Replies

1. 
   user-7822029 | May 29, 2021 10:14am | #1

   I have been using a serger for many years, and would not be without one. Visit your local sewing machine dealer and ask for a demo. I would prefer a serger to a coverstitch machine. I also prefer Babylock and Brother brands.

   I think you may be surprised at all a serger can do.

1. 
   user-7656287 | May 29, 2021 10:42am | #2

   Thank you. I have a serger and I love it so much. I'm specifically interested in a cover stich machine, which only creates hems.

1. 
   user-1116275 | May 29, 2021 12:15pm | #3

   I have a cover stitch machine and enjoy using it very much but be careful which machine you buy. I bought a Janome 2000 CPX because it was one of the easier ones to use and it has a lot of space between the machine and the needle. Some of the machines I saw were cramped and left little space for the fabric. Try youtube to see whats out there then go and get a demo at a store you trust.. You will need to play with it because it's quite different. I got a lot of help from a Craftsy on line course I think it's called Cover stitch and beyond. Good luck Happy sewing!

1. 
   user-7656287 | May 29, 2021 12:56pm | #4

   Thanks!

2. 
   thetailor | May 29, 2021 02:57pm | #5

   Coverstitch machines are wonderful for those of us who make clothes. I have used the Bernette 42 which is exclusively a coverstitch machine. It's very easy to thread and to use.
   I recently also have used the new Bernina L890 which is a combo machine. This machine is amazing because it's air threaded and has a computer that walks you thru all the steps so you don't have to get out the manual.

3. 
   user-7656287 | May 30, 2021 08:22am | #6

   Thanks!

4. 
   Bainbridgebythebolt | May 30, 2021 01:32pm | #7

   Hi- I just purchased my first coverstitch machine- I’m a advanced beginner, and sewing a fair amount of knits. Here is what I found:

   I looked at the Bernette b42, coverstitch only machines and decided against it because it had a hard time with the jersey I brought into the dealer to test (I highly recommend bringing in a few swatches of fabric into the dealer to try out).

   The dealer steered me towards a baby lock which was nice- great stitching, but out of my price range.

   I watched the Sewing Mastery video series on the Bernina 1300mcd, and looked for used ones on eBay. I already had a serger I loved (Bernina 460) and planned on using the 1300mcd as a dedicated s”coverstitch if I found one in the right price range.

   Then I learned that Juki made the 1300mcd and the Bernina L220. I looked a new Juki 1500 mcs. Sew sew live just bought this machine and used it on her live stream recently.

   Ultimately I bought the Bernina L220 off eBay. I just pulled it out of the box. I had used this machine in classes before and it felt familiar enough.

   I hope this helps- I did a bunch of research before deciding on what to buy. The only downside of a used machine is you can’t try before you buy. I think it still makes sense to go into a dealer and try different machines to get a feel for what you like.

   An advanced sewing friend of mine advised to get the simplest, best quality machine you can because it is likely you will only use it for one or two functions. No need to over pay for bells and whistles you won’t use.

   Finally- a few more resources on using a coverstitch:
   The Bernina “We All Sew” blog has Jen from Grainline teaching how to make garments on the new (and beautiful but $$$) L890.
   Craftsy has two classes: “Coverstitch Basics and Beyong” with Gail Yellen and “Serger & Coverstitch: Fashion Details” with Linda Lee- both great for understanding how to get set up and go from basic to artistic.

   Good luck on your search!

5. 
   gimpyoldbroad | Jun 10, 2021 12:11pm | #8

   I have a Babylock cover stitch machine, which I use for hemming and topstitching on stretchy fabrics. There is a learning curve to using it. Basically it will work optimally as long as you are sure to seat the threads into the tension plates. I'm happy with the Babylock although I'm not impressed with the space to the right of the needle - just over 1". It also has no needle threader, a disadvantage for the optically challenged. When I first bought it I was afraid I'd wasted my money. Reading Johanna Lundstrom's book "Mastering the Cover Stitch Machine" was a big help.

6. 
   ruthyleee | Jun 18, 2021 04:23pm | #9

   BabyLock Cover Stitch has actully very good reviews