Date: 11/4/09 9:47 AM

I am planning on buying a serger soon, and would really like to get a coverstich machine, too. I keep reading how terrible the combo machines are; that everyone is definitely better off getting two separate machines. I don't have a huge sewing space, though, and would not be able to keep three machines set up, anyway. (Regular sewing, serger, and coverstitch) So, I understand that in a perfect sewing set-up, three machines would be best, but for those of us with limited space, would a combo machine make sense? Or are they really that bad?
Rachel

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Reply to tutti frutti
Date: 11/4/09 10:20 AM

The only serger I own is a combination machine. I agree that it would be much more convenient to have two separate machines. I find myself using a twin needle on my regular machine when I should be using a cover stitch but am too lazy to switch. It doesn't take long to switch out, but when you are constructing units and need first overlock then serger, then coverstitch, then overlock..... You start looking for ways to avoid using it at all.
On the other hand, my machine performs beautifully at both functions and if I only had room for one machine, I would certainly not hestitate to get one again. Combo machines aren't bad, they just require patience

Gloria

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Date: 11/4/09 10:34 AM

In principal, they are fine. But some are so cumbersome to convert than you rarely use the CS feature, so you've wasted your money. So test various brands and compare. Also, compare the combo to a stand-alone to compare the stitch quality. I have both a BL combo (Evolve) and the CS and found that the stitch quality of the CS is superior to that of the combo, plus it's easier to use because of its smaller foot.

Claudia

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Reply to tutti frutti
Date: 11/4/09 10:42 AM

I have separate machines, but Debbie Cook has a combo Viking and one of the reasons she bought a separate cs machine is that The Viking will only take a size 14 needle for the coverstitch setting. She found this to be an issue.

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www.nancyksews.blogspot.com

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Reply to Nancy K
Date: 11/4/09 10:58 AM

Quote: Nancy K

She found this to be an issue.

Not exactly. It *would have* been an issue if I ever used the CS on the Viking 936. The bigger issue was/is the PITA factor of switching back and forth.

My 2 cents is a combo machine is not worth the money for most models and if I had known then what I know now, I would've bought the 4-thread Viking because I never use the 5-thread safety stitch on my serger either. With a combo machine, you'll probably find yourself, like Gloria noted above, avoiding switching over because it's just inconvenient to do so in the construction process. It would be more convenient if you only ever CS'd at the end of a project, but that's just not usually the case. I had my combo machine long before I ever bought the separate CS and I never used the CS. There are other brands/models that are a LOT more convenient to switch over than the Viking, but my personal experience is with the Viking so that's what I know.

It would be much more convenient to store a ready-to-go separate CS machine under the table when not in use and pull it out when needed than to switch back/forth on my Viking. But you might be surprised at what you can fit in one space. I used to sew in a closet and had my sewing machine, serger, and CS all on the table at the same time, plugged in and ready to go. I just switched positions - pushing one to the back, one to the front, etc., as needed.

My old sewing closet:

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"I base most of my fashion taste on what doesn't itch.” ~ Gilda Radner
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http://stitchesandseams.blogspot.com

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Date: 11/4/09 11:04 AM

I'm glad to have found this post! I was wondering if I had done "the wrong thing" by buying my wee 4-thread huskylock, but I love it! Now that I know I can buy just a CS machine, I am so much more at peace with my decision!

Debbie: I looked at the photo before I read your post and I thought, "Gee, her sewing space looks like a closet! Does she store all her made garments in there? Is she in progress on that many things? Wow!" Then I read your post. What a cute little area. So much better than sharing an office with DH then having to listen about the mess I make when creating. :)

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Date: 11/4/09 11:13 AM

At my new job, someone brought in a Husky 936 since the place she bought it from went out of business leaving her with no lessons. She left it with us to fiddle with and fiddle I did except she forgot to bring the CS foot and plate. She wants lessons on it and believe me, I plan on having a CP900 or 1000 if we get them in in time, sitting right next to her machine. Just reading the directions to switch over to CS made my eyes start to glaze over. What a PITA!IMHO. As Debbie said, you would be stuck switching over if you had to use the coverstitch feature in the middle of construction.
For instance, I am planning on getting some decorative thread and going over some seams WRONG SIDE UP like some RTW I have seen. Imagine wanting to go over the sleeve/shoulder seams? Uggghhh!
I vote separate CS machine!

ETA: They need to invent a rolling chair whose wheels wont get clogged with thread dont they?
-- Edited on 11/4/09 11:15 AM --

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Bernina 1630, Janome 634D serger, Brother ULT 2002D, PE Design 5.0, Janome CoverPro 1000, Viking Optima 190

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Date: 11/4/09 12:30 PM

A separate CS machine is better if a lot of sewing is planned. I have a combo machine (Elna 745) and a separate 4-thread (Sears). But I plan to attend a sewing weekend elsewhere and need to bring my SM and the Elna there. An so, a combo machine would be handy for that purpose.

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Dennis
Sewing, ham radio, geocaching

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Date: 11/4/09 1:24 PM

I had a Bernina combination serger coverstitch machine. It was a 2---DCE.I do not remember the exact model number. It was a nightmare to convert from one mode to the other. When I went to buy my Babylock serger and separate coverstitch machine,the Babylock dealer would not even take it as a trade in. He said his experiences with that machine had been so horrible he would not have the heart to sell it to someone.

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Reply to Mary W
Date: 11/4/09 2:47 PM

My experience is that I think..it really depends on the brand or even a certain model in a brand as to the time it takes to convert back and forth from coverhem to overlock.
I remember reading posts on line a few years ago about a certain Bernina model that took many steps to convert and took forever and I think the model has since been discontinued. Mary maybe this model was the same model you had.
Another combo that seems to take more time to convert was the Viking 936 but owners seemed to really like this serger otherwise and just bought a separate cover hem machine as Debbie did.
When I first checked out a cover hem model I only found the Bernina 009 available (Janome CP's were not out then). The 009 machine was priced at $800 and I did not care for it. It was a pain to thread and use and release the stitch. I purchased my combo Elna 744 for a bit less and it has 17 overlock stitches including chain and 3 cover hem stitches and has the 3 seam cover hem that the Bernina 009 did not have. My Elna is a 4 thread machine and I found that some 5 thread other brand combos do not offer 3 different coverhems and usually lack the 3 seam cover and usually take more steps to convert.
I think if looking for a combo model do try before you buy because models are so different. I think the separate coverhem models are well reviewed and the Janome CP models are loved and the Elna 434 is the same machine and the Babylock CS only is also loved.


-- Edited on 11/4/09 3:04 PM --

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