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Member since 1/27/08
Posts: 267
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Posted on: 2/29/08 2:19 PM ET
can someone explain the difference in those machines? I tried googling but couldn't find a concise answer. I'm loving learning how to sew but knits are giving me fits. I've heard that a serger is the way to go. But in researching I've also come across the terms overlock & coverlock.
  
Member since 3/19/06
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Posted on: 2/29/08 2:31 PM ET
In reply to WendyGR
The term "overlock machine" is synonymous with "serger"

Coverlock is a special type of stitch (aka coverstitch) that some sergers can do and there are also stand alone machines that only do chain stitch and coverlock and/or coverhem.

Debbie's Coverstitch FAQ's
-- Edited on 2/29/08 2:32 PM --
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Member since 8/24/02
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Posted on: 2/29/08 2:34 PM ET
In reply to WendyGR
A serger and an overlocker are the same machine. In North America they are generally called sergers and the stitch is an overlock stitch.

In the UK, South Pacific they are called overlockers, but are the same machine.

A coverstitch is the hem stitch you will see on your ready to wear (rtw) t-shirts. Two or three rows of stitching on top and zig zaggy stitching on the back. On some athletic wear the stitch is reversed with the straight stitching on the back.

Now some Sergers/Overlockers can be converted to do a cover stitch. You can also get a mock coverstitch by using twin needles in your regular sewing machine.

Or you can buy a coverstitch only machine. There are several threads here on these machines. Coverstitch machines will have either 2 or 3 needles and also do a chain stitch.

Now you can completely construct a simple garment on a serger/overlocker, I use mine all the time for t-shirts, pj's, swim wear etc. You can also use a serger to finish seam edges on many fabrics.

I do have a coverlock machine Janome CP900. I only use it for hemming knits at this time. I have not yet bought the binder attachments, and truth be told have not used it (or done much sewing in general) in the past year. It cost me $288.00, so I am not too worried about how much I use it.
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Member since 1/27/08
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Posted on: 2/29/08 5:40 PM ET
Thanks for the info! It all makes sense now.
  
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