point feels good, but just after the take-up assembly it no longer feels smooth. What is your opinion on my observation? I didn't find anything in your book about that yet. There is a lot of good information to cover in that book! You did a great with your English!
So I’ve been using twin needles on my regular machine which are just OK in my book; I’ve been thinking of getting in a cover stitch machine since I’ve been sewing with a lot of knits and I’d like my garments to look more professional, but not sure it’s worth the investment because the twin needles that produce a similar effect. What are your thoughts on twin needle stitches vs cover stitch machine?
I know you asked this 10 months ago, but I figured I'd try and answer your question for you! I used a twin needle on my regular machine for a couple of years, and it does okay. But it couldn't hold up to my rambunctious kids. I had constant popped hems with it. A twin needle just isn't as stretchy as a coverstitch, and while it produces a similar look, it's just not as professional looking as an actual coverstitch. I finally upgraded earlier this year and got the same coverstitch as in this video (janome 2000cpx) and it has changed my sewing game! I love it so much and I wish I would have gotten one sooner. It is a little pricey (I paid about $800USD for mine) but in my opinion it is worth every penny. I didn't feel like I could sell my clothes without one.
@@splashluvallover is this cover stitch diff from a serger? Or is it the same.
@@Thesecondselfpodcast a cover stitch is different than a serger. You can buy a serger/cover stitch combo, but most people prefer having separate machines because it’s a pain to have to convert your serger over to the cover stitch and back again. Especially mid project. I have 3 separate machines: a regular sewing machine, a serger, and a cover stitch. And I use all 3 of them when sewing.
@@splashluvallover thank you
Excellent video. I just purchased the Pro 2000 CPX and the salesperson told me to use the soft lever for knits and the tight for wovens. Anxious to take my class and learn as much as I can about stitch adjustments.
+lois van ackern that has been my experience too that the soft lever is a necessity at least for stretchy knits, makes a substantial diffrence on the look of the stitches. Getting a class is great, I have taken classes for both my coverstitch machines and it has helped immensely
Can you sew flatlock seams with a coverstitch machine or should I just invest in a commercial flatlocker?
nice... so if I want to sew leggings and sports bras and joggers... is a coverstitch machine the best to buy? what machine do you recommend for a small business?
Hi, did you buy the machine finally? :) I am also looking for machine to hem stretchy fabrics.
Great video!Very informative and to the point.And btw you are very beautiful and have an adorable accent! But anyway,i went the other route when my combo husky lock/coverstitch broke down.I broke down and bought an industrial coverstitch machine and even though it takes up a lot more space,i wouldn't trade it for the world.
I can imagine! I have been tempted so many times too, because many households machines just doesn't make the cut. But I sew out of the living room, so it is not feasible. Is it hard to fiddle with? I would be nervous about not having access to a good mechanic and stuff
Thank you for sharing it.
Good luck.
Love your video!! You are a great speaker!!
Always learn so much from you. Great tutor love your videos. Thank you so much
Thank you very much for introducing me to the coverstitch machine. Until now I did not know such kind of a machine excisted. How heavy a thread can be used in a normal coverstich machine?
I am considering to buy a coverstich machine.
The saleswoman at my local shop have the Janome and the Babylock model coverstitch machines.
She told me many people complain their janome coverstitch make bad stitches on thicker materials and of course the Babylock one is almost the double of the price as the janome.Have you experienced this with your Janome?
She says the Babylock is a workhorse and goes tbrough very thick and thin slippery (lingerie) materials.
I don't know if she just want to sell the expesive machines or it is the truth.
Everyone I've spoken to that I trust and has knowledge says that the Babylock CS is better than Janome. That said, for me the Janome is way better than my old Pfaff. But it is still requires some meddling, especially when it comes to tricky fabrics as you say. I've achieved great results on pretty much all fabrics with the Janome, but sometimes it took several samples and fiddling with the settings, and folks say that on the Babylock it is less work to get good result.
I have the BabyLock Enlighten and I love it. It almost sews itself.
I was at a quilt fair yesterday and I looked at the babylock sergers/coverstitich machines. They can be super expensive, I'll have to save up lol. Thanks for the explanation and demo.
+Vivian Varble Oh I know! I cried all the way from the bank ;-) when the coverstitch function broke on my Pfaff and I had to fork up for the Janome. It's a fab machine but in my dreams I still yearn for the oh so pricey Babylock ovation!
Never knew you were an Author awesome 👏
Thank you! I've done two sewing books!
How did you get the correct width underneath turn please
Tack Johanna för bra info. Jag är på jakt efter en covermaskin nu och både dina videos och böcker har så bra tips och trix! Liten fråga (som du kanske besvarat i någon tidigare video) var köper du dina trådrullar?
Hi , thank you for all of the info you share... I treated myself to a Juki MCS coverstich 1800 and I want to buy a binder foot but there are different sizes and I wanted to know which one I should buy for t-necklines and hems. Thanks Karen
What do you do with lighter weight knits? My Janome cover stitch machine works like crap on them. I spent over $400 for it! Any suggestions? I’ve done everything it says to do in my manual.
I’m considering buying a used 1000cp coverstitch machine for $285. I’ve a very skilled sewer with Bernina sewing machines (and serger) and would like to get more professional results with a cover stitch. I’m also interested in a Pfaff 4872 combo server/coverstitch for 350. I don’t know which direction to go, nor do I know if these models are so outdated that finding feet for them would be difficult. Should I just save up for a brand new coverstitch?
thanks for sharing this...i can never get the diff feed right and will check your blog for tips
Nailing the diff feed is tricky. I always do samples on the fabric, because the type of fabric you use makes a big difference. But also things like needle tension and stitch length can affect how tight the seam will be.
Great video! I am from Argentina and your blog and UA-cam channel are super usefull thks! i just bought they brother coverstitch... It is Nice or it Will get me headache?
I have not tried it, but I highly recommend that you join the Coverstitch/Coverlock Facebook group, it is a great resource for info and there are members there who pretty much have any model and brand. Happy coverstitching!
Hello,
Thank you so much for this information, it was very helpful. I wanted to ask you a question. So I currently have the brother 2340CV coverstitch and it is so finicky requiring me to literally hand turn it in order to avoid skip stitches. I have changed all my needles to 75/11 and have looked at countless videos and cant seem to figure out the problem. Does you/anyone have any advice/insight on what I may be missing?
I typically use it on spandex/polyester/lycra materials
Hi
Thank you so much for this video. I am about to purchase the same coverstitch machine and I would like to know the diference between this one and an industrial converstitch machine?
An industrial machine is often harder to thread and usually doesn't have numbers on the tension dial. But they can be sturdier than a domestic coverstitch machine
I use to work for a company that predominantly made lycra clothing. I worked on and between 3 industrial machines. Cover stitching, overlocker and a binding machine.
Am looking for a machine that combines Cover stitching and binding.
Binding is the neckline of t-shirt and strappy tops.
My question is ....
Can a Cover stitch machine have an attachment to do the binding job? If so what machine brand should I be looking for
Thanks
You may want to do a web search for your brand and model and binding. It seems to me that most coverstitch machines have screw holes for holding a binding attachment.
please, as a beginner what type of machine will you recommend for me.
It's so hard to give recommendations since I have only owned to coverstitch machines, but I have heard good things about Juki machines and the Janome 2000cpx I have is also good for beginners I think (but some feel that it can tricky to use on some fabrics)
Do you serge the seam first or does the cover stitch do it all?
Hello JohannaI love yr videos .... I am going through them slowly . I am a beginner I used to sew 15yrs ago and decided to. Bring my faithful Pfaff sewing machine out of the cupboard , had it serviced and viola ! Off it goes faithfully as always so glad I got as nowadays the prices r so exaggerated . I do have a serger however I would like to start working with jersey fabrics not Lycra . I am fussy about the hems and seam finishes so do u recommend I should get a coverstich machine as from yr video I I understand the hems will not be so neat as with a serger ...am I right ???Love yr accent and yr English is very good ! Greetings from Very hot Malta , Europe xx
Wonderful to hear from a fellow European! If you want your makes to look very professional, the coverstitch will make that happen. But I have also done a video on how to hem knits on a regular sewing machine with a lot of tricks that will yield good result on most fabrics. But well the coverstitch is better of course.
I have singer serger. Can I coverstich with a serger?
Hi what machine would you recommend for tee shirts, pants & suit jackets
I decided to buy after watching this video xD
Are you saying that your cover stitch only machine is better then using the cover stitch babylock ovation. I get so much information that it’s had to even ask an intelligent question
Por favor, gostaria de saber se ela faz o ponto reto, o overloque e a Galoneira?
Enfim, se ela é uma três em um
Wonderful concise, tight, well edited video. Thanks so much, it really makes viewing bearable as well as worthwhile.
(Rambling, hesitating, unprepared videos make me cringe and stop watching. Sorry, but true.)
Thank you! This is an area that is super important to me too and that I'm always trying to improve my delivery, cause time is valuable.
Sweetbriar McCollum 9
Last Stitc
The Last Stitch j7
Great video, thanks
+Brenda Douglas You're welcome!☺
*Excellent tutorial!* I need to take a closer look at that Janome Cover Pro machine. ;-))
Yes it's a good machine, but others really like the pricier Baby Lock machines and say it is better. I recommend that you check out the Facebook group Coverstitch/Coverlock because there are many people that can help you there with your purchase and recommendation
I already have a pretty good Kenmore serger (Janome knockoff) which I use to finish raw edges. I just need that cover hem/chain stitch function... and it looks like the Janome CoverPro will do that for under a $1000... unlike the fancy BabyLock serger which is several thousand dollars. Currently, I use 3 machines (serger, mechanical & computer sewing machines)... no big deal to add a fourth! ;-))
I want to take your opinion which one to buy between JANOME 2000cpx and JANOME 1200D, confused about these two. Thanks!
so I can't cover stitch on my Babylock Imagine serger? :'( I was hoping to hem an athletic jersey knit shirt. I guess I could just get a twin needle for my regular sewing machine...(??)
when I am using a stretchy fabric, my cover stitch (wide) seems to create raised "tube" effect between the two (top side) rows of stitching, almost like the tension on the chain is to tight. Do you think that is the problem or How would I fix this.
Hi! Yes my Janome CS does that on thin stretchy fabrics too. Loosening the looper tension can help, and also trying a longer stitch length sometimes work,
I know this is old, but wonder tape has been amazing for me with thinner fabrics that tend to "tunnel" and the wonder tape just washes right out so easily. I've even had luck just running the hem under water and it dissolves if I don't want to wash the whole garment before wearing it.
I have one like yours but it is cut fabric!you mean has another job for it?
Hellow , is this machine like the over lock machine or different?
Just wondering if you need to have all your thread cones the same size when sewing. Can you use a smaller spool combined with a large spool or even a threaded bobbin without doing any adjustments?
Yep! Regular sewing thread will work too, perhaps not ideal due to being somewhat thicker, but I use it when I need matching thread and don't have three cones. Usually no need for adjustments
I have a serger but am interested in buying a Coverstitch machine to complement as I've seen that this has a slightly different function. I have narrowed it down to 2 models (Brother Coverlock 3550CV and Janome Coverlock Pro 2000 CPX ) that seem almost comparable with only a small difference in price, however, one of them appears to have 5 threads and I have not been able to figure out what this is good for, do you know?
Hi! The difference is that Brother Coverlock can do a double top coverseam, hence the 5 threads. This is a beautiful detailing that will mimic rtw finishing. I've heard it can be a bit tricky to learn at first, but then again so can the Janome (it needs some fiddling with settings when sewing over trickier fabrics ). Hope that helps!
Thinking of buying a BROTHER COVERLOCK 3550CV, it seems ok, certainly the price is ok, do you have any experience of this machine? It has 5 threads, is this good or just something else that can go wrong?
I have one. Still problems with skipped stiches. I feel like most stupid human on earth. Every time i need to sew something on this machine, stress level. Is similar like in dentist office. I will try sew again and hope for success.
I recently purchased a refurbished Janome Cover Pro 2000 like the one shown in your video. I tried to cover stitch a 3/8" hem on the neckline of a doll dress. The fabric bunched up in a wad no matter what setting the differential feed was on. Since I have no instructional CD with the machine, can you tell me if the cover pro is designed to navigate sharp curves, or will it only coverstitch on relatively straight lines?
+Carrol Morgan It will perform much better on straight and slightly curved shapes such a regular neckline, but with some practise the curves will get better, the trick is to learn manipulate the fabric while sewing, shaping as you sew. Not sure how well it can work on doll clothes but people use it for necklines on baby clothes so there is hope!
+Carrol Morgan Also did you try switching between Tight and Soft? That can sometimes help too
Thank you for the reply, I will keep practicing.
Hi, thank you for the video. I have a Q? Could I use a thicker tread in the lower looper?
Yes, Maxi lock thread is great. And soft!
Would you recommend the Janome CoverPro 900 for a first coverstitch machine?
I would rather pick the Janome 2000 tbh, the 900 seem to have rather mixed reviews plus less versatile with only 2 needles
@@Thelaststitch thanks!!
Bernina new cover stitch machine is so expensive too🙂
Does the cover stitch machine use an elastic thread? Or is it just regular sewing thread?
Just regular sewing thread, because of the elaborate chain stitch on the wrong side of the fabric, the coverstitch has excellent stretchability while still looking like a straight seam on top. Maybe you can use elastic thread in the lower looper to make it even more stretchy, but that would probably mean tampering with the settings since the machine is set up for regular thread.
my janome coverstitch 1000 pro is puckering and jamming when I begin to sew. the fabric puckers and won't feed thru the feed dogs. can you help
Hard to tell: But here are some suggestions. First make sure all things are set up properly (see my video step by step guide to setting up the Janome ua-cam.com/video/5tpFCisBbRk/v-deo.html and check you manual). And always start with a scrap if you are sewing on the flat. Also try altering the presser foot pressure (the white knob on top). And lastly an advance tip: Many people have gotten improvements by raising the feed dogs, you do this by adjusting the four screws underneath the plate. Also it takes practise to guide the fabric correctly when sewing on a coverstitch tbh, since most machines can be a bit fiddly. Hope it helps!
Hi, I have the same cover stitch machine, but am very new with it. Can you use invisible thread in the needles? I tried yesterday and I seem to have a ridge in the middle of the rows of stitches....I have the needle tension to 0 and the looper to 3.... any ideas what I might be doing wrong? Thanks so much. Ps I really enjoyed your UA-cam
I haven't tried invisible thread in the coverstitch machine, but the best way to adjust for fickle thread is thru the tension settings I think so you are already doing that right. Have you tried to lower the looper tension? I use a lot of woolly nylon in the looper and that increases the tension by 1-2 steps, so lowering the looper has helped me there, I suspect the invisible thread has the same effect.
thanks so much Ill try that. I was thinking that it could be the differential feed, but when I look a the backof the stitch its way too tight, so I guess I try the lower looper setting. What is the soft/tight lever for? I cant find anything in the manual for it
The soft/tight lever also adjusts the lower looper, it could help with the ridge too when I think about it. When I had some issues with not getting a flat seam once I switched to soft and it helped a bit. I'm not 100% sure yet when to use soft vs tight, but worth trying for sure!
Do you think the Brother 2340 cv machines is a good one for beginner? I'm looking for a coverstitch machine.
Hi! I don't have experience with one so don't feel qualified to answer. But join the Facebook group Coverstitch/Coverlock and ask your question there. There are loads of experienced users there who can help you!
Thank you!
I could not catch the address for your blog.
Click "Show More" in the paragraph under the video for all her links. Her blog is www.thelaststitch.com
🙂🙂🙂