Would you love neater seams, stretchy hems or a little help finishing your handmade clothes? Overlockers and coverstitch machines do different jobs. Start with the finish you want to achieve, and we'll help you find the right addition to your sewing space.
What is the difference?
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An overlocker trims and finishes raw fabric edges in one pass. It can also join suitable seams, making it useful for garment sewing and stretch fabrics. Explore our overlockers.
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A coverstitch machine creates the parallel rows of stitching and flexible hems familiar from T-shirts and other knit garments. It does not trim the fabric edge or make an overlocked seam. Explore our coverstitch machines.
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A combination machine offers overlocking and coverstitching in one machine. You change the threading and setup when switching jobs. Compare our Baby Lock combination machines.
These machines work alongside your sewing machine. You'll still use a general-purpose sewing machine for tasks such as buttonholes, inserting zips and many everyday sewing jobs.
Which would help you most?
If unfinished edges and seam construction are your main frustration, start by looking at an overlocker. If you already enjoy using your overlocker and want a different finish for jersey hems, a coverstitch machine may be your next step.
A combination machine can help when space is limited. Separate machines let you move between seams and hems without converting the setup each time. Neither arrangement is right for everyone: think about how you like to sew and the room you have available.
Helpful guides from Fabric Mouse
A few things to compare
Look at the threading process, tension controls, differential feed, workspace and the stitches you will actually use. Air threading varies between models: it may thread the loopers, or both loopers and needles. Ask us to explain the differences if the names sound confusing.
Check each listing for current prices, included accessories and delivery information. Baby Lock machines are ordered from Baby Lock after you place an order, with delivery subject to supplier availability.
Let's talk about your sewing
Tell us what you make and which machines you already own. We can help you compare the options without buying features you won't use. If you would like to see a particular machine, contact us before travelling so we can confirm what is available to demonstrate, and check our opening hours.
For practical help with your machines, explore Sewing Videos & Machine Help. If you are also choosing a general-purpose sewing machine, visit Choosing Your Sewing Machine.
