What is a Coverstitch Machine

There are a myriad of different brands and types of Coverstitch machines. I have used both home and industrial and by far the more superior is the industrial coverstitch. There are various brands to ponder but it is important you learn the functions and then decide for yourself. Industrial coverstitch machines come in flat bed or cylinder bed. The Flat bed machine has just that a flat bed so you can lie your garments on flat. Gives a larger surface area to work. Most work can be done on a flatbed coverstitch . There is also a cylinder bed which allows you to sew in the round much easier. For example, hemming a narrow cuff would be a cinch on this type of machine. So decide which type you would be most likely to use, perhaps even both if you do production work.

Now let's talk about the stitches which is the reason you would want a coverstitch. Coverstitch machines can have up to 5 cones of thread. There is also a coverstitch machine that has a chainstitch also , making that type have 6 cones. Of course the home machines can do this as well.

The Coverstitch machine can be top cover, bottom cover or top and bottom coverstitch. The coverstitch is created by a looper dragging thread over needle stitches. There are 3 needles in a coverstitch machine,top cover,possibly and bottom cover looper. Thus you can set up your machine for a double narrow needle, double wide needle as long as the far left needle is always used and you can use the top cover or not use it. You can also set up your machine for a triple needle with or without the top coverstitch. Some in the sewing community call the top coverstitch a reverse cover, but this is really not correct. I think they call it that because it resembles what the inside of stitching would look like, however, the top cover is exactly that. It is designed to look like a top thread is over the needle thread stitches. It is actually a decorative looking stitch but it has great stretch capability . This makes the coverstitch perfect for hems and such. You can also coverstitch over a serged or overlocked stitch, thereby flattening the stitch on the inside and adding a nice topcover look. It is one of my staple machines and I am sure you would love to use it as well. Do your research and try to test one out at a dealer if buying a home model. Make sure it will do what you need it to and that you learn how to operate it, specifically threading. pathways. It is not really hard when you understand what each needle does and what the top and bottom loopers do to make the beautiful coverstitch. Happy Sewing!