The flat-stitch machine is capable of creating a flat 3-thread stitch. This greatly simplifies the work of novice seamstresses, who often face the problem of processing knitted and stretch fabrics, making an elastic seam. Let's figure out what operations this equipment performs.
What is a coverstitch machine
Conventional sewing equipment is not capable of qualitatively processing the edge of a knitted product. The threads break when stretched, and the clothes become unusable. Overlocks, coverlocks and flat-stitch devices cope with this problem.
A coverstitch machine is a machine that performs elastic chain stitching.
Thanks to such stitches, the product stretches and does not deform. The absence of a bobbin case in the machine allows the stitch to stretch. An elastic seam made with a special weave of threads is called a cover stitch.
In flat-stitch equipment, the threads from the bobbin go directly to the needle and looper. The device is similar to an overlock, but the looper threads are intertwined in any desired place. The equipment is used to make a beautiful elastic hem seam on knitwear.
The hem is well hidden and securely fastened. The elastic stitch stretches well, which makes the use of overlock machines indispensable in the production of swimwear, sportswear and underwear.
Do you need special threads to work on a coverstitch machine?
A flat-stitch machine, overlock or coverlock are very demanding of threads. This equipment uses from 3 to 7 spools at a time. The threads must be of the same quality, density, thickness and manufacturer.
Textured or polyester threads work well. Elastic threads produce a beautiful “flat seam”.
How to use a coverstitch machine
The main parameter of a flat-stitch machine is the width from 5.5 mm to 6.5 mm between the needles. The first indicator is typical for a two-needle three-thread machine, the second for a 3-needle 4-thread machine. The higher the gap between the outer needles, the more operations the device performs.
To achieve a high-quality stitch, you need to carefully approach the machine settings:
- Thread tension regulator. Each seam requires its own settings. The recommendations in the instructions do not always match, so it is necessary to test the settings on scraps.
- Presser foot pressure regulator depending on the thickness and density of the fabric.
- Stitch length regulator.
- Careful selection of needles, timely replacement of blunt ones.
- Correspondence of the needle size to the density of the knitted fabric.
Criteria for choosing a quality overlock machine
The quality of the work performed directly depends on the set of functions of the flat-stitch machine, the reliability of the manufacturer and the service life. Models of famous brands are equipped with a set of useful functions that allow you to work not only with elastic fabric, but also with other fabrics.
The master's work is made easier by:
- removable panel for processing sleeves and other complex areas of the product;
- Differential conveyor for uniform and smooth fabric feed allows you to collect frills and facilitates the processing of slippery fabrics.
Excessive set of functions increases the cost of equipment.
Therefore, before purchasing an overlock machine, you need to make sure that the function is irreplaceable and will be used.
What set of functions is necessary when choosing a coverstitch machine:
- removable sleeve panel;
- processing speed from 1000 stitches per minute;
- color marking for thread tension control in the looper;
- needles - from 2;
- size of the work surface;
- built-in lighting;
- carrying handle;
- snail for belt loops;
- easy installation of the presser foot;
- flywheel;
- stitch length designation;
- differential scale;
- automatic threading;
- automatic presser foot pressure regulator;
- special feet for sewing in zippers and bead threads;
- the number of seams performed is 4 or more.
Household flat-stitching
The flat-seam device is a highly specialized technique. The overlock machine is used for framing the neckline of a garment, hemming edges, finishing with bias tape, closing edges, and stitching parts. You can see the seam by turning back the bottom of the T-shirt or tank top. The flatlock machine makes 2 or 3 lines on the front of the garment and zigzag stitches on the back.
Coverstitch machines are used in sewing production. For sewing products from elastic and knitted fabrics. The purpose of flat-stitching is to perform one single coverstitch, but performed very well.
A flat seam can be used to frame a product for decorative purposes. It is used to decorate knitted sportswear, underwear, and swimsuits.
The household machine allows you to perform 4 types of stitches:
| Number of needles, pcs. | Stitch width, mm | Triple stitch/wide flatlock, mm | Narrow seam (right, left), mm |
| 2 | 5.6 | 5.6 | 2.8 |
| 3 | 6.5 | 5.6 | 2.8 |
Flatlock machines can be single-needle, double-needle, or triple-needle. One needle performs a double-thread chain stitch to connect the parts of the product.
A cover stitch machine is a highly specialized machine that performs a single operation – stitches together the details of a knitted fabric product. An overlock machine overcasts the edges of a product. A coverlock machine combines both of these functions, and the number of operations increases from 4 to 20. The equipment is more expensive. The settings are more complex.
Industrial overlock machine
Unlike household appliances, industrial interlock machines are mounted on the work table to avoid strong vibration. The operating speed of industrial equipment is tens of times higher than the speed of household machines.
The device is equipped with a powerful engine, electric drive, two pedals for lifting the foot and starting the process. Industrial machines use from 2 to 8 needles, which significantly increases operational functionality. Some models are equipped with an upper thread guide located next to the needles. It repeats the winding seam on the front side of the product.
The best manufacturers of overlock machines. Models review and cost
The world leaders in cover stitch sewing equipment are Brother, Janome, Elna, Merrylock, Bernina, Family Master. When choosing a cover stitch machine, you should pay attention to the functionality that makes the seamstress's work easier, the number of tasks performed, the noise of the engine, and the smoothness of the ride.
A coverstitch machine is a device that sews elastic seams and chain stitches.
Brother CV3550
Modern equipment for performing elastic stitching is suitable for knitted fabrics of various densities. BROTHER CV3550 will professionally perform hemming, chain stitching and decorative elastic stitching.
Distinctive features of BROTHER CV3550:
- 7 tasks;
- 1000 rpm;
- pros: sleeve panel, automatic threading, color coding of thread path, step-by-step feed of knitwear;
- Cons: high price, requires more careful adjustment of the thread adjuster;
- cost 39900 rub.
Brother 2340CV
A popular model of overlock machine among craftswomen.
The Brother 2340 CV model is equipped with automatic threading, as well as:
- performs 1000 stitches per minute;
- 5 types of stitches;
- Pros: multi-color coding, differential feed;
- minus: no display;
- cost 22000 rub.
Janome Cover Pro D Max
The high-speed 3-needle Janome Cover Pro D Max is equipped with a comfortable and spacious work area, a sleeve plane, simplified thread tension adjustment, and convenient navigation. Perfect for beginners.
Distinguishing characteristics:
- 7 types of stitches;
- efficiency 1000 stitches/min.;
- thread tension controller;
- sleeve removable panel;
- pros: presser foot pressure regulator, color coding of threading progress; • cons: soft case, no display;
- cost 34990 rub.
Janome CoverPro 7
The model is ideal for piping the neckline and bottom of a garment.
It has the following functionality:
- 1000 stitches/min.;
- 5 tasks;
- Pros: thread tension controller, color coding of thread progress, differential feed of knitwear;
- cons: skips stitches on transitions, the model is capricious about the quality of threads;
- cost 34990 rub.
Janome Cover Pro 2
Popular and convenient model Janome Cover Pro 2.
This model is a successful combination of pricing policy and Japanese quality:
- 7 lines;
- the sleeve panel is removable;
- processing 1000 stitches/min;
- thread tension controller;
- Pros: access to all nodes, color coding of thread path, seam reinforcement system, differential conveyor;
- minus: threading is done manually;
- cost 20 170 rub.
Elna 444
The high-speed three-needle model Elna 444 has the following characteristics:
- 1000 stitches per minute are performed;
- auto thread tension controller;
- 7 seam options;
- Pros: sleeve panel, differential conveyor, color coding of filling progress, 2 operating modes;
- cons: overpriced, slips on thick parts, overly sensitive to adjustment and thread quality, which leads to stitches coming loose;
- cost 30 100 rub.
Merrylock 009
The Merrylock 009 overlock sewing machine allows you to create high-quality products silently. The presser foot rises to a height of 11 mm, which allows you to work with dense knitted fabric.
Merrylock 009 is equipped with an intuitive control panel and performs:
- 6 types of stitches;
- auto thread tension controller;
- 1000 stitches per minute are processed;
- removable panel;
- advantages: step conveyor, sleeve panel, automatic thread feeder, bobbin holders;
- minus: gaps in increasing the thickness of the knitwear;
- cost 16025 rub.
The ideal combination of cost and quality of equipment.
Merrylock Cover Stitch Auto
The advantage of the Merrylock Cover Stitch Auto model is its ease of maintenance, as well as:
- 7 types of tasks;
- auto tension controller;
- execution of 1300 stitches/min;
- Pros: two-stage conveyor, multi-colored thread path coding;
- cons: slips, the model is sensitive to the quality of the threads;
- cost 18234 rub.
Leader VS 400D Cover Stitch
The Leader VS 400D Cover Stitch overlocker is a universal flat-stitch machine that processes any type of fabric. This model is used for cutting and hemming the edge of a product, lace, sewing in elastic bands, and making a “flat seam”.
Main characteristics:
- 7 seams;
- efficiency 1000 stitches/min.;
- Pros: differential conveyor, multifunctionality;
- minus: gaps in thickenings;
- cost 24990 rub.
Bernina Bernette Funlock 42
The BERNINA Bernette Funlock B42 is a typical example of manual thread tension control:
- processing 1300 stitches/min;
- 7 tasks;
- Pros: two-stage conveyor, color coding of the movement;
- cons: leaks in seals;
- cost 27990 rub.
Family Master Lock 8000w
3-needle Family Master Lock 8000w has the following functions:
- 4 types of stitches;
- 1000 rpm;
- Pros: differential feed, removable sleeve panel, multi-color thread path coding;
- cons: gaps in thickenings, high price;
- cost 35990 rub.
Janome CoverPro 7 Plus
The new Janome CoverPro 7 PLUS model has a spacious workspace and the following features:
- 7 types of operations;
- execution of 1000 stitches/min.;
- advantages: two-stage feed, sleeve panel, color marking of thread path, installation of additional equipment;
- minus: manual threading;
- cost 33500 rub.
Janome CoverPro 7000 CPS
The semi-professional model Janome CoverPro 7000 CPS is equipped with a seam reinforcement device.
Specifications:
- 7 tasks;
- 1000 stitches per minute;
- sleeve panel;
- Pros: 2-stage presser foot lift, automatic tension release controller, differential feed, color marking of thread path, possibility of installing additional equipment;
- minus: manual threading;
- cost 34900 rub.
New Home NH 7950
The Taiwanese overlock machine New Home NH 7950 has a number of features:
- 7 types of operations;
- 1000 rpm;
- Pros: low cost, differential conveyor, sleeve panel;
- minus: manual threading;
- cost 14000 rub.
Elna Easycover
The Elna easycover 3-needle machine has the following features:
- 7 different stitches;
- processing 1000 stitches/min.;
- Pros: removable sleeve panel, color coding of thread path, stepped conveyor
- cons: slips on thick sections;
- cost 34990 rub.
Leader VS 390D
The Leader VS 390D overlocker has the following characteristics:
- 20 types of stitches;
- 1300 stitches/min processed;
- Pros: differential conveyor, sleeve processing panel is removable;
- Cons: manual tension adjustment and threading;
- cost 35500 rub.
Family Master Lock 9000d
The Family Master Lock 9000d overlock has the following functions:
- processing 1300 stitches/min.;
- 20 types of tasks;
- Pros: step conveyor, removable panel for sleeve processing, auto-filling and auto-tensioning;
- cons: capricious to threads, sometimes skips stitches on the overlock seam;
- cost from 59900 to 74900 rub.
Babylock BLCS-2 Cover Stitch
Advantages of the professional overlock machine Babylock Cover Stitch BLCS-2:
- processing 1500 stitches/min.;
- 20 lines;
- Pros: differential conveyor, removable sleeve panel, patented automatic threading; automatic tension regulator;
- minus: expensive equipment;
- price 74900 rub.
You can't do without a coverstitch machine when sewing clothes from knitted fabric. This device will be a great helper when sewing children's clothes, sportswear and other clothes from knitted fabric.
Author: TashaGuna
Article formatting:Natalie Podolskaya
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