Hallo from Greece! I have the brother coverstitch for 2 years now and the 1st year I had the same issues with you! Now I love my coverstitch! First I realised thst I can sew fabric that even my pfaff icon could not handle such as very very strech activwear fabric or very delicate ones! Second when I begin the stitching I always use a scrap fabric to lock the stitches and at thd end I raise the needles to the highest point then do the pull treads method! There are plenty of videos for that and the theads are pulled back and tied by themselves! When I hem a circular piece I try to start beford the thick part so the stitches are very small and stay in place and when I come back I do the pull threads method!! I hope I heled some of you! And always use brand new needles! Mine use sewing machine needles so I always change needles when I have skip stitches!
th-cam.com/video/1S_hFbtqdBw/w-d-xo.html This is a good video to see how it works! Sometimes I chain of althought my manufacturer says that am not supposed to. I always chain off at chainstitch because this method does not work and the stitch unravels! I pull the treads with my twisers!
Great video, your frustration comes shining through and it is just as I felt at the beginning until I practiced and went through all the stitches the machine can do.
You've sold me. Home sewist here and I think I might try serging the bottoms and the flipping it under and using a double needle on my regular sewing machine. Thanks for the honesty.
I have the Janome 1000 CPX and it is terrific. It has a free arm, and it is easy to thread. BTW there is an easy and quick technique to lock the stitches at the end. What I really like is the fact that you can use the chain stitch for basting since you can easily undo it. I totally agree on corners but you can do great curves. I hope you have grown to enjoy it by now.
Thanks. Sounds like you found yourself a great machine. I have grown to accept it! Still not sure it was a wise purchase, but it's nice to have the option
I'm not sure if you still have this CS combo. I have two Pfaff sewing machines and a Pfaff serger, but my CS is a Janome Coverpro CPX2000 that I don't love, but don't hate. I've barely used it since I bought it with greater garment-making intentions, but life intervened. Now I'm saving to get a Babylock eventually. However, I can suggest that your machine may need a good cleaning and oiling if it's jumping around a lot. My Pfaff serger was doing something similar when I took it to a class and the instructor (who's a good friend a a great technician too) said I just needed to give it a spa day. I used to work on vintage machines a lot and I buy parts from her shop, so she wasn't trying to make me bring it in for a service that it didn't need. It really helped, some machines are thirstier than others and a little fluff can throw the balance off easily too.
It looks to me that apart from the threading, all the other dislikes can be easily solved by practice practice practice to learn the proper techniques. It definitely has a learning curve, but the results imho cannot even be compared to a double needle. Mat will sort out the bouncing. 🙂
I agree. My coverstitch finish looks so much more professional than a double needle. The learning curve is steeper than a serger or regular sewing machine but it is worth it to me and was the finishing touch to my sewing room. I guess it’s not essential but i like having it since I have the room for it.
To each his or her own. It's good that we have choice; don't you think? It's gratifying to know that you have a coverstitch and you're happy with it. That's the way things should be.
Your problem stems from having a combo machine, they are a pain! Coverstitch machines are great and really easy to thread and use. What you are saying does not apply to normal coverstitch machines, when you know how to use them and how to finish your seams, the thread does not unravel.
Yes. I've been doing research recently and everyone seems to complain about the combo machines. I read that so much that i decided I'm going to get a cover stitch only machine.
I don't want a cover stitch. They are way to expensive and I can do lovely hems and seams with my regular machine and twin needles. YES, some people think double needle stitching sucks, but it works very well for me. Who knows, maybe it's my machine(s) I have at least 12 vintage Kenmores at this point and one great big Brother VQ3000 quilting/sewing machine. They use double needles perfectly - as long as I'm using the correct type of needles! The process is slower than a cover stitch machine and does require lowering the upper tension significantly, sometimes loosening the bobbin tension a little bit too. Then a quick practice run on some scrap and I'm ready to go. This obviously doesn't work for everybody, and that's to be expected. We all have different talents and needs. But for me, I simply can't see spending $$$$$$$ for a machine I'll never use. I know it's not the same as a cover stitch, but I bought a serger about 8 years ago and it just sits because I never use it. I don't do production sewing so I don't need to be "Speedy Gonzales". Double needles give me all I need. Guess I'm just old school, I started sewing over 60 years ago, way before even sergers were made small enough for home sewing. To those who have cover stitch machines and love them - God bless and more power to you. Enjoy them and I hope they serve you well for many, many years to come. HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!
Thanks so much for your comment! I appreciate your helpful advice AND your understanding that we all have different preferences. (also very impressed with your machine collection)
Oh no! It took me a long time to enjoy having mine. Now it doesn't seem as daunting, and when I take the time to get it set nicely on scrap fabric, I do appreciate it for hems and fun detail work
Girl I got into sewing and I wanted the top of the line sewing machine for what I could afford I got the pfaff creative 3.0 and guess what I use my serger for everything lol
I don't think I'll be getting a CS until I can afford a babylock with automatic tension and air threading. IDK if I'll ever be able to justify spending like 2k on one when I'm pretty happy with a zig zag or double needle.
I have a babylock Ovation server with the air. Totally worth the money. I bought it when it first came out and it is still sewing like a champ. Not one issue. It is a cover stitch/over locker serger.
Hi! I think mostly because it was a bit of an impulse purchase. I didn't shop around at all so there were a few things I didn't think about. I enjoy it more, but still wish I wouldn't have bought it so quickly.
Thank you for sharing. I’ve been curious about cover stitch machines but not really looking to buy one as I don’t mind the finish I get from my sewing machine and overlocker…..and the fact I can’t justify the extra cost 😂 interesting facts though 👍🏼😃
I been trying to look into coverstitch machines because I’m currently learning how to use bias tape and how to sew it down and regular twin needle stitches just don’t look good enough for me
I've read that the free-arm model of CS is annoying anyhow because the free-arm isn't big enough to be useful. I totally agree that a CS is not essential and spent lots of time researching it. But I have found the CS gives a much stretchier sleeve hem, essential in my case, and I have to say I have come to LOVE the chain sttich. Pucker prone fabric doesn't pucker because it doesn't form knots in the middle of the fabric like tradtional sewing machine lock stitch (just make sure the looper tension is not too tight.) I've also been concerned about the chain stitch catching and breaking but good polyester thread is so strong perhaps it's a really remote possibility? I do wish there was a better way to turn corners. I'd love to thread it with heavy decorative thread and do some fun "bobbin work" embroidery with it. I'd like to dream up a hack for that. I never do the reverse-the-flywheel thing. Why do that unless you're basting? Much faster and better is to pull some slack, like 2-3", on the needle threads right before the needle's eye, then use a slim object to pull this slack under the presser foot to pull the threads through the eyes. All you do then is cut the needle threads, leaving a 2-3" tail to tie off later and when you pull your project out from under the pressure foot and away to the left, those threads get pulled to the back automatically. Just cut the looper thread and tie it to the needle threads and you're done. Sorry for the long post but I do appreciate your honesty and it helps me remember why I bought my CS in the first place.
You need a Euphoria by Babylock. Trade your old one. Take a test drive , I would wager that u would change your Mind. There are 2&3 needle applications and feet, no more tension guessing.
I've heard that's a good one! I've come around to the one I have, but still not sure it was a wise purchase. This model also has a crazy number of stitches and feet. Way more than I'll ever use!
I have a Brother 1034D Serger separate from my Brother Pacesetter 2340CV Cover Stitch and I use Maxi-Lock Stretch on both for the looper. Prior to using stretch thread for knit fabrics the regular Maxi-Lock thread broke a lot. Once I started using Maxi-Lock Stretch I was in heaven. No breakage and I am happy with both machines. I don't have issues threading them and I clean/oil them depending on how often I use them which is also key to getting good results out of any machine. When I use my sewing machine with the double needle for knits even though I use a walking foot it tends to get caught and it is frustrating, so I prefer the cover stitch machine for hems and the serger for sewing. It is much easier. If you sew knit fabrics often, like I do, it is best to have a Serger and Cover Stitch machine separate and not use your sewing machine. I don't recommend the combined machines. I ended up with 3 separate machines because each has its own purpose. If you sew a lot of knits get a cover stitch otherwise there is no purpose because you can do double stitching on your sewing machines for other fabrics.
I have the Janome 2000CPX cover stitch machine. I absolutely love it. And yes, I have used wooly nylon in the (lower) looper with great success on both stretch fabric and woven fabric. There is a slight tension adjustment needed for the looper when using wooly nylon, so experiment a little to find the correct setting according to the fabric you are using and how many layers you are sewing through. My Janome is actually easier to thread than my Juki serger. My Juki is a combo machine that will also cover stitch, but I like my stand alone cover stitch machine better. Like someone else said, I’m not a huge fan of combo machines, but my Juki is great at serging.
Sorry you are so frustrated with your Coverstitch machine, you should have done a better research, there are Coverstitch machines that are self locking. I got mine because I hated the twin needle look, I wanted a more professional finish look. I love my Coverstitch machine.
Hallo from Greece! I have the brother coverstitch for 2 years now and the 1st year I had the same issues with you! Now I love my coverstitch! First I realised thst I can sew fabric that even my pfaff icon could not handle such as very very strech activwear fabric or very delicate ones! Second when I begin the stitching I always use a scrap fabric to lock the stitches and at thd end I raise the needles to the highest point then do the pull treads method! There are plenty of videos for that and the theads are pulled back and tied by themselves! When I hem a circular piece I try to start beford the thick part so the stitches are very small and stay in place and when I come back I do the pull threads method!! I hope I heled some of you! And always use brand new needles! Mine use sewing machine needles so I always change needles when I have skip stitches!
I've tried the pull the threads method but... is it supposed to unthread the needles?
th-cam.com/video/1S_hFbtqdBw/w-d-xo.html This is a good video to see how it works! Sometimes I chain of althought my manufacturer says that am not supposed to. I always chain off at chainstitch because this method does not work and the stitch unravels! I pull the treads with my twisers!
Great video, your frustration comes shining through and it is just as I felt at the beginning until I practiced and went through all the stitches the machine can do.
You've sold me. Home sewist here and I think I might try serging the bottoms and the flipping it under and using a double needle on my regular sewing machine. Thanks for the honesty.
You're welcome! And all the best. Twin needles aren't my favourite either!
This was great. Thank you so much, "I needed that."
I have had no problems with my BabyLock Euphoria. Automatic tension is awesome, and air threading loopers is a bonus.
Thanks! Good to know some machines are better. I've heard lots of good reviews on babylock
I have the Euphoria as well and love it...every thing looks so professional .
I just got mine I feel like super sewer woman I should make a cape!
I have the Janome 1000 CPX and it is terrific. It has a free arm, and it is easy to thread. BTW there is an easy and quick technique to lock the stitches at the end. What I really like is the fact that you can use the chain stitch for basting since you can easily undo it. I totally agree on corners but you can do great curves. I hope you have grown to enjoy it by now.
Thanks. Sounds like you found yourself a great machine. I have grown to accept it! Still not sure it was a wise purchase, but it's nice to have the option
I'm not sure if you still have this CS combo. I have two Pfaff sewing machines and a Pfaff serger, but my CS is a Janome Coverpro CPX2000 that I don't love, but don't hate. I've barely used it since I bought it with greater garment-making intentions, but life intervened. Now I'm saving to get a Babylock eventually. However, I can suggest that your machine may need a good cleaning and oiling if it's jumping around a lot. My Pfaff serger was doing something similar when I took it to a class and the instructor (who's a good friend a a great technician too) said I just needed to give it a spa day. I used to work on vintage machines a lot and I buy parts from her shop, so she wasn't trying to make me bring it in for a service that it didn't need. It really helped, some machines are thirstier than others and a little fluff can throw the balance off easily too.
That's a great idea. However, it acted this way from new. Once I put it on a better table with a drawer liner underneath it helped a lot
It looks to me that apart from the threading, all the other dislikes can be easily solved by practice practice practice to learn the proper techniques. It definitely has a learning curve, but the results imho cannot even be compared to a double needle. Mat will sort out the bouncing. 🙂
I agree. My coverstitch finish looks so much more professional than a double needle. The learning curve is steeper than a serger or regular sewing machine but it is worth it to me and was the finishing touch to my sewing room. I guess it’s not essential but i like having it since I have the room for it.
To each his or her own. It's good that we have choice; don't you think? It's gratifying to know that you have a coverstitch and you're happy with it. That's the way things should be.
Your problem stems from having a combo machine, they are a pain! Coverstitch machines are great and really easy to thread and use. What you are saying does not apply to normal coverstitch machines, when you know how to use them and how to finish your seams, the thread does not unravel.
Good to know!
Yes. I've been doing research recently and everyone seems to complain about the combo machines. I read that so much that i decided I'm going to get a cover stitch only machine.
What a good cover stitch machine besides the brother for a beginner?
I have a Janome CPX 1000 and I absolutely love it.
Thank you for the very entertaining rant! We have felt your pain.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I don't want a cover stitch. They are way to expensive and I can do lovely hems and seams with my regular machine and twin needles. YES, some people think double needle stitching sucks, but it works very well for me. Who knows, maybe it's my machine(s) I have at least 12 vintage Kenmores at this point and one great big Brother VQ3000 quilting/sewing machine. They use double needles perfectly - as long as I'm using the correct type of needles! The process is slower than a cover stitch machine and does require lowering the upper tension significantly, sometimes loosening the bobbin tension a little bit too. Then a quick practice run on some scrap and I'm ready to go. This obviously doesn't work for everybody, and that's to be expected. We all have different talents and needs. But for me, I simply can't see spending $$$$$$$ for a machine I'll never use. I know it's not the same as a cover stitch, but I bought a serger about 8 years ago and it just sits because I never use it. I don't do production sewing so I don't need to be "Speedy Gonzales". Double needles give me all I need.
Guess I'm just old school, I started sewing over 60 years ago, way before even sergers were made small enough for home sewing.
To those who have cover stitch machines and love them - God bless and more power to you. Enjoy them and I hope they serve you well for many, many years to come.
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!
Thanks so much for your comment! I appreciate your helpful advice AND your understanding that we all have different preferences. (also very impressed with your machine collection)
I have a Juki 1500. It’s soon having a 1 year birthday and has been used maybe 5 times. It’s a PIA
Oh no! It took me a long time to enjoy having mine. Now it doesn't seem as daunting, and when I take the time to get it set nicely on scrap fabric, I do appreciate it for hems and fun detail work
I LOVE my Janome Coverstitch 1000!! Maybe it’s the brand that matters?
I'm sure different makes and models have different attributes. Glad to hear you love yours
Girl I got into sewing and I wanted the top of the line sewing machine for what I could afford I got the pfaff creative 3.0 and guess what I use my serger for everything lol
Watched this again! Thank you.
You're certainly welcome
I don't think I'll be getting a CS until I can afford a babylock with automatic tension and air threading. IDK if I'll ever be able to justify spending like 2k on one when I'm pretty happy with a zig zag or double needle.
Exactly! Love the way you think
I have a babylock Ovation server with the air. Totally worth the money. I bought it when it first came out and it is still sewing like a champ. Not one issue. It is a cover stitch/over locker serger.
Baby Lock Euphoria is under $2000 now. So easy to use and high quality!!!
Thumbs up for the intro.
I’m purchasing the baby lock cover stitch. I didn’t get discouraged and all. Was just curious why you didn’t like yours. Has that changed ?
Hi! I think mostly because it was a bit of an impulse purchase. I didn't shop around at all so there were a few things I didn't think about. I enjoy it more, but still wish I wouldn't have bought it so quickly.
Thank you for sharing. I’ve been curious about cover stitch machines but not really looking to buy one as I don’t mind the finish I get from my sewing machine and overlocker…..and the fact I can’t justify the extra cost 😂 interesting facts though 👍🏼😃
I been trying to look into coverstitch machines because I’m currently learning how to use bias tape and how to sew it down and regular twin needle stitches just don’t look good enough for me
Have you tried a single needle? I don't know that I've ever used double in bias tape
@@seasonallyproductive I have and my stitches would skip but when I get home I’m going to try a new solution for that
the euphoria machine by babylock chains off - no handwheel to release, way better!
That sounds amazing! I guess there probably are a lot of upgrades with more expensive machines
I've read that the free-arm model of CS is annoying anyhow because the free-arm isn't big enough to be useful. I totally agree that a CS is not essential and spent lots of time researching it. But I have found the CS gives a much stretchier sleeve hem, essential in my case, and I have to say I have come to LOVE the chain sttich. Pucker prone fabric doesn't pucker because it doesn't form knots in the middle of the fabric like tradtional sewing machine lock stitch (just make sure the looper tension is not too tight.) I've also been concerned about the chain stitch catching and breaking but good polyester thread is so strong perhaps it's a really remote possibility? I do wish there was a better way to turn corners. I'd love to thread it with heavy decorative thread and do some fun "bobbin work" embroidery with it. I'd like to dream up a hack for that.
I never do the reverse-the-flywheel thing. Why do that unless you're basting? Much faster and better is to pull some slack, like 2-3", on the needle threads right before the needle's eye, then use a slim object to pull this slack under the presser foot to pull the threads through the eyes. All you do then is cut the needle threads, leaving a 2-3" tail to tie off later and when you pull your project out from under the pressure foot and away to the left, those threads get pulled to the back automatically. Just cut the looper thread and tie it to the needle threads and you're done.
Sorry for the long post but I do appreciate your honesty and it helps me remember why I bought my CS in the first place.
Thanks Judy. I'll have to try the thread trick again - every time I've tried in the past, the needles always needed to be rethreaded.
You need a Euphoria by Babylock. Trade your old one. Take a test drive ,
I would wager that u would change your
Mind. There are 2&3 needle applications and feet, no more tension guessing.
I've heard that's a good one! I've come around to the one I have, but still not sure it was a wise purchase. This model also has a crazy number of stitches and feet. Way more than I'll ever use!
It makes my clothes look much more professional. I am glad I bought my baby lock euphoria!
Yes, CS does look nice when it works well!
I’m on the fence about buying a coverstitch machine…do you use woolly or maxi-lock stretch thread in the looper ?
I use whatever I have. I don't specifically buy wooly nylon. Most of my thread is maxilock
I have a Brother 1034D Serger separate from my Brother Pacesetter 2340CV Cover Stitch and I use Maxi-Lock Stretch on both for the looper. Prior to using stretch thread for knit fabrics the regular Maxi-Lock thread broke a lot. Once I started using Maxi-Lock Stretch I was in heaven. No breakage and I am happy with both machines. I don't have issues threading them and I clean/oil them depending on how often I use them which is also key to getting good results out of any machine. When I use my sewing machine with the double needle for knits even though I use a walking foot it tends to get caught and it is frustrating, so I prefer the cover stitch machine for hems and the serger for sewing. It is much easier. If you sew knit fabrics often, like I do, it is best to have a Serger and Cover Stitch machine separate and not use your sewing machine. I don't recommend the combined machines. I ended up with 3 separate machines because each has its own purpose. If you sew a lot of knits get a cover stitch otherwise there is no purpose because you can do double stitching on your sewing machines for other fabrics.
I have the Janome 2000CPX cover stitch machine. I absolutely love it. And yes, I have used wooly nylon in the (lower) looper with great success on both stretch fabric and woven fabric. There is a slight tension adjustment needed for the looper when using wooly nylon, so experiment a little to find the correct setting according to the fabric you are using and how many layers you are sewing through. My Janome is actually easier to thread than my Juki serger. My Juki is a combo machine that will also cover stitch, but I like my stand alone cover stitch machine better.
Like someone else said, I’m not a huge fan of combo machines, but my Juki is great at serging.
Try an industrial machine lady 😜
Oh gosh. That would be beautiful, however I still can't justify purchasing the domestic CS, let alone an industrial!
Industrial for business x I hear my love
Sorry you are so frustrated with your Coverstitch machine, you should have done a better research, there are Coverstitch machines that are self locking. I got mine because I hated the twin needle look, I wanted a more professional finish look. I love my Coverstitch machine.
I absolutely should have. I bought this on a complete whim! Impulse buy 101
You seem jaded
There so sensitive it sucks