Tutorial: Using a Coverstitch Machine and Knit Tips

[@donnarichey144]

You make it look so easy sewing straight. I have numb hands a disease that kills your nerves. I can't do anything straight, even before this. I am trying to learn to quilt and do more things to keep my mind busy. I am 76. Joy told viewers to come over and see you and what you do, so here I am. Thank you so much. I just bought a 1034D Brother serger I saw Becky from Power Tools, she had one and says she loves it and she is amazing.

[@TomKatStitchery]

I’m so glad you stopped by! Joy and Becky are both amazing and I’m so glad they sent you this way! Welcome!

[@lindadechow3703]

Love your tutorials, and I am just learning so much. When I think back to my mom who sewed couture Vogue patterns in the 50s and 60s using her Featherlight Singer (straight stitch only) She made covered buttonhole and finished seams on everything! She had an extraordinary wardrobe, which I honestly wish I still had. I am so humbled by her talents and by comparison, today's technology. I have a Pfaff 5.2 computerized machine (Love that machine!) and I can not imagine what my mom would have done with that! Thanks Whitney, your channel is my go-to . Haha speak nicely to it, love it! I always do, and so far, so good :)

[@TomKatStitchery]

I just love that! I love all the memories and generations this craft has connected!

[@teributler8067]

Thank you Whitney!! I have a brand new still in the box cover stitch machine my hubby got me for my birthday a couple years ago!! I’m definitely going to open it and use it now after watching your video!!! You make it seem so easy!!!

[@TomKatStitchery]

Yes! It’s got a bit of a learning curve, but is a great machine! You’re gonna love it!

[@thebebejebus]

Oh my god! This video makes me see what a difference wearing your colours makes!! Crazyyy.

[@TomKatStitchery]

🤣 isn’t it wild?!!

[@kooldesinzblm]

Thanks for all your tips and positive energy in teaching us,I’m very thankful and I think positive energy really helps keep us interested n learning it

[@TomKatStitchery]

Thank you so much!

[@juliagoodwill]

Thank you for the coverstitch info. I’ve just got mine and find it much more useful visually seeing how it’s done, rather than written instructions. Brilliant, I feel so much more confident now . Thanks again.

[@TomKatStitchery]

Fantastic! This is what I love to hear!

[@tekc96]

So glad I watched this. Just got a new coverstitch and I was having trouble with getting the garment off the machine after going around the hem. Thank you so much. Very easy to understand

[@TomKatStitchery]

I’m so glad! Thanks for watching!

[@sherifetter6885]

Great tips..one thing I love for my cover stitch machine was the clear foot I bought...it helps me match the finish lines when sewing the garment hems..I can actually see where I started

[@TomKatStitchery]

That’s a great one as well!

[@sewing-Susan]

I think the tapes are a game changer. Thanks for that tip.

[@TomKatStitchery]

Yes!!! I agree completely with that!

[@denisemulraney69]

Thank you so much for this video. I also have a new coverstitch machine Janine 3000, my mum bought me, it’s still in the box but I only got it just before Christmas so that my excuse. I have 1 little play with it but plan to get onto it very soon. This has given me an insight to using it. I also have a Babylock serger I have had for some 20 years, I still can’t get myself to use it to sew up my stretch garments, I sew the, and then overlock seams.p, double handling?.. maybe I will try making a top with it and coverstitch the hems etc. see how I go. It’s just a confidence thing even I have been sewing for some 55years. Cheers from Australia 🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@TomKatStitchery]

I would definitely encourage you to try it. I find that a lot in sewing comes down to confidence and courage. Let me know if you do make a top with your serger! I do all my knit tops on my serger and coverstitch (as well as my bathing suits) and I have never had an issue with the stitching coming undone. It's definitely worth a try!

[@Springermom2]

Whitney, this was an excellent demonstration of coverstitching! Thank you!

[@TomKatStitchery]

I'm so glad it was helpful!

[@jonikinsh4504]

Recently got a combination serger-coverstitch machine and I've been a fraidy cat to actually do the coverstitch...UNTIL I saw your video! Now I feel much more confidant about using that great feature with knits. I also wondered if I had to buy tons of colors of serger thread spools for different fabrics, but seeing your fabulous hack with the bobbins etc was so timely. Thank you for the great tips and techniques that you share! Count me as another one of your happy subscribers!

[@TomKatStitchery]

I’m so glad!!

[@karenpettinger6592]

This video contains a wealth of information! I will get my Janome Coverpro 3000 this week, and I’m super excited to use it.

[@TomKatStitchery]

Oh good!

[@suzanneblack6873]

I like to press up my hem while the paper is still attached. It is easier to follow the edge of the paper. Once it is all pressed I remove the paper and then press it again on the previous pressed line to fuse it down.

[@TomKatStitchery]

That’s a fantastic tip!

[@glendavizecky7581]

Thank you for the video! I'm looking at purchasing a cover stitch machine and no one at my local Babylock dealership knows much about the cover stitch. This video helps me a lot! Thanks again!

[@winifredtroy1540]

I also just saw a neck band method where the neckband is sewn to the wrong side, then turned out and cover stitched down. Can’t wait to try it.

[@TomKatStitchery]

That sounds interesting!

[@debbiebridges5121]

The Deer and Doe dress 👗 and T-shirt pattern is cute!

[@TomKatStitchery]

I think so too!

[@deborahmoore9133]

You're a great teacher.

[@TomKatStitchery]

Well, thank you! That is so kind!

[@constancergarcia7258]

Thank you for the tips. 😘 Now I need a Cover Stitch machine. 😀

[@brendapena2328]

Great tutorial!! I have been looking at the babylock triumph for a while but I was not sure how easy it is to go from serger to cover stitch but you showed how easy it is to go from serger to cover stitch !!!thank you 💕

[@TomKatStitchery]

The Babylocks are fantastic machines!

[@janinesherry1809]

Thank you Whitney for the demonstration. I've owned a cover stitch machine for quite a few years now (it took over 6months before it was unpacked!!), but it sits unused on my desk. You've inspired me to give it another go.

[@TomKatStitchery]

Fantastic! There is a learning curve, but it’s totally worth it to keep trying!

[@k3of5ks]

Another great and helpful video. Amazon also has this brand of stay and adhesive tape. Thanks again!

[@TomKatStitchery]

That’s great to know!

[@alfa5243]

You drive me crazy but you are also talented. Must be the artist in you. I’ve subscribed , I love your content when you get to it😂thanks.

[@TomKatStitchery]

😂😂😂 I am chatty. Sorry about that! I am working on being a bit more concise.

[@lindasherwood7424]

Actually like the tunnelling. I adds a little decor. Great video!

[@TomKatStitchery]

Thank you! 😊

[@francesgiacobbe6821]

I have the BL evolve . This is the best tutorial for cover stitch ever!!

[@TomKatStitchery]

Thank you!

[@debbiegauvain8539]

Thank you, Whitney! I just bought a cover stitch (bernette b42), and am scouring the internet for info. You have lots of great info here but your best nugget, for me, was something like- just get in and start sewing. You’ll figure it out. I was getting stuck in the info gathering mode. Lol.

[@TomKatStitchery]

You are not alone! I get stock in that mode quite frequently 😂.

[@chris_Lisa]

I couldn't quite catch the name of the book you were listening to that your mom recommended. Also, I am glad that you postponed the Parker Ponte Pants until January. Because you talked about it in December, I was able to purchase the pattern during one of Style Arc's sales.

[@TomKatStitchery]

Oh good! I'm glad you're looking forward to the Parker Ponte Pant sew along! I have been listen to Louise Penny's Three Pines series. They are wonderful murder mysteries set in a small village outside of Montreal.

[@linsbaumeister]

I’ve been to Hobbiton…😂 Seems that being possibly snowed in on my birthday means listening to it over and over all day 😊

[@TomKatStitchery]

❤️❤️❤️

[@teresaaltizer4117]

Great tutorial! Thanks!

[@georgianasstudio]

So glad to learn of the Babylock Evolution. I have a Janome overlocker and I've grown out of it as I find it won't handle one layer of fabric when it's lighter weight and I need a coverstitch machine as I do so much sewing I think I can justify it. I've been looking at sergers and coverstitch machines but there's nothing like a recommendation.

[@TomKatStitchery]

It’s a great one. It’s a few years old, but I think any of their higher end machines are fantastic. Also, a coverstitch will change your sewing life!

[@janicepearsall5059]

Very nice. I bought a coverstitch machine, but haven't taken it out of the box yet. You have inspired me. Thanks for showing the stay tape packages that you use. Have you tried the "more than extremely fine knit stay tape" (orange package)? I'm curious what fabrics that would be used on.

[@TomKatStitchery]

I haven't tried that one, but I would guess it's best used on really delicate fabrics like silk chiffon or crepe de chines.

[@sallydingle321]

Hi Whitney, great tutorial and clearly demonstrated 👌. I would love a cover-stitch machine one day. I have been using a twin needle for a while now but can have trouble with it unraveling sometimes with wear 😏. I think a cover-stitch would hopefully remedy this. Thanks so much for sharing your skills again.... always a joy 😁💝😘

[@TomKatStitchery]

Thank you, for your comments, Sally! They are always a pleasure!

[@AbisDen]

at 15:39 you drag you fabric - why? and what happens to the quality of stitching above and below? 21:19 I can't see properly, but knit looks stretched?

[@TomKatStitchery]

One of the ways to add in some extra room for a full bust is to add length to the front, but not the back. This gives you the extra room your bust needs and then by stretching the back to match the front you keep the side seam the length it needs to be while adding length where it's needed.

[@catalinaa5826]

Thanks for the demostration

[@TomKatStitchery]

My pleasure!

[@joanneblair2087]

Thank you. Have a new machine and learning

[@TomKatStitchery]

Good luck! It’s a great machine to have in your arsenal!

[@zielonatrawa11]

thank you, super helpful :) could you make tutorial how to join two parts of rib knit fabric as it often is in sport clothes?

[@TomKatStitchery]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Are you wanting to know how to add ribbing to sweatshirts/t-shirts/etc.?

[@eunicespeckenheuer5806]

Hi - just looking to purchase a cover stitch/serger by Babylock - this was so helpful! Can you share the pattern names again? And where do you buy that great fabric? Thanks in advance for your response.

[@TomKatStitchery]

It’s a really great machine! The patterns are linked in the description box below the video (you’ll need to hit the down arrow or the “show more” right below the video title). The fabric was purchased from Stonemountain and Daughter’s online shop!

[@frankjanvari8650]

ok thank you very much please don't forget to film how to operate the sewing machine foot pedal how its used also please and does it have the standard motor or the more expensive servo motor?

[@TomKatStitchery]

Sure! My machine does have a servo motor, but I can talk all about that!

[@FindJustMarty]

What are some of the shops you prefer for fashion fabrics. I am having trouble finding shops that carry knits for the tops I need. What kind of knits do you use? Thank you so much for your tutorials.

[@TomKatStitchery]

Both Minerva and StyleMaker fabrics have a cotton/spandex jersey and viscose/spandex jersey that I love for about anything!

[@marciahighsmith4820]

Thanks for the demo, I was sick on the day they demo the cover stitch portion of the evolution.

[@rosac8168]

Wow so nice looking I want one so bad

[@TomKatStitchery]

They are pretty slick!

[@lilolmecj]

My new serger has a coverstitch option but I have not had time to explore how to use it. I have found it pretty easy switching between the other stitch options. I have used my sewing machine for knits, out of necessity, but I like a narrow zig zag more than the stretch stitch. My stretch stitch stretches the fabric too much. Jerseys....the curl can be so aggravating!!

[@TomKatStitchery]

I agree. When I’m using my Janome with knits, I also prefer the narrow zig zag as opposed to the stretch stitch!

[@lauriegreen-schillawski4481]

Thanks for another informative and fun tutorial! I'm not sure I understand the difference between and cover stitch and serger. I've been wanting to get something that finishes the raw edges of my garments.It actually takes me almost 4 hours to make an item (that I should be able to get done in 2 hours) due to how long it takes to cover stitch on the sewing machine.Pinking shears don't seem to be doing the trick for me, either. Besides my hands hurt too much to use the pinking shears for very long. I'd love a quick explanation of the differences between the two techniques, if that's possible. Thanks for all your wonderful tips and videos!

[@TomKatStitchery]

Sure! The serger (or overlooked) does the looping stitch that finishes off seams and also allows you to sew knitwear with ease. The coverstitch just does hems (or topstitching). It has a straight stitch on the front and looping stitches on the back that allows the hems or topstitching to stretch with the fabric. Does that make sense? Let me know if you have any other questions!

[@lauriegreen-schillawski4481]

@@TomKatStitchery that makes complete sense! Thank you sew much!

[@tammyaltic2254]

Hi Whitney, I have a Bernina 1300 MDC serger/cover stitch machine it’s a older one and I’m using brushed poly knits making my little granddaughter’s some outfits. The cover stitch part isn’t wanting to pull the fabric through under the presser foot it’s just now grabbing the fabric very good, do you have and tips that I can try? These knits are so soft maybe I need to get some of these tapes your talking about to make serging and cover stitching easier. I’m new to using the serger and cover stitch machines, I know I will love them after I figure out how to use them with different types of fabric. I looked at some Baby Locks last weekend they are nice. Thank you for all the tips and the videos I watch all of them. Tammy

[@TomKatStitchery]

The tapes I’ve suggested will help quite a bit. Also, try serging with tissue paper (or even toilet paper) between the fabric and the feed dogs. That can help as well (and then you just tear the paper away after you’ve sewn it). Lastly, I’ve noticed that a Microtex needle works better with double brushed poly. Schmetz has good Microtex needles! I just use the regular sewing machine ones in my cover stitch and serger.

[@tammyaltic2254]

TomKat Stitchery, thank you very much for the advice I will definitely be ordering these tapes and try all these methods you’ve suggested. I’m so excited to make my little grand babies these outfits and Christmas is coming up so I thought about making some cute outfit’s and pajamas for them for Christmas. My grand babies are growing so fast it’s hard to know what size too make. Thanks again for your help I really appreciate it have a great weekend coming up.

[@banddwenz1412]

Did I miss it in the video on how to finish the neckband after you attach the tape? I saw the end of it to cover stitch but was not able to find if you added a separate piece or tuned it over.

[@TomKatStitchery]

Sorry about that! This is one of my older videos. I did attaching a neckband to the neckline and then overstitched the seamline of the neckband to the body of the shirt. Does that help?

[@banddwenz1412]

@@TomKatStitchery Yes, thank you

[@margiecook6379]

Thanks nice tutorial.

[@winifredtroy1540]

I saw a fusible stay tape with a line of stitching in it. No one seems to have it here. I had to order it from John Lewis in the UK. Made by Prym.

[@audreywring1920]

www.williamgee.co.uk/product-tag/fusible-tape/ William Gee UK 1906 founded sell retail and wholesale all types of interfacing for every type of application family run firm who supply most of the London and worldwide tailors. Happy spending!!!

[@TomKatStitchery]

I have seen that in videos, but not here in the US. It looks great, though!

[@ildaquintanilla9186]

Is there a segment on neck and arm bands using the same knit material?

[@TomKatStitchery]

I do have a video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHXZpZpuZbh2l6M where I show how to do quite a few different knit necklines (it’s long, but I put time stamps at the beginning so you can easily go to the neckline you’re interested in).

[@Marnie1869]

What thread in needles. I have so much maxi lock for my sergers will this work for coverstitch

[@TomKatStitchery]

Yes. I usually use maxi lock in the looper thread and then I’ll usually use regular thread in the two needles, but mostly because that’s where I have all the different colors. You could definitely use the maxi lock in the needles as well!

[@jaclynmoylan1905]

I've heard great things about the SewKeysE tapes. If I remember right Pamelas Patterns (check out her channel for an in depth look at the tapes) uses and sells them in her shop as well if anyone is needing another resource for the tapes. I haven't ordered any yet, but I added it to my list for when I work up the courage to sew with knits. lol

[@TomKatStitchery]

Yes she does! They are the same tapes.

[@LlamameJazz]

Hi, I’m new to sewing and I recently started using a cover stitch, however, I was trying to fix the length of a blouse and at first everything was running smooth and fine, but when I get to the seams (which are a little bulkier) the machine doesn’t get past that point and gets stuck in there. I’ve tried tucking it a little bit, to help it get past and I’ve put less pressure in the presser foot and the heaviest pressure and nothing is helping. as a result, it’s matting terribly underneath on the looper and on the plate. Can you give me any suggestions?? I’m really desperate and now my blouse has holes from the matting. 😭😭😭

[@TomKatStitchery]

Oh no! I know exactly what you’re talking about, though. When I come to seams I usually have to put one hand on the work behind the foot and almost pull the work through. However, my machine also sells a coverstitch foot (mine is a serger/coverstitch combo machine). When I use that foot, I won’t have that problem. I would get some scraps, make a seam and practice going over the seam. Coverstitch machines can feel really finicky at first, but as soon as you learn your machine, you will never go back!

[@denises7388]

@ Try folding up a piece of fabric and tucking it under the presser foot, behind the needles. It levels it out and kicks it backwards as you sew.Deb Canham shows this in one of her videos. 😊

[@denises7388]

@Llámame Jazz! ...See below

[@8kids4me]

Ahhhhh, I want to try the pattern you showed in a video, Love something? T-shirt dress pattern. I can’t find it anywhere! Can you help?

[@TomKatStitchery]

It would probably be Love Notions patterns (they are one of my favorites). I’m not entirely sure which pattern it might be. Was it something I made or just a pattern I was talking about?

[@8kids4me]

TomKat Stitchery I don’t remember if you’d made it, but you showed it, the dress had a few versions, including a high low.

[@cherylbell7592]

I think this might be a dumb question, but with your overlock machine do you use a universal needle or stretch needle?

[@TomKatStitchery]

That’s not dumb at all! A responsible seamstress would change her needles from universal to stretch when she goes from working on woven to stretch, but I just use universal for pretty much everything. They make serger needles, but I never use them. While I’m very diligent about choosing the correct needle in the sewing machine, I just stick with universals for the serger.

[@cherylbell7592]

@@TomKatStitchery Thanks!

[@maryannfournier5404]

I don't have a serger that has a coverstitch. And honestly, I"m retired and I can't justify a $2500 serger. My Viking Lily 545 has a Flatlock stitch that works pretty dang good :-) With all that being said, THIS tutorial did teach me that I CAN use that Flatlock stitch for my t-shirts and other 'hemming' situations. Thank you!

[@TomKatStitchery]

Oh good!

[@debbiebridges5121]

Where are you getting the tape?

[@TomKatStitchery]

The fusibles? They are SewKeyse brand and I have a link to the ones I use in the description box below the video. I really love them all!

[@debbiebridges5121]

Ok thanks

[@josephperez7015]

The spool tip 😄 of course, why isn't that common knowledge? 🤓

[@TomKatStitchery]

😂

[@LadyBNatural]

you didn't show us what you did with blade when converting to cover stitch

[@TomKatStitchery]

Sorry about that! This is an old video. I need to film a newer one! The blade does get retracted when I switch to coverstitch.

[@frankjanvari8650]

beautiful video very good I would like to watch how you use and operate your big juki sewing machine pretty please kindly film ok?please kindly reply back thank you very much.

[@TomKatStitchery]

Yep! I’m planning on doing an industrial machine tutorial and I’ll show how to use the big girl!

[@1950steele]

Why didn’t you start on the wrong side where you can see where you are sewing?

[@TomKatStitchery]

The cover stitch is loopy on the backside and then has two rows of straight stitches on the top. If you want the loopy look on the right side then that is definitely preferable (a lot of active wear does this), but most of the time I want the two rows of stitching on the top so blind sewing it is 😉.

[@proudasiangirl576]

Your camera work is very wonky. Please do a better job with shooting your vlogs. It's out of focused, the lighting is dark, the camera is moving from side to side because you're holding it. It would be much better if you had prepared better by using better lighting and by putting the camera on a stable tripod. The table or whatever you're using in the background looks terrible. It's all scratched up, like something from a garage sale. At least throw a mat over the background or something to make it more inviting to watch. Thank you!

[@TomKatStitchery]

I totally see what you mean. This was a very old video. I have since upgraded both my tripods and filming equipment.

[@kimberlygray227]

I love the tutorials! Sadly, Ive recently UNsubscribed to your channel because i dont personally think sewing all those garments lines up with my values, but i appreciate the Tutorials very, very much. Thank you.

[@TomKatStitchery]

I’m glad you’re getting something out of them!