Combination Serger/Coverstitch Machines - Are They Right for You?

[@Everyoneisanartist776]

“No one no’s I exist,” lol! You’re so humble and I’m sure your family & friends adore you and that’s all that matters. Thanks for sharing your knowledge about the machines. Stay blessed

[@nancywiik5457]

This was one of the most helpful videos I've found so far in my search for information about sewing machines and sergers. All the information you gave was relevant and at no point during the video did I wonder when you would get to the point. Thanks for that!

[@MeganGMakes]

That is really kind, Nancy! I'm glad it was a helpful video!

[@nancypeplau9747]

This is by far the best review on this machine! Thank you for the time and honest thought you put into this video! I appreciate it immensely!

[@lynettedaniels1236]

Great video. I just got my combo machine this April. I have never had a serger or a coverstitch. I am entirely thrilled. (I spent a lot for mine however.)I think you covered the information very thoroughly.

[@MeganGMakes]

Thanks, Lynette! They are an investment, but I think a good one. 😊

[@linbut7241]

Great video! Totally agree with everything she says, especially the learning curve. Like: you have to change your sewing order. This became apparent to me when i wanted to switch from serging to coverhem. And back again. Nope, too time consuming. That being said, I love this machine and am happy with the price paid for the stitches available. I also have a Bernette b79 sewing machine that also embroiders. Love that machine too. Couldn’t afford a Babylock, Bernina or Janome. No matter, i have the time, space and brains.

[@MeganGMakes]

Thank you! Yep, it requires some thought but switching between the two isn't that difficult :)

[@DonnaBalon]

Thank you, Megan. I know this video is 2 year old, but it's still so relevant. No where else did I find such a complete explanation of the combo or not to combo. After watching your video, I realize that I'm in the latter category.

[@craftymystic4868]

Thanks, I e always wondered how they worked, and I loved you’re not sponsored, but giving us the salt and pepper or the machine, congrats on the deal, and I’m glad it worked out so well for you!

[@MeganGMakes]

Thanks for watching! I am still pretty thrilled about the deal 😊

[@legod59]

I just started sewing and bought a Singer hd4423, then I bougt a serger Singer 14sh754. Then there was this Occasion Brother coverstitch cv3550 and I bought that too! This trio costed me around 750 Euros! These beautifull mechanical machines really make me happy and the next machine is going to be a invisable hemming-machine, costs less than 200 Euros. Yes I have a lot of space! The greatest Thing tho is that all machines work very well and to make them run perfectly is truly satisfying:) Thank You for your video's!

[@dixyschu951]

Another great vlog, Megan! Thanks so much for the nitty gritty details, especially talking us thru different scenarios and the steps involved. It made it real. Very helpful.

[@MeganGMakes]

Thank you - I appreciate your kind comment! 😊

[@rusope1050]

this video was really helpful! i have to chose between an overlocker and a combo, and i too am scared to chose the combo because of all the negative stuff i've heard! but apparently, it's all not even that bad. it would be so cool to be able to do coverstitches!

[@katlambert3649]

Super great information! I’ll be keeping my serger and purchase a coverstich machine separately. (Wasn’t aware that was a possibility). Thanks for saving me some dollars!

[@MeganGMakes]

I'm glad it was helpful!

[@ejan9578]

I just came across your video and actually justification and decision to get a combo and this particular model was the same for me.. just yesterday I purchased a brand new bernette 48 Funlock. I am from Ontario and I paid 1150 CAD. For about two months I was researching combos, and decided to go with Singer professional 5. Almost purchased it from US site for 475 USD, it would be around 880 CAD total cost, including import tax and HST. BUT, read more reviews, called few stores and came across the the place I purchased my machine from. The rep explained me the differences between Sin and Ber, and I decided to add a few $$ and upgrade to Bernina. I should get it this week and will see if I made a good decision. I started using a serger only 2 months ago - very simple Singer, that I borrowed. I fell in love with serging. I am also new to sewing. I bought my first sewing machine 4 months ago, But I enjoy it. I agree that you have to have personality to sew, need to practice and be patient. I sew for fun, and already accomplishes a few things I am happy with. Thanks for your video - glad that I am not the only one who's decision making in this case was the same.

[@leonardoramos2650]

Thank you for this videos and your experience with the B48...! I'm on the market for a combo machine and you pointed out the switching back and forth which can be time-consuming (didn't take that into consideration). I, like you, have limited space and on I'm on a retirement budget. Would love to win lottery to get a place just for a sewing studio. Chances of that lotto prize are very slim so for now it's just a dream.

[@lsickinger]

Thanks for this! I just purchased this machine and it arrives Tuesday. It was reassuring to hear that you are happy with it!!

[@MeganGMakes]

I am still really happy with it! I hope you love yours!

[@kimh8468]

Thanks for the suggestions, especially having a “new to you” used machine serviced when you buy it, as I’m looking at purchasing used.

[@denveringram2304]

I just came across this and would like to add my agreement to all that you pointed out. I have a Juki MO735 combo machine. It’s very similar to the Berninas “under the hood”. Switching between modes is time consuming and the threading for the cover hem is much more finicky than threading for serging. I eventually purchased a Janome 2000CPX stand alone cover stitch machine. I use it for fleece hats, blankets, and for top stitching a sweatshirt. The Janome stand alone is much simpler to thread. I do understand about space though. I’m just surprised at how much I use it and how much I enjoy using it. I also find that my Juki combo does a better job of serging. I think it does okay on the cover hem function, but serging is where it really shines. About midway up the wall in my sewing area, there is a long line of outlets. So from left to right I have my sewing machine, then my serger, then my cover stitch machine. That’s the order I use the machines in and it surprises me how often I use 2 or 3 of them on any given project. I will often use my edge stitch foot on my sewing machine to stitch down a hem from the reverse side. Then I’ll move to the cover stitch machine and follow the bobbin thread on the right side of my fabric to do the cover stitch hem. Often in cover stitching, you do it from the top side and it can feel like you are sewing blind. That’s part of the learning curve with a cover stitch machine. Having that stitch line present makes it easier. You made a boat load of on target points. Thanks so much.

[@connienash3666]

Even though I have no plans to purchase a server/cover stitch machine I watched your whole video and learned a lot. Your review was excellent!

[@MeganGMakes]

Thanks, Connie! I appreciate your kind comment :)

[@phillygirldiane8315]

Thanks for this review. I have been eyeing some reconditioned sergers but now I’m definitely going to look into a combination machine…and really start saving

[@MeganGMakes]

Thanks for watching! They're definitely a big purchase, but I'm still happy with mine.

[@lilychua7866]

I love your dream sewing room with all the sergers set up!

[@kristy8450]

Thank you so much for taking the time to do this video. I have been contemplating whether to buy a serger and a coverstitch or a combo. Your input is very helpful. Thank you again.

[@gillianwhaites5974]

I bought the Babylock evolve many years ago. I finally overcame my fear of breaking it! It stayed in its carry bag for many years. Finally, I put on my video instructions and opened my manual. I got the gist of it and gave the machine a go. Wow. It was so easy! It cost Aus$3600 in 2004. I understand the expensive price aspect. I couldn’t afford one today! The best thing about air threading is the simplicity. It does make it doable. My other serger I bought after a friend bought one at a deceased estate sale. That is a Bernina 800D it’s a great machine and easy to thread. If I’m set up for Coverstitching on my Evolve, I use my Bernina for serging. I still need to practise.

[@kithansen8685]

I am currently breaking (myself) in on a Singer 5-thread serger with coverstitch after having used a Brother 4-threader for some time, so I read and view a lot relating to the particular tasks I am tackling. I agree with your assessment and appreciate how clearly you laid it out. I didn’t want to spring for a midline stand-alone coverstitcher since I doubted that I’d make enough use of it to justify the expense. Now that I’m using it, I can see I’ll do more coverstitching than I thought, but I’m still glad that I made matching my sewing objectives (family, non-professional only) a major factor in my decision. I paid about $500 US for mine this past year (2021)

[@MeganGMakes]

There's a real learning curve, isn't there? I like the combo machines! A Coverstitch is a real nice to have, not a need to have - at least for me right now. Thanks for watching!

[@sshirleyks]

I just bought the same Singer. I haven’t done anything more than turn it on so far. It’s very intimidating. So I’m doing a lot of research at the moment. Do you like yours? How long did it take you to really start sewing with it?

[@kristy8450]

Hi. Sounds like you got the singer professional 5 serger. I just bought one as well for $550 from Amz. I Used it a few times and the threading seems to be a pain. I m contemplating if I should return it and get the Jerome combo instead, but it's pricey ($1K) . What is your thought on your singer? R you happy with it?

[@angelaschapiro4268]

Hi Megan. I think you made a great choice! I looked into the Janome CP3000 and as nice as it looked, it has no blade! Very odd for the serger function. So since I am in my 60's, I thought to get the Bernette 68. Like yours but with airthreading. The best brand, Bernina L890 has a side dial to close or open the blade & moves the foot sideways for ease as well as it's computerized. It costs a small fortune. Three times the Bernette & Quiet. Lots of pluses for the price. A sewing mat helps ease the noise. So far I just drool! All the accessory feet cost much too.

[@MichelleSewsAgain]

This review was very helpful! I don’t sew a lot of knits yet but have been curious about coverstitch machines .

[@MeganGMakes]

Thanks Michelle!

[@michellepark778]

I have a combo and love it, I only have to pay one service fee when I get it serviced.

[@TheHaymeadow]

Thanks so much for this review! I’m new to sewing (only started in Feb 2020) and upgraded the old sewing machine I bought from market place for my birthday this year and bought a Bernette B77 and am so very happy! I’m now starting to look at investing in an overlocker (I’m Australian, that’s what we call them) and have been looking at this as you get two machines in one. You’re right very little in the way of reviews so this has been excellent. Thanks again and I’m off to check out your other videos!

[@MeganGMakes]

Thanks for watching! I'm glad it was helpful.

[@LouLouCatchoo]

Thanks for the review! I've been contemplating getting one or the other, but this combo has been in my mental wishlist for the last year or sew (bah dum ching!) lol ✨ I'm still mulling it over, but the space-saving is def a plus!!!

[@kathymiller68]

Thank you! One of the more informative videos I have watched to help me decide what kind of machine to buy.

[@MeganGMakes]

Thank you, Kathy! I'm glad it was helpful.

[@Bellahberry]

Same here I bought one in the middle of the pandemic from the sewing sensation here in Calgary. I do not want to be switching things back and forth. I am now looking at the Juki.

[@cats4president]

LOL "No-one knows I exist" 😭Has 3K subscribers 😂 Thanks for doing this, was very helpful!

[@janemartin229]

I bought the Singer Professional 5 combo serger/coverstitch. I got a really great deal on a new machine directly from the Singer website. I haven't seen it before or since for that price. I love that it has automatic tension settings depending on the stitch selected. That was my biggest gripe with a regular serger--I could never get the tension exactly right. It is a pain to rethread it when switching between different setups (there are a lot of choices) but if I had a separate coverstitch machine, I would have to take the thread off the serger to put on the coverstitch anyway for it to match. One of the biggest things with the combo machine is that usually you lose the free arm option.

[@sarrah6473]

Hi Megan, Thank you for the share. I am currently trying to choose between Bernette funlock 48 and Bernina L450 - both on sale, both for nearly same price 1300$ CA - Bernina bought me totally with quality, as for Bernette I am hesitating - feeling still undecided !! :)

[@MeganGMakes]

Hi Sarrah - I haven't tried the L450, but I've heard it's a great serger. I think it depends on whether you think you'd use the coverstitch function a lot, a little or not at all. Both will be great machines!

[@annigjestaples6015]

Thank you for a realistic review. One's expectations and reality are 2 different things, but I like your outlook. ❤

[@MeganGMakes]

That's so true! Thanks for watching :)

[@lynnebizlyne436]

Thank you very much for sharing this video. It was a great help for me in my research for which is best for my needs. 👍

[@tammypeterson5395]

Thank you so very much for this video. I was just about to sell my B48, you gave me inspiration to try again. I also have forgotten that there is indeed a learning curve for all new machines. I think I may have given up to soon on this one. Thank you Thank you Thank you.

[@MeganGMakes]

It took me a little while, Tammy! What issues are troubling you?

[@jenniferstinert5498]

Great video. I love watching videos of fellow Canadians. It was really nice to watch someone who is also from Alberta. Great Information. I have a Brother serger, and I was wondering if I should replace it with a dual machine. I hate threading, so maybe I just look at getting a separate coverstitch machine. I think in the long run it will probably save more time. Thanks for posting!

[@barbimhof4359]

This is a very helpful and informative video. Thank you for sharing your insights and experience with the combo machine!

[@MeganGMakes]

Thank you, Barb!

[@williamgallaghersr3594]

i know what you mean im 88 and still learnung im getting a coverstich had some schooling but never enough i only do family things between welding and repairs sm engines but i usetoo make clothes fo my children in the fifties so u have to keep learning GOOD LUCK from AMERICA

[@mariontilton8494]

Hi Megan. I have the exact same machine. I bought mine about the same time you did. I was looking for a serger, not necessarily a a coverstitch. The dealer somehow talked me into buying the b48. I never got my free lesson when I purchased it because of the pandemic and have had to struggle to work out how to use it. Three years on I'm doing fairly well, but have never used it as a coverstitch. I had so much trouble threading the serger I never wanted to unthread it to change over and now I don't feel the need for the cover stitch. I have my old sewing machine set up with twin needles and use that instead. Maybe one day I will get brave and have a go. Thank you for your video. Btw I paid $900AU for mine in 2020.

[@maachinimamaachinima]

shame that the machine is wasted on you

[@Lorij83]

Such good information. I love the fabric in your top.

[@MeganGMakes]

Thank you! I snagged it out of the bargain section of my local fabric store!

[@AndraMakes]

Great info, Megan! Thank you! 💜

[@MeganGMakes]

Thanks, Andra!

[@nancynewman6592]

Very informative vlog, but does leave me thinking this is not for me... but that is good to know, rather than wasting my time and money . Thank you!

[@MeganGMakes]

Thanks, Nancy! I'm glad it helped you through your thought process.

[@daisybatiz1734]

Wow, te admiro porque aunque tienes poco espacio para tu pasatiempo lo realizas con amor. Yo tengo la overlock sola, y estoy buscando opiniones sobre la coverstich por eso te encontre. Yo compre una PAFF 3.0 me costo 4mil dolares americanos y solo la he usado un par de veces pues estoy estudiando costura en la escuela y me toma tiempo. Pero gracias por tu video, Te deseo de todo corazon que Dios te de una bendicion tan grande que puedas mudarte a una casa comoda y puedas tener tu gran taller de costura. Te deseo bendiciones, te saludo desde Puerto Rico.

[@heatherr9201]

I have a combo husky lock s21 I bought used and love… I am with you it’s nice to be able to do serger and cover stitch.

[@MeganGMakes]

I looked at that machine - it looks great!

[@ibony420]

Thank you, thank you! for a great video/review. I have one too and I'm happy with this purchase, but I will love to learn more how to jump from cover to stitch or viceversa and to know when to use them. PLEASE teach me :)

[@MeganGMakes]

Thanks Ibony! I'll do what I can to help :)

[@Scary_asmr101]

Thanks so much for your video. It’s been very helpful

[@sw6118]

Thank you. If you buy separate machines you’ll want to buy separate threads so that both machines can always be ready-more things to store. I use my serger all the time. I don’t use the coverstitch nearly as often. I love the cheapie brother serger, the cheapie brother coverstitch-not really…

[@belinda58sews29]

Such a helpful video. You touched on lots of things I wondered about. Very impressed by the self control you have in cleaning up your second room every night to turn it into a sleeping space. So many cultures do this, but in the west it’s less common. Btw, having to pay double for servicing…well, to me, that’s a bit of a “jerk move”, but especially right now, sewing machine companies are having a boon, and can charge whatever they want. I would be ok with 1.5 more, but actually double? No. Not nice.

[@MeganGMakes]

Left to my own devices, my space would be pretty messy but my family likes a clean house 😂 I agree, paying double felt a bit excessive. Thanks for watching and commenting, as always :)

[@amandawalker3111]

Is there a video on setting up for rolled hem I find the book very confusing

[@OneliaE]

Hi Megan!! I recently got the same combo machine and I was wondering if you could a video on how you thread the machine into coverstitch. and if you have any tricks to ease the back and forth of threading the machine? Thank you!!

[@MeganGMakes]

I can work on it!

[@andreeaclaradumitru]

Hello, Megan! Can you tell me if this machine manage well any kind of fabric? I like to wear denim pants and as well I use materials with elastan. They are heavy to stitch for my machine, when I use overlocking stitches. Thank you!😊

[@MeganGMakes]

I haven't used heavy denim, but it has been very good on any stretch knits I've tried using. The only one I had issues with was trying to sew several layers of very bulky fleece.

[@Dheepa]

Thank You for such an informative video.

[@MeganGMakes]

Thanks for watching!

[@liza5532]

Thank you. This was so helpful.

[@MeganGMakes]

Thanks for watching!

[@dh5057]

GREAT video! You made it so much more simple to understand....Thanks!

[@life8801]

I have a Bernette b42 Coverstitch. I’m having so much trouble keeping the lower looper threaded. Every time I start sewing, i have to stop after a few stitches and rethread it again. Drives me crazy. What can be causing this?

[@jeanettespracklen5777]

That would be too much to have a combination machine that takes such a lot of work to change it to coverstitch and vice versa. Glad I have both separate. I understand why you couldn't have both. I am sure that there are others that have a change over that is easier. However, having two I think is a better bet. If it breaks or needs fixing, you wouldn't have either.

[@abundantlife888]

This was so helpful

[@Aljobritt]

great info! thank you

[@MicheleHuffman-ud9or]

Is the Bernette b44 a cover stitch too?

[@saraaronzon4562]

Thank you so much!

[@dianathakurmillinery9757]

I have a singer serger, and i help on doing rolled hem on tulle veil. Any advice TIA.

[@brianm1897]

The fact that it does not have a free arm makes it a lot less practical, I think. It makes doing everything harder. Sewing in an arm hole or re-heming pant legs. I think this is more for dress making or something what do you think mamm?

[@just_passing_through]

I think you mean combination “cover stitch/overlocker” machines. Cover stitch machines AND Overlockers are BOTH sergers. I.e. there are two types of sergers: 1 Cover stitch machines 2 Overlockers. Sergers are a ‘category’ of machine which has two different sub categories.

[@williamchapman2371]

I have the volume turned all the way up and I can barely understand you. Could you increase your mike volume in your videos so I can follow along.

[@katem1105]

Great video. Plus your Canadian.

[@MeganGMakes]

Thank you :)

[@loreliemiller628]

Great info

[@MeganGMakes]

Thanks for watching!

[@lauravazquez8725]

Por favor como se henebran esas máquinas

[@elenaburova9558]

Merci beaucoup

[@robertwilliams3418]

Wish I could hear u. Will u speak louder? Tnx