Cover stitch machine

[sewingrandma]

I'm still using my coverstitch all most on a daily basis with all the baby clothes I'm making. It's a breeze to turn the facing down on a baby gown and run it thru the cs. I've discovered I can add a decorative touch to the 'jogger' style pants I'm been making lately by using 3 needles and running 2 lines of triple stitches down the sides and putting the wrong side of the stitches on the outside. Looks really cute.
One question I have, is there any way, other than using a scrap of fabric, to get the stitching to start close to the edge? It seems every time I try one needle doesn't pick up the looper thread for several stitches. The reason I don't want to use a scrap of fabric is I want the thread tails so I can catch them in my serging of the raw edge to secure them better and if I use a scrap of fabric there are no tails. The cs has been cleaned, new needles, rethreaded etc so I doubt that is the reason.

[MartySews2]

Brockie, I seldom use serger tails as I Fray Block the edges. It doesn't stiffen like Fray Check does. I also stitch in the round whenever possible so that there are not any serger tails. I start a little on the inside and stitch all the way around over the first line of stitching for an inch or two. Then I walk my stitches off with the presser foot raised. Then I clip the threads close to the stitching. No thread tails and a clean finish. It does take some practice.
Marty

[sewingrandma]

Oops, didn't make myself very clear. It is the cover stitch that I want tails to so I can catch those tails in when I serge around the raw edges. When the stitch from the cover stitch doesn't start at the same place ie, one needle will catch the looper but the other needle(s) doesn't for a couple of stitches so I have loose thread to unravel the entire line of stitches below where the serger stitches are. My use of fray block has gone up since I've started using my serger and cover stitch so much since I started making all these baby clothes. I experimented today on the burp cloths and found that they look just as nice with serged edges as they do when I stitch and turn, not to mention I can make a whole lot more in a shorter period of time.
Thanks for you quick response Marty. BTW I do the same as you, serge in the round and avoid the tails.

[LeapFrog Libby]

Brockie, I only have a 2 needle CS machine, but I know what you mean about thread tails to tie off or whatever. I use a scrap and then stitch on air only for about 1/2 an inch and most of the time that will work. Then I use fray block on both sides of that. (If I have to go to the edge of the fabric) otherwise I just fray block and leave a couple of stitches hanging to be covered by the next seam, if there is a next seam on that place.

[sewingrandma]

Using the scrap of fabric first has worked like a charm today.
Had a rough start to my sewing day and almost gave up. First I had to thread my serger from 'scratch' as the threads had gotten pulled out and I couldn't just tie off and pull thru. That took some doing as I don't often thread it and it took a couple of tries. Then my cover stitch wouldn't stitch. Had to thread and rethread a couple of times. Don't know what the problem was but it sure was stumping me for a while. I was tired when I started all this threading and my patience was very thin at best so I left it and read for a while then went back. Everything clicked right into place. I made 2 baby gowns after everything was up and ready to stitch.
Reading Cherry Adair's Undertow
Listening to Jo Nesbo's The Leopard

[LeapFrog Libby]

I have times like that, and I always have to get away from it for a while. Usually when I go back , everything will work just fine. A friend of mine said that works like a "change of venue" for a jury trial.. I never would have thought to compare that. ! ! LOL.

[Mule]

Brockie, I'm glad to hear you chose the Brother cover stitch machine! I have the same one and I really like it. I found it too much of a pain to convert my Huskylock serger, and the cover stitch it produced is nowhere near as good as what I get with the Brother. I also have all the feet because I bought mine as part of a bundle deal -- much more economical that way.

Did you resolve what to do with your thread tails? I always do my hems in the round, and start in the middle. I let the threads pull to the underside and tie them off. Usually add a dab of sealant on the knot for good measure as well. It's really easy, and I've never had one come undone.

Did you ever find a cover stitch book? I haven't really found a good one although I have collected an assortment of articles and other information. The best information was from the blog posted by Belinda at Sew-4-Fun, because she uses the same machine we have. Her blog is no longer accessible, but fortunately I printed out the relevant information before she took it down. I'd be happy to send you a copy if you want to PM me your e-mail address. Happy sewing!

[sewingmom]

Did any of you read the posts on Pattern Review about cover stitch machines. Its been a while but seems to me it was nearly a book in itself and great information.. I have a the cover-pro 1000 and I haven't had the pleasure of a hem without at least one or two areas of skipped stitches. Not sure what I am doing wrong. Even drove 2.5 hours to Kens Sewing Center in Florence Alabama, to get some lessons and to have it checked out to see if there was a problem with it. Now it will be a long time before I get to sew again but I hoped I could offer my 2 cents worth.
I still love to read about who is sewing what.
Have a blessed Easter
Belinda from Alabama

[LeapFrog Libby]

Belinda, Check your manual. I have the Cover Pro 900 and mine says use only EL 705 Needles with no substitutes. I found out once that I put in another brand, it skipped stitches. Then I bought a new serger and it had a packet of the correct needles in the tool box, so I switched them to the cover pro and now It is sewing perfectly again, as normal.. Now I make sure to keep the correct ones on hand.

[Skye]

I have the Coverpro 1000 and I get skipped stitches when the needles need changing.

Important to use the EL needles and the other thing is let the machine do the work ie guide your fabric but don't pull.
I also like the extension table as the fabric lays nice and flat so no drag for the machine to cope with.
Check your presser foot pressure - I fiddle with that depending on fabric type.

Love my C/S machine