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Posted on: 5/13/08 10:23 PM ET
Hello all,
First post for me, I've read a billion machine reviews and I'm back and forth between purchasing the Babylock Evolve or going with the Imagine Wave and the separate coverstitch machine.
I'm an intermediate sewer but haven't used a serger in about 10 years. I fell in love with the Evolve during the demo but I sew a lot of knits and would like to be as RTW as possible so coverhem is important. The switch to coverhem was easy but I feel like I might have to change 3-5 times while working on a tshirt dress.
I would love opinions, I do have a budget otherwise I would be looking to get the Evolve AND the coverstitch but I don't think that I can afford that right now. Thanks!
First post for me, I've read a billion machine reviews and I'm back and forth between purchasing the Babylock Evolve or going with the Imagine Wave and the separate coverstitch machine.
I'm an intermediate sewer but haven't used a serger in about 10 years. I fell in love with the Evolve during the demo but I sew a lot of knits and would like to be as RTW as possible so coverhem is important. The switch to coverhem was easy but I feel like I might have to change 3-5 times while working on a tshirt dress.
I would love opinions, I do have a budget otherwise I would be looking to get the Evolve AND the coverstitch but I don't think that I can afford that right now. Thanks!
Posted on: 5/13/08 11:56 PM ET
I bought a serger/CS combo; then realized how much more efficient it would be to have a separate CS machine. The babylock CS is great. My serger is not used for coverstitching and I don't have to switch back and forth. I know that the process is easier with some sergers than others, but I think if you can swing the Imagine and CS you'll be glad you did.
Posted on: 5/14/08 0:10 AM ET
In reply to Stitch Studio
I own the Evolve and love it but I do have another serger, so I usually have my Evolve set up as the coverstitch. I purchased the Evolve because it gave me other serger options that I didn't have on my first machine which I knew I needed as well as the coverstich and chainstitch option.
If you decide to purchase a separate coverstitch machine, I would look at the Janome coverpro 900 or 1000 because they are much cheaper than the Babylock cs and they are easy to use.
Good luck!
If you decide to purchase a separate coverstitch machine, I would look at the Janome coverpro 900 or 1000 because they are much cheaper than the Babylock cs and they are easy to use.
Good luck!
Posted on: 5/14/08 0:15 AM ET
I'd definately recommend two separate machines. The Evolve is a wonderful machine and you would love it, but trust me you would get very tired of switching back and forth between regular serging and coverhem. I bought a combo machine recently with the intent of selling my Baby Lock cover stitch and just having one machine. Boy am I glad I kept it. I love my new serger and it makes a great coverstitch, but I think it's a pain to switch in the middle of a project and then switch back again.
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There's no such thing as too much fabric.
Posted on: 5/14/08 1:45 AM ET
I agree with the others. I bought an Evolve because it has the coverstitch (and it's a great machine); then, last year, I bought a separate coverstitich (Janome CP1000). If I had it to do again, I'd get a simpler serger and a separate CS. It feels really inefficient to switch settings in the middle of a project--I never used the CS on the Evolve. If you can find two machines w/in your budget, I'd recommend that you go that route.
Posted on: 5/14/08 1:55 AM ET
In reply to Stitch Studio
I would recommend the same as above. I sew with knits all the time and I just couldn't imagine switching from regular serging to coverhem many times when sewing a garment. This year I decided to go for a serger and a coverstitch machine (I bought the Janome CP1000 and I'm very happy with it, it's a workhorse) and I find it so practical to have both machines set up and not having to switch, it makes sewing more enjoyable. If you would sew occasionally with knits maybe a 5 thread serger would be great, but since you sew a lot with knits it's definitely better to have two separate machines, you won't regret it!
Posted on: 5/14/08 2:43 AM ET
I purchased a combined serger/CS machine and thought I'd be very happy with it. Which I am. But I got annoyed at having to swap it over and back again although it was very easy to do so. I ended up buying a secondhand Brother CS machine and I haven't converted the serger since. 
A lot of people on PR tried to convince me of this - and for me it would have saved me almost $500 to buy 2 separate machines rather than the combined so this was an expensive lesson to learn.
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A lot of people on PR tried to convince me of this - and for me it would have saved me almost $500 to buy 2 separate machines rather than the combined so this was an expensive lesson to learn.

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Maree - Sydney, Australia
Posted on: 5/14/08 1:45 PM ET
I just purchased the Imagine Wave and Coverstitch machine on Monday and I'm in heaven! I had the Evolve for four years, but I sold it so I could get the other pair. I specifically wanted the smaller foot on the Imagine because I make a lot of curves! It is so much easier and neater on the Imagine than the Evolve! I don't have much room, but I'm not unhappy about the amount of footprint space the pair take up because they are really quite neat, compact little machines. They are not nearly as deep, and can be pushed back, side by side. Good luck and be sure to go test drive for yourself!
Posted on: 5/14/08 2:07 PM ET
Thanks all!
I'll need to make a little more room for the machines but it seems worth it.
Now I just have to negotiate a great deal which may be easier since there's two machines involved. Can't wait.
I'll need to make a little more room for the machines but it seems worth it.
Now I just have to negotiate a great deal which may be easier since there's two machines involved. Can't wait.
Posted on: 7/31/08 9:57 PM ET
I read this discussion with interest and the problems people have with switching from coverstitch to serge I would like to have a 5 thread serger that does the extra chain stitch and it appears you cannot get that with the Imagine as it only does 4 threads.
Most professionally made clothes have that extra chain stitch in them. How does your stuff hold up if you are only using the 4 thread imagine?
I am leaning towards the evolve for that reason.
Most professionally made clothes have that extra chain stitch in them. How does your stuff hold up if you are only using the 4 thread imagine?
I am leaning towards the evolve for that reason.
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