The Sewing Place
Machine Talk => Overlockers & Coverstitchers => Topic started by: Ploshkin on March 31, 2019, 11:01:06 AM
-
There is some really good advice on using a coverstitch here (http://www.coverstitching.com/doku.php?id=the_janome_2000_cpx&s%5B%5D=tunnelling)
NB. The Elna Easycover is identical to the Janome the author uses
-
Can’t see the link, it’s saying URL can’t be shown.
-
The link should work now - it had an extra http://
-
Thank you both. Have book marked to read later.
-
Thank you Acorn, I usually avoid doing links on the kindle, I was in a rush.
-
That looks very useful @Ploshkin. Thanks for sharing the link.
-
Thanks for the link @Ploshkin
I'm 90% decided to invest in a coverstitch machine and reviews like this are really good, appreciate it.
-
I love my coverstitch machine but only use it for hemming knits, so always interested in the topic.
I have the Janome 1000 CPX and have managed to break the bobbin holder thingies on the back, so now use it with freestanding ones. That works fine actually and was a cheap solution.
-
@SewRuthieSews - or anyone - Do you ever use yours with knitted fabric - that is, fabric knit with yarn rather than the bought knits like jersey? I think it's called sweater knit but could possibly be a little thicker than the usual commercial offerings, depending on yarn used. I have a knitting machine and have been wondering how the coverstitch machine could work with fabric made on it, if at all.
-
I've used mine with a sweater knit without problems. Mine wasn't handknit so I used a swatch to practise on first to get the tensions right. Maybe you could knit a couple of small pieces on your machine so you could do the same.
-
@aprilla
I have used both the overlocker and coverstitch to sew light and medium weight sweater knit fabrics, bought and made on a (standard guage) knitting machine. I've also sewn a couple of hand knits. On the coverstitch the single needle chain stitch can be very useful for seaming hand knits with finished edges.
On both the overlocker and coverstitch I prefer to use woolly nylon / polybulk thread in the loopers.
On the knitting machine I tend to use the finer yarns and they can work well in the looper instead of the woolly nylons as long as it's smooth and not a boucle style (same goes for the overlocker loopers).
The fine and lightweight knits can be overlocked and coverstitched just as you would stretchy lycra style knit fabrics.
Fine looser knits you treat as you would any mesh type fabric.
This cardigan (https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/493496071663095183/) is one I made from a fine lightweight sweater knit fabric bought from Fabworks
This boat neck pullover (https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/493496071663029765/) is a looser sweater knit that is more like a mesh, bought the fabric from Minerva
For thicker, spongier and looser knits then use things to help you like tearaway stabiliser, water soluble stabiliser (WSS), Gloop (made from WSS scraps), tapes and elastics.
Play and practise with the settings including foot pressure settings and the differential feed and stitch length settings. Use up your swatches and if you don't have any, pick up some old or ugly pieces from a charity shop and use those.
-
Thanks @Helen M, I'm glad to hear this. I'm just looking for those last little bits of information to tip me over the edge into commitment instead of just hovering around the idea of getting one. Knowing I might try using it my own knits really helps.
@Morgan, your garments look so well finished, I'm really impressed. OK, so despite my imagination the coverstitch won't make knits less stretchy but it can be used in a useful way. That suits me nicely, I can deal with that.
That's really interesting tip about using thin yarns in the looper, and the chainstitch... thanks so much.
I've been visiting a Janome 2000CPX for ages, just hovering around the buy button. I bought my Janome sewing machine from the same place and have been very happy with it... I think it might be time to commit.
I really appreciate all the information, I've got a lot of possibilities swirling around in my head now.
I'll report back.... soon (maybe) ;)
edited to add: I bought some double needles for my sewing machine to try out before making the coverstitch investment. Mentally I'll feel better if I know I've tried this as a method first.
-
Aprilla, I've never had a satisfactory result using twin needles to get a 'coverstitch effect' hem so don't let a possible bad result put you off getting a coverstitch machine.
It's not a machine that you will use all the time but look at it as having a machine that will give a better finish to the garments you make. In the same way when I bought my overlocker in 1989 it was to give a nice finish to hems on skirts, trousers and dresses that, being only 5' 1", I always had to cut fabric away from. It was the same with my husband's trousers which always needed that 1/2" extra cutting away. My overlocker has paid for itself more than once in the cost of alterations etc that have been saved.
-
I'm another one who can't get twin needles to work properly for a coverstitch type hem - I always seem to get tunnelling, even after adjusting the tension. Perhaps I should try using a stabiliser, but it would probably be just as quick to get out my coverstitch machine instead.
-
I’m another that doesn’t like the twin needle on a sewing machine. I always tell people not to bother. If they haven’t got a coverstitch machine I recommend using a triple zig zag stitch for hemming. It’s quick, lays flat and stretchy which is what you want on a jersey.
-
The only machine that I got twin needles to work well on was a fairly inexpensive Singer and then only after a lot of faff. My Pfaff QE has a mock coverhem but it only mocks the reverse of the stitch: you don't get the straight stitch that you would get on the front of your hem. I've tended to use it on PJs aorund the waist and hems. After some debate with myself, and having just bought yet another set of twin needles, I finally bought a Janome 2000 a couple of weeks ago and I'm so glad I did. Yes, it is a specialist machine but then so are many other items specialised. :D
-
@coffeeandcake
@Helen M
@StitchinTime
@Ohsewsimple
Thanks for all your support, lovely people. While it might seem to be discouraging it's actually quite encouraging because I want this machine. However, when I feel like that I tend to be super careful before committing.... it drives my husband crazy LOL
So far I've been very satisfied with my machines, a Janome sewing machine and the Brother 1034D serger... all this even though I'm relatively new to sewing. I think I feel I might not yet 'deserve' a cover stitch machine considering the completed wearable garments done, but another part of me thinks that having it will up the finish, so why wait.
There's a not significant birthday coming, that's my cut off date :snip:
-
@aprilla you really shouldn’t prevaricate about sewing supplies.
Here we are definitely ‘EnablersRus’. Coverstitchers are really good at providing an excellent finish and make certain processes much easier. Yes you can do what they do in other ways but few people on here seem to have regretted buying one.
There’s a bit of a learning curve when you first use one but they are nowhere near as daunting as a first try of an overlocker.
I love mine and use it all the time.
-
Oh well if there’s a birthday coming up......yes go for it! :)
Better equipment should give you a better result and that definitely encourages you to challenge yourself and try something new.
Coverstitch machines aren’t just for hems. They can be used for decorative purposes too. You can make belt carriers, handbag handles, use chain stitch with decorative threads to decorate garments etc., use the coverstitch the 'wrong way round'. Lots of things to think about. :)
-
I've had my coverstitch machine for quite a while now and never been totally happy with the results. However things have changed --- DD asked me if I could turn some long sleeved polo shirts into short sleeved ones for the littlies for the summer. These are school uniform and won't be worn in September anyway but there was no point buying new ones. I used the advice on the link for the Janome (I have the Janome 2000 cpx) and stabilsed the hems with fabric glue before sewing. The result - perfect hems. Yay I will now go back to using the machine. :)
-
Sigh
another Sigh
I should just give in and buy the thing! I don't know why I'm faffing about over it, and that's a cause of concern to me.
-
Aprilla - it's okay to get one if you want one and you don't need to explain or justify to anyone
0_0
There's one going 2nd hand on ebay now 1hr 30 mins to go. 9 bids so far.
4 different ones on Facebook Marketplace (just search on coverpro) and better prices than ebay.
-
I've just finished two t-shirts, the coverstitch wasn't happy when I did the test run and I thought 'here we go' but with a slight adjustment 2 hems, 4 sleeve hems and 2 necklines later ------ all good. Something seems to have clicked at last.
-
I have to say a coverstitch and a binding attachment has revolutionised my sewing..and I’ve been sewing a long long time. Perfect Tshirts and tops with lovely bound necklines.
-
@Efemera, I'm pondering the purchase of a binding attachment for my Janome 2000. They're pricey, though, so the pondering has gone on for some time! What size/width do you use for neckbands?
-
I used this one..... though I now have a Babylock coverstitch which I can just buy any generic binding attachment. You can’t with the Janome as you need the attachment plate, though that does come with the clear binding foot as well.
https://sewandcraft.co.uk/janome-wide-tape-binder-42-to-12mm?fee=3&fep=4889&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIi97Gtb_P4QIVTbDtCh3F7AcTEAQYDiABEgJryvD_BwE
-
Thanks Effie. Is the width adjustable from 12 to 42mm, or am I misreading it?
-
No... the first is the measurement to cut binding and the second is the finished width
-
Thanks again for keeping me right!