| Janome:CoverPro 900CP (Coverstitch Machine) | | Viewed 927 time(s) |
12 more reviews for this machine | Review rated Helpful by 2 people Very Helpful by 9 people | | Reviewed by: | sew2006 | 
| About sew2006 | | ON CANADA | | Member since: 6/24/06 | | Reviews written: 58 | | Sewing skills:Advanced | | Favored by: 2 people | | sewing machines reviewed: 8 | | Bio: more... |
| | Posted on: | 2/18/13 4:32 PM | | Approx price paid: | $150 | | Had this machine for: | 6 months | | Recommended? | Yes | | Online Merchants: | Amazon.com |  | Features
- Needle Threader
- Free Arm
- Adjustable Stitch Length and Width
- Adjustable Presser Foot Pressure
- Differential Feed
- Coverstitch
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Discuss Sewing Machines with PR members Sewing Machine Forum | | What sew2006 likes about this machine
I aquired my machine used apr 6 months ago. I had gone to look at a used serger for a friend and the seller also had this machine available. This is a 2 needle cover stitch machine. The seller had it listed for a while because most people who went to look at it were expecting a serger. My test was thin/medium/thick knits with a serged seam to see how well it handled sewing hems over seams. It sewed everything very well with no skipped stitches.
I love how solid this machine feels. It's 13 1/2" across the front, 8 1/2" front to back and 5 1/2" of harp space from right needle to inside of machine. This cover stitch machine uses ELx705 needles like many other machines. However, this machine has the needle bar going straight up/down. They also have ELx705 CF needles, these have a Chrome finish and make a difference on tightly knit polyester fabric. This machine has the needle very close to the edge of the bed making it easy to see. Just today I hemmed a tshirt with a double linned front (4 thinkness at front hem, 2 at back, 6 at the serged seam) and all stitches are even.
Threading is super easy. The door opens, the chain looper has 3 holes, 1 hook and a lever to pull the lopper out for easy threading. The needles are also very easy to thread. When the machine is closed everything on the bed is smooth and flat. This helps keep hems even while sewing. On the outside right hand side is the hand wheel (top just like a sewing machine) differential feed and stitch lenght. I used a Wolly nylon thread in the bottom, a serger thread in the needle and a bobbin with thread for the 2nd needle. Only adjustment I made was to lower the looper tension to 1.0, needles are at 4.0.
I purchased both the top elastic guides for narrow and wide elastic and the bottom elastic guide. So far I like the bottom elastic guides the best. The attachement holds elastic in place, applies stretch and has a guide for lining up your garment material up against it. The machine cover stitches the elastic under your fabric (found in underwear).
I also purchased the center guide foot with the removable guide. With the guide it works well for top stitching over seams. With the guide removed it's easier to see where cover stitch threads are to lineup stitching lines when sewing in the round.
I have the hemming guide that gets attached for guiding even hem allawances. It works very well with more stable fabric. For tshirt hems I prefer to press the hem allowance into place before doing cover stitch.
Biggest reason I ended up adding this cover stitch model to my sewing room is the availability of a binder attachement. I have a combo Singer QuantumLock 14T957DC that has no proper binder attachement and lacks the strenght precision on hems. I have the Bernina Funlock 009DCC with a great compansation foot, a small foot print and uses regular sewing needles. Again no binder attachement is available. What sew2006 does not like about this machine
I wish this machine had the 3 needles but that's not the machines fault. Unlike sewing machines, cover stitch machines only include needles, tweezers and a screw driver. All specialty attachements are extra and brand/model specific. It's a large machine to have in a small sewing room when it does only a few functions. This may be a deterant to those with limited space. I will be adding the extension table because I prefer to have a bit more surface space holding fabric before it goes under the needles.
The foot control has a different plug than my serger and combo machine so the table looks like it's attacked by an octopus.
Overall I'm pleased with my machine and keep it set up on a table with my other serger and combo machine ready to go. | *LOGIN to add a comment to this review
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I just purchased the Elna coverstitch machine which is made by Janome. I want to thank you for going into detail about the accessories you added as I have been wondering which to purchase. Even though it's an Elna it uses the Janome accessories. I too wonder abou the additional space the machine is taking up but it is a lot easier to thread than a serger that can also do coverstitch as I once had. So now I have a serger and the cover stitch machine.
2/18/13 8:51 PM
I just purchased the Elna coverstitch machine which is made by Janome. I want to thank you for going into detail about the accessories you added as I have been wondering which to purchase. Even though it's an Elna it uses the Janome accessories. I too wonder abou the additional space the machine is taking up but it is a lot easier to thread than a serger that can also do coverstitch as I once had. So now I have a serger and the cover stitch machine.
2/18/13 8:51 PM
Thanks for a great review of this machine! Has a lot of appeal for a good price.
2/18/13 9:28 PM
I love my 1000cp too, it is very solid and dependable. I haven't bought the clear foot or any accessories but with care I can line up my seams well enough. Nice review and you were smart to buy used for a great price!
2/18/13 10:56 PM
What a great review. Thanks.
2/19/13 5:09 AM
You got a great deal on this machine! I just recently got a CoverPro 1000CP. The cost of the accessories is prohibitive.
2/19/13 11:20 AM