You might be wondering, what is a coverstitch? One of the best examples of a coverstitch is something that you actually own. Maybe you are even wearing it right now. Do you ever notice the hem of your t-shirt or jeans? Usually, you might find 2 rows of straight stitches on the front and one looper stitch on the back. This is a coverstitch and it is produced by a coverstitch machine.
Now, you might already have a serger and you are now wondering if maybe you don’t need a coverstitch anymore. Well, a serger and a coverstitch are actually different from one another. A serger produces an overlock, which is not the same as a coverstitch. Read on to get detailed information on the coverstitch and the serger.
The Machines: Serger Vs Coverstitch
First, we discuss the machines. When it comes to sewing, the most popular machine would have to be the standard sewing machine. This is used for pretty much all types of sewing, like buttons, patching holes, and decorative stitches. The serger and coverstitch machines are quite different and have more special roles when it comes to sewing.
Serger
If the sewing machine is the main tool for sewing then the serger is the second most important tool. It is used for creating specialized seams as well as rolled hems. It is also used for finished the edges of a wide range of materials from woven fabrics to stretch fabrics.
Gathering on a serger is possible but it is a bit more limited as opposed to a regular sewing machine. A serger can have as many as 4 threads at a time and one of its most prominent abilities is it can trim excess seams.
Coverstitch
A coverstitch machine can only handle up to 3 needles at a time. When all 3 are used, you will get 3 straight lines on the front but still only one looper stitch at the back. However, users of the coverstitch machine usually only make use of 2 needles by removing 1. This way, users may opt to have narrow stitches or wide needles, depending on which needle they remove.
A coverstitch machine does not have a blade that is found in a serger. So, the stitches produced have space at the bottom as opposed to a serger wherein the stitches are right on the edge of the fabric.
The Stitches: Overlock Vs Coverstitch
A sewing machine can do a wide range of stitches but regular machines are not able to produce overlocks and coverstitches. These two types of stitches require the special machines discussed above. But what is a coverstitch for exactly? What makes an overlock special?
Overlock
The overlock stitch is made on the edges of the fabric. It can close the seam or combine two fabrics or more at once. One of the main purposes of the overlock stitch is to keep the fabric from fraying.
Coverstitch
The coverstitch offers 2 purposes. One is it creates a professional hem for clothes. And unlike the overlock, the coverstitch can be done just about anywhere on the fabric, it doesn’t necessarily have to be on the edge. The second purpose of the coverstitch is to offer stretchability on fabrics, which makes this stitch perfect for creating activewear, baby clothes, and more.
Choosing a Coverstitch
To get the best coverstitch machine here are some features you need to take note of:
Thread Number
As discussed, coverstitch machines can have a maximum of three needles. The most common coverstitch is two, so you can simply settle on a double coverstitch machine. However, if you have other projects in mind, you can opt for a triple coverstitch machine and simply remove a needle if you want to go for the basic two.
Free arm
If you will be working with different sizes of fabric, a free arm is highly essential. It can neaten the hems of narrow tubes and sleeves.
Material and Fabric Capability
Working with a wide range of fabrics with different weights can be challenging if your coverstitch machine is basic. Make sure the machine has an adjustable presser foot to allow you easy hemming on materials that are a bit on the heavy side. A tension facility and a differential feed mechanism also help for better capability.
Recap: What is a Coverstitch
So, what is a coverstitch again? A coverstitch is a type of stitch that usually forms 2 straight lines on the front and a looper at the back. It is made with a coverstitch machine. It shouldn’t be confused with a serger that produces an overlock stitch. A serger is used right on the edge and cuts seams with a blade. A coverstitch is used for professional hems and has a space between the end of the fabric and its stitches plus it doesn’t cut.
