Best Sergers With Coverstitch

Why would any home sewist or professional want to buy a serger with coverstitch capabilities? Is it the option of using multiple needles? The convenience of not having to jump between your serger and sewing machine when working on a project? Maybe it’s the fact that a coverstitch serger can handle stretchy knits far better than your sewing machine. No matter the reason, there isn’t a huge selection of these specialized machines on the market. This is possibly due in part to the fact that most experienced sewists and professionals prefer to use dedicated coverstitch machines versus combos. Like any piece of sewing equipment, they naturally vary in price and features, but all the following examples offer you a look at these exceptional machines. Here’s a collection of some of the best sergers with coverstitch available today.

Quick Overview: Our Top Picks for Sergers With Coverstitch

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Brother 2340C Coverstitch Serger

This 2-3-4-thread serger with coverstitch includes an impressive 3 needles, which allow you more leeway with all types of stitch options, especially chain-off stitches and decorative stitching. An adjustable presser foot and differential feed work together to give you the best fabric control possible, no matter which type or thickness of fabric you’re working on. Like other Brother models, the 2340C does exceptionally well in handling stretch knits with ease. The color coding and easy looper threading system ensure that mastering the threading process isn’t as painful as other serger brands. The stitch quality is excellent and tension settings can be quickly adjusted with the turn of a dial. Like most Brother products, the price of this machine won’t break the bank, but it will perform.

The only downside to this machine is that it’s manual.

Click Here to See Brother 2340C Pricing, Pictures and Reviews on Amazon!

Pros

• 3 needles included
• Can handle up to 4 threads
• Great fabric control
• Can handle very thick fabric
• Easy threading system
• Easy tension adjustments
• Reasonable price

Cons

• Totally manual
• Doesn’t do well with knitted fabrics

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Baby Lock BLCS-2

The features and functions this 2-3-4 machine offers are many and varied, including a larger cutting blade, vertical needle seating, which prevents damage to fabrics, and an automatic chain-off feature in the coverstitch mode. The one-touch Jet Air threading system erases all hints of intimidation or frustration at the typically time-consuming task. The advanced technology of the fabric support system ensures balanced, even stitching in any mode and the automatic thread delivery system maintains complete control over tension settings while you work. Another plus is the enclosed tubular looper system, which prevents threading mistakes or thread snags while the machine is being operated. From the full-feature differential feed to the color-coded tension system, Baby Lock designed this serger with the user in mind.

The only downsides to this machine are the cost and the limited throat space to the right of the right-hand needle.

Where to Buy the Baby Lock BLCS-2 Online?

• Sewing Machines Plus
• eBay – Find new and used Baby Lock Sergers

Note: Baby Lock sergers are available at authorized brick & mortar dealers only and are therefore not widely available online.

Pros

• Can handle 4 threads
• Large cutting blade
• Helps prevent damage to fabric
• One touch threading
• Balanced, even, and consistent stitching
• Automatic tension adjustments
• Very durable

Cons

• Quite expensive
• Not much room to the right of the needles

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Singer Professional 5 14T968DC

As a 2-3-4-5 serger/coverstitch machine, the Singer Pro 5 includes a wide and varied range of stitch options. Of course, that’s not the only reason why this model is invariably rated very high by users. An adjustable cutting width, automatic tension adjusting, adjustable stitch length and width, and color-coded threading ensure set up, threading, and operating the machine are faster and easier than other models. The heavy-duty metal frame ensures quiet operation and the stitch quality is high and consistent. The Pro 5 also offers you the options of creating several coverstitches, including a triple-needle stitch, a double chain stitch, and narrow or wide stitches. It also features an automatic tension system and adjustable differential feed, both of which make serging life easier.

The downsides to this serger/coverstitch machine include having to thread it manually and the use of plastic components in several areas of the machine.

Click Here to See Singer Pro 5 Pricing, Pictures and Reviews on Amazon!

Pros

• Can handle 5 threads
• Wide variety of stitches
• Adjustable cutting width
• Easy to adjust stitch width and length
• Easy color coded threading system
• Very fast stitch speed
• Much quieter than most others
• Many different types of coverstitches
• Automatic tension system

Cons

• Many plastic components
• Limited durability
• Manual threading

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Baby Lock Ovation

While this high-end, 8-thread serger was never advertised for its coverstitch capabilities, it nevertheless offers 1-, 2- and 3-needle narrow and wide options. For the price, you’d expect the stitch quality to be smooth, uniform, and secure, even at its top speed of 1,500 stitches per minute using all 8 threads. It is. The automatic ExtraordinAir threading system also performs its job beautifully and efficiently. The automatic thread delivery system maintains tension settings when in serger mode, but those settings require manual adjusting when coverstitching. The work area includes an impressive 5 inches of space between the housing and the right-hand needle and 6 bright LED lights that work well to light that space. This is a serious machine for serious, experienced users ready to make a serious investment.

The only downsides to this serger/coverstitch machine are the lack of an instructional DVD with purchase and the tendency to vibrate at top speed.

Where to buy the Baby Lock BLCS-2 Online?

• Sewing Machines Plus
• eBay – Find new and used Baby Lock Sergers

Note: Baby Lock sergers are available at authorized brick & mortar dealers only and are therefore not widely available online.

Pros

• Can handle up to 8 threads
• Excels at coverstitch
• Super fast 1500 stitches per minute
• Automatic threading
• Automatic tension adjustment
• Massive amount of work space
• Great illumination
• Great for big jobs, heavy fabrics, and experienced users

Cons

• Not overly beginner friendly
• Quite noisy
• Vibrates when moving at high speeds

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Juki MO-735 5-Thread Serger & Cover Hem Machine

The Juki MO-735 serger with coverstitch 2-3-4 machine features an impressive range of 24 stitch options, including a narrow 2-thread coverstitch, 3- and 4-thread wide coverstitches, a chainstitch option, and a 5-thread safety stitch. The presser foot has an extra high lift that makes handling thicker fabrics easy and the adjustable foot pressure dial allows you to select the correct setting for the finest fabrics. It consistently produces clean, even stitches on all types of fabric. The cutting width is adjustable and you can easily switch to the rolled hem mode with the flip of a switch. The solid construction of this machine ensures vibration-free sewing, even when operating it at the top speed of 1,500 stitches per minute. Threading this combo machine is relatively complicated, which might be difficult for beginners.

The only drawback to this serger/coverstitch machine is reported difficulty in understanding the user’s manual.

Click Here to See Juki Mo-735 Pricing, Pictures and Reviews on Amazon!

Pros

• Great variety of stitch options
• Can handle up to four threads
• Many coverstitch options
• Can handle thick fabrics with ease
• Very even and consistent
• Adjustable cutting width
• Very solid construction
• No vibrations
• Super fast 1500 stitches per minute

Cons

• Takes some practice to master the functions
• Quite pricey

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Consew 14TU2345 Portable “Coverlock” Machine

At only 15 pounds, this multifunctional little serger with coverstitch is truly portable. Don’t let its size fool you, though. It offers every feature or capability you could want at a reasonable price and can handle all fabric types and weights with ease, including fine chiffons and silks, to heavy woolens and tweeds. A specialized needle guard protects one or both needles from bending or breakage when working on heavy fabrics. The stitch options on this 2-3-4-5 serger combo are varied and useful. In addition to a 2-thread chain stitch, the Consew Coverlock can produce multiple overlock stitches and one coverstitch option. The stitch length and width and differential feed are adjustable and the upper knife blade is retractable.

The only drawback to this serger/coverstitch machine is the fact that it’s a basic manual serger. There are no bells and whistles and all changes require using tools to attach or remove metal components.

Click Here to See Consew 14TU2345 Portable Pricing, Pictures and Reviews on Amazon!

Pros

• Reasonable price
• Small and compact
• Portable
• Can handle thick fabrics
• Can handle 5 threads
• Adjustable differential feed
• Adjustable stitch width and length

Cons

• Manual
• No special features
• Not the most durable

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Buyers Guide – How to Choose a Serger

Let’s talk about some of the most important factors that you need to consider when choosing a serger with coverstitch. If you pay attention to the following features and factors, choosing the right model for you should be a breeze.

The Cost

Right off the bat, one of the most important things to pay attention to here is the cost of the machine. The simple reality here is that these serger machines are quite expensive. Even the lower-end models usually cost a few hundred dollars. Higher-end models can cost thousands.

The fact here is that you do often get what you pay for. Now, there are a few lower-end sergers that are budget-friendly and still perform decently.

However, in the grand scheme of things, if you want the best features, you have to pay for them. This is a long-term investment. In terms of functionality, it is worth investing a little more money to get those features. Speaking of features, what are the most important ones to look out for?

Construction Quality

Something that you want to pay attention to here is the construction quality of the serger machine in question. Lower-end models often have many plastic components when they should be metal.

This can also be said of the frame. The bottom line is that you want to look for a machine that has as much metal on it as possible. Anything that can be made out of metal, including the frame, should be.

These machines are quite expensive and if you expect them to last for years to come, they need to be built durably. It’s worth investing a few hundred dollars more into a machine that will actually last and perform.

Size & Weight

Speaking of durability and quality, weight does play a role here. Generally speaking, a heavier machine is going to be made out of heavier duty and more durable components. Of course, a heavier machine is less portable, but usually more durable. It’s quite the tradeoff to consider.

Another thing to keep in mind is that heavier machines will vibrate much less when operating at high speeds. A lightweight machine may be convenient in terms of portability, but will probably vibrate when stitching at high speeds. This can then result in uneven or inconsistent stitching. On a side note, also pay attention to the maximum stitch speed.

Next, the size of the machine in question matters too. Of course, a smaller machine is much more portable and easier to store. However, a smaller machine also provides you with less space to work with.

A big thing to look out for here is how much space there is to the right of the needles. The more space there is to the right of the needles, the more space you have for your hands and for fabric.

The Number of Threads

Perhaps one of the most important things to consider when choosing any kind of serger is how many threads it can handle. The lowest-end models can handle only two or three threads. Higher-end models can handle 4, 5, 6, or even more threads.

Of course, for a coverstitch model, being able to easily handle many threads is important. Keep in mind that being able to use just two threads is ideal for very delicate fabrics and for decorative purposes.

However, there are also some occasions where you might need many more threads. You really need to consider the types of tasks that you will be performing with your machine.

Ease of Threading

One of the most difficult aspects of any serger is threading it. Having to thread multiple needles is extremely difficult and time-consuming. Therefore, having a color-coded threading system is ideal. This will make it much easier for you to thread the machine.

However, manual threaded sergers are becoming obsolete. There are many newer sergers that are self-threading.

These allow you to simply insert the thread, press a button, and the machine will do the rest of it for you. However, do keep in mind that these self-threading capabilities do usually lead to a much more expensive purchase.

Ability to Make Adjustments – Possibly Automatic

Another extremely important factor to look out for when choosing a serger machine is how easy it is to adjust the various aspects of it. For one, you should be able to easily adjust the tension based on the type of stitch that you are trying to make.

Next, you should also be able to adjust the differential feed. On a side note, look for a machine that has a very wide differential feed range. The greater the differential feed range is, the more options you have at your disposal. This allows for a great deal of versatility.

On that same note, being able to easily adjust the stitch width and length is beneficial as well. Now, on the higher-end machines, most of these adjustments will actually be automatic.

The best machines allow you to simply choose a stitch, and the machine will make all of the necessary adjustments for you. Related to this, also look for an adjustable cutting knife.

Types of Fabrics

The other thing you want to look out for here is the types of fabric that the machine can handle. Remember that some sergers are designed primarily for lightweight fabrics.

However, if you want a machine that can handle heavy-duty fabrics, and multiple layers of them, you will need to invest. The best serger machines out there can handle multiple layers of very thick fabrics, even things like leather and denim.

Conclusion

While it’s a great stitch option, coverstitch capability is definitely not standard on most home sergers. It is a useful, time-saving feature and a coverstitch option puts a crisp, professional finish on knit garments and other projects. Sergers with coverstitch aren’t necessarily more expensive than dedicated sergers and they’re just as efficient. But, the choice is up to you.