coverstitch machines?

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Hello all,

I am new to the world of sewing, but enjoying it, and finding it relatively relaxing.

I own a basic Janome sewing machine that sews straight and zig zag, and a Pfaff hobbylock.

I hope to upgrade my sewing machine sooner rather than later, but also came across stand alone coverstitch machines. Are they all they are cracked up to be, better than a coverlock for example? And useful for the home sewer?

Also, any suggestions on any suitable machines, both for sewing, and coverstitching, if it is worth it?

Imaan

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Welcome! There is nothing more soothing than the sound of a sewing machine, is there? *LOL*

In general, if you do lots of coverstitching it is better to have a dedicated coverstitch machine, rather than say a serger/overlock machine that also does coverstitching.

Here is a link to a site I like:

one thing most home serger/overlock machines vary in the ease ofswitching from overlock to coverstitch, and quality of the later stitch.Some home sergers tend to be rather picky and or difficult, which meansyou will have down time as you switch between overlocking andcoverstitching, adjust tensions, and so forth. The beauty of a dedicatedcoverstitch machine is it does only one stitch and usually gives betterand more consistent results than combination machines. Many home sewing machines have coverstitching options as do sergers. It is rather difficult to recommend a machine because no one knows but you how you will be using the machine, and your comfort level. Standard advice is take along some fabric and or projects to a reputable sewing machine dealer, sit yourself down and start playing around with various machines. If you find a sewing machine pr serger that does a coverstitch, how good are the results? Test some dedicated coverstitch machines and make the same comparisons. Take lots of notes, and make sure to somehow mark your test fabrics as to which machine did what stitch, get information about each machine including prices and hopefully some brochures, then go home.

Once you get home make up a cup of tea or your bevvy of choice and sit yourself down and have a think about which machine or machines do what you want them to do. Remember if switching between stitches is more of a bother than it is worth, you probably won't ever use the function. At least with a stand alone coverstitch machine you can do what the pros do, set it up and forget it. This allows you to stop a project on your sewing machine, go over to the coverstitch, get that done, and back to the sewing machine to finish. All without rethreading, and adjusting tension (well you may have to on the coverstitch machine).

Word of warning, once you start accumulating sewing machines, you won't be able to stop! *LOL* Soon you'll have an embroidery machine, serger/overlock, coverstitch, and maybe even a blindhem machine! *LOL*

Best of luck, and please stick around!

Candide

Coverstitch = coverlock = cover hem. They're the machines that make the hems on knits that look like two lines of topstitching on the front, and a zig zaggy bit on the back. Can be faked with a double needle in a sewing machine, but the seam is not as stretchy. Only you can judge whether or not they'd be useful to you. I sew a lot of knits, and have a "regular" 5 thread serger and a standalone coverstitcher. The conversion of a coverstitch- capable serger to coverstitching and back again takes more time than I have patience for, so for me, separate machines were the answer.

The best machine for you is one that you'll use and fits the way you sew.

's a little bit like asking someone to pick out some new shoes for you... even if you know your size, you still aren't likely to get a truly comfortablepair with someone else's advice unless you get lucky. Especially withsergers and coverstitchers, I think beginners are often best served by finding a local dealer with good support to get you through the steepestparts of the learning curve. Kay

Welcome to our group, imaan, but please take the time to read our rules. All women applying for membership here are required to first send me a naked photograph of themselves. After I approve your photo, you'll then be allowed to post here freely and as often as you wish, but not before.