Replies

1. 
   islandgirl57 | Jan 05, 2006 06:44am | #1

   I have a Pfaff  Coverlock serger that has a cover stitch on it and the hems I do look just like the store bought ones.

2. 
   Kiley | Jan 05, 2006 11:58am | #2

   Angie, coverhem sergers or coverhem machines use an extra chain looper for both the coverhem stitches and the chain stitch that they can also do. You can purchase a machine that only does coverhem only or a serger that also does coverhem. The combo serger/coverhem models are more expensive than machines that only do serged stitches because they have more stitch programs and can cover and chain. Models vary on how many types of coverhem stitches they can do. Some only do a narrow 2 thread cover hem while some do narrow and wide 2 seam cover and a 3 seam coverhem. I have a 4 thread serger with 16 stitch programs and does 3 different coverhems. Models do vary. Some 5 thread sergers only do one coverhem. There are also the 8 and 10 thread sergers that do much more.

1. 
   AngieRobinson | Jan 05, 2006 11:30pm | #3

   You misunderstood what I was saying. I know what a cover hem is. I have a 5 thread serger that does all that.

   I'm talking about a stitch that my machine can't do. I see it on active wear that I have. It is used for hems and seams. It creates a flat seam on both sides like a coverhem or flatlock, no seam allowance hanging there. It looks like a triple cover hem on the back. The top, with the three needle threads, also has a thread that loops back and forth just like the upper looper would. The upper looper on my machine can't be used to do this because it comes from bellow the bed and needs to go over the edge of the seam. This is worked flat, like a cover hem, not folded and then flattened like a flatlock. I have also seen it with four needle threads, but three is the most common. I've never seen it with two needle threads.

   I searched on the web and found a site that talks about it. Scroll down to see some pictures of what I'm talking about. http://www.yamato-sewing.com/f-1.htm They seem to be refering to them as Flat Seamer machines. I just love this type of seam and wish I could do it. The flatlock just isn't the same.

   Angie

1. 
   Kiley | Jan 05, 2006 11:45pm | #4

   I see that the stitch refers to a 4 needle stitch and it seems to be on a Yamata serger. I presume it is an industrial serger and some do a double coverhem. Thanks for posting that it is a nice stitch. My serger though only a 4 thread has 5 needles but never uses more than 3 needles at once. I bought my serger for the 3 seam coverhem and I like to use a contrast thread and reverse it for the straight stitches to be on the  underside for a deco look. I have seen a stitch similar to the one in the diagram but it was done with a 10 thread serger. I like the many stitches that the multi thread sergers can do.

   Edited 1/5/2006 3:46 pm ET by Kiley

1. 
   AngieRobinson | Jan 06, 2006 12:52am | #5

   Do you have the Pfaff Creative 4874? I saw online that it has the 3 needle 5 thread top cover that I'm talking about. Have you ever used that stitch? How does it get the top thread on? Does it have a looper above the bed? I couldn't see from the picture on the website. Do you like the machine? Is it very expensive?

   Angie

3. 
   suesew | Jan 06, 2006 05:58am | #6

   Is it possible that the underside of the stitch your machne produces would looe more like the commercial ones you like?

1. 
   AngieRobinson | Jan 09, 2006 06:13pm | #7

   I will probably use the coverhem with the bottom on the outside. This should work OK on the knits since the cut edge won't ravel, but it's not as nice as having a stitch that encloses the edge on both sides. I may also try the flatlock with the ladders on the inside, but I don't know if that'll be sturdy enough.

   On tight active wear, it's so nice not to have that seam allowance rubbing on you.

   Angie