Cover stitch machine

[Skye]

I use the generic binders two ways on my machine.
1. I use the plate that came with my (expensive) Janome B binder - here is a photo of that set up http://www.flickr.com/photos/sewingskye/6772636589/
2. I tape and blu tak the binder to my extension a table sorry no photo of this one

I discussion about Brother c/s on patternreview might be helpful to you http://sewing.patternreview.com/SewingD ... opic/62063
Debbie Cook has some useful information on her blog http://stitchesandseams.blogspot.co.nz/ ... stuff.html

Hope this helps

[sewingrandma]

Thanks Skye for all the info. I missed that discussion on patternreview though read what seemed like dozens of others there. I sure wish the blog that Belinda had was still up/available. I've read a lot of good comments about what she had on her blog about the Brother in all my searching. One sewest wrote that she had copied Belinda's tutorial and it was right next to her Brother when ever she used it. I've also been to Debbie's blog and read and reread all her info. It is more an overview of the different machines. I have come to the same conclussion that Belinda did about the many feet that I have-most are not necessary. I did get a fantastic deal on what I have and would have paid more if I hadn't gotten all the feet so I'm not complaining.
I finally got the knack of making a hem -without the special foot, and was able to complete several hems on baby garments yesterday. I also did the curved edges of the neckline just by turning under the seam allowance and it looks so much neater than what I was doing with the serger and sewing machine. I'm still going to be looking for a generic single fold binder and see if that makes a softer binding for the neckline of the gowns I make. Again thanks for all the info and hints/tips Skye.

[MartySews2]

Brockie, remember Kaitlin has your same machine and I'm sure that she can offer you some help with your coverstitch machine.
Marty

[Skye]

Sounds like you are starting to rock and roll with your machine

[kaitlinnegan]

I'm afraid I don't have any binder feet. I have considered getting some, but I usually either use my sewing machine or serger to sew on a binding, then fold over the edge and and topstitch with the coverstitch. It's an additional step, but usually gives a good result.

[sewingrandma]

Kaitlin, read the patternreview site that Skye listed. It has some excellent insight about the feet for the Brother. After using all the feet that came with my machine, just to get familiar with them, I tend to agree with them. I've been doing fine without using any feet to hem. I'll have to try your way of putting a binding on since I don't want it double folded and only have the double fold binder. I'm still waiting on the book to arrive that someone recommended that has info on coverstitch machines.

[kaitlinnegan]

I have followed the discussion on pattern review -- I guess I just never quite pulled the trigger on the binder attachments, although I was convinced they would be nice to have. I recall I had a hard time deciding which sizes I would want and then finding those sizes available for sale. I haven't been sewing as much lately, but when I do sew it is usually knit tops so I may still get some binders at some point.

[sewingrandma]

I hemmed sleeves and turned the neckline of 4 gowns yesterday using my coverstitch all without a hitch. The new book came in and I was disappointed as they don't have much about the coverstitch but it did have a lot of hints and tips. One tip was when doing the hems if you have several pieces to do them one right after the other leaving them joined until you are ready to make another seam in order to secure the stitches. I ended up having 8 bodies of the gowns in a row. DH said it looked like I was hanging them out to dry. Made the entire constuction go quicker to. I'm sure I only would have done a couple if I had done the hems, necklines individually.

[MartySews2]

Am so glad that you're enjoying your coverstitch machine.
Marty

[sewingrandma]

Hancock's had a great sale on MLB and NFL fleece last week that I couldn't pass up so I bought enough fleece for blankets/throws for DS and DSIL. I didn't have a clue as to how I was going to finish the edges when I bought it so I sat down and googled finishing fleece. There sure are a lot of creative ways to finish it. I was thinking using my serger with wooly nylon was going to be the way to go but couldn't get the tension right (I could using regular thread but not the nylon). It didn't matter what I did if I stretched the fleece after stitching it would curl and not smooth out again and I didn't like the looks. Then I got a brainstorm--use my coverstitch. Worked like a charm and it looks so nice. Had a few issues at the corners when I tried to get the stitching over the folded fabric but I figured it out finally. Only took me about an hour to press the hem and stitch it. The blankets are 62x72 so plenty big for the guys to wrap up in.
Kaitlin I wouldn't worry about spending money for different attachments for you machine. I have found it is much easier to do my stitching without them. The hemming guide wouldn't allow the fleece to feed thru it. I've also tried with thinner wovens and soft knits and it just doesn't do the trick even with lots of pressing and starch.