A little something to say: once you discover coverstitching, it’s like someone gave you a cheat code to a whole new world of sewing. Almost instantly, things are more precise, more polished and -not gonna lie- quite scary. But fret not! With a little help from my fellow coverstitch addicts, I have packed the best tips and tricks for you to be a coverstitch queen in the making in no time.
Binding with authority.
When I first read about coverstitch binding I thought ‘Come on how hard can it be?’ Oh, sweet, naive me. If there were some nuggets which salvaged me, here they are:
V-Neck Binding with a Binder Attachment: It is something that appears as though it is in the future, however, do believe me that it is an attachment that will save you time. Your v-neck’s, for instance, will actually be v-neck t-shirts and not aesthetically speaking art pieces.
One Shoulder Unstitched Binding: This technique ensures that all parts are in proper alignment. I have done that and have tried to huff and puff in trying to complete it. And believe me, you do not want a collar looking as if it is on an eight-month race to ‘escape’ from your neckline.
Binder Setup for Smooth Feeding: A good binding strip indeed gets ruined if paired with a needle, the strips boldness comes into question once there is need for feeding. If the strip feeding is performed properly, then only there would be minimal chances of those anxiety creating fabric wrinkles.
How To Hem Without Going Crazy
Hemming is something I used to dreadmore than anything while sewing. But coverstitch? Complete and utter transformation.
Coverstitch Appliqué over the Hem: Yes, yes, it is going to require you to base. I know, I know. Extra steps. But if not, everything I hate about a hem looking like a rollercoaster ride so much isn’t even worth it.
The Lazy Hem (No Basting!): This is for my fellow rebels out there. With some practice one will be able to do away with basting and still achieve a clean and well-finished work. Just don’t tell me it’s because of me that you have to unpick a number of seams.
Finish Coverstitching on SERGED SEAMS: So I thought that was it — there’s nothing more you have to do after your seams are serged. Nope. Add a coverstitch, and nothing short of an apocalypse will destroy these seams.
Coverstitch in the round: You would assume this procedure will be a drag, but it is pretty cool once you perfect how to do it. Just be careful about lining everything up because if you are not, you will have very crooked stitches.
For the Fancy Folk: Decorative Coverstitching These stitches have a purpose; why do you want to be limited to only such stitches?
Baby Blanket Edging: Using variegated wooly nylon in the looper creates a decorative edge that features prominently on the blanket. I may or may not have gotten slightly carried away and started edge-stitching everything in sight.
Chainstitch Smocking: Another clever way to use your coverstitch would be for smocking. This is one of those maturing looks that looks super complicated, but when you realize everything comes together you will feel like a wizard.
Creating Ruffles with a Coverstitch: Why make use of ruffles the hard way when your coverstitch can conveniently take care of that for you? I now have ruffled everything. There are curtains, skirts, pillowcases, anything that can be ruffled I have covered.
The Magic of Casings
Elastic casings are one of those troublesome things, but with the necessary devices, they are simply easy.
Elastic Gathering Foot for Casings: When you get one of these, you will not turn back. This little foot fashions perfect casings minus all the cursing I used to do, rather say think (mostly in my head, but still).
Debbie Cook’s Coverstitch Page: General Tips That Will Save Your Sanity. Save this for last because if you haven’t checked this out yet do it. This one is a treasure chest of coverstitching wisdom and honestly Debbie is like come to everyone coverstitching guru.
Taking out a Coverstitch: If only I could say there is a way to make unpicking a coverstitch not so tedious, unfortunately there is not. Nevertheless, any skill gets better with repetition. A little bit.
Free CoverPro Projects at Janome: Often we are faced with the problem and need more motivation and inspiration.
Notes to take away
Coverstitching is not a technique – it is a way of life. There’s a bump in the road (and maybe a few crocodile tears), who am I kidding, you will find it and wonder how you lived without it. A coverstitch does not just accompany you while you are binding a V-neck, doing a proper hem or making more and more gathers, it will upgrade your sewing skills for sure. And who knows you can end up convincing some people into a coverstitch cult.
