Wow, I didn’t know I could blab on and on so much. It was like, ‘turn on the camera and let her go!’
So yes, I bought a coverstitch machine last weekend! It’s the Janome 900CPX and it’s so much fun. Let me show you some of my work so far:
I used the coverstitch machine for the hem, ‘sleeves,’ and neck binding on this little top. It’s #33 in Ottobre Design magazine Issue 03/2014.
Let me just say, ‘wow,’ sewing the elastic to this swimsuit leg opening was EASY. I’ve also made 2 pair of yoga pants and 2 other tops. This was just the thing I needed to kickstart my summer sewing.
On the other hand, I made it because when I was thinking of buying this coverstitch machine I wished there were more youtube videos showing the 900CPX model in particular. And I wished that there were videos showing more than just straight stitching on a sample of fabric. So if you can get past the blah, blah, blah, I actually show you how to make a strap, leading on to some neck binding, and then I sew a hem to the bottom of the top that I made. That is the valuable part, IMHO. Let me know what you think!
So, what have you been sewing up this week? Did you make something with one of my free sewing tutorials or patterns? I would love to see! Tag me on Instagram @sewcanshe.
Sew an organizer covered with pockets that you can hang in your closet! This easy sewing project is great for organizing sewing and craft supplies, fashion accessories, bathroom necessities, gift wrappings, and more. There are pockets on both sides plus a big interior pocket so every bit of space is used. I’ll show you easy step by step instructions for sewing this organizer and putting it to use in your home. Get sew organized today.
Are you sewing a Closet Organizer with me? I hope so! This is Part 2 of our free sewing tutorial for an amazing organizer with a coat hanger inside so you can hang it anywhere.
If you are getting started, make sure you start at Part 1 of the free pattern.
Be a basketmaker! Sure, you can sew, but did you know that you can make amazing baskets too using your sewing machine, some fabric and the same materials that you use for your other projects?
Have you fallen in love with Quilt as You Go yet? It’s a fun technique for quilts, of course, but I’m having lots of fun using it for pouches and tote bags too.
I’m so excited to share with you the pattern for our first mini quilt of 2018… Flora! This beautiful little quilt was designed by the very talented Lauren of Molly & Mama…
At my daughter Chloe’s high school (can you believe my baby started high school???), the lunch lines are so long that she has been skipping lunch! She’s always starving by the time she gets home because she doesn’t want to carry a big lunch bag as well as her heavy backpack – poor girl!
Looking for free table runner patterns? I gathered up all my favorites in one place – here are free quilt patterns for table runners for fall, winter, spring and summer!
I am so in love with the beautiful look of simple patchwork quilts with lots of squares. This is the perfect way to use up fabric scraps like I did, or you can make a beautifully coordinated quilt with pre-cut 2 1/2’’ square fabric pieces that come in mini-charm packs.
I’m also in love with the process. If you feel like quilt making is your escape from the world and sitting down to sew for a few hours makes your troubles fade away… this is the quilt for you!
Sew an easy beautiful apron with this free sewing pattern that only uses one yard of fabric! Whether you are sewing for yourself or for a friend, an apron always comes in handy and makes a great gift. This blog post includes a link to a free template that I digitized for you.
Disclosure: some of my posts contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of those links I may receive a small commission, so thank you for supporting SewCanShe when you shop! All of the opinions are my own and I only suggest products that I actually use. 🙂
I’m busy unpacking and getting ready to show you more about how we built my 36′ desk (post coming Monday), but in the meantime I wanted to show you this awesome new iron that the folks at Reliable sent me… the Maven 100IS.
Sew a tree quilt pattern that’s perfect for snuggling up all winter! This easy 64” x 72” throw quilt pattern features simple pine trees in classic shapes. It’s perfect for a beginner quilter or anyone who wants to make a…
Do you have a pretty new bundle of fat quarters that you are dying to use? I have that problem all the time! Here’s some of my favorite fat quarter projects to sew – all free!
The gaiter or scarf style face mask is great for men or women, and some people find it a lot more comfortable than a surgical style face mask. Lots of people use face gaiters when doing dusty work and lawn care, but they can be just as good at filtering small particles like germs too if there is more than one layer of fabric!
6 Comments
Oh shoot… I don’t know why that posted twice? Sorry about that.
I love your idea on the ending the coverlock with a seam ripper/knife. I have had my coverlock for about 2 years and love it. I do a lot of t-shirt hems for an alteration business. One of the tricks I do so I don’t "need so many spools of thread is I use bobbins on the two needles. I find if I measure the distance and multiply it by 3, I am safe for a hem. I also don’t worry because the stitches will "rip" out easy if I under guessed. Have fun with your coverlock!
Hi, Thanks so much for your video – it was so helpful. I’m having such a time trying to decide which coverstitch machine to get. I keep leaning towards the CoverPro 900 because the two needle version feels like plenty enough for most home sewing needs. Do you think you’ll be upgrading to a 1000 or a 2000 any time soon? Or does your 900 do well enough over thicker fabrics that it feels like it will work for you for a very long time? I don’t know anyone who uses a coverstitch machine so thanks in advance for your thoughts! -Helen
Hi Helen, Sometimes I think I might use the 3 needle function if I had it for more of a decorative effect, but I am very happy with the 900 model that I bought. It makes sewing knit tops and leggings such a breeze now! I don’t think I’ll consider upgrading unless it breaks, which I really don’t anticipate.
Since writing this post I’ve used my overstitch on about 20 items, and I only ever had one problem. That was when I used regular Gutermann thread instead of maxi lock because I wanted a certain color. The tensions were all off – so strange! I switched back to maxi-lock serger thread and everything was fine. I’ve since stocked up on more maxi-lock, now I need 7 of each color, lol.
Thanks for your reply, Caroline! The 900 seems like a lot of machine for the price. Funny about the Gutermann thread. They do have some fun colors. I couldn’t hold back from getting chartreuse cones and love using them.
I hope you find time to make some more sewing videos. You do a great job explaining things. Take care, H
Oh shoot… I don’t know why that posted twice? Sorry about that.
Thank you! I love your blog!!
I love your idea on the ending the coverlock with a seam ripper/knife. I have had my coverlock for about 2 years and love it. I do a lot of t-shirt hems for an alteration business. One of the tricks I do so I don’t "need so many spools of thread is I use bobbins on the two needles. I find if I measure the distance and multiply it by 3, I am safe for a hem. I also don’t worry because the stitches will "rip" out easy if I under guessed. Have fun with your coverlock!
Hi, Thanks so much for your video – it was so helpful. I’m having such a time trying to decide which coverstitch machine to get. I keep leaning towards the CoverPro 900 because the two needle version feels like plenty enough for most home sewing needs. Do you think you’ll be upgrading to a 1000 or a 2000 any time soon? Or does your 900 do well enough over thicker fabrics that it feels like it will work for you for a very long time? I don’t know anyone who uses a coverstitch machine so thanks in advance for your thoughts! -Helen
Hi Helen,
Sometimes I think I might use the 3 needle function if I had it for more of a decorative effect, but I am very happy with the 900 model that I bought. It makes sewing knit tops and leggings such a breeze now! I don’t think I’ll consider upgrading unless it breaks, which I really don’t anticipate.
Since writing this post I’ve used my overstitch on about 20 items, and I only ever had one problem. That was when I used regular Gutermann thread instead of maxi lock because I wanted a certain color. The tensions were all off – so strange! I switched back to maxi-lock serger thread and everything was fine. I’ve since stocked up on more maxi-lock, now I need 7 of each color, lol.
Good luck!
Thanks for your reply, Caroline! The 900 seems like a lot of machine for the price. Funny about the Gutermann thread. They do have some fun colors. I couldn’t hold back from getting chartreuse cones and love using them.
I hope you find time to make some more sewing videos. You do a great job explaining things. Take care, H