The Sewing Place

Machine Talk => Overlockers & Coverstitchers => Topic started by: sewmuchmore on October 06, 2017, 18:36:06 PM

Title: Does this machine exist
Post by: sewmuchmore on October 06, 2017, 18:36:06 PM
So He Who Must Be Disobeyed has asked what i want/need for Christmas so he can start saving his pocket money. I have been thinking about a Cover stitch machine for a while but it just means finding somewhere to put another machine.
So I was thinking, is there a machine that will overlock and cover stitch, does anyone have one and what are the pros and cons of having one machine as apposed to separate ones.
Title: Re: Does this machine exist
Post by: Sewbee on October 06, 2017, 18:47:16 PM
You can get both in one machine but it's usually a mini nightmare to switch around to do one or the other - much easier to have two separate machines. Even with the new machines, I believe it's still easier to have two machines. Someone please correct me if I am wrong about this.
Title: Re: Does this machine exist
Post by: Marniesews on October 06, 2017, 19:11:04 PM
I entirely agree with Sewbee personally and was advised by so many people not to get a combo unless I really couldn't cope with separate machines.

I do have a bit of a faff changing over at times as I don't always have space to leave both machines up on the table if my sewing cabinet is open with my sewing machine too but I often go back and forth from overlocker to coverstitch several times in the course of one garment and, while I might be able to tweak my construction sequence to some extent, all that threading over and back for each conversion would drive me crazy not least because each time it's an opportunity to make a small threading error (I never pull the thread through).

I do know from some facebook groups that the combos suit others very well so you just have to approach it with eyes open and self knowledge of which would drive you the craziest.
Title: Re: Does this machine exist
Post by: Ohsewsimple on October 06, 2017, 19:28:21 PM
Definitely separate machines.  They are all a bit of a faff to change over.  My guess is you just wouldn't bother.  Like Marniesews I go from one to the other and am so glad I have the separate machines.  The combined machines are quite complicated to thread too.  A coverstitch machine is quite simple to thread compared to an overlocker.  And financially it can be cheaper buying the two machines. 
Title: Re: Does this machine exist
Post by: Jo on October 07, 2017, 09:21:38 AM
I have a combo and, in all honesty, I LOVE IT! I do my construction in a way that doesn't require to change back and forth between the two, so I overlock everything and at the end change to coverstitch. It was a tad complicated at first, because I had to keep looking at the manual to thread the coverstitch part which I don't use as often. But now that that's stored in my brain it takes me at most 5 minutes (I'm being generous, it usually takes a lot less) to change from one to the other. Probably the same amount of time it would take me to switch machines.
I have the Juki MO735 and it's really wonderful, can't recommend it enoug!
Title: Re: Does this machine exist
Post by: b15erk on October 07, 2017, 11:29:55 AM
I have a Pfaff combi, and yes it is a learning curve - although there are a series of excellent videos on Youtube from the Sewing Machine Warehouse if you would like a close up look at how difficult it is to change over. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39vthUcqXdc

I must be honest and say that sometimes I just use a twin needle, especially for children's clothes.

Jessie
Title: Re: Does this machine exist
Post by: toileandtrouble on October 07, 2017, 12:46:23 PM
I have them separately.  I use the overlock a lot but the coverstitch machine is so light that it is no problem just to lift it out when I want it.  You do need somewhere to put it. The footprint is similar to a standard sewing machine but an overlocker is smaller.
Title: Re: Does this machine exist
Post by: crooknees on October 09, 2017, 17:06:05 PM
I have a Pfaff Coverlock 3. Changing to coverlock takes me less than 5 mins. I use the chain stitch on coverlock mode as a tacking stitch for trying on and find that setting up for this takes much less time than pulling out a 6mm machine sewn tack.
I love my machine. Tension takes care of itself most of the time and any messing with tension can be reset to machine setting by switching the machine off and on again. Mine came with a very large extension table too. This removes any tendency to drag when working on large items. Threading is easy with a guide on the machine to follow until your brain gets the idea. The only moan I have, is that I find it difficult to change the needles. I have to place a mirror underneath so that I can see the 5 needle positions available.
I bought from SMD and have never regretted my choice of machine or supplier.
Title: Re: Does this machine exist
Post by: sewmuchmore on October 10, 2017, 18:47:11 PM
Thanks everyone. I am going to the Sewing Show in Harrogate at end of November so I will have a look at the machine there and then hopefully decide what i want. I do have an overlocker so may well look at the cover stitch as a separate entity.