The world of sewing can sometimes be a bit overwhelming. There are so many different stitches and about as many different machines. I will try, in a couple of paragraphs, to shed some light on the different machines and their functions. We will take a look at the traditional machine, the overlock serger, the coverstitch, and the blindstitch sewing machines.

First you have your "traditional sewing machine" these are the machines that we are all used to sewing with.  They can have 20 or more different stitch types but they are all basically the same, one needle, one thread, and a bobbin.  These machines can make decorative stitching and sew buttonholes but if you are looking to give your garments a professional looking finish you need machines with more specialized stitching.

The overlock serger is probably the most intimidating of all the machines since it has multiple needles and multiple threads but once you get used to it you will wonder how you ever made due without one.  This type of machine trims the edge and encases it with thread in one operation. This machine is used to keep the edges from fraying and/or seams two edges of fabric together. These units can have one or two needles and up to five different threads.  It uses loopers instead of traditional bobbins and has blades to trim the excess fabric to neaten the edge before overlocking it. Depending on the machine, the blades can be removed or disengaged to disable the trimming feature.  A must have if professional results is what you are looking for.

The next type of machine I would like to introduce to you is the Coverstitch (aka coverhem) sewing machine.  This is the machine that makes traditional hems. The Coverstitch machine, unlike the serger, does not trim the fabric as it sews, so it does not have blades. It can have two or three needles and usually three or four threads.  You would first pin back the overlocked edge of fabric and then pass it through this machine.  This will produce two or three lines of straight stitches on the right side of the fabric and loops or zig zags on the inside.  The shirt you are wearing most likely has this type of stitching on the hem or on the sleeve.  While this operation can be performed with your traditional sewing machine - the Coverstitch is what the pros use.

The last machine we will talk about is called the Blindstitch sewing machine (aka blindhemmer).  This machine is similar to the coverstitch in its application but it makes small single dots of spaced out stitches on the right side and close loops on the inside making the stitch almost invisible (hence the term "blind"). This machine is used for men's trousers, skirts, wedding dresses, or anywhere that a straight line, or two, of stitching would not be suitable. Like the coverstitch machine, this unit will not trim the edge and the overlock should be used before hemming for professional result.

So there you have it, the traditional sewing machine, the overlock, the covestitch and the blindstitch machines.  I told you it could be a bit overwhelming!  How many of these machines you will need depends on your abilities and your needs.  Professional seamstresses and tailors have all of them and probably a few more. We also have combo units available where you switch it from one function to the other with a few simple adjustments. The average home sewer can probably make due with a traditional machine and an overlock and you can go adding to your arsenal as needed. 

If you want to get a good view of these different machines, I invite you to take a look at my ebay store Happyboxes. If you have any questions please feel free to email me.

Happy Sewing!!!