Serger decision...
 

A little off topic but I want to guy a new self threading serger...what are the advantages of a cover stitch? I do lots of crafting and can't decide whether its worth the extra money?

I used to have a Bernina serger that gave me fits. It had the cover stitch which I never used successfully. When I replaced it with my wonderful Baby Lock Imagine, I decided to not get the cover stitch feature. It just depends what kind of work you do. If I were to decide to use the cover stitch, I definitely would not get a serger that does both. That is what caused the problems with the Bernina.

A cover stitch is usually used in garment construction. I know that some folks use a serger to piece, but I don't know as they use a cover stitch.

If I were going to the expense of getting a self-threading serger (which is the only way I would go if I needed to buy a new serger!), I would definitely pay extra to get the cover stitch. It is ***incredibly*** useful if you ever need to sew knot clothing -- for example, for grandkid's sleepers, pajamas, t-shirts, knit dresses, pants, etc. If you get out a nice t-shirt from your closet, this is the stitch that is used to hem the bottom of the t-shirt. When you have the cover stitch on a serger that also has differential feed (which I think all sergers have nowadays; back when I bought mine, it was optional and I'm ***really*** glad I went for it), it becomes really easy to hem knit clothing in a flash.

The cover stitch can also be used decoratively on quilts and clothing. Sure, you might not use it every month, but over the lifetime of the serger you are going to find occasions when you are *very* happy you opted to pay for this feature.

Edit: In terms of crafting, the cover stitch would be nice to have if you are making knit clothing for American Girl dolls. Makes a nicer finished look on some clothes than a serged edging.

The jet air threaders are nice. BUT - The Evolve or whatever they call it now has a wide foot since it will switch from serging to coverstitch. The Imagine has a much smaller foot and will do small items far better. You can always get a separate cover stitch. Janome has one, so does Babylock. Probably a few more. The Babylock CS will use the Evolve special feet.

If you can, go try them out.

Self threading is nice. Worth the cost? I don't have it and might like it but my present serger is wonderful and paid for.

My serger does have the cover stitch. I used to do more clothing. I found that just serging the edge and using a double needle on my DSM was easier by far. In fact that is what one of my serging teachers did.

What is a cover stitch.?

If you have a t-shirt, look at the bottom hem. It was sewn in one pass with a cover stitch. On the outside is two straight lines of stitching; on the inside is a cobweb stitch that covers the raw edge.

The stitch can also be used decoratively by raising the serger's cutting blade.

self-threading & coverstitch is the way to go. after all, you only want to buy a new serger once, so you might as well get the best there is. the babylock evolution (TOL) also has truly automatic tension, which, for me is the most important feature. it's always perfect! also, having the coverstitch built in means you can sew a chain stitch, which rips out easily and is great for giving you a little extra room for alterations .

I have the evolve and love it.