The Sewing Place

Machine Talk => Overlockers & Coverstitchers => Topic started by: Sewbee on June 20, 2019, 15:53:19 PM

Title: Coverstitch Machine
Post by: Sewbee on June 20, 2019, 15:53:19 PM
IF I were to buy a coverstitch machine, which would you suggest? I am saying IF because I want to see that I get back to sewing a bit more but the idea has been on my mind so it’s time to begin researching them. I have an overlocker but I know nothing of the various cover machines out there.

I could ask my dealer but if I do that I will have bought one before even realising it. Yes, he is THAT good at selling.
Title: Re: Coverstitch Machine
Post by: annieeg on June 20, 2019, 15:59:05 PM
@Sewbee
Bernette Bernina FunLock 009DCC is a stand alone cover stitch machine (I have one).
Title: Re: Coverstitch Machine
Post by: Sewbee on June 20, 2019, 16:03:15 PM
I've literally just got my Bernina L220 up and running and loving it so far, though I haven't really done much with it yet.

Ohh! I didn’t know they made one. Is it easy to use.
Title: Re: Coverstitch Machine
Post by: Sewbee on June 20, 2019, 16:03:43 PM
@Sewbee
Bernette Bernina FunLock 009DCC is a stand alone cover stitch machine (I have one).

@annieeg How do you like it?
Title: Re: Coverstitch Machine
Post by: Efemera on June 20, 2019, 16:55:57 PM
Depends on your budget... the BLCS2 is great, I started with a Janome 1000 and it did a good job but upgraded when I upgraded my overlocker.
Title: Re: Coverstitch Machine
Post by: annieeg on June 20, 2019, 23:14:04 PM
@Sewbee   I like my coverstitch machine and the professional finish it gives on hems and using it for topstitching.
Title: Re: Coverstitch Machine
Post by: Ploshkin on June 21, 2019, 09:05:03 AM
Quote
and using it for topstitching.

@annieeg  is there any advantage using it for topstitching?  I would have thought it would be easier to be accurate with a standard sewing machine especially if it has a variable needle position.
Title: Re: Coverstitch Machine
Post by: b15erk on June 21, 2019, 09:14:27 AM
I mainly use the CS for topstitching jersey/stretch hems and finishings, I've also used it with some success on wovens, but you are right @Ploshkin , the sewing machine is easier and more accurate, but if you want a rtw finish, the coverstitch is the way to go - particularly the three needle ones - very fancy!

It is also difficult to turn corners, although there are techniques out there, they do take practise.

It really is a very easy, smart finish for hems etc - but I wouldn't use it on a wedding dress!

Just like the overlocker, there are times you feel it's suitable to use it, other times maybe a different seam finish is needed.

I think you just need to decide, as with the O/L, if it's for you.

Jessie
Title: Re: Coverstitch Machine
Post by: annieeg on June 21, 2019, 10:06:27 AM
@Ploshkin @b15erk
Attached is a pic of a seam which I topstitched using the coverstitch machine.  I like it because I can do two rows of stitching at the same time.
  [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]  
Title: Re: Coverstitch Machine
Post by: Sewbee on June 21, 2019, 13:08:57 PM
@annieeg That looks lovely. I hadn’t thought of shoulder seams. Thanks for posting the picture. It really helps to see what it can do.

Tina
Title: Re: Coverstitch Machine
Post by: Sewbee on June 21, 2019, 13:13:54 PM
@Francesca does the L220 have three needle capability?
Title: Re: Coverstitch Machine
Post by: Sewbee on June 22, 2019, 13:05:32 PM
@Efemera I see you have a Babylock. I thought those were about £1200 and then I just found this but I think it might not be the same model. Is it by chance the same as what you have? I know they are made in Japan so they must be good.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Baby-Lock-CoverLock-Success-C405/dp/B01KZV21SC (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Baby-Lock-CoverLock-Success-C405/dp/B01KZV21SC)
Title: Re: Coverstitch Machine
Post by: Efemera on June 22, 2019, 13:17:51 PM
No... mine is a BLCS2. It’s a coverstitch only and was around £1200. Got mine from Hobkirks
https://www.hobkirk.co.uk/babylock-enlighten-overlocker
Title: Re: Coverstitch Machine
Post by: Ohsewsimple on June 22, 2019, 13:37:39 PM
@Sewbee I think that one is made for Babylock.   I’ve  got the same one as Efemera.  Love it!  But yes, it is pricey. 
Title: Re: Coverstitch Machine
Post by: Sewbee on June 22, 2019, 13:52:07 PM
@Efemera @Ohsewsimple  Ah ha! I see that one has the jet air threading - the BLCS2.
Title: Re: Coverstitch Machine
Post by: Marniesews on June 23, 2019, 14:37:30 PM
I also have the Bernina L220 coverstitch. I've had her for 3 years now (it was phased out of the Bernina range at least 1yr or more ago - more on that below) and we're still good friends. The looper tension has got a little looser with age, which isn't a bad thing so I really don't do much tweaking. I use her mostly for knits - the lycra dance dresses, but not exclusively.

I use the chainstitch quite a lot. Of course for basting it's a dream with a quick unzip afterwards (easy enough to secure when you want to as well) but it's also good for a bold single line topstitch if you sew it from the wrong side. If you need the stability of a topstitch but don't want it to show, it's useful to stitch in the ditch and still have that bit of stretch when needed. I've also found it excellent for using on dress net. Since my DGD has been in adult sizes I can't get a ballroom single circle skirt in one piece when I can't buy 300cm wide dress net. The chainstitch is ideal for seaming two half circles of net, a really strong seam that you can press open making it both less visible than the serger and more robust than a plain straight stitch.

As for the machine. The L220 was the last Bernina model made for them by Juki. Once Bernina split from them and moved to Jaguar, Juki finally brought out their L220 design branded under their own name.  I haven't tried the new Bernette coverstitch but the Jaguar sergers that I have tried were very unrefined beasts so that combined with the Bernette branding doesn't fill me with confidence in these circumstances. In the meantime all the glowing user reviews of the Juki MCS-1500 twin have helped Juki take the home coverstitch world by storm, the number of people buying it purely on recommendation without trying it is impressive. It's really leading the charge for Juki in the US.

I've not used a Babylock although I've seen them demonstrated and it seems to me that is the other machine that is most comparable with Juki. Babylock owners would insist it's superior I'm sure, it's certainly more expensive - some of their combination models being very much more of course.

Many Janome coverstitch owners have great results with the 2000cpx in particular but it seems to be less friendly than the Juki/Babylocks and needs some patience and determination to get used to the greater attention to settings that it appears to need. They all have a learning curve and may throw a real hissy fit with some fabrics occasionally but the large number of former owners who report they've sold their Janome and then replaced it successfully with the Juki or Babylock may support this assumption.

Brother have a couple of coverstitch models, one of which does a reverse coverstitch (where it can produce the looper stitching pattern on the top surface). I get the impression that they are similar to their sergers - certainly a similar plastic feel with lots of vibration and noise. One sees lots of problems popping up with new users on the coverstitch groups but you'll also find that to a lesser extent with both Juki and Babylock at times as they do require a greater understanding than an ordinary sewing machine (it doesn't help that Janome & Babylock use different needles to Juki & Brother) but for many of us they have just worked right out of the box...until you eventually discover that one particular fabric it absolutely hates.  ;)
Title: Re: Coverstitch Machine
Post by: Morgan on June 23, 2019, 21:29:37 PM
@Marniesews  Terrific assessment of those models
Title: Re: Coverstitch Machine
Post by: Sewbee on June 26, 2019, 14:15:42 PM
I phoned my usual dealer about coverstitch machines today. I learned he doesn’t sell Juki. Of course I was told the Babylock CS2 is excellent but it is also £1249 and I think that is probably too much to pay for a machine that is not a necessity. We will see, though. I am still researching.

He suggested a machine by Babylock called the Success Celine which is £499, I believe. It’s is a trademark of Baby Lock Deutschland. I wonder if they have a new cheaper range now. Oddly, I called another dealer the other day and he also suggested this same machine, although he did admit the Juki MCS-1500 is better. I have never heard of this machine. Has anyone else?

Success Celine Coverstitch Machine (https://www.psmc.co.uk/acatalog/Success-SC-C4-Coverstitch-Machine-3653.html)
Title: Re: Coverstitch Machine
Post by: ClareInStitches on June 29, 2019, 16:08:38 PM
:D Just clicked the link and read the blurb. I suspect that it is a direct translation from 'foreign'.
 As in:
" the work of planking and decorative stitching. "       I'm  not sure that I have ever planked.
and
" the SC C4 knows no restriction and has precisely these types of points and of course a chain stitch 2 son. "  Whose son would that be?

Can't help but be reminded of an ancient TV comedy called From May to December:
Middle aged male person:  My wife doesn't understand me.
Very young and scatty female person:  Why, is she foreign, then?   

That aside, thank you for the link. I shall compare the attributes of the Janome2000CPX and this one in more detail.
 
Clare
   
Title: Re: Coverstitch Machine
Post by: Gernella on July 01, 2019, 09:59:36 AM
I've got the Janome 2000 but I have to admit it only comes out when I am using jersey knit and similar, otherwise it spends most of its time with the cover on.  It does work  well and I wouldn't be without it, but it was sort of the last machine to have on my wish list.
Title: Re: Coverstitch Machine
Post by: aprilla on July 01, 2019, 23:25:53 PM
Thanks for the post about the Celine @Sewbee, I'd never heard of it.
I've been thinking about a coverstitch machine for a while, nearly bought the Janome 2000 but missed a sale and didn't. Now I'm sortof thinking about them whenever I sew, trying to figure if I'd get much use from it or if I just want to have one LOL

Here's another link for the Success Celine (https://sewtosuccess.co.uk/sewing_machine/celine/)
Title: Re: Coverstitch Machine
Post by: callmecazza on July 06, 2019, 19:06:56 PM
I went to an overlocking/cover stitch display today. Omg some of the baby locks are seriously amazing. I am on a limited budget so they were out of the question. I test drove the Success Celine as was very impressed with it, so much so that I’ve ordered one. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles that the big machines have but I was able to thread it and get it to work beautifully with minimal effort.
Title: Re: Coverstitch Machine
Post by: Sewbee on July 10, 2019, 09:21:06 AM
@aprilla and @callmecazza Thanks so much for commenting about the Success Celine. My dealer phoned me yesterday and said Babylock is having a one-day special of 10% off so I am off to get a demo of the Babylock BLCS but also the Success Celine.

Am I totally mad? Setting foot in there is dangerous!
Title: Re: Coverstitch Machine
Post by: Efemera on July 10, 2019, 09:37:11 AM
It does seem a lot for a coverstitch but if you get a binder it will revolutionise your sewing.
Title: Re: Coverstitch Machine
Post by: Sewbee on July 10, 2019, 09:40:43 AM
@Efemera Thanks for that. The binder attachment is actually one of the features i am interested in.
Title: Re: Coverstitch Machine
Post by: aprilla on July 10, 2019, 10:49:18 AM
@Sewbee  Of course it's madness, and I can't wait to get a full report!!
Title: Re: Coverstitch Machine
Post by: Sewbee on July 10, 2019, 11:56:07 AM
At the train station now - on my way!
Title: Re: Coverstitch Machine
Post by: toileandtrouble on July 10, 2019, 12:37:00 PM
@Sewbee be sure to find out how much the accessories are for the Celine, and availability.  I could see pictures but no word on prices and I couldn't find out who stocked them either.  Some of those for my Janome are nearly £100.
Title: Re: Coverstitch Machine
Post by: Ohsewsimple on July 10, 2019, 13:13:52 PM
The Babylock accessories are expensive too but you can use industrial accessories on it.  I have a binder but I  don’t use it a lot. 
Title: Re: Coverstitch Machine
Post by: Sewbee on July 10, 2019, 15:06:30 PM
On my way home.

I am now the proud owner of a coverstitch machine.

Guess which one I bought!

More later!

Tina
Title: Re: Coverstitch Machine
Post by: Ohsewsimple on July 10, 2019, 15:42:38 PM
Oh no you can’t say that and leave us in suspense.  :)
Not going to guess.   Whatever you have, enjoy! 
Title: Re: Coverstitch Machine
Post by: aprilla on July 10, 2019, 16:26:07 PM
WhooHoo!!!! Congrats  :toast:
Title: Re: Coverstitch Machine
Post by: aprilla on July 10, 2019, 16:28:46 PM
@callmecazza How did I miss this... Congrats  :toast: and full report please!!
Title: Re: Coverstitch Machine
Post by: b15erk on July 10, 2019, 16:37:01 PM
Wow, such excitement!

Love a new machine me!

Jessie
Title: Re: Coverstitch Machine
Post by: Sewbee on July 10, 2019, 17:27:33 PM
And the winner ..... the Babylock BLCS2! I was completely sold after the demo. What a beautiful piece of equipment! The air threading is superb! All you have to do is thread the needles. And the quality of the stitch is superb, too. The machine comes all set up. Apparently, there is nothing to assemble.

The BLCS2 was demonstrated first and then she showed me the Success Celine. I would say it is twice the size of the Babylock. It looks a nice sturdy machine, I must say, but my eyes were on the Babylock.

I told my dealer that there was nothing left for him to sell me now because I have it all. He just laughed. I suspect the next thing might be a Babylock air threading serger, though.
Title: Re: Coverstitch Machine
Post by: Sewingsue on July 10, 2019, 17:51:00 PM
Congratulations.

Ah, David Drummond - that man could sell snow to Inuit.
Title: Re: Coverstitch Machine
Post by: Sewbee on July 10, 2019, 17:54:42 PM
Congratulations.

Ah, David Drummond - that man could sell snow to Inuit.

Ha ha! That’s probably true but he gives good service.

To be honest, I knew I was done for as soon as I set foot in the shop!
Title: Re: Coverstitch Machine
Post by: Efemera on July 10, 2019, 18:07:12 PM
i bought a hemmer and don’t like it or use it. I do have three binders. I bought my BLCS2..... a month later I upgraded my overlocker to a Babylock....it’s a slippery slope! I love them both.
Title: Re: Coverstitch Machine
Post by: Sewbee on July 10, 2019, 18:09:56 PM
i bought a hemmer and don’t like it or use it. I do have three binders. I bought my BLCS2..... a month later I upgraded my overlocker to a Babylock....it’s a slippery slope! I love them both.

Why don’t you like using the hemmers?

I will have to read up on what the binders do.
Title: Re: Coverstitch Machine
Post by: Ellabella on July 10, 2019, 20:24:23 PM
Oh @Sewbee you will LOVE it.

I have an Evolve that I just use for coverstitching and an Imagine O/L, they are wonderful. <3

I'm glad you got the clear foot, it makes such a difference.

Just play with it for a while, the stitch quality is wonderful and tension problems a thing of the past. 0_0
Title: Re: Coverstitch Machine
Post by: Efemera on July 10, 2019, 21:13:22 PM
Why don’t you like using the hemmers?

I will have to read up on what the binders do.

I find it easier just to press up the hem and coverstitch.
Title: Re: Coverstitch Machine
Post by: Celia on July 11, 2019, 09:47:01 AM
Babylock are the best, I am lucky enough to have the Gloria and I love love love it. I use this machine more than any sewing machine I own.  I very rarely wear anything that is not made from stretch materials
Title: Re: Coverstitch Machine
Post by: aprilla on July 20, 2019, 11:36:42 AM
@Sewbee and anyone else... Bluprint videos are free to watch these few days. I'm watching this one and thought it could be interesting to this thread. There are several more on the subject, I've just started with this one LOL
Coverstitch: Basics & Beyond by Gail Yellen (https://www.mybluprint.com/playlist/11274/19842)
Title: Re: Coverstitch Machine
Post by: Gernella on July 20, 2019, 13:38:37 PM
Oh @Sewbee , did you get that lovely tingly feeling when you have spent loads of money, pure excitement.  I  suspect if I won the lottery I would be very tempted in that direction, they are hard to beat.
Title: Re: Coverstitch Machine
Post by: Sewbee on July 20, 2019, 15:57:19 PM
@aprilla Thank you so much for mentioning this. What a great opportunity! Off to watch it now!
Title: Re: Coverstitch Machine
Post by: Sewbee on July 20, 2019, 15:59:54 PM
@Gernella Yes I did, although it was quickly followed with thoughts of my completely mad to spend so much money on a coverstitch machine but then, as my dealer said, life is to short! 
Title: Re: Coverstitch Machine
Post by: Ellabella on July 20, 2019, 20:47:35 PM
@Celia how easy is it change from coverstitch to overlock on the Gloria?
Title: Re: Coverstitch Machine
Post by: Celia on July 20, 2019, 21:04:38 PM
@Celia how easy is it change from coverstitch to overlock on the Gloria?
It is the easiest of the combined machines, the most difficult bit is moving the needles and it is easier on this machine due to the extra space around the needles.
Title: Re: Coverstitch Machine
Post by: Gernella on July 21, 2019, 09:49:36 AM
@Gernella Yes I did, although it was quickly followed with thoughts of my completely mad to spend so much money on a coverstitch machine but then, as my dealer said, life is to short! 
Title: Re: Coverstitch Machine
Post by: Lilian on August 14, 2019, 22:58:14 PM
Was somebody looking for a Britannia coverstitch machine?  Sewing Quarter have them and will demo tomorrow - so they are back in stock  :)