Coverstitch machines for beginner & professional dressmakers

A coverstitch machine creates the professional twin or triple line of stitching seen on the hems of t-shirts, activewear and other stretch garments, with a neat interlocked finish underneath. This is the machine that gives home-sewn knits a ready-to-wear finish, which means your hems stretch with the fabric rather than popping. It is a valuable addition if you regularly sew jerseys and stretch fabrics.

They do different jobs and many dressmakers own both. An overlocker trims and neatens raw edges and sews stretch seams, while a coverstitch machine hems and topstitches with that professional double line. Some combination machines do both, though they need reconfiguring to switch functions. Our overlocker and coverstitch buyers guide explains which setup suits your sewing.

Yes. A coverstitch specialises in hemming and topstitching, so you will still need a standard sewing machine for construction, buttonholes, zips and general seams. The coverstitch acts as a finishing specialist that completes your setup rather than replacing your main machine.

Coverstitch machines suit more experienced sewers as there is a learning curve around threading and adjusting tension for different fabric weights. They suit sewers who work regularly with knits and want a polished hem finish. If you are new to sewing, most people start with a beginner sewing machine first.

It can create some flat seams, particularly the flatlock-style seams used in activewear, but it is not designed for standard garment construction. For most projects you will construct with a sewing machine or overlocker and use the coverstitch for hems and topstitching, which means each machine does the job it performs best.

Coverstitch machines are made for stretch and knit fabrics such as jersey, interlock, French terry and activewear fabrics such as Lycra, where the stitch flexes with the fabric so hems hold their shape. They can also topstitch woven fabrics for a decorative finish. If you mainly sew wovens, a coverstitch may not be essential for your work.

Dedicated coverstitch machines generally start in the mid hundreds for a basic model, while combination overlocker and coverstitch models cost more because they perform two functions. The right choice depends on how often you sew knits and whether you prefer a dedicated machine you never rethread. Our team is happy to help you find the right model.