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A guide to coverstitching

by | Aug 19, 2019 | Tips & Tricks

Maybe you are already a proud owner of a sewing machine, but you’re a little disappointed with the quality of the hems it is producing? A coverstitch machine may seem like a big purchase, but it promises to make your future sewing a far more pleasant experience.

If you make your purchase wisely and pay good attention to the coverstitch machine reviews, this machine can be simple to use and you can swap spools from your sewing machine with ease.

Why coverstitch?

A coverstitch machine allows the home seamstress to achieve a remarkably high-quality finish at home. You may be able to sew robust seams that also look incredibly neat on many different items of clothing, but they should be accompanied by the perfect hem for your finished garments. You could use a twin needle but every seasoned seamstress knows this has its downsides.

Most coverstitch machines can sew with one, two or three needles, and a looper. One needle, plus the looper, will result in a single chain stitch on the right side and reverse. Whereas, if three needles are used there will be three parallel lines of stitching on the right side of the material, and the looper will have produced a complex thread pattern on the reverse side.

Of course, the most common arrangement is two needles for the classic hemmed look. Due to the capability for three needle positions, you can remove the left or right needle to produce twin-row stitches that are close together or remove the centre needle for a wider set of stitching. In either case, make sure to remove the needle you decide not to use.

Unpicking

Despite how hard we try, sometimes we need to unpick our stitches. This might be hard to believe, but these stitches are the easy to unpick once you know how to do it.

The key is to remember that coverstitching can only be unravelled in the opposite direction to the way it was stitched. Go backwards from the last stitches. If you’ve secured these threads then undo the knot and pull them to the right side of the fabric.

Use a seam ripper to undo a few stitches, giving you enough length to hold – but don’t cut the threads.

When you hold the needle threads on the right and the looper thread on the reverse and pull, the stitches should unravel themselves.

Many a home seamstress have purchased a coverstitch machine over the years and have not regretted their decision. It puts the joy back in hemming, making finishing a garment a complete pleasure.

Contact us

If you want to buy a coverstitch machine, or simply want to learn more about them, contact Franklins Group today. Our highly-qualified staff will provide you with all the knowledge that you require.