Baby Lock Ovation Serger Manual: How to Sew a Cover Hem

[@angiehotchkiss8963]

This was the best tutorial I’ve seen!! I have the older model Evolution and have been trying to figure out the coverstitch for almost 2 years. Your tutorial explained about the tensions and how to use the coverstitch dial that I couldn’t find anywhere. Thank you so much!!

[@JSternDesigns]

This makes my heart so happy ... Thanks for serging along with me!

[@rebeccam9008]

Thanks for the video. It helped me remember how to hem a knit dress for my granddaughter using my Ovation! I really appreciate all the work you do creating these videos for us.

[@JSternDesigns]

You are so welcome! Thank you for serging along with me

[@alisonclark7540]

I bought an ovation serger with all the accessory feet and have not used it because I have not had a lesson. Your tutorials are fantastic! This instruction is what should have come with purchase. Thank goodness for you tube!

[@JSternDesigns]

:) thank you…happy these help! Keep me posted if you need help with anything!

[@proudasiangirl576]

Your purchase should have given you access to a 60 day free education series through Baby Lock. Also, your distributor should have offered you free classes at the store. In addition, there are KZbin videos online as an additional resource. I just bought a Triumph and it's pretty standard that they give you a free access to a 60 day online classes. If not, go back and talk to your distributor (store).

[@marthanlaurinitis824]

Yay!! That’s the final thing I need to do on my T-shirt with my ovation! Wish me luck! Thanks you are a very good teacher.

[@JSternDesigns]

So happy to hear this helped you!! Thank you for serging along with me

[@MaryGabrielleA]

So glad you made this video. I was reviewing as I have not used my serger for cover hem in over 4 months! I did not know there was an alternate chain/coverstitch thread guide. Mine was an early Ovation. I ordered one and it was very inexpensive and love the ease with which it works, Easy to attach

[@JSternDesigns]

MaryGabrielleA ... Happy to help, thanks for watching!!

[@ritaleferink1803]

Is this machine just for cover stitching or is it a serger as well?

[@AndrewVeazey]

You are such a great Teacher.Thank you so much

[@JSternDesigns]

So Happy this helped! Thank you for the kind words and for serging along with me!

[@hollywaddell6727]

I just figured this out by thoroughly reading the stitch instructions in my Ovation manual and also looking through the "Techniques" section. I never think to check KZbin :P I just happened to stumble across this. To release the threads when done stitching, the manual says to "Carefully reverse the hand wheel until the needle are in the highest position. Raise the presser foot to release the tension. Carefully and firmly pull fabric and threads to the left. Cut threads." This works! After reading a couple of the other comments, I'm going to try the method described that will pull the top threads to the back.

[@JSternDesigns]

Thanks for watching... Keep me posted if you need more help!

[@sharonedwards8389]

Thank you for your excellent tutorials. They are such a help.

[@JSternDesigns]

So happy to help! please keep me posted if you have a question about something specific... Thanks for watching

[@nadinedonovan989]

Thank you for this video and all of your information!! I really appreciate you taking the time to explain and show. I love your videos. Please continue teaching on the Ovation. I really want to use mine more but I find that I am so unskilled.

[@JSternDesigns]

Thank you for the kind words and thank you for watching :)

[@cloudninetherapeutics7787]

This turned out to be such a lucky find for me since I have the Ovation and legs shorter than all my pants! I love my Ovation but bought it from online and there are no classes being offered now. Thanks so much for your videos for this wonderful machine!! I need more of them desperately!!!

[@JSternDesigns]

I'm so happy you found me too! Keep me posted if you need help with anything specific!

[@cloudninetherapeutics7787]

@@JSternDesigns Great, I will. Which email is best?

[@JSternDesigns]

@@cloudninetherapeutics7787 [e-mail] :)

[@jemery7306]

Thank You, thank you for taking the time to do these most useful videos!! You are THE only person I’ve found to teach me how to use this wonderful machine!!❤

[@wildoak99]

Thanks this is what I’m about to do! Coverstitch some knit pants!

[@JSternDesigns]

Yay!! Hope your hems came out great! Thanks for watching

[@DiannaAtherton]

Thank you for your great instructions. Is there now a hem guide available?

[@JSternDesigns]

My Pleasure... Yes, you can get the hem guide at the Baby Lock dealer near you! Thanks for serging along with me

[@zinnia20207]

Thank you for the great video. It helps take the fear out of using this stitch. So many people I talk to, buy a serger, take a class and then the serger sits until the next class because they are afraid to use it.

[@JSternDesigns]

...I used to be one of those ladies :) Thanks for watching!

[@haikuds]

I love your videos. The information is always so clear. Thank you

[@JSternDesigns]

Thank you for watching :)

[@fritzsparky]

Can you demonstrate the right and the left narrow cover hem. Thank you for your very clear instructions.

[@JSternDesigns]

Yes, I'll add that to my list of upcoming video tutorials! Ps. so sorry for the delayed response... Thank you for sewing along with me

[@ellendukehart1646]

Thank you for this excellent video. I've not done a cover hem before and couldn't have figured it out with this video!

[@JSternDesigns]

Thank you for watching!!

[@carlasmith9635]

Thank you so very much for all your videos they are great 🥰

[@JSternDesigns]

I'm so happy to help! Keep me posted if you have a specific question ...I'll add it to my list of tutorial topics!

[@gaylenichols1062]

Your videos are super detailed, well done and amazing! Thank you!!

[@JSternDesigns]

So sorry I didn't see your comment until now. Happy to help, and thank you for watching

[@bcrowell47]

Thank you. Your video gives me confidence to try!

[@JSternDesigns]

Barb Crowell I’m so happy to hear that!! Thank you for watching

[@carolmarlatt3834]

Great tutorial! Thanks so much.

[@JSternDesigns]

You are so welcome! Thanks for serging along with me!

[@like2makethings]

I love your videos. You are an excellent instructor. I recently purchased a like new evolution. I have a question about the cover stitch hem on a T-shirt sleeve. I have short arms and need to shorten all my T-shirts. Before the evolution I just pushed them up. My question is the end of the sleeves are quite narrow would you advise to open the seam and then do the cover hem and sew the seam back up. Thank you.

[@JSternDesigns]

Thank you so much & Congrats on your new Evolution! You can take the underarm seam apart if it's too snug to get around the hem. Or you can turn the tee inside out so you can "sew inside the circle" This allows you to manage the fabric around the hem more easily (That's how I hem the narrow opening of my leggings!)

[@lynnharman8983]

Are you still doing videos? I just now found you, you’re great!

[@JSternDesigns]

So happy you found me! Yes I am still doing videos … keep me posted if you have a specific questions that may become topics for upcoming videos :)

[@valkeeley]

I have just used my ovation in as a narrow cover stitch for the very first time thanks to your great video. Just on question, I am not sure where the treads go just before they go through the needles as there are multiple hook guides, can you give a close up or explain please

[@JSternDesigns]

Thanks so much, and that's an excellent topic for a video... stay tuned!

[@andreamarshall9677]

Excellent videos! So helpful--I just purchased an Ovation, haven't even brought it home yet, but I'm watching your videos to become familiar with it! TFS!

[@JSternDesigns]

I'm so sorry I didn't see your comment earlier... Happy to help & Thanks for Watching

[@tomib6186]

Thanx. I was waiting for this. I actually found another video that details how to end that pulls your threads all to the inside. Very helpful. Thanx.

[@JSternDesigns]

So sorry I missed your Comment. Thanks for watching

[@zinnia20207]

Hello. Raise presser foot and needles, insert your allen wrench under the presser foot and behind the needles on top of the fabric, lift foot, pull thread forward, clip the threads. Then remove fabric by gently wiggling back. The needle threads will be pulled to the back of the fabric.

[@JSternDesigns]

So sorry I missed your comment... Yes, that's a great tip! Thanks for watching.

[@catfish542]

Thank you for the instructions so helpful

[@JSternDesigns]

So Sorry I didn't see your comment until now! Thanks so much.

[@tomib6186]

I watch this tutorial before each time I do the cover hem. It is very good. I did find somewhere? on KZbin a video on ending in the round hem that actually pulle the threads all to the back befor cutting them all. I think you clip the top thread then pull the two out. Starts as you did by lifting the needles then pressor foot and pulling all the threads befor clipping them. Could you research that in anyway. You are a great teacher. Love your videos!

[@JSternDesigns]

So sorry I missed your comment.... Yes, you do tease the needle threads to the back and loosely tie them to secure the seam! Thanks for watching.

[@gingerhamrick6771]

Do you use the narrow cover stitch when top stitching a neckband on knit tops?

[@JSternDesigns]

So sorry I did not see your comment until now. Yes, sometimes... but most of the time the neckband is laying perfectly without that extra step, so I skip it. and thanks for watching

[@proudasiangirl576]

Quick question for you. I have a lot of existing clothes that I want to hem (sleeves & pants) with a cover stitch and they are all different colors. I don't want to invest in so many different cones of the same color thread, especially on such small simple projects. Is there any way that I can use something like a bobbin to create a small second spool of thread to be used on the 2nd needle? I don't care about the wrong side of the fabric, since the thread color doesn't show. It's only on the right side of the fabric with the 2 needles. Thanks!

[@JSternDesigns]

Yes! You can wind bobbins or use standard spools of sewing thread instead of buying cones of serger thread! Thanks for watching

[@proudasiangirl576]

@@JSternDesigns Thanks so much for your tips and your quick response. I really appreciate it very much. You are awesome!

[@suecieslak]

Hi. Did you ever show how to thread for cover stitch?

[@JSternDesigns]

... I think I need to add that to my short list of tutorials! Stay tuned for "How to thread your serger for a cover hem + How to put on the sewing table + How to use the knee lift"!

[@shamielapeters7122]

By way love your tutorials

[@JSternDesigns]

Sorry I missed your comment... Happy to help, Thanks for watching!

[@fayeehlis854]

What setting should the differential dial set at when sewing a double or stretchy knit

[@JSternDesigns]

Start with the DF on N (or 1 depending on your serger). If it stretches gradually increase DF setting until the seam or hem is laying flat. Keep in mind you may need two different setting … one for across the horizontal direction (usually stretchier) and less in the vertical direction (may be less stretchy) … hope this helps! Thanks for watching

[@fayeehlis854]

@@JSternDesigns thank you for your quick response. I will give this a go!

[@nicolecarvallo6889]

So can you use that machine as a regular serger and as a cover hem?

[@nicolecarvallo6889]

Also this video is informative! Thank you so much

[@JSternDesigns]

Yes, the Baby Lock Ovation is a serger with both Overlock and Cover Hem capability. So sorry for the delay in responding.

[@suecieslak]

Can you consider showcasing all the extra feet and what they do on the Ovation? I bought a New To Me Ovation with all the feet.

[@JSternDesigns]

I would love to, but would need to get the feet first!

[@eleng-h2i]

I use a thin stretchy fabric and I cannot make the chain stitch lose enough. So it forms a bulge on the right side. Please advise.

[@JSternDesigns]

I am so sorry for the delayed response!! On thin fabrics, you might have to support the fabric with a double sided fusible tape. I Love SewKeyEs Tape, it's very light weight and flexible... Here's a link www.palmerpletsch.com/product/sewkeyse-extremely-fine-double-sided-clear-fusible-stay-tape-1-inch-x-25-yards/

[@marileekgriffith1812]

Settings for this hem? FYI, My serger is a Protégé from 1992!! Thanks!!

[@JSternDesigns]

I did a quick search for your serger... The Protege is a 4-Thread Serger that does not have a cover hem stitch. You can create a very similar look using a twin needle on your sewing machine. Here's a tutorial for that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZOqfatoo86ebZY Thanks for sewing along with me!

[@ivymdavis]

Is the triumphs cover-stitch setup the same? I hope so. Your the best teacher I’ve seen.

[@JSternDesigns]

Hi Ivy... Thank you for the kind words. The Triumph is very similar to the Ovation, so the set up would be the same. ... Lucky you, that you can use the air feeding system to thread the needles!

[@dedehatley6994]

Can you do a cover hem on a baby lock eclipse dx? If so how?

[@JSternDesigns]

I'm sorry, I did a quick search, the Eclipse dx is a 4-thread serger & it doesn't have cover hem capability. It's a great basic serger though... If you would like to replicate the look of a cover hem, you can get great results using your sewing machine and a twin needle. Here's a tutorial for that! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZOqfatoo86ebZY

[@nathaniel93]

are you able to use the foot that came with the ovation to do the cover stitch? Everything I try to watch seems to want me to buy this other expensive foot...

[@JSternDesigns]

I'm so sorry I missed your comment. I only own the standard presser foot that comes with the Ovation. The specialty feed do have some advantages, but you can also get good results without them (with a little practice!) Thanks for watching!

[@janefrye9899]

Thanks so much for explaining tensions for this application.

[@JSternDesigns]

You're so welcome... and thanks for watching!

[@gaylenichols1062]

I am sewing on a Baby Lock Evolution serger, learning the cover stitch. I am sewing the fabric in a continuous loop, like for a hem on a dress. I’m having difficulties sewing thru the side seams. The stitches become smaller and the fabric wants to bunch up. What am I doing wrong?

[@JSternDesigns]

So sorry I didn't see your comment until now. Try stopping as you start to go over the seam and lift the presser foot to let the fabric relax. Then start stitching again, gently "helping" the fabric by gently pulling it from behind the presser foot. You can also reduce the pressure of the presser foot. If you're working on heavy fabric... a gentle "tapping" with a rubber mallet helps to soften the thick intersections too. Thank you for following along with me

[@katietempleton5656]

Great video!

[@JSternDesigns]

Thanks so much! and thanks for watching

[@judithnelson4968]

Thank you for this tutorial.

[@JSternDesigns]

Thank you for serging along with me, Sorry for the delayed response

[@francesjoy4154]

can i do this on a 8002DG janome overlocker?

[@JSternDesigns]

I'm sorry that I didn't see your comment until now. I looked up your serger, unfortunately, I don't think it has a cover hem stitch. You can get similar results with a twin needle on your sewing machine... Here's a tutorial for that. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rZOqfatoo86ebZY Thank you for following along with me

[@devaette]

I’m getting skipped cover stitches. It’s the underneath stitches. I’ve checked threading, changed tensions per this video & changed needles. It’s better but not perfect. Any ideas?

[@JSternDesigns]

So sorry I didn't see your comment until now. If you've tried all those things and you're still getting skipped stitches, it might be your thread or your fabric... besides that, it may be that your serger is out of timing and needs a little love up at the repair shop. Thank you for following along with me

[@debbiepyleverhoeven5234]

What thread do you recommend for coverstitching?

[@JSternDesigns]

Debbie Pyle Verhoeven I use mettler Serger thread for most projects. If I’m working on sports fabric, I’ll put woolly nylon in the chain looper

[@proudasiangirl576]

What's the difference between a "cover hem" and a "cover stitch"? Same thing but different name?

[@JSternDesigns]

That's a great question! Think they can be used interchangeable... A Cover Hem is the name of the two or three needle stitch used to hem edges (also used decoratively). A Cover Stitch can also refer to these things, but I also think of Cover Stitch as describing the serger that has this capability. Hope this helps & thanks for watching

[@psychambi4939]

does this work with a singer serger?

[@JSternDesigns]

So sorry I didn't see your comment until now. You can do this with any brand serger that has a Cover Hem Capability (Usually that means you have at least 5 threads to work with) Thank you for following along with me

[@lauriegassman4934]

How do you change out the throat plate?

[@JSternDesigns]

I'm adding this topic to my short list of upcoming video tutorials! (along with how to thread for a cover hem and how to use the knee lift!)

[@bevbruce1490]

Thank you! This was wonderful!

[@JSternDesigns]

So sorry I'm just answering your comment now. Happy to help, Thanks so much

[@susancohen6625]

How do i thread the looper from the thread down. Thanks susan

[@JSternDesigns]

So sorry I missed your comment. Here's a tutorial showing how to thread the Ovation for a Cover Hem. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZ_NfpKEZtdgrqM Thanks for watching

[@theresaatkinson6628]

Love your videos!

[@JSternDesigns]

I'm so sorry I missed your comment... Happy to help. Thank you for watching!

[@joanneroy4618]

Can you widen the needle stitch lines by using a right needle or will it not work?

[@JSternDesigns]

I'm so sorry I missed your comment... The Widest cover hem you can create is by using the right and left needles. Thank you for watching!

[@tomib6186]

I just found it.... shut the top threads then when you pull and the looper thread pulls the top thread to the back. Then cut the looper thread.

[@JSternDesigns]

So sorry I missed your comment.... Thanks for watching.

[@katequinnoffabquilts]

Hi-I am converting a pattern for sewing to a serged finish. It has a knit tank style top. Can I just use a cover hem to finish the arm holes/maybe neck opening? Or is there anything special I need to watch out for? I was thinking to just turn the seam allowance under and use a wide cover to finish it up. Do you have any thoughts about how that might be done?

[@JSternDesigns]

Sorry I missed your comment... You can fold the edges under and use the cover hem stitch. If the fabric is really light weight, I would use a double sided fusible tape to support the folded edge first. (I like SewkeyesE Tapes) Thanks for watching

[@ssarge2]

Im making a top with stretchy super soft fleece and want to put an elastic bottom on it as opposed to leaving it straight. do you have a video that shows how to do that? just not confident in 'winging' it..........you explain things so well I am hoping you can steer me to some instructions? when I do a coverhem I do have that attachment (seam guide?) so I flip my fabric over to see where it is supposed to be - set the guide - then flip over again and stitch. pretty sure that is a trick I saw you do.

[@JSternDesigns]

So sorry I missed your comment.... Cut two pieces of elastic that are the length you need to finish the bottom of your pants. Find the quarters of the elastic and the hem. Pin elastic to the wrong side of the hem edge. Use a 4-Thread Stitch to sew the elastic to the bottom hem edge of the pants. Fold the elastic down to encase it in fabric. Pin in place. Then use your cover hem to stitch the hem in place. Thanks for watching.

[@steffipavitti]

Thank you for making this video, I assumed the the cover stitch on this machine had automatic tensions, I was a little disappointed. I wonder why Baby Lock haven’t added automatic tensions on their coverlock machines or their stand alone coverstitch machine. 👍

[@JSternDesigns]

Hi Stephanie, I think range between a chain stitch and a wide or triple cover hem may sometimes need little fine tuning to get great results. The Ovation has such great tension, I rarely have to play with it though.

[@JSternDesigns]

Here is a link to baby lock if you want to check out the accessory feet available for their sergers babylock.com/accessories/

[@cherylp.3347]

Sounds soo complicated to use. Ugh 😩 how will one remember all this.

[@JSternDesigns]

HI Cheryl... You don't have to remember all the steps, just keep your favorite tutorials handy so you can watch along when you want to give a cover hem a try. You'll be surprised at how easy it gets after you make good friends with your serger!

[@mmills5951]

Cheryl Pearson it’s not difficult. I just did my first narrow cover hem following J Sterns instructions. I started with her setup video, and finished with this one. All in all about 45 minutes. She’s very thorough and considering. Give it a try.

[@nathaniel93]

oops! Never mind! You just said in your video that I don't need one. Lesson # 1: Watch the entire video FIRST! :-)

[@JSternDesigns]

I'm so sorry I missed your comment. Thanks for watching!

[@kris0369]

Sure is a nice machine however I could never afford $3.599.00

[@JSternDesigns]

Sorry I didn't see your comment earlier! ... It might be a good time to look for an Ovation now, the Triumph has taken over as the top of the line, so the Ovations must have come down in price.