10 Best Coverstitch Machine – Reviews and Beginners Guide 2019

Wanna know the secret to creating secure and professional hems?

Well, that involves using a good coverstitch sewing machine—a secret the professional sewists have held to themselves for so long.

Unfortunately, finding a good coverstitch machine is a daunting task.

The market has all types of models, with different stitch widths, operation speeds, number of needles, and even cost.

BUT…good news is that I’ve done the hardest part for you.

I’ve researched and analyzed different models on the market and come up with the NINE best coverstitch machine reviews that I’ll be sharing with you below.

Also, I’ll share you with some crucial tips on picking the perfect coverstitch machine for your sewing projects.

Let’s get into the details:

What is a Coverstitch Machine?

A Coverstitch machine is special sewing machine that gives your fabric the perfect hemming.

The machine comes designed to let you do things like making professional looking hems, create smooth necklines, attach sleeve cuffs, and more.

A typical coverstitch machine comes with 1-3 needles and a looper paced underneath. The needles combine with the looper threads to create a chain. The resulting seam has excellent tolerance to stretching.

This machine shouldn’t be confused with the overlock/serger machine. Though both types of machines utilize loopers and needles to create a seam, they’re meant to serve entirely different purpose. The serger is ideal for joining seams while the Coverstitch machine is intended for hemming.

It’s also worth noting that using this machine is incredibly easy, even for beginners who have never operated one before.

Who can use a coverstitch machine?

Anyone who loves sewing- whether you’re a DIY, hobbyist, home-based or professional seamstress, you can use a coverstitch to help you come up with highly secure and professional-looking hems.

In the below section, we take a closer look at the 9 best coverstitch machine models that I picked for you.

Our Best Coverstitch Machine Picks:

1. Brother 2340CV Cover Stitch

Brother 2340CV is one of the top best serger with coverstitch models you can get on the market today. It was designed with the primary intention of allowing users to easily create a wide range of stitches on different types and weights of fabric.

What makes this serger special is the advanced technology that comes integrated into it. It makes it possible for you to create highly decorative and constructive applications.

Some of the advanced features you’ll enjoy using in this machine include the tri-cover stitch capability, narrow and wide cover stitches, and an incredibly easy looper threading system.

To ensure you achieve high-quality threading, this machine offers you a color-coded threading guide that works hand in hand with the included adjusting dials.

Adjusting the speed and stitch length of any material has also been made easy, with the included Snap-On feet, presser foot dial, and a differential feed.

The Brother machine also comes with 3 needles plus one looper thread that enables you to hassle-freely come up with professional hems, decorative stitching, and chain stitching. It’s an exceptional model for coming up with awesome t-shirts with little effort.

To help you get the most out of this machine, it comes with a list of accessories which include—a needle set, 4 spool caps, tweezers, 4 spool mats, a cleaning brush, soft cover, hexagonal wrench, 4 thread nets, and a detailed operating manual.

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2. Janome Cover Pro 1000CPX Coverstitch Machine

Janome Cover Pro 1000CPX Coverstitch is great for all sewists looking to achieve professional finishes for all their customer projects. The machine boasts of a highly innovative design—which is a result of marriage between a convenient home machine and an industrial-grade cover stitch.

The result of this union is a long-arm, high-speed coverstitch machine that looks and operates like your typical sewing machine.

As one of the most advanced coverstitch machine available, this model lets you enjoy exclusive features like the Janome's Seam Tightening System™(STS), wide trip cover hem stitch, and even the exclusive free arm configurations.

Note that this is a fully dedicated cover stitch machine and has no serger, overlock, or the rolled hem stitches functionalities.

As a genuine product of Janome, it is also backed by a limited 25-year warranty from the manufacturer.

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3. Juki 1-Needle, 3-Thread Overlock Machine MO-623

Juki 1-Needle, 3-Thread Overlock Machine comes with a price you can afford. And this makes it the perfect machine not just for sewists on a budget, but also for beginners who need a basic machine for learning purposes.

Due to its reduced price, you don’t expect this machine to offer you many high-end features. Nevertheless, it offers you the most important features you need in a coverstitch machine. These include a built-in needle plate that eliminates the need to change to another plate to cover your machine to rolling hem.

It also comes with adjustable cutting width and stitch length to help you work on different types and weights of garments easily.

With a speed of up to 1500 stitches per minute, this basic machine will help you handle big workloads within a truly short period.

Additional features include a disengagable knife cutting mechanism and 3 thread system for overcasting.

Because it’s a simple machine, setting up and using this machine is extremely easy for all total beginners out there. If you don’t find the included instructions helpful (many users have complained about them), you’ll get countless online videos that will show you how to sew with this Juki.

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4. Janome CoverPro 900CPX Coverstitch Machine

Like our previously discussed model, Janome CoverPro 900CPX Coverstitch Machine also comes with a pocket-friendly cost compared to other units out there. Again, this makes it ideal for all professional sewists with a little budget as well as beginners.

Interestingly, this machine provides you with most of the typical Janome coverstitch machine features and functionality despite its small cost. One such feature lies in its extremely high speed of 1000 stitches per minute, with a maximum of 2 needles only.

It also comes with the Janome’s automatic Seam Tightening System (STS). For those who don’t know, this exclusive system from Janome greatly reduces slack in the looper thread, giving you flat, tight, and sturdy stitches on different types of fabrics.

In addition to this, this unit also has an extra-wide bed space and free arm capabilities to allow you to work on an extended range of sewing projects.

You’ll find the Quick Reference Chart at the front of this machine quite helpful when you want to quickly choose the right stitch and settings for the fabric at hand. The chart will simply save you the hassle of having to go through your user manual.

On top of it all, Janome CoverPro 900CPX is extremely easy to setup and use for anyone.

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5. Juki MCS-1500 Cover Stitch and Chain Stitch Machine

Juki MCS-1500 is another specialized machine that will handle all your coverstitch applications. It’s perfect for a wide range of applications such as simple hem, necklines, and sleeve cuffs. Since its stitching stretches, it’s also ideal for stretch fabrics.

In addition to cover stitching, this machine also excellently handles chain stitch. The lower thread easily forms a chain on the wrong side of your fabric, making the stitching strong when stretched. This means that you can use this machine to stitch secure waist and side seams of your customer pants.

This machine also does an excellent job when it comes to creating decorative stitches for necklines.

Operating this machine is the easiest part. It comes with a presser foot lifter that allows you to easily insert the fabric during the sewing process. Moreover, you can adjust its differential feed to create beautiful finishes, even with stretch fabrics like georgette and knits.

Since it comes with an adjustable presser foot pressure, you’ll have an easy time working on different types of fabrics.

Additional factors that make this machine worth every cent include exterior thread cutter, simple looper threading, presser foot w/guide, and an extension plate w/seam guide lines.

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6. Janome Cover Pro 1000CPX Cover Stitch Machine

If you’re looking for the perfect home coverstitch machine, consider investing in this Janome Cover Pro 1000CPX. The machine combines the best industrial-grade machines with the domestic-style models, enabling you to come up with professional looking garments at the comfort of your home.

One of the top-end features you’ll get in this machine include a long free arm that makes it incredibly easy and possible for you to sew as you hem. It even goes a step further and offers you a larger harp space to easy laying of your fabrics and other items. As if that’s not enough, the machine offers you a removable extension plate to offer you extra room in case you’re working on larger fabrics.

The fact that it has a 3 needle/4 thread capability makes it an extremely versatile unit that you reliably use to sew thin as well as thick knit cloth layers.

With the help of the adjustable seam guide, you’ll also be able to wide double stitched hems with this machine.

As in the other Janomes we’ve discussed earlier, this machine also offers you the Seam Tightening System™(STS). As we said earlier, this automatic component makes operating the machine easier.

Additional features include adjustable presser for easy sliding of the fabric, 1000 stitches per minute sewing speed, and a set of accessories (including tweezers, needle screwdrivers, spool nets, lint brush, spool holder caps, etc.).

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7. Singer Professional 5 14T968DC Serger with Cover Stitch

Singer is respected name in the sewing world. Apart from offering you top-notch sewing machine, the company also manufacture quality coverstitch machines with impressive features and functionalities that will take your sewing to the next level.

The Singer Professional 5 14T968DC Serger with Cover Stitch is one of the best units from the manufacturer. It provides you with 2-3-4-5 thread capability, allowing you to enjoy a wide selection of stitch options for all your projects—with professional results every time.

With this machine, you can sew a hem, seam finish, and even trim excess allowance, all at the same time, saving you a great deal of time. The different creative stitch options as well as fabric combinations takes your creativity to the next level.

Because this unit sews at a crazy speed of 1300 stitches per minute (while trimming and overcasting), it’ll enable you to zip through bigger projects in a really short time.

The decorative flatlock and easy rolled hems goes a long way in adding an appealing finish touch to your garments, home décor projects, and so on.

Additional features that will help you get the best out of this machine include adjustable cutting width, automatic, self-adjusting tension system, stitch length control, and color-coded threading.

Did I mention you’ll also find multiple accessories inside the package?

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8. Consew 14TU858 Portable "Coverlock" Coverstitch Machine

Are you on the go sewer? Do you find yourself traveling a lot and want to carry your coverstitch machine with you to any place? If yes, say hello to Consew 14TU858 Portable "Coverlock" Coverstitch Machine.

This is the most portable coverstitch machine for sale on the market today. It has a compact design (L.300 X W.310 X H.320mm) and weighs 15.5 Lbs. light.

But don’t take its portability for inability. This machine does a clean edging at creating professional hemmings you can use it for general overedging, plain seaming, cross seaming, braiding, and pintucking.

You can count on it to overedge and trim a variety of materials- from lightweight fabrics like silk, chiffon, line, etc. to heavyweight fabrics like denim, jersey, tweeds, etc.

The machine features a wide array of features to help you achieve professional looking finishes easily. One of these features revolve around the differential feed which promotes perfect feeding, eliminating stretching and plucking. It also features an automatic tension release which assures you of accurate thread placement through the tension discs.

For even easier portability, this machine has a built-in compartment for storing all your accessories and a soft PVC cover so that you can easily carry it to any place in protected manner.

Other features that made this machine quality for this list include the adjustable pressure presser foot, heavy-duty cutting system, electronic speed control, free arm for sewing tubular items, easy & fast looper threading, and a built-in LED light.

Unbelievably, this machine has a wallet-friendly that cannot be matched with all the above features and capabilities. This makes it one of the best deals for anyone who wants a real bang for their buck.

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9. Brother CV3440 Single-sided Cover Stitch Machine

Our coverstitch machine reviews ends with the Brother CV3440 Single-sided unit. Like the Other Brother we opened our list, this model also comes with a slightly higher price tag. However, it compensates for the cost with a list of top-end features (of equal value) that will address all your professional dressmaking.

The machine is specially made to help you create an extended range of cover stitches on different types and weights of fabrics—for both constructive and decorative purposes. It provides you with single-sided wide cover stitches, narrow cover stitches, tri-cover stitches…and even chain stitch!

It also has a large working space so you’ll comfortably work on larger and smaller garments. When you want to remove the fabric, the one-touch lever tension release will help you do it easily, without any struggles.

Similar to our portable unit above, this Brother also has a built-in LED light for cooler and energy saving. It has a free arm for easy sewing of cuffs and necklaces. The differential fabric feed enhances stitch quality. And the color-coded threading guide eases the sewing process.

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A Beginners Guide For Buying A Coverstitch Machine

If I were to do a rough estimation of the number of coverstitch machines on the market, I’d say several thousands.

That might sound amazing, right?

But it’s not.  Taking a closer look at most of these machines will reveal to you that most of them aren’t even anywhere near the definition of a quality coverstitch sewing machine.

So, how do you avoid getting into the trap of such models?

It’s simple. You just need to keep your focus on these aspects:

Beginner vs advanced users

One of the key aspects to consider when buying coverstitch sewing machine is your sewing skill level.

If you’re an absolute beginner, you should avoid investing in a costly model with a lot of complicated features and add-ons. Instead, start with a basic model that will help you learn the ropes of the sewing world.

What if you’re an advanced sewist? In that case, you’ve the freedom to choose any machine, whether complicated or not, provided it will meet your needs.

Stitch Width

Stitch width can be defined as the distance moved by the needle from side to side as you sew.

If you plan on making blind hemming, creating button holes, or even raw edges, then you should go for a machine that offers wider stitches.

Fr straight line sewing, the width is usually set to zero.

Stitch length

Like stitch width, stitch length of any given material is also an important factor to consider when making a purchase.

The length of the stitch usually determines the durability of a garment. If the length is shorter, the stitch will be tighter. And this will make your clothing stronger.

Longer length stitch will be ideal for decorative purposes or temporary stitches.

If you’re handling heavy fabrics, you’ll also need longer stitches (they should be at least 4mm long). For finer garments, shorter stitches (at least 2mm long) will do.

Speed

If you want to get the perfect machine for your sewing needs, then you should also consider how fast it operates.

This is important given the fact that different machines have different varying speeds.

For the professional seamstresses who often find themselves with bigger workloads, I suggest that you go for a machine with incredibly high speed to boost your productivity.

A hobbyist or at home sewist will find a machine with moderate speed sufficient to handle their smaller workload.

What’s your budget?

When buying a coverstitch machine, it’s also important that you consider your budget.

And when setting a budget, keep in mind you intend to use your investment. For instance, if you don’t sew regularly, buying an expensive machine doesn’t make sense.

On the other hand, if you occasionally work on sewing projects, then you should consider finding a reliable machine with an average cost.

For sewists who wish to obtain the highest-quality seams, you should get ready to meet the cost of a heavy-duty machine.

Accessories and add-ons

From our top products section, you might have noted that different manufacturers tend to add certain attachments and accessories to their machines.

These machines are meant to help you enjoy optimal performance for your machine.

A machine that comes with multiple accessories doesn’t make a great as you might find most of the add-ons aren’t helpful.

The key accessories you should look for in a machine include:

In addition to that, a complete package should also come with seam guide and comprehensive troubleshooting guide to help you operate and fix the machine easily.

A machine that comes with cleaning and repair kit is an added plus.

How To Use a Coverstitch Machine?

We’ve come to the fun part… learning how to use your new cover stitch machine.

If you’re a pure novice who have never used a coverstitch machine before, I’m going to take you the key steps to follow to come up with a basic flat hem below:

FIRST…it’s important to note that you make a basic flat hem by starting and finishing somewhere on the garment—for instance, on the sleeve without overlapping it on the start and end points.

To start making a flat hem:

1. grab the fabric you’re working on and fold its edge to a width you wish the hem to be.

2. next, you’ll need to use a hem guide to ensure you don’t end up with wavy edges or uneven hemming

3. Keep folding your fabric evenly as you continue with the sewing. You might consider using a light under the fabric to show you much you fold. Or you can use a color sticker.

With continued use of your cover stitch machine, this skill will become easier.

4. When you’ve reached your desired end, you can simply raise the pressure foot to ensure the needles stay in their highest position.

5. Then, gently pull away your fabric, cut the threads and that’s it! You’ve made your first coverstitch!

Other than creating a basic flat hem, you can also use your coverstitch machine to make hemming rounds, topstitching, and attaching lace and trim.

Watch the video below for more details on how to use your new machine.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I really need a coverstitch machine?

If you want to achieve more secure professional finishes on your clothes, getting a coverstitch machine is a MUST. This is especially true for professional dressmakers who want to give their clients the best.

Home sewists and hobbyists who want to leave a mark of professionalism on their simple home projects should also get this specialized machine to help them achieve their goals.

2. How much does a coverstitch machine cost?

The cost of a coverstitch machine varies as you move from one mode to the other. The price fluctuations mainly depend on the brand, complexity of the unit, features and capabilities, etc.

You’d expect the price of these machines to range from $200 to $700. Anything below $200 is most likely a ‘a piece of junk.’

As you already know, the higher you move up the price range, the fancier the machine becomes.

3. Is it advisable to buy a used coverstitch machine?

For the most part, I recommend you to get a brand new machine since it’s less likely to frustrate you than a used one. As you have seen from the top-rated units above, the new units come with manufacturer warranty as security for your investment for the many years you’ll use it.

If you’re on a limited budget, however, you might consider buying a secondhand coverstitch machine as it’s more affordable. But be sure fully examine it to ensure it has not developed any functionality issues and will meet your hemming needs.

Beginners also might consider getting a used machine for learning purposes.

Final Verdict

If you want to take your sewing projects to the next level, I suggest that you equip yourself with the best coverstitch machine.

The machine comes specially designed to help you make a wide range of finishes and hems for your various sewing projects.