The coverstitch creates a versatile stitch commonly used for hemming and decorative stitching in garment construction. It creates double or triple lines of parallel rows of stitches on the fabric's top side and a zigzag stitch on the underside.
A membership or day pass is required to access Digital Textiles.
One of the following classes is required to access all machines in the Textiles Lab: Sewing Safety and Certification (1 day), Sewing Basics and Certification (Beginner 2-day), Sewing 101 (4-day), or Sewing for Senior Adults.
The coverstitch does not require a machine reservation and is available on a first-come first-serve basis.
Best for stretchy fabrics like knits, activewear, or swimwear because it creates a strong and flexible seam that allows the fabric to stretch without breaking the stitches.
A coverstitch is a versatile stitch commonly used for hemming and decorative stitching in garment construction. It creates double or triple lines of parallel rows of stitches on the fabric's top side and a zigzag-like stitch on the underside.
There is one coverstitch machine available.
See the Machine Comparison Chart to get a full overview of all the machines in the Textiles Shop.
The coverstitch is best suited for stretchy fabrics like knits, activewear, or swimwear because it creates a strong and flexible seam that allows the fabric to stretch without breaking the stitches.
¶ Acceptable Materials:
all knit fabrics
¶ Use with Caution and Proper Technique:
light woven fabrics
woven fabrics on the bias
¶ FORBIDDEN MATERIALS :
heavy woven fabrics
non-fabrics such as vinyl, leather, etc
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
• Sturdy, close-toed shoes must be worn at all times.
• Long hair, jewelry, and loose clothing must be tied back.
For more information on shop safety visit Textiles under "Safety."
Follow these guidelines to sew safely and prevent jams:
✓ Take your foot off the “drive” pedal when turning the machine on, threading, or changing a needle or foot.
✓ Only use the designated wooly nylon thread.
✓ Only use Coverstitch-designated needles, with the curve facing to the back.
✓ Always thread front to back.
✓ Only turn the hand wheel towards you, never away.
Know where you want the seam to be. Iron a fold into the fabric or mark the fabric to create a guide to follow if you are not following the edge.
Do not use pins in anywhere that will go under the needles.
The coverstitch can operate without any material under the presser foot. It will produce a chain of thread, which is useful for ending seams and turning corners.
Never let your fingers go under the needles while the machine is powered on.
Never pull the fabric through the machine. Let the feed dogs advance the fabric as the machine runs. Instead, slowly press on the foot pedal to increase speed.
The tail from the previous edge can be sewn into this seam, reducing the amount of finishing work that you have to do.
Maintenance can be done by members. If you are not comfortable performing the maintenance and you think it needs to be done, please find a Community Technician to help you and make sure it gets done right.
All troubleshooting pages are only accessible to Staff. All troubleshooting is only to be done by Staff.
Click here to report any consumables needing to be replenished within Textiles.
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