# Best coverstitch machines for knit hems that stretch Source: https://threadandfeed.com/best/best-coverstitch-machine Publisher: Thread & Feed. Picks are chosen from what each Amazon listing states, not from hands-on tests. Method: https://threadandfeed.com/how-we-pick The hem on a store-bought T-shirt is a cover stitch: two or three parallel needle lines on top and a looper thread underneath that lets the seam stretch. A regular sewing machine twin needle can imitate it, but the stitches often pop or tunnel on knits. A coverstitch machine does it properly. The choice is between a dedicated coverstitch machine, which does cover and chain stitch only, and a machine sold as a coverstitch serger, which adds more thread programs in one body. What separates a good pick is the number of needles (three gives you triple cover), the stitch width, differential feed to stop knits from waving, and a free arm for sleeves and leggings. This guide compares each model by those facts as its listing states them, and flags what the listing leaves out. ## Picks ### 1. Janome CoverPro 2000CPX Coverstitch Machine Machine type: Dedicated coverstitch; Needles: 1, 2 or 3; Cover stitch width: 3mm or 6mm (two needle), 6mm (three); Max speed: 1,000 spm; Differential feed: 0.5 to 2.25; Free arm: Yes A dedicated Janome coverstitch with chain, two-needle and triple cover stitch, a free arm, Tension Level Control and an extra large 4 x 5.5 inch bed. The most fully specified listing here. What the listing offers: - Differential feed from 0.5 to 2.25 helps keep knit hems flat, per the listing. - Free arm plus an extra large 4 x 5.5 inch bed for sleeves and wider pieces. - Tension release device and foot pressure adjustment with guide lines. Limits to know: - Cover and chain stitch only, so you still need a serger for overlocked seams. - 1,000 spm is slower than the Juki MCS-1500's stated 1,350 spm. ### 2. Brother 2340CV Coverstitch Serger Sewing Machine Machine type: Dedicated coverstitch; Needles: Not stated (tri-cover listed); Cover stitch width: 3mm to 6mm; Max speed: 1,100 spm; Differential feed: 0.7 to 2.0; Free arm: Not stated The lowest-priced coverstitch here, with a metal frame, tri-cover plus wide and narrow cover stitches, lay-in threading and differential feed. A solid first coverstitch for knit hems. What the listing offers: - Metal frame and internal parts, per the listing. - Tri-cover, wide and narrow cover stitches from 3mm to 6mm. - Includes a standard foot plus a hem sewing presser foot. Limits to know: - Free arm is not mentioned in the listing, which matters for sleeves and leggings. - Differential feed range of 0.7 to 2.0 is narrower than the Janome 2000CPX. ### 3. Juki MCS-1500 Cover Stitch and Chain Stitch Machine Machine type: Dedicated cover and chain stitch; Needles: 3; Cover stitch width: Not stated; Max speed: 1,350 spm; Differential feed: Not stated; Free arm: Not stated A 3-needle Juki that does 3-thread cover stitch and 4-thread chain stitch at up to 1,350 spm, with color-coded threading guides and a long stated US warranty. What the listing offers: - Fastest stated speed in this guide at 1,350 stitches per minute. - Listing states a US warranty of 5 years mechanical and 2 years electrical, with exclusions for consumables. - Color-coded guides make threading the machine and loopers easier. Limits to know: - The listing does not state differential feed, stitch widths or free arm. - Costs more than the Brother 2340CV and Janome 1000CPX. ### 4. Elna eXtend Covermax Coverstitch Serger for Professional Seam Finishing with 2/3/4/5 Thread sewing, Chain Stitch Function, Free Arm, Built-in Needle Threader, and Easy Color-Coded Guides Machine type: Coverstitch serger, 2/3/4/5 thread; Needles: 1, 2 or 3; Cover stitch width: Not stated; Max speed: Not stated; Differential feed: Not stated; Free arm: Yes Elna's top coverstitch with 7 stitch programs, 2 to 5 thread sewing, a built-in needle threader for all three needles, a thread cutter and a built-in spreader for top cover stitch. What the listing offers: - Built-in spreader handles the top cover stitch function, per the listing. - Built-in needle threader for all three needles plus a built-in thread cutter. - Seven stitch programs, the most in this guide. Limits to know: - The most expensive coverstitch machine in this guide. - Differential feed, speed and stitch width are not stated in the listing. ### 5. Elna eXtend Easy Cover V2 Coverstitch Serger for Professional Seam Finishing with 2/3/4 Thread sewing, Chain Stitch Function, Free Arm, and Easy Color-Coded Guides Machine type: Coverstitch serger, 2/3/4 thread; Needles: 1, 2 or 3; Cover stitch width: Not stated; Max speed: Not stated; Differential feed: Yes, dial adjustment; Free arm: Yes An Elna coverstitch with 4 stitch programs using up to 3 needles, Tension Level Control for automatic tension, an extra-wide sewing area and an accessible free arm for sleeves and leggings. What the listing offers: - Tension Level Control adjusts thread tension automatically for fine and standard fabrics. - Free arm is described as accessible, for tubular items like sleeves and leggings. - Color-coded threading guide and looper release system. Limits to know: - Speed and stitch width are not stated in the listing. - Priced about the same as the Juki MCS-1500 while listing fewer hard specs. ### 6. Janome 1000CPX Cover Pro w/ FREE BONUS PACKAGE Machine type: Dedicated coverstitch; Needles: Not stated; Cover stitch width: Wide (not specified); Max speed: Not stated; Differential feed: Not stated; Free arm: Free sleeve configuration The entry CoverPro, described as an industrial-style cover machine built like a home sewing machine with a long arm and free sleeve. The bonus pack adds an elastic gather foot and seam guide. What the listing offers: - Listing describes a high-speed, long arm, heavy duty design. - Does not cut the fabric, so it hems without trimming, per the listing. - Bonus elastic gather foot, large gather attachment and adjustable sewing guide. Limits to know: - The listing gives no needle count, speed, stitch width or differential feed numbers. - Listing wording is unclear in places, so confirm specs on the product page. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.