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Getting a coverstitch machine│A beginners guide

I get a lot of questions regarding coverstitch machines; if they are worth investing in, how to use them, why they are so fickle 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 of machines there are to choose from and what you need to consider before you fork up money for a machine that can basically only do one stitch (but what a stitch!).

As for the extensive coverstitch machine buying and troubleshooting post I refer to in the video, it’s this The Ultimate Guide To Coverstitching

Here is my review of the Janome CoverPro that I show in the video.

Also Melissa from Fehr Trade has written an excellent article on coverstitching in Seamwork magazine

And the combination machine in the video is a Pfaff Coverstyle that is no longer sold, but I know that Pfaff has a several other combination models.

If you have any questions regarding using and buying a coverstitch machine, just ask me in the comment section and I do my best to answer it!

8 Comments

  • PsychicSewerKathleen
    November 6, 2016 at 5:46 pm

    Hi Johanna
    I had the Husqvarna combination serger/coverstitch for a few years and I completely agree this is NOT the way to go. I never used the coverstitch option b/c of all the fiddling around with changing the table, rethreading etc. This year I went crazy and bought Babylock! (I’m in Canada and indeed these machines are about 3 times more than Janome). AND I actually bought separate coverstitch and serger machines. There was no way I was getting mixed up with one of those combo machines again. 🙂 But I have to say that for threading? They are AMAZINGLY easy. Now I never hesitate to thread whatever threads I want and do it often. I can finally have the right colour thread to match my garment and it just looks so much better. So if it is affordable to you I would highly recommend Babylock. I don’t know about their sewing machines – I’ve heard they are quite good. I have an Elna which is made by Janome now anyway and it’s a great machine.

    Reply
    • Johanna
      November 6, 2016 at 6:09 pm

      Thank you for recommending Elna and Babylock. I need to buy a new serger soon too, because the overlock function on my old Pfaff is not what it should be either anymore. Like you I would never ever buy a combo machine again that requires rethreading, switching tables and stuff like that. But I can see the appeal of combos for a beginner, especially when it comes to price. Heck that’s what I thought myself when I bought my combo machine 12 years ago!

      Reply
  • Maddie Flanigan
    November 7, 2016 at 12:44 am

    Great video! Thank you for sharing. I recently got my hands on a PFAFF Coverlock and boy, is that an intimating beast at first! It is user friendly, so it hasn’t been hard to figure her out. I went back and read your other post from the summer on cover stitching. Another thank you!

    Reply
    • Johanna
      November 7, 2016 at 4:37 pm

      Yes, there is a curve when it comes to understanding how to handle the coverstitch machine. It’s not tricky technically, but there are so many small things that one has to be mindful of, which can be bit intimidating at first. But it such a great tool, that makes sewing knits a whole new and much more rewarding experience. Plus you can use it for top stitching jeans and stuff too!

      Reply
  • Anna
    January 31, 2017 at 4:00 pm

    Thank you so much for this. I am self taught seamstree and honestly have been “faking” my top stiiching my entire life. I did not even know they made a machine eclusively for top stitching. This does not even begin to cover my “fear” of making knit garments because my standards are high and I do not want to waste time and money making something I do not feel looks good enough to wear. Anyway…thank you for the information I will be looking into machines and costs to see if the $$ is worth it. (In my life). 🙂

    Reply
    • Johanna
      February 1, 2017 at 10:31 am

      I was totally there with your fear about sewing knits and in the beginning I found serging things like sleeves very scary! It’s just a very different way of sewing that at least I didn’t learn when growing up. But as with everything else it takes practice and then the results will come 🙂 The best thing about learning to sew knits is that A. there are so many fab knit fabrics out there these days and B. it’s something a lot of us really enjoy wearing on a daily basis. I hope you get the courage, with time you will be rewarded and perhaps even get a bit addicted to making knit garments!

      Reply
  • Lori
    July 7, 2017 at 9:43 pm

    Hello!

    I am trying to decide between the Janome 1000 cpx and the 2000 cpx. I have searched and searched and cannot find any information on the addition dial that is next to the looper tension. The price difference between the two machines in the USA is over $250. Can you tell me what it does and if it is really worth the additional money?

    Thank you!

    Reply
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