If you consider yourself a sewing enthusiast, you have likely been intrigued by the complex double-needle hem on your t-shirts or other ready-to-wear garments. Curious about how to achieve that professional finish?
Well, you can accomplish the same results with the use of a cover stitch sewing machine. Cover stitch machines have become quite the uproar in the home sewing space. While they can be a costly investment, cover stitch machines can make a vast difference in your results and make your sewing process more efficient.
Cover Stitch Machines: What Are They?
A cover is a specialty machine that is primarily used for laying down topstitching knits and hems for high-quality results. Producing stitches with a degree of elasticity to them, the machine covers raw edges of hems all in one go.
It puts does two (or three) straight parallel lines on the front of the fabric all the while laying down an intricate stitch design on the back. This intricate stitch design consists of a grid or chain of stitches that is formed when looper thread crosses over the needle threads.
A cover stitch machine would be a good investment if you sew knitwear frequently and want to create perfect hems with ease without the hassle of using twin needles or zigzag stitches. This garment device may just prove to be the most vital tool in your stitching arsenal.
By creating this elastic stitch, stitching knits can be performed a lot more easily, since they won’t stretch out of shape when stitched. A cover stitch sewing machine will prove especially vital when stitching sportswear or dancewear garments that involve constructing stretchy stitches on Lycra.
Twin Needle Vs Cover Stitch
On the front side, it may be difficult to differentiate between a twin needle stitch and a cover stitch since they look identical. They both thread down a similar-looking seam on the right side. However, the difference becomes apparent if you turn the fabric over. A twin needle sewing machine will leave behind a zigzag pattern. While you will notice something of a loper grid on the backside of a fabric with a cover stitch machine.
Twin-needle seams are generally less elastic compared to cover stitch seams and often break apart when stretched too far. Additionally, twin-needle stitches tend to tunnel, which is when ridges or bumps form between the rows of stitches. A cover stitch machine tends to give more refined results.
Overlocker Vs Cover Stitch
In simple terms, an overlocker is a machine that will sew a seam and trim the edge in the same go. A cover stitch machine, on the other hand, top stitches a hem with twin needles, and on the reverse is a loopy thread that goes between the two lines of stitching.
Overlockers are mainly used for serging the edges of fabrics as they are being trimmed. Among the two sewing machines, this dual function is perhaps the primary and most time-saving difference.
In addition, cover stitch machines feature a larger work area when compared to overlockers. However, some of the more recent serger models do have extended work areas. But generally, a serger has a much smaller gap between the right-hand needle and mechanic housing.
Moreover, an overlooker comes with two loopers while a cover stitch sewing machine only carries one.
Types Of Cover Stitch Sewing Machines
If you’re in the market for a cover stitch machine, there is a wide range available varying by type, brand, price, and expected use. Since they come with quite a hefty price tag, it is important to assess your needs and evaluate which one to purchase. Currently, you will come across four main types of cover stitch sewing machines:
2-Needle Cover Stitch Machine
As evident by the name, this sewing device carries two needles. It also comes with one looper and is capable of sewing a single-row chain stitch seam as well as a three-thread cover stitch. However, it is less common than the rest of the options.
3-Needle Cover Stitch Machine
With three needles in place, this machine can perform a variety of tasks. It can do both wide and narrow cover stitching, single-needle chain stitching, as well as 3 needle cover stitching. If you’re looking for something to help you sew decorative stitches, this machine will be ideal for you.
Serger/Cover Stitch Combination Machine
The Seger/ Cover stitch combo is what versatility is all about. This all-in-one powerhouse can perform overlocks, cover stitches, and even carry out chain stitching. While these combo machines can prove expensive, they save both precious time and money in the long term.
Top Cover Stitch Machine
The top cover stitch machine is also a very flexible machine with the ability to carry out multiple functions. It is also suitable for hemming, decorative stitching, flat joining seams, and other uses.
