I have a Babylock coverstitch machine, with air jet threading for the looper thread. It was my dream machine for years because I find that my family mostly prefers to wear knit clothes that I make, but I hesitated because of the cost. Since I only sew for my family and occasional gifts, it was hard to justify the cost, except that it has made my sewing hobby more enjoyable now (investing in the tools to make more of my hobby). No more twin-needle troubles and unravelled t-shirt hems, and it runs through multiple thick laters of sweatshirt fabric like butter!
Great tips. I own one and use it often. I think the biggest piece of advice I might give is that these machines can be very finicky and take time to learn. Have patience, practice and walk away if you’re stuck. Advice really for getting stuck in any project. 😉
I own an Elsa Easycover and I’m in love with it! I bought it in December and can’t imagine myself without it now. The chain stitch is also useful when the thickness is not much for my sewing machine, there is no thickness problem with my Coverstitch machine
I just purchased a Brother 3550 and I love it. It looks complicated because of the double cover stitch, but it is quite simple once you know where everything goes. A good You Tube video for this machine is from Angela Wolf.
I just bought a Bernette b42 and I love it but have had problems with the thread getting caught when sewing over s seam. These tip are so helpful. Thank you.
I’ve just bought a coverstitch machine and I went for the Babylock. I’ve also bought two accessory the hem feller and the bias binding accessory foot with rake. Can’t wait to give it all a try. Diana
Great tips, thank you so much. When coverstitching on my Janome 2000CPX in the round I can finish in such a way that the threads end up on the wrong side without having to thread a needle myself to do it ~ it’s a different way to finishing on the flat but gives the same result and no unravelling. If you search RUclips for ending coverstitch in the round there is a video on it 🌸💞🌸
Super helpful and concise, thanks! I've used my coverstitch machine a couple times, but was struggling to get my fabric off the machine without channelling King Kong. Looking forward to playing some more.
Interesting! You're pulling the needle threads out and cutting them before removing your project / cutting the looper thread and it's still getting stuck?
@@SeamworkVideo No, I'm basically doing it all wrong 😆As in: lifting the presser foot and yanking the fabric backward to try to remove it from the machine. This doesn't work well and I have to tug hard to get enough slack in the threads to be able to cut them (there suddenly seems to be 6 of them even though I'm only using three spools). I've also struggled to deal with tunnelling, but now I know to try adjusting the foot pressure, too. I'll be trying the method outlined in the video next time I coverstitch something.
@@ZoeyDuncan Oh yeah, that definitely won't work! I get better results when all the needles are piercing both layers rather than straddling the raw edge of a hem. Coverstitch machines can be pretty finicky so save your scraps and do a bunch of tests! You've got this!
We acquired a pre-owned Bernina 009DCC but haven't used it yet. This machine will only do a 2 row cover stitch of a chain stitch, but I think that will probably cover pretty much anything we would likely want to do.
I have a baby lock evolution. Very fancy and I have not used it enough to justify its place. But I think I have finally begun to ‘get’ it. I think it does do cover stitch as I have used it without the blade once or twice. I am eager to try it now and welcome more ideas for servers as I would love to use mine more.
I have dual serger/ coverstitch Bernina. I heard that it is better to have a coverstitch instead of a dual machine. I use the coverstitch some but I also use the twin needles on my regular machine probably more. Thank you for the video.
Oh! I've so wanted to try the L 890! It looks like such a cool machine. I've also heard combo machines can be a challenge, but I don't have any personal experience with one.
Newbie sewist here! I’m not clear on the difference between a cover stitch machine and a serger. And is an over locker machine another word for a serger or another word for a cover stitch machine?
A serger cuts the sewn edge as it is being sewn, and covers that cut edge with layers of zig-zag-type stitching, effectively sewing and finishing a seam very professionally so that no cut edges show. A cover stitch JUST hems and finishes the edge without cutting anything. Some sergers can also coverstitch, which is likely the most cost effective option, but I've heard they are very mechanically finicky to use.
I have been considering a cover stitch machine for some time. I live rural so my preference would be to stay with the Janome dealer since he is close and the service is great. I want to hem, obviously, but I also want to use it for that flat stitch on yoga wear etc. My possibilities are the 900 or the 2000. The difference I can see is having either 2 needles or 3. When buying machines, I have tried to buy the best I can afford even if I don't understand all the bells and whistles on the assumption that I will "grow" into it. The advantage of a 3 needle machine seems to be that I can do a wider double stitch if I want to, or, of course, 3 lines of stitching, which isn't that important to me. Am I missing something in choosing between a 2 needle and 3 needle machine? Thank you for your feedback.
3 lines of stitching are how you can create the reverse coverstitch on activewear! You'll stitch the three lines on the wrong side of the garment and the looper thread will be on the right side. This could be done with 2 needles, but the looper thread pattern won't be as complex. If you can, test out a machine in person to help you decide what you prefer!
@@SeamworkVideo Thank you for your prompt reply. That settles it. I want 3 needle machine. Thank you. Unfortunately, under stay at home so no testing. I can wait but I don't want to!
I have just made the Farah & the only thing I don’t like is the zig zag hem; in fact I hate it! Because of this I have always cuffed arm hems (I did on this) and used a straight stitch on main hem. Somehow I forgot & just followed instructions….So I now ‘need’ a cover stitch. But which one …..any help appreciated, 2 needles is enough….. thanks
Have you tried a twin needle? Go to a local sewing machine store to test out some coverstitch machines. They will be able to help you select a machine with the features you want.
I have the Janome CPX 2000. I also have a basic Janome overlocker ...but a fabulous Bernina sewing machine. I wonder whether to upgrade the Janome machines. Your Bernina looks much easier to use and there’s a baby lock which does both and threads itself ...or is that just extravagant? It’s just that I have no problems with my Bernina.... Thank you for the video.
Unfortunately, Bernina no longer makes this model! However, it's pretty much the same machine as the Juki 1500 and 1700QVP. What are you not loving about your CPX 2000?
The cost of the combo Babylock serger + coverstich is more than the cost of buying each machine separately. I think the reason people get the combo is if they truly don't have the space for 2 separate machines. I often go back and forth between serging and coverstitching in one project, and making the transition (removing the blade and re-threading) takes several minutes. I personally would recommend separate machines if you can accommodate the table space for both.
Potentially! I would probably use the chainstitch feature, which looks like a straight stitch on the right side but has stretch built into the stitch. In general I hem chiffon on my sewing machine since I don't need stretch build into the hem.
So it’s impossible to make 1 line of stitches on front with overlock loop binding on the back with cover stitch machine??? How then it’s done on Chinese clothes? It’s really has only 1 line of stitches & bunch of overlock loops on the back. Looks so neat. I would love to learn how to do it instead of 2 parallel lines
I think what you're referring to is a chain stitch, which you can do on your coverstitch machine with thread through a single needle and thread through the coverstitch looper.
I have a Babylock coverstitch machine, with air jet threading for the looper thread. It was my dream machine for years because I find that my family mostly prefers to wear knit clothes that I make, but I hesitated because of the cost. Since I only sew for my family and occasional gifts, it was hard to justify the cost, except that it has made my sewing hobby more enjoyable now (investing in the tools to make more of my hobby). No more twin-needle troubles and unravelled t-shirt hems, and it runs through multiple thick laters of sweatshirt fabric like butter!
Great tips. I own one and use it often. I think the biggest piece of advice I might give is that these machines can be very finicky and take time to learn. Have patience, practice and walk away if you’re stuck. Advice really for getting stuck in any project. 😉
Excellent advice! I had to re-thread my coverstitch multiple times while filming this tutorial!
I have a Babylock coverstitch machine that I don't use often, but when I do....I love it...thanks for the reminders and info on the video.
I own an Elsa Easycover and I’m in love with it! I bought it in December and can’t imagine myself without it now. The chain stitch is also useful when the thickness is not much for my sewing machine, there is no thickness problem with my Coverstitch machine
I just purchased a Brother 3550 and I love it. It looks complicated because of the double cover stitch, but it is quite simple once you know where everything goes. A good You Tube video for this machine is from Angela Wolf.
I just bought a Bernette b42 and I love it but have had problems with the thread getting caught when sewing over s seam. These tip are so helpful. Thank you.
I’ve just bought a coverstitch machine and I went for the Babylock. I’ve also bought two accessory the hem feller and the bias binding accessory foot with rake. Can’t wait to give it all a try. Diana
Really informative video! Well done. I have a Janome 2000 CPX.
Great tips, thank you so much. When coverstitching on my Janome 2000CPX in the round I can finish in such a way that the threads end up on the wrong side without having to thread a needle myself to do it ~ it’s a different way to finishing on the flat but gives the same result and no unravelling. If you search RUclips for ending coverstitch in the round there is a video on it 🌸💞🌸
Thank you for such a great video!
For hemming knits i love the stretch zigzag stitch. It looks so pretty.
Yes! Zigzag is a classic!
Super helpful and concise, thanks! I've used my coverstitch machine a couple times, but was struggling to get my fabric off the machine without channelling King Kong. Looking forward to playing some more.
Interesting! You're pulling the needle threads out and cutting them before removing your project / cutting the looper thread and it's still getting stuck?
@@SeamworkVideo No, I'm basically doing it all wrong 😆As in: lifting the presser foot and yanking the fabric backward to try to remove it from the machine. This doesn't work well and I have to tug hard to get enough slack in the threads to be able to cut them (there suddenly seems to be 6 of them even though I'm only using three spools). I've also struggled to deal with tunnelling, but now I know to try adjusting the foot pressure, too. I'll be trying the method outlined in the video next time I coverstitch something.
@@ZoeyDuncan Oh yeah, that definitely won't work! I get better results when all the needles are piercing both layers rather than straddling the raw edge of a hem. Coverstitch machines can be pretty finicky so save your scraps and do a bunch of tests! You've got this!
Janome CoverPro 1000CPX. Still at my learning curve. But loving it. Thanks for all of the great tips.
Enjoy your coverstitch machine!
We acquired a pre-owned Bernina 009DCC but haven't used it yet. This machine will only do a 2 row cover stitch of a chain stitch, but I think that will probably cover pretty much anything we would likely want to do.
That's a great machine and I'm sure you'll be able to do tons with it!
I have a baby lock evolution. Very fancy and I have not used it enough to justify its place. But I think I have finally begun to ‘get’ it. I think it does do cover stitch as I have used it without the blade once or twice. I am eager to try it now and welcome more ideas for servers as I would love to use mine more.
I am so glad to have watched this video. I thought I could sew seams with a cover stitch machine. I was so wrong.
It's a common misconception! I think people get it confused with a serger (sometimes called an overlocker). Glad the video was helpful!
Great video. Thanks so much!
Glad it was helpful!
I have dual serger/ coverstitch Bernina. I heard that it is better to have a coverstitch instead of a dual machine. I use the coverstitch some but I also use the twin needles on my regular machine probably more. Thank you for the video.
Oh! I've so wanted to try the L 890! It looks like such a cool machine. I've also heard combo machines can be a challenge, but I don't have any personal experience with one.
I appreciate the thread tip!
Glad it was helpful!
Great video, thanks.
I inherited an old BabyLock. Serviceman figures it is at least 40 years old. Never owned one before. Kinda excited and kinda worried at the same time.
You can do it! Happy coverstitching!
Newbie sewist here! I’m not clear on the difference between a cover stitch machine and a serger. And is an over locker machine another word for a serger or another word for a cover stitch machine?
A serger cuts the sewn edge as it is being sewn, and covers that cut edge with layers of zig-zag-type stitching, effectively sewing and finishing a seam very professionally so that no cut edges show. A cover stitch JUST hems and finishes the edge without cutting anything. Some sergers can also coverstitch, which is likely the most cost effective option, but I've heard they are very mechanically finicky to use.
I have been considering a cover stitch machine for some time. I live rural so my preference would be to stay with the Janome dealer since he is close and the service is great. I want to hem, obviously, but I also want to use it for that flat stitch on yoga wear etc. My possibilities are the 900 or the 2000. The difference I can see is having either 2 needles or 3. When buying machines, I have tried to buy the best I can afford even if I don't understand all the bells and whistles on the assumption that I will "grow" into it. The advantage of a 3 needle machine seems to be that I can do a wider double stitch if I want to, or, of course, 3 lines of stitching, which isn't that important to me. Am I missing something in choosing between a 2 needle and 3 needle machine? Thank you for your feedback.
3 lines of stitching are how you can create the reverse coverstitch on activewear! You'll stitch the three lines on the wrong side of the garment and the looper thread will be on the right side. This could be done with 2 needles, but the looper thread pattern won't be as complex. If you can, test out a machine in person to help you decide what you prefer!
@@SeamworkVideo Thank you for your prompt reply. That settles it. I want 3 needle machine. Thank you. Unfortunately, under stay at home so no testing. I can wait but I don't want to!
Yes! It's hard! Some dealers are doing appointments that limit the number of folks in the store, so it might be worth reaching out! Good luck!
I have just made the Farah & the only thing I don’t like is the zig zag hem; in fact I hate it! Because of this I have always cuffed arm hems (I did on this) and used a straight stitch on main hem. Somehow I forgot & just followed instructions….So I now ‘need’ a cover stitch. But which one …..any help appreciated, 2 needles is enough….. thanks
Have you tried a twin needle? Go to a local sewing machine store to test out some coverstitch machines. They will be able to help you select a machine with the features you want.
I have the Janome CPX 2000. I also have a basic Janome overlocker ...but a fabulous Bernina sewing machine. I wonder whether to upgrade the Janome machines. Your Bernina looks much easier to use and there’s a baby lock which does both and threads itself ...or is that just extravagant? It’s just that I have no problems with my Bernina.... Thank you for the video.
Sue the Janome Airthread 2000D Overlocker is amazing 🌸💞🌸
Unfortunately, Bernina no longer makes this model! However, it's pretty much the same machine as the Juki 1500 and 1700QVP. What are you not loving about your CPX 2000?
The cost of the combo Babylock serger + coverstich is more than the cost of buying each machine separately. I think the reason people get the combo is if they truly don't have the space for 2 separate machines. I often go back and forth between serging and coverstitching in one project, and making the transition (removing the blade and re-threading) takes several minutes. I personally would recommend separate machines if you can accommodate the table space for both.
Can you use it to hem chiffon?
Potentially! I would probably use the chainstitch feature, which looks like a straight stitch on the right side but has stretch built into the stitch. In general I hem chiffon on my sewing machine since I don't need stretch build into the hem.
So it’s impossible to make 1 line of stitches on front with overlock loop binding on the back with cover stitch machine??? How then it’s done on Chinese clothes? It’s really has only 1 line of stitches & bunch of overlock loops on the back. Looks so neat. I would love to learn how to do it instead of 2 parallel lines
I think what you're referring to is a chain stitch, which you can do on your coverstitch machine with thread through a single needle and thread through the coverstitch looper.