Best Tips For Buying A Serger & Coverstitch

[@IM-vb8gb]

I must have watched 20 other videos to find an answer to my question- cover-stitch vs. serger. Going with a serger! Thank you for this video!

[@Penguinandpear]

My friend Alisa at Thoughtful Creativity just released a video today about sergers, worth checking out!

[@anittat.3260]

Your honesty is refreshing. I've been told many times that I do not need a coverstitch machine. My friend has a costume business; I can borrow hers if desperate to try. She did also gift me with one of her older sergers, Janome 9102D. Have had trouble getting the stitches right (have only gotten back into sewing last year). The serger is magnificent. Made 5 pairs of flannel pjs for the grandboys, sizes 4 yo to 11 yo. Would make t-shirts if fabric stores were open! My favourite hints of this video: 1. suggestion of taking a photo of settings of serger threads and what it looks like. 2. spend a few hours playing with machine to save time later. 3. (for the little bit of sewing I do) use a double needle on sewing machine (also Janome, 32 years old, fantastically reliable machine.). For a person who doesn't sew a lot, I have two sergers, one inherited from my late sister, and three sewing machines, one which she bought for her granddaughter, should she ever show interest in sewing, which I'm storing and occasionally using. Question: how do you fit your clothes? Do you have a buddy? How does that work during lockdown? (Can't even go to the alterations lady!)

[@Penguinandpear]

I measure the patterns and myself, I make practice garments and make alterations then make the final. Check out my pattern review videos where you can see my progress.

[@lauravictoria4058]

Thanks for giving an honest review of affordable machines. So often we hear all about the expensive ones but they are out of my budget. I've also been wondering about a coverstitch so it's really handy to hear what you think... I'll spend my money on fabric instead!!

[@Penguinandpear]

Hey Laura, thanks for watching.I'm glad the video was of some use. I would most definitely spend the money on fabric!!! x

[@christinemartin9449]

I agree with the previous comment, you have changed my mind about a cover stitcher, more fabrics sounds better! Thanks for the video.

[@Penguinandpear]

HI Christine, thanks for watching thats interesting to hear, thank you for sharing your thoughts. Imagine all the great fabric with that amount of money! x

[@Kcruse1950]

I have a Janome Memory Craft and didn't know if I should supplement with a Serger or Coverstitch. Thank you for the information. I think that I will definitely go with a Serger.

[@Penguinandpear]

Thanks for watching. It really depends on your needs but I've had a lot of use out of my serger and very little from my cover stitch.

[@Kcruse1950]

@@Penguinandpear I looking to get my first Serger and have been deliberating which is best for about 1,700.00 Birttish Stirling. I'm looking at theJuki MO 1000 or the Janome 2000d. Both selfthreading loops systems. I presently have a Jenome MC9000 so, I was thinking about staying with the same brand. Do you have a recommendation as to which??/ I'd really appreciate your input for this about on money.

[@Penguinandpear]

@@Kcruse1950 Hi ya, I'm honestly not qualified to advise you, I can only tell you what I'd do. If you're happy with the brand you're using perhaps stay with them. I dont think it really matters though. I have a brother machine and janome serger. If I were going higher end, I'd look at the baby lock one but just because it seems popular. Juki are a good brand too... I'd have a look at the specs and see which closely matches your needs and perhaps test them out in a shop once you're able to. Sorry I cant be more help. You might also check out gingerhead and co on youtube, shes quite knowledgable with sergers x

[@kelseymarcinek]

This video was SO helpful. I don't own either but wanted to buy a serger. Then I couldn't decide if I needed a coverstitch machine or a serger. I can't afford both. You cleared things up beautifully and I feel much more confident in what I want.

[@Penguinandpear]

This is SO great to hear!

[@jennylarking1936]

Hi Claire. I have been sewing for many years and didn’t feel the need for an overlocker but bought one in my local Singer shop one day on a whim. Went in for needles, came out with new machine and threads! I have to say I love it - it’s an entry level Pfaff Babylock and is perfectly fine for what I want but I don’t see any need for a coverstitch. I do thread my serger using the tie on method and it is really easy. The loopers thread themselves and the needles thread right up to the needle hole, and I just finish that off. Go slowly feeding through and it works well.

[@Penguinandpear]

Hi Jenny, great advice there. I hear Pfaff are great machines. Its a brand I considered when buying my sewing machine. x

[@karlab9557]

I have sewed garments for years without a serger or coverstitch machine. However, I have been interested in a serger for knits. Someday, maybe. Thank you for this very informative video.

[@Penguinandpear]

Glad to help

[@Becky_Theroux_Gockel]

I had a serger but I traded my sister-in-law for her felter. Now I am sorry I did. My next machine will be a most likely a Bernina serger/coverstitch machine all in one. Love your videos. They are very informative.

[@Penguinandpear]

Hi Becky! I love my serger too (which you may have picked up from the video lol) Glad you are enjoying the videos. Ive lost my voice atm, so not sure when my next one is going up, but fingers crossed it wont be too long! x

[@Becky_Theroux_Gockel]

@@Penguinandpear I am sorry you are sick, hope you feel better soon. Your recovery right now is more important than doing videos. Take care!

[@loriannpayne4483]

I really enjoyed this video Claire! Alex and I have had in-depth discussions about machines. We just love how they function. I have the new Brother Top Cover Stitch machine. In theory it’s wonderful. Mine is struggling so I’m going to take it into the dealer and have it looked at. Did you know that you can use all sorts of threads in your serger? Serger thread is thinner so your seam is not so bulky, but I use regular sewing thread in it all the time if I want to match my fabric. You can also use embroidery rayon’s and polyester threads in the loopers. Of course you can also use heavier threads in the loopers when you’re doing decorative stitches like flatlocking or wooly nylon in the loopers when you’re sewing knits for a stretchier seam. And then there’s the rolled hem function on most sergers. Using wooly nylon in the loopers and the rolled hem setting is beautiful as the wooly nylon thread fluffs out to cover the edge of the fabric. It’s great for very thin or sheer fabrics or a lettuce edge on stretchy knit fabrics. Can you tell I’ve had sergers for a while? I’ve taken a lot of classes over the years. Blueprint has a wonderful class on taking your serger to the next level. I’m going to make my own piping today on the serger to insert into Tilly and The Buttons Rosa dress! One quick change to a cording foot and I’m off! New Year’s Hugs Claire...

[@Penguinandpear]

Hey Loriann - Happy new year! Some really valuable information in this comment - thank you for sharing. Im glad you liked the video. Hope you get your coverstitch sorted out. Yes I did think you could use any thread, I tend to stick to the big spools you can buy online fairly cheap (I think polyester). I know you can get really creative with your serger and coverstitch and I absolutely dont use them to their full capacity. Ive seen that class you speak of - I had a subscription to Bluprint for a while. Ooh I look forward to seeing your Rosa dress! x

[@sesamejane]

Thank you! I bought a server and have not used it yet because the threading and blades are a little intimidating. This post was so helpful encouraging me to just sit and play with it for a couple hours. I’ve been wanting to make some napkins and thinking it might be good practice to use my server.

[@Penguinandpear]

Hi Jane, Im glad the video helped - yes do sit and have a play with it. It can be helpful to put a different colour thread in each looper and needle when you are learning tension so that you can see which one is the problem if the tension is off. Napkins sounds like a great starter project. x

[@sesamejane]

What a great idea. I’m going to have to buy some more colors. They’re so expensive!

[@Penguinandpear]

@@sesamejane You can just fill a bobbin and put that on there instead of buying big cones.

[@jmanonmakes]

This was really helpful. Thank you!!

[@GingerheadCo]

My coverstitch is definitely necessary for my happiness 🤣 I do most of my topstitching on it and I generally find any excuse to use it 🤣🤣🤣 The reverse cover (brother cv3440) is not necessarily stronger (it's more the case of chaining off or not- most people have problems with securing the end of the stitch, however, it really is just a question of remembering to do it on the ones that don't chain off). Thanks for the video Claire- and happy new year! x

[@Penguinandpear]

Hi Alex, I feel the way you do about your coverstitch about my main machine, and probably my serger too. Id be very upset if either of those broke. Ahh I didnt really consider whether the reverse cover was stronger I just thought it would be cool to be able to do more diverse top stitching with it lol. Glad you liked the video - happy new year to you too x

[@GingerheadCo]

@@Penguinandpear I wanted to buy the brother reverse coverstitch so I spent some time trying it out - and decided it wasn't for me (see, I don't buy ALL the machines I think I might like 🤣). I can do reverse on any of both coverstitch machines (the wrong side is then 3 thread straight stitch which is what I actually prefer- as opposed to the reverse cover on both right and wrong sides in Brother). The settings in the brother are really sensitive to any changes of thickness, fabric, thread (rather too fussy for a domestic machine in my opinion) so I'd really need to spend a lot of time learning what to adjust for each fabric. I'm sure some people would find it worth the time and effort but as I said,I actually like the reverse of the ordinary cover as a decorative feature. And as I have the industrial blind hemmer I can also do a proper flat felled seams 😉 I totally agree with you that a coverstitch is not necessary for most people (if it's just for hemming knits I don't think it's worth the money ) but I go through loads of leggings and tank tops so I really love the fact I can make them quickly (and they are far better than the branded, expensive ones I used to buy) xxx

[@Penguinandpear]

@@GingerheadCo Such great advice here Alex, thanks for sharing. I also like the back of the normal cover stitch for decoration and have used it as such. This seems to be a popular subject so I may do a closer look at my coverstitch including using it and the things I do with it (not a lot lol) it might encourage me to try more stuff. I've never made leggings, I think I should. I can never find fabric like the use in the shops so it puts me off in case it doesnt keep its stretchiness xx

[@sewlolita8845]

Thanks for the video. I was wanting a cover stitch machine but as I see it's not necessary. I love the serger hack, just cut, tie, put tension on zero. I tried re threading it but it's hard for me even w the colorful diagram 😂

[@Penguinandpear]

HI Lola, definitely not necessary but is nice to have. Quite a few like the serger hack but I havent gotten the hang of it. x

[@juliaarnold890]

Great advise, I have overlocker just for finishing off but I don’t change threads... have neutral that’s does for all, will go for grey when I need to replace. Did knot and pull through when I need to change, worked ok. Happy New Year and thanks for blogmas.

[@Penguinandpear]

Hi Julia, good thinking not to change threads, Id save a lot of time if I didnt lol. Happy new year and thank you for watching x

[@pepperminthomecrafts8269]

Thank you! New subbie here. Trying to decide on a serger. Take care

[@Penguinandpear]

See my more recent serger videos I did an unboxing of a machine I love.

[@pepperminthomecrafts8269]

@@Penguinandpear Ok. I will

[@sallydingle321]

Hi Claire, this was a great video and so useful, especially for beginners👍. I have had a Brother 1034D for a couple of years now and it's been great most of the time. I think the times that I struggled with it was probably down to my lack of knowledge with the settings and getting used to different fabric types. I wouldn't be without an overlocker now 👌. I haven't got a cover-stitch machine but have thought about it...only because sometimes....not too often, but my twin needle sewing has come loose on the hems on a couple of occasions and not sure why 😟. It's all a learning curve isn't it and lots of practice. Hope you have been well over the last few days and Happy and Healthy New Year to you and your Hubby Claire 💝😁😘

[@Penguinandpear]

Hi Sally, thank you. I do like the look of the 1034D, I think if I needed too buy another serger at the lower end of the market I would get that one, its very popular.I'd quite like to move all my machines to Brother too, not sure why, it doesnt really make sense as some machines of theirs are better than others. I dont think I could be without a serger either. I find the stitching on the coverstitch is more likely to come loose than the sewing machine. The way the stitches are made on the coverstitch, its easy to pull a thread and have the whole thing come away - its great if you need to rip the seam, not so great if you didnt mean to pull it (securing ends is a must). Just make sure you go back and forth at the beginning/end of a double stitch like you would a single stitch, that should secure it. Definitely a learning curve! Im climbing up in my health again, its definitely easier now I am not filming every day. Thank you, happy new year to you and yours too x

[@sallydingle321]

@@Penguinandpear oh, that's interesting about the cover-stitch easily unraveling. I think I'll stick to my twin needle then👍. I do always backstitch at the start and end but for some reason it has loosened on occasion 😏. It might be that that fabric has stretched a bit too much and snapped maybe. The garments that it happened to are extra stretchy, so that could have been the cause I suppose 👍. Glad you are gaining better health and hopefully you can have more rest time after vlogmas...which was great by the way 💕😘

[@Penguinandpear]

@@sallydingle321 Ah thank you Sally, and yes I guess that could have been why it happened! x

[@sesamejane]

P.s. I bought a low end Juki because it seemed to have good ratings at the time, and the price was right

[@Penguinandpear]

and how did you find it? x

[@sesamejane]

I haven’t used it yet. I’ll get back to you after I make a few napkins 😊

[@tkarlmann]

I have the Brother 1034D; and I cannot see why on earth I would need a coverstitch (or overlocker) machine. You seemed to echo my sentiments, I think. BTW: did you know your video got flipped around R/L?

[@Penguinandpear]

The brother 1034d is an overlocker. Overlocker and serger means the same thing. Coverstitch is something else. I was filming on my phone back then. Thats why it looks back to front.

[@suelongview9925]

Great info thanks Claire, after listening to you I realise I will never use a cover stitch and probably not a serger either!

[@Penguinandpear]

Hey Sue, im glad you liked it. Ah glad i helped you to be clearer in your mind about your needs! X

[@pollydolly9723]

Hi Claire. Been sewing for a lot of years with just a regular machine with a stretch stitch option. Recently, however, I have had some squiggly hems on thinner jerseys even using stabilizer. I also am a tad envious of the speed in which garments can be made with them. Sounds to me like a serger is what I need. How are they with hemming fine jersey or satin?

[@Penguinandpear]

Hi Nancy, I think when you get squiggly hems its because your machine is stretching the material slightly as it goes through the machine. You may be able to reduce the tension slightly of the foot pressure on your machine. Sergers are handy for the speed of which they sew (and of course the sew and finish edges at the same time). I havent tried to hem satin but fine jersey goes through mine fine, sometimes a serged edge on a fine jersey is handy for adding a bit of weight. You can of course get squiggly hems on a serger too, but if you play with settings you should get it to work well. Ive never had a problem and have found more chance of squiggyness on my machine rather than serger. I hope this helps?

[@loriannpayne4483]

Most sergers have a dial called “differential feed” that adjusts to each fabric so that it serges smoothly. The high end machines do it for you automatically. I rarely sew a garment without using the serger and cover stitch machine for that matter. It’s taken me a few years to remind myself to use my cover stitch machine but it really does make for a professional looking garment.

[@Penguinandpear]

@@loriannpayne4483 Good point about the differential feed Loriann! I think I am still learning to use my coverstitch - Ive only used it about 8 times! x

[@Askthedog12]

Love the top you have on did you make it x

[@Penguinandpear]

Thank you - no, that is one of my few last remaining RTW tops, I bought it a couple of years ago from a supermarket. It was in the sale, I love the fabric too. x