Stretch fabrics or knits can be real trouble when trying to sew them. This process is difficult due to the stubbornness of these materials. Some of the sewers have given up using these fabrics, although it’s such a pity. Maybe they don’t know what you will immediately find out.
The secret of sewing those types of fabrics is the cover stitch machine.
You can create tidy hems, swimming suits, T-shirts or give a professional finish to sleeves and necks by using the cover stitch sewing machine. But choosing the right machine for you might be challenging.
Because of that, I created this easy to follow the guideline to help you decide which machine suits your needs, your expectations and also the budget. I started with a comparison chart, where you will see the differences between different models. Then, step by step, you will read complex reviews with pros and cons, and also some tips on choosing the perfect cover stitch sewing machine.
Table of Contents
Best Coverstitch Machine Comparison Chart
Before going to the actual reviews, I put together in a table all the products that I am going to present later on. I made it just so you will find it easier to compare the sewing machines based on their most important features.
Top 12 Best Coverstitch Machines Reviews
Here it is. The moment of truth. Which are the best coverstitch machines? What makes them better than others and what are the disadvantages they come with? Also, the more important part, which is the best product for you and not generally speaking.
1. SINGER Professional 5 14T968DC Coverstitch Machine
(Best for Improving Skills)
The model I am going to start with is designed by Singer and is called Professional 5 14T968DC. It comes with 12 built-in stitches and it offers the possibility to use 2, 3, 4 or 5 threads for a broad diversity of stitch mixtures. This machine will save you time due to its capacity to sew a seam at the same time with finishing a seam.
It has a great number of features but I will only present a few. For example, its Differential Feed will let you sew stretchy fabrics without the undulating twist and sheers without wrinkling the material, while the Elastic foot will help you add elastic to your swimwear.
Pros
- Very Durable;
- Can be used to improve skills;
- It is not noisy.
Cons
- Manually Threading.
Personal opinion:
I heard some people say that the Professional 5 serger from Stringer is great for beginners. I have to disagree with that. I think that is good for people that worked on a serger before and want to improve their skills and not for a first-timer.
However, it is a nice sewing machine that comes at a fair price. I like the results that it returns and that she is silent while working.
Please read its manual before you take any decision.
2. Janome Cover Pro 1000CPX Coverstitch Machine
(Best for Traveling)
When you travel a lot and need to take your coverstitch sewing machine with you, there is no better model and the 1000CPX from Janome. It is the perfect mix between a hem that has an in industrial style and a comfortable home machine.
It has a great speed – 1000 spm, it is lightweight and has a great thread capability – 2, 3 or 4.
Pros
- Great for traveling;
- Returns great results on thick fabrics;
- Good value for money.
Cons
- Doesn’t work with any kind of needle;
- Can skip some stitches.
Personal opinion:
I think that if you travel a lot and need to take your work with you, the 1000CPX from Janome is the best pick. That doesn’t mean that if you work only in one place you shouldn’t consider buying it.
It does very well on heavy-duty materials, works on a fast speed and has a long arm that will most definitely help you.
The only bad thing about it is that it needs special needles to work. You will need to buy Schmetz Elx705, size 12.
3. Juki MCS-1500 Cover Stitch and Chain Stitch Machine
(Best Value for Money)
The guys from Juki always make more than amazing sewing machines and this coverstitch model is no different. With an incredible sewing speed of 1350 spm and a thread capability of 3 or 4 thread coverstitch, this model will do wonders what comes to necklines or sleeve cuffs.
Usually, the models from Juki don’t come cheap, but the MCS-1500 is the best value for money that you can find on the market right now.
Pros
- Amazing results;
- Fair price;
- Great features.
Cons
- Not very straightforward, so beginners will find it difficult.
Personal opinion:
I don’t think that I can say any bad thing about this model. With its help, you will get professional-looking results and work on different kinds of materials.
I strongly recommend you to read its manual before making a purchase. Watch the video playlist from below to really understand how this machine works.
4. Janome CoverPro 900CPX Coverstitch Machine
(Best for Thick Fabrics)
If you are looking for a coverstitch machine that comes with a great variety of features and works very well with thick fabric, then you don’t need to look further than the CoverPro 900CPX from Janome.
It comes with a very big bed space that will let you work on large projects. Another great feature is its Quick Reference Chart that is posted on the front part of the machine. With its help, you will be able to choose the desired stitch without looking into the manual each time.
Pros
- Works very well on heavy-duty materials;
- Good price.
Cons
- Not the best tension;
- Very few accessories.
Personal opinion:
I can’t say that this is my all-time favorite coverstitch machine, but it is great to work on thick fabrics. I know that Janome offers you the possibility to purchase optional accessories, but I would have loved to receive more included ones, it only comes with some needles.
Other than that, it has a good price and it returns great results, so you should definitely take it into consideration.
5. Brother 2340CV Coverstitch Machine
(Budget Pick)
Made by Brother, the 2340CV Cover Stitch model is a very nice serger that comes at a more than decent price. It has 3 needles, one looper thread and works at a sewing speed of 1100 spm.
It is extremely easy, making it a perfect pick for beginners. With its help, you will be able to create professional chain stitches and hems. With a Stitch length that varies from 2mm to 4mm, you will be able to make a T-short in no time.
Pros
- Very good price;
- Great for beginners;
- Very good for embroidery as well.
Cons
- Some issues with the pressure may occur.
Personal opinion:
I honestly think that you cannot find a better coverstitch machine at more than good price than the 2340CV from Brother. Not only that is cheap for its class, but also it offers great results, it is good for entry-level sewers and you can also use it to create embroidery.
So, if you are at the start of the road and want to learn on a machine that is not too expensive and complicated, then this one is the perfect choice for you.
6. Bernette b42 Coverstitch Machine
(Best for Stretchy Fabrics)
Made by the Swiss company, Bernette, the Funlock 42 is a coverstitch machine that offers 4 threads and 3 different cover stitches that have a width range from 2.8 to 5.6 mm, but also a chain stitch.
With a sewing speed of 1300 spm, this model will work amazingly well on stretchy materials but also on knitted fabrics. Due to the looper threading mechanism and the separate needle threader, the threading the needles and loopers are very easy to use, making the Funlock 42 also great for beginners.
Pros
- Easy to use;
- Great value for money;
- Good lighting.
Cons
- Doesn’t have a free arm.
Personal opinion:
I think that the Funlock 42 model offers incredible results at a more than a fair price. I love its lighting and also how easy it is to work with it. However, I would have liked to see a free arm. It would have make hemming easier.
Check out the following tutorial and get a better opinion on how this product works.
7. Brother CV3440 Cover Stitch Machine
(Best for Small Workplaces)
Another great product from Brother is the CV3440 Cover Stitch. What makes it different from others is its size. With an 11.1 x 13.2 x 11.7 inches dimension, it will fit even in very small workplaces, allowing you to make your work setup anywhere.
This product has great features such as wide cover stitches or single-sided tri-cover stitches, but also 3 needles and a one looper thread that will aid to get professional results.
Pros
- Very small;
- Not expensive.
Cons
- Some tension issues may occur.
Personal opinion:
This is not my favorite model from Brother, even though I am a fan of their products. However, that doesn’t mean that the CV3440 Cover Stitch is a bad machine.
It gives good results and comes at a decent price. Most definitely, its best characteristic is given by its size. So, if you have a small room, then this is the machine you are looking for.
Check out the next video and see how the CV3440 Cover Stitch from Brother actually works.
8. Juki MF-7923 – 3 Needle Coverstitch Industrial Machine
(Best Sewing Speed)
When it comes to sewing speed, there is no other better coverstitch machine than the MF 7923 from Juki. It can reach 6500 spm, buy it also has an adaptable motor for moments when you need to control the speed.
Another great feature is given by its needle bar stroke that will allow you to work on thick materials, but also elastic ones as well.
Pros
- Incredible speed;
- Offers great results on any kind of materials.
Cons
- It is expensive;
- It is heavy.
Personal opinion:
Well, not many things can be said about this model. Juki knows how to offer high-quality products and this is not an exception. At its incredible speed, the MF 7923 from Juki can be considered an industrial one.
The only bad part that I can find is its price. So, if you don’t plan to extend your budget, this one will most probably be out of your reach.
Watch the video below to see the machine in action.
9. Juki MO-735 5-Thread Serger & Cover Hem
(Editor’s Choice)
When it comes to coverstitch machines, my ultimate favorite is the MO-735 from Juki. It comes with 24 stitches alternatives available, 5-thread safety stitch and 2 or 3 needle coverstitch.
With this product you can work with extremely thin or thick fabrics, making it very easy to create articles from newborn children clothes to velvet curtains for your home decor.
It sews at a fast speed, 1500 spm, and it will offer very professional-looking results.
Pros
- Great speed;
- Versatility.
Cons
- It is expensive.
Personal opinion:
I love everything about the MO-735 from Juki. It is easy to use, works magically with every kind of material and the results are worthy of any famous fashion house.
Since it’s quite expensive, I recommend you to read its instruction manual.
Check out the next video and learn how to use this model.
10. Bernette b48 Funlock Serger Coverstitch Machine
(Best Stitch Width)
The last coverstitch machine from the Swiss guys from Bernette that I want to present is their Funlock 48. It comes with 23 stitches that include 3 cover stitches, 15 overlock stitches, 1 chain stitch, and 4 combo stitches.
The best part of this product is that it sews creating wide stitches – up to 10mm. Other aspects worth mentioning are its chain looper and lower looper that have a mechanical threader, but also its very fast speed of 1300 spm.
Pros
- Great stitch width;
- Good speed;
- Good number of stitches.
Cons
- Pricey;
- Noisy.
Personal opinion:
I like how Funlock 48 works. It is not complicated and it returns very pro results. I also like its speed and its LED light. Also, it has a knife that can be handled with just one hand, which is pretty amazing.
Check out the online tutorial below and learn everything there is to know about this specific product.
11. JUKI U.S. Stitchline SL718-2 Industrial Blind Stitch Sewing Machine
(Best Coverstitch Machine for Companies)
If you have a business and need a coverstitch machine, then you should not look further than the SL718-2A from JUKI. It has just a single needle but works amazingly on dresses, curtains or short pants. When speaking about fabrics, this machine is very good with all materials. Elastic, thick, smooth…you name it and the SL718-2A will sew its way on them.
It sews at a 2500 speed and it produces professional stitches at an 8 mm length.
Pros
- Great for companies;
- Very fast;
- Professional results.
Cons
- Expensive;
- It is heavy
- It is not silent.
Personal opinion:
I prefer smaller machines, but I cannot deny that the SL718-2A model is an amazing coverstitch machine.
I don’t think that this product is for a stand-alone person, but it is more than suited for a company.
12. Consew 14TU2345 Portable “Coverlock” Multifunction Coverstitch Overlock Serger
(Most Lightweight Coverstitch Machine)
The last product I will present today is the 14TU2345 from Consew. With a speed of 1200 spm, this machine comes with two needles. Its right one produces a stitching width up to 4.5 mm and its left one produces a suture with a width of 5.2 to 6.7 mm.
It is very lightweight, making it portable and it returns very qualitative stitches.
Pros
- Very good results;
- Incredibly lightweight for a coverstitch machine.
Cons
- It is noisy.
Personal opinion:
I must admit that I just discovered this product and so far the results from it are impressive. I really like that it is lightweight and can be taken along while traveling.
The only disturbing fact, but it is not something that will intervene in the quality stitches, is that it is kind of noisy.
First Thing First – What is a Cover Stitch Sewing Machine?
People will never stop wearing clothes. And the complexity of models and materials is possible due to the development of the sewing machines. Tailoring is a very technical job, despite the creativity you need to make really beautiful clothing. So, you need the right tools to stay competitive.
A cover stitch machine is that kind of sewing machine that comes with a looper. It is a sewing mechanism used to stitch knit hems, and also chain stitching. The majority of stitch machines come with two threads. So, have you ever asked yourself how a double-needle edge T-shirt is made? Well, it is possible because of the stitch sewing machine.
Usually, coverstitch machines have the ability to sew with one, two, or three needles. Also, they come with a looper underneath.
So, if just one needle is used along with the looper thread it will result in a single string stitch on the right-hand side and reverse. But if three needles are utilized, then three rows of identical stitching will appear on the right side of the fabric while the looper will produce a complex fiber design on the reverse. However, the most spectacular result is given when you use two needles.
Since there are three needle positions, you can choose which needles you remove – right or left.
Most Popular Coverstitch Applications
When you make the transition from a normal sewing machine to a coverstitch one, you need to learn what kind of stitches can be made. So, let’s talk about the most popular ones.
Hemming in The Round
You will probably do a lot of hemming in the round with your newly coverstitch machine. This includes working on neckline or sleeves. To do so, you will need to, just as in the flat hem, curl back the hem cut to the opposite side of the fabric, pin in position, and then coverstitch from the right side, clutching the hem below.
Begin at any position in the round hem, but be sure that the needles are riding the cut end underneath or that the needles will penetrate all layers of material.
At this point, you can commence stitching, and when you reach again the beginning, overlap the former stitches for several millimeters.
Lift the presser foot and secure the needles are at their highest point. Pull the needle threads towards you and cut all threads. Pull the fabric away from you and behind the presser foot, and cut the looper thread.
All these actions will draw the needle threads to the opposite side of the fabric, where you should tie the end wires concomitantly to block unraveling.
Basic Flat Hem
Just as its name implies, the basic flat hem is one of the most basic cover-stitching. This includes overlapping over the hem of a flat section of material to the opposite side, and cover-stitching from the right part, grabbing the hem under.
Begin at the front end of the material, but make sure that all needles are either sitting on the cut end beneath or entering all layers of fabric.
At this point, you should start stitching and stop when you approach the end of the material.
Lift the presser foot and secure the needles are at their highest position. Pull the needle threads to you and cut all threads.
Finish the process by pulling the material away from you and cut the looper thread.
Why is The Coverstitch Sewing machine Easy to Use?
Although you might not expect this, the cover stitch sewing machine is really easy to use and people are happy with the results. So, here are the reasons why nobody should be afraid of trying to use this sewing machine.
It is a Simple Sewing Machine
A cover stitch sewing machine is simple to use. It’s like an ABC. Most of these sewing machines are reliable, easy to thread and do a great job, as long as you learn how to use it.
It is Versatile
This kind of coverstitch machine lets you sew a really wide range pattern. A particular needle can knit the chain stitch, while another one can go snitching commercial cloths or decorative textiles. You can do pretty much with this machine without needing extra feet or any attachments.
Sewing Different Patterns
The coverstitch machine is a universal mechanism that can sew any pattern you want. Besides this, the machine allows you to give a nice finish to all edges.
Enhances Professionalism
Although you are not a professional sewer yet, the coverstitch sewing machine will help you get elegant stitches. Because knit fabrics are gaining so much popularity, that every sewer would like to create clothing to look stylish. The coverstitch machine enables sewers to get an immense finish with neat and tidy seams. This nice finish can be applied to dresses, leggings, and T-shirts.
Issues That Can Appear While Working With a Coverstitch Machine and How to Fix Them
Reusing Thread. If you don’t own two comparable spools or cones of thread for your coverstitch edges, use the regular thread spool plus the bobbin from the sewing machine. You can use these two as top threads, and work with a neutral color of thread in the looper.
Tunneling. There are moments when the material within the rows of cover stitching raises, forming a little ridge separating the stitches. This is known as tunneling and can normally be corrected by relaxing the looper tension until the fabric within the stitches rests low.
Wavy hems. If the material you work with is either slippery, heavy, or gathered, your presser foot may be pulling the cloth as it sews, resulting in undulating hems. Try relaxing the presser foot pressure or joining lightweight interfacing strip on the opposite side of the hem before stitching, or even catching the hem with the sewing machine first.
Buyer’s Guide
There are some different things to take care of before choosing the best coverstitch machine for you. Follow these little steps in order to make a wise purchase:
Tension
The coverstitch machines will present some device to modify the needle thread tensions, regardless if we are speaking of a dial or a lever. However, some of them have supplementary switches to support the adjustment of the tension when sewing over thick stitching intersections such as sweatshirts or fleece.
Number of Threads
Usually, coverstitch machines work with three threads and a looper, but if you think that you will only work with a double-stitched hem, then you should be careful not to buy a more complicated machine than you need and spend more money than you have to.
Free Arm
A great feature to look out when choosing your coverstitch machine is the free arm. This is because a free arm will help you while performing hemming procedures.
Threading
When speaking about threading, some coverstitch machines offer automatic jet-air threading, that can be important if you have obvious motor handle problems.
Differential Feed
Coverstitch machine’s owners should know that the differential feed characteristic, that modifies the feed dogs so that elastic fabrics don’t get pulled roughly while stitching, resulting in wavy hems.
Adjustable Presser Foot Pressure
This lets the presser foot to be near or far from the machine bed and can be very helpful when correcting wavy hems. Due to this feature, you will be able to hem multiple materials, including fleece or jersey.
Speed
Another very important aspect is the sewing speed. Coverstitch machines come in various speeds, from 1000 spm to even 6500 spm. Depending on your needs, you should pick one that has an appropriate speed.
Extra Features to Look for
The perfect coverstitch machine should possess these fundamental characteristics:
- A replaceable presser foot. Most likely this will be the first part that will break, so having a replacement for it will be very beneficial;
- Color coding to distinguish separate threads. These machines come with multiple needles and it will be very effective in situations of entanglements or while using several thread colors on the same seam;
- Facile quick-fix accessories. We all love accessories. Some of the brands offer more than others, so also check this aspect;
- A helpful warranty.
FAQ
Final Words
I would very much like to hear your opinion on this article. If you already own a coverstitch machine, let me know what you like to work. If you are now looking to purchase one, let me know which one caught your eyes. Either way, leave a comment and let’s start a discussion.
I hope that the comparison chart I made was a helpful introduction for the reviews, but just to make one last recap, I will say that:
- Buy the Brother 2340CV if you have a low budget;
- Buy the JUKI U.S. SL718-2 if you have a company;
- Buy the Juki MO-735 because it is an amazing model.
I hope that you’ve enjoyed the article. If so, don’t hesitate to click on the “share” button.
Until next time, I hope that you will have a happy sewing time!
