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How many garments to justify a coverstitch machine?
marymary86 Intermediate GA USA Member since 7/20/08 Posts: 2196	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 7/28/11 9:05 AM This seems like a good question to consider (and I know the answer will be different for each person depending on their budget, sewing space, etc. I'm finally having a little success sewing knits but so far, I'm doing them on my conventional machine. I use a twin needle for top stitching the hems and I'm pleased with the look. I know with a dedicated CS machine, I could sew a knit garment more quickly and easily (and it would look even nicer) but I can't see myself sewing that many garments. thoughts? ------ Mary http://checkmatesystem.com
tourist   Intermediate BC CANADA Member since 7/23/07 Posts: 5412	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 7/28/11 10:14 AM Mary - for me, I could live without the CS, but I'm really glad I have it. I would not want to sew the things I sew without my serger, but the CS is a bit of a luxury item. That being said, I really love the CS. It does indeed hem knit garments beautifully. For things like my yoga tights and pants, it works better and looks better than the twin needle and I don't have to fuss with hand winding wooly nylon bobbins. I love the chain stitch feature for muslins and for doing darts on stretchy things. And the CS does great work on hemming fleece blankets and non-stretch garments like pants and jeans, too. I couldn't justify jet threading and other pricier options, but my basic machine was a nice splurge for myself that I don't regret at all. ------ http://bgballroom.wordpress.com to follow the progress on my next ballgown.
Silknmore   Advanced WI USA Member since 9/30/06 Posts: 251	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 7/28/11 10:38 AM As others have said, it depends on what you sew. I have sewn for years and have always made lots of knits and clothing for children. Until trading my serger for a serge/CS about 18 months ago, I didn't like how the hems looked. With a CS, I get beautiful and flat hems. So for me the decision was the correct one. Good luck Annette ------ Silknmore http://fabricateandmira.wordpress.com/
Mufffet   Intermediate VT USA Member since 8/14/05 Posts: 8910	Login to reply to this post In reply to marymary86 Like this post Date: 7/28/11 10:41 AM If you have the budget and the space, go for it without needing to justify anything. I do not have one. I don't have space and have so far been fine with conventional machines and a serger, but one would be very handy! :) ------ "Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." --Dalai Lama I have sewing machines
diane s Intermediate OR USA Member since 8/24/02 Posts: 3886	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 7/28/11 11:31 AM I had one, but it mostly just sat there. I could do a blind hem with my serger or a twin needle just as fast. I sold it, then bought another serger, that has a coverstitch, so I have 2 sergers, which I like, 1 with dark and 1 with light thread, and I still don't coverstitch. ------ My grandmother taught me to sew when I was 10, and I've been sewing ever since.
marjoriekh   Intermediate VA USA Member since 8/28/10 Posts: 547	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 7/28/11 12:00 PM Do you already have a serger? Like you, I'm just using a conventional machine for knits, and I would get a serger before a coverstitch. For the time being I've switched to a narrow zig-zag topstitch for my hems rather than twin needle, because I could never get rid of the tunneling, even with knit tape, wooly nylon, tension changes, etc. I can live with the zig-zag hems -- I'm not wedded to the 'RTW' look, which is basically an industrialized look. I make a lot of dresses and often hand-hem, anyway. But - the speed of construction with a serger, and the ease of getting the right stretch in the stitch every time, tempt me. For now, the cost and the threading ordeal keep me chugging away on my Bernina 930 SM. If I ever do succumb to temptation, I'm thinking a combination serger/CS. ------ marjoriekh
SunnyAlta Intermediate Member since 7/11/10 Posts: 253	Login to reply to this post In reply to marymary86 Like this post Date: 7/28/11 12:08 PM It's a very good question to consider & I appreciate you asking. Something I've been trying to decide on also. So far the cost is near what a serger is & used ones seem few & far between in Canada. On the "someday" list because I'm really on the fence. Simply not sure how much it would actually get used. Wish a rental was an option!
marymary86 Intermediate GA USA Member since 7/20/08 Posts: 2196	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 7/28/11 12:18 PM I don't have the space or the budget! I just think it's a good question; I noticed that people will ask about them on threads. If you have made up your mind that you are getting one, that's great! If you aren't sure, it might help you make up your mind. I don't even know how much they cost if that tells you anything! But let's say they cost $520 and you make one garment every single week of the year. The added cost per garment is $10 that first year (after that you could essentially say it's free). I'm lucky to sew one thing a month so my added cost would be more like $50. (eta - oops! make that about $43) I like the way the double needle hem from my conventional machine looks and I'm glad I do! I do have a serger but it's a pain to drag out and use. I rarely use it. -- Edited on 7/28/11 12:19 PM -- ------ Mary http://checkmatesystem.com
marymary86 Intermediate GA USA Member since 7/20/08 Posts: 2196	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 7/28/11 12:21 PM When did Amazon start selling cover stitch machines?? !!! Is this the one everyone seems to like? ------ Mary http://checkmatesystem.com
gernella Intermediate UNITED KINGDOM Member since 9/27/08 Posts: 2	Login to reply to this post Like this post Date: 7/28/11 12:32 PM I bought mine on a whim and apart from first trying it out to see if it worked it sat for about two months doing nothing. Then I discovered tee shirts could be made at a fraction of the cost that I bought them from Landsend and I am hooked. I had a few teething troubles with settings, partly because I had not allowed any trying out time but just dived in. I finished up reading the articles on PatternReview and went back and started again. Success first time. I've just ordered another two patterns as the two I've got have been made up too many times. There is no way I would part from this baby now (Janome Coverpro).

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