The Sewing Place
Machine Talk => Overlockers & Coverstitchers => Topic started by: Ellabella on October 17, 2019, 14:14:52 PM
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When I had my Coverpro skipped stitches when passing over seams drove me insane.
I have been reading on an FB coverstitches group about people raising the back feed dogs and getting a much improved stitch.
I can’t have a go myself as my Janome is no more but it might be worth trying for anyone on here with the same problem.
Details are on the FB Janome Elna Coverstitch Support Group.
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My solution to the frequent skipped stitches on my Janome was to buy a Babylock BLCS2 - a very expensive solution, but I mainly sew jersey and stretch fabrics, so worth it for me.
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How do you raise feed dogs?
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@Ploshkin Ive no idea if this works but have seen it mentioned on two different coverstitch groups. [ You are not allowed to view attachments ] [ You are not allowed to view attachments ] .
It might be worth a try if you are having problems as it’s a lot cheaper than Bodgies solution.
If you mark the original position so you can go back if it doesn’t help it’s not a huge adjustment.
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I read about raising the feed dogs there as well. I'm a bit wary of tampering with them though.
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I did that this morning :). It's a very simple job, honestly, and only takes a couple of minutes. Just be sure to use a small Phillips screwdriver. I wondered if it had added to my problems but all good now.
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Oh @Vezelay thank you for that. I was a little hesitant to post about something I couldn’t check personally but so many people seem to have found it useful.
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A bit late coming to this, but I too have raised the back feed dogs on my Coverpro 1000 CPX after seeing this on Facebook and it has been a revelation. I was about to throw it out of the window as I’ve never successfully used it. It’s a keeper now.
As so many people have the same problem with Janome, and have altered the feed dogs and had success, it makes you wonder if some aren’t adjusted properly at the factory?
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I have a Janome CoverPro 1000 CP.
Mine is OK on most knit fabrics as long as its only 2 layers, so I've not tried raising the feed dogs yet.
It is on my list to try.
To get mine to work I have the tension on 1 and the middle needle removed. I couldn't get the middle needle to sew consistently, the thread repeatedly broke. Once I got a reasonable result I left it alone but it could be a bit better!
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I haven’t had my Janome 1000-whatever out for a while but will keep this in mind. I don’t use FB so wouldn’t have known about this otherwise. I have in the past had skipped stitching merely hemming cotton jersey whether I sew over seams or not. It is frustrating but I can’t justify a better machine.
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Until reading the FB page I hadn’t thought about the feed dogs. On closer inspection the back ones were lower and not level. All I did was set them level with the front and hey presto perfect stitches. I’ve use on fleece and denim ( not flat fell seams) and flimsy John Caldor jersey. I haven’t even had to adjust the tension.
My suspicion is that at the factory they are just put in and probably only adjusted on some for quality control. This could explain why they work well for some and others just can’t get them to work despite adjusting tensions differential feed etc.
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I'm going to have good look at mine to see if they are level or not then have a go!
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I wonder if the same applies to my Pfaff. Although in fairness it's usually only on stretch denim that it plays up.
Jessie
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I’m also going to have a look at mine and, if necessary, ask Mr SC to adjust the feed dogs. Then if it’s not right I can blame him.
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Had a look at mine and I think they probably could do with raising slightly. I didn't feel like tackling it as I only wanted to hem a camisole.
After a few issues, I don't think it liked the overlock silver grey thread I was using, a problem that I've encountered in the past, I think I will have a go tomorrow in decent daylight.
One thing I think is a reason (it shouldn't be but.....) for getting skipped stitches is if you stop stitching in the middle of a line and then start again. I did this and know where it was (not over a seam). When I came to check the stitches there was a part where the looper thread had snapped, it was exactly where I had stopped. I've thought for a while this could be a reason so I try if possible to keep sewing even if very slowly. Just a thought.
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I know this is an old thread, but I just wanted to thank @Ellabella for posting the tip in the first place. It has just saved my sanity! :) I've been trying to coverstitch the neckband on a t-shirt, and have ripped it out (very slowly!) three times because of slipped stitches where the band crosses the raglan seams. I've only had my Janome CoverPro 2000cpx a few weeks so I'm a complete novice at it (although I do have a Janome overlocker, so the threading etc is no problem). I was ready to throw it through the window, when I remembered having seen a post on TSP somewhere about raising the feed dogs. Did some research on here last night, and tried making the adjustment before lunch today - success. Yay!
I've also had to lessen off the presser foot pressure a lot as the foot was compressing the jersey far too much as it sewed. I'm sure that's not right but it's an issue I might leave 'til later, after I've stitched the hems, hopefully this afternoon.
Thank you again for saving my project. <3
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@Kenora A quick way to remove cover stitches is to unpick 5 or 6 stitches next to each other on the front and the corresponding stitches on the parallel row. Then from the back of the work you will be able to just pull the looper stitch straight out.
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@Kenora A quick way to remove cover stitches is to unpick 5 or 6 stitches next to each other on the front and the corresponding stitches on the parallel row. Then from the back of the work you will be able to just pull the looper stitch strait out.
If it doesn't work first time try a little further along the row of stitching, it then sometimes will unravel straight away. Also make sure you have the folded hem furthest away from you as you start to unpick from the wrong side.
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Thanks @coffeeandcake and @Helen M - I see a lot of unpicking in my future as I'm learning to perfect my technique. :)
I got my hems sewn this afternoon with no mishaps - apart from the fact that the first time I tried it I missed catching in the hem on the back of the work altogether!!!!! More unpicking. I'd lined it all up on the wrong side first, with the hem between the two needles, then put a strip of blue tape on the machine as a guide, so no idea what went wrong. Second time worked OK.
First t-shirt is now finished, so onwards and upwards. I have lots more stretch jersey to sew. :loveit:
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Interesting topic.
I talked about it with our dealer and he doesn't understand why the feed dogs should be raised as skipped stitches is merely due to a lack of user experience with the Coverpro -<
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How can it be lack of experience! You put the fabric under the foot and your foot on the pedal.
If my washing machine chews my washing that's not lack of user experience :)
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Skipped stitches often come from a blunt or bent needle. That one is then out of sync with the thread. Be careful when you remove the work because it only takes a tiny distortion to cause you grief. Take extra care when you put in a new needle that you put it right at the top and make sure they are all the same size.
Love my Coverpro on jerseys - so long as it behaves!
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Mine is an Elna 444 which is a Janome CP1000 with a different logo.
I don't often have a problem with skipped stitches but itis fussy about the thread and doesn't like cheap stuff especially when it comes to locking off and pulling the threads through at the end. It took me ages to work out how to do that because if the thread is not very smooth it won't pull through nicely, or even pull through at all. It's the looper thread which gives most problem. If it sticks and won't pull through I open the front flap and release the lever through which the looper thread is threaded and that releases it, but remember to push it back again as unlike my overlocker that it doesn't automatically flip back when you start sewing again and stitches won't form.
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I'm finding my CoverPro is happy using the polyester thread it came with, but doesn't like cotton thread. Annoying because I prefer the cotton for topstitching the hems on my jersey tops.
Also, despite raising the feed dogs and cutting away as much bulk as possible, I'm still getting skipped stitches when going over shoulder seams (not over side seams).
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@Kenora I read a solution for going over thick bits and it works a treat (my Elna is the same as the Coverpro)
Stop before the thick bit,
Switch the looper setting to the 'thick' setting*
Increase the left needle tension by 1 - 1.5
Sew over the hump then return settings.
It sounds a bit if a faff but only takes a second. I keep a post it on the machine bed so when I get it out after not using it for a bit it reminds me.
*the Elna has a 2 position lever next to the looper tension dial with a thick and thin picture. I know the Janome one is differently marked but is in the same place I think.
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I'm finding my CoverPro is happy using the polyester thread it came with, but doesn't like cotton thread. Annoying because I prefer the cotton for topstitching the hems on my jersey tops.
Also, despite raising the feed dogs and cutting away as much bulk as possible, I'm still getting skipped stitches when going over shoulder seams (not over side seams).
@Kenora you can use the hump jumper that you would use on your normal sewing machine to go over anything thicker. I don't use a plastic one but one that I made with several thicknesses of fabric enclosed in a cover. I made it thicker at one end as well.
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@Ploshkin - Thank you for this - it sounds very interesting. My Janome has the words "soft" and "tight" on a lever next to the looper tension disc. It was set on "tight" when I got it so that's as I've left it. I'm not sure which one relates to your settings but the "tight" setting has the lever set closest to me. I'll definitely try changing the needle tension before going over a thick bit.
@Helen M - Thank you for suggesting the humper jumper. I have tried using it but unfortunately it didn't make any difference. I'm getting better because originally I had skipped stitches going over the side seams on the main hem. Now I'm only getting them going over the shoulder seam on the neckband, which makes more sense because I have tape on that seam so it's thicker.
I know I really ought to do lots of try outs with spare fabric but I've been so eager to make some tops for this lovely weather that I've just wanted to get on with the sewing. I've now made 3 wearable tops so I'm happy. I have lots of scraps so I'll just have to knuckle down and practice! :)
I was aware of possible problems before buying the Janome but I couldn't justify spending more on a coverstitch machine that I might not use that much. I'm happy with it generally, it's just the skipped stitches which are frustrating. At least there's no tunnelling so I'm grateful for small mercies. :D
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@Kenora if you go back a page on the overlocker and coverstitch oard you will see a thread i started 'excellent coverstitch information '
The author uses 2 machines, one being the coverpro.
This bit is about skipped stitches (http://www.coverstitching.com/doku.php?id=the_janome_2000_cpx) and says to use the tight setting for thick stuff and the soft setting for fine fabrics.
It's worth reading through the information.
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@Ploshkin - Thanks - I'll have a read tomorrow. :)
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@Kenora
I'm so glad you have your coverpro now and have made some lovely tops on it already. I've never had any issues with my coverpro, although I know I haven't used it very much. I think it is just a matter of getting used to the machine and the different settings. Bear with it, because once you've got to know it a bit better you'll find its a good machine to have.
:)
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I have been putting off changing the needles in mine, but am convinced the left one does need changing.
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@Kenora
I'm so glad you have your coverpro now and have made some lovely tops on it already. I've never had any issues with my coverpro, although I know I haven't used it very much. I think it is just a matter of getting used to the machine and the different settings. Bear with it, because once you've got to know it a bit better you'll find its a good machine to have.
:)
Thanks @Lizzy777 - I got a really good deal from my local sewing shop who had it delivered to me. I also got the extension table and clear foot, the latter of which I've found absolutely invaluable, so that one's thanks to you.
I do like the Coverpro - it's only the skipped stitches over thick seams that are causing frustration. As you say, I need to practice a lot more, but I wanted to get my tops made so I could wear them in the hot weather. Now it's gone cooler I'm hoping to put the machine through its paces.
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@Kenora
That's good to hear you are happy with your new machine and all the accessories. Perfect wether for staying in and having more time on the coverpro. ;)
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@Kenora I read a solution for going over thick bits and it works a treat (my Elna is the same as the Coverpro)
Stop before the thick bit,
Switch the looper setting to the 'thick' setting*
Increase the left needle tension by 1 - 1.5
Sew over the hump then return settings.
@Ploshkin - I tried changing the settings as you suggested when I made my latest top. It worked on 3 out of the 4 raglan seams I sewed over for the neckband, so that's a definite improvement. I also hand-tacked the hem in place before I started, rather than leaving pins in, so that I didn't have to stop so much.
Thanks for the suggestions - I'm slowly getting there. :)
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I 'upped' the feeddogs after getting really fed up and guess what it sewed the neck and hems of my t-shirt without any problems. However I will wait and see as I've been lulled into a false sense of security with this machine before.
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I've found a new solution to my skipped stitches problem. I saw somewhere to use Polyarn. So I bought 3 colours from Barnyarns and put it in the looper only. It works like a dream! It feels soft against the skin too so that's a plus.
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I took the plunge and finally managed to get the feed dogs raised on my Janome. I think it has done the trick as it seamed a lovely hem on my top. :)
I was expecting it to be tricky as fabric (viscose jersey) caused me grief on my overlocker (unusual) and I was starting to run short of a matching thread.
I therefore decided to leave the previous threads on the machine to try scraps and alter tensions, then hopefully I'd not need to do too many tests with the correct thread. It worked so I'll remember that, as at times I've used a lot of thread just trying to get tensions right etc.
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We will try out the tips found proposed in this topic. If they don't give the expected results we might purchase a gently used Juki MCS-1500 that our dealer is selling.
End of August our dealer is expecting the new Janome 3000P-CPX. But not sure if the improvements of this "professional"Coverpro will make a real step-up to the 2000CPx.
Add: in the meantime we found a new owner for our Janome 2000CPX we lost confidence in and bought the gently used "as new" Juki MCS-1500. The Juki seams less picky and take seam intersections with ease.