Can I Do a Coverstitch with a Serger? Let’s Clear the Confusion Once and for All!

I remember the first time I stared down at my brand-new serger, wondering if I’d just made a mistake. I’d bought it on a whim during a Black Friday sale, lured by the promise of perfectly finished seams. But as I tried to hem a stretchy knit top, I found myself asking the question that brings us here: Can I do a coverstitch with a serger? If you’ve ever been in this boat—halfway through a sewing project and unsure if your tools can do the job—you’re not alone.

This guide will not only answer that question but walk you through what makes sergers and coverstitch machines different, where they overlap, and how to know if your current setup can handle your garment-finishing dreams.

What Is a Coverstitch, and Why Do Sewists Love It?

Before diving into machines, let’s unpack what a coverstitch really is. You’ve probably seen it dozens of times—those two or three parallel lines of straight stitches on the outside of T-shirts, with a loopy thread underneath. That’s a coverstitch. It’s the gold standard for hemming knits because it stretches with the fabric and looks ultra-professional.

Professional fashion studios and home sewists alike love it because:

• It allows for a clean, stretchy hem on knitwear.
• It resists popping or breaking when worn.
• It mimics ready-to-wear (RTW) garment finishes.

Can You Replicate It with a Serger Alone?

Not quite. A standard serger (also called an overlocker) is designed for edge finishing. It trims the seam allowance, overlocks the raw edge, and can even create rolled hems or narrow hems—but it doesn’t produce the topstitching look of a coverstitch.

If you try to fake it with a twin needle on a regular sewing machine, you might get the look, but not the stretch or durability. Trust me—I’ve tried, and ended up with hems that popped after one wear.

So, Can a Serger Do a Coverstitch?

Here’s the short answer: Only if your serger is a combination serger/coverstitch machine.

Most basic or mid-range sergers can’t do coverstitching. They’re different beasts, mechanically speaking.

Key Differences Between a Serger and a Coverstitch Machine

A true coverstitch machine doesn’t cut fabric; it just sews a stretchy, double-line hem. A serger, meanwhile, is designed to wrap thread around the edge of the fabric while cutting it.

What About Combo Machines?

Now here’s where it gets interesting. Some models on the market are serger/coverstitch combination machines, and these can do both.

For instance, the Brother 1034D is a popular serger—but it does not do coverstitching. Meanwhile, the Brother 2340CV is a dedicated coverstitch machine. The Baby Lock Ovation and Janome CoverPro 2000CPX are combo machines that can switch between functions with some setup time.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Switching between functions can be time-consuming (you’ll need to re-thread and maybe change needles).
• Combo machines are usually more expensive.
• They save space and offer versatility—ideal for small sewing rooms or travelling sewists.

Real Talk: My Experience Using Both

After years of trying to make do with just a serger, I finally bit the bullet and bought a separate coverstitch machine. Here’s what I noticed:

• My knit garments looked instantly more professional.
• I no longer dreaded hemming tees or leggings.
• The stitching held up better after repeated washes.

I did experiment with a combo machine at a friend’s studio—it worked well, but the conversion was a bit tedious if you’re sewing multiple garments in a day.

Do You Need a Coverstitch Machine?

Let’s be honest: not every home sewist needs one.

You might not need a coverstitch if:

• You only sew woven fabrics.
• You’re a beginner still mastering straight seams.
• You’re happy with twin-needle hacks or stretch stitches on a regular machine.

But you’ll benefit if:

• You regularly sew activewear, swimwear, or knit fabrics.
• You sell your garments and need a pro finish.
• You value both form and function in garment construction.

Expert opinion backs this up. According to Deborah Moebes, author of Stitch by Stitch, “Coverstitch machines are game-changers for serious knit sewists. They’re not essential for everyone, but once you use one, it’s hard to go back.”

Alternatives If You Can’t Afford a Coverstitch Yet

Not ready to invest in a second machine? You’re not out of luck.

Workarounds:

• Twin-needle stitching with stretch thread in the bobbin.
• Zigzag or stretch stitch on your regular machine.
• Mock coverstitching using a decorative serger stitch and topstitching over it.

While not perfect, these can get you pretty close—especially if you’re just sewing for yourself.

FAQs

What’s the closest serger stitch to a coverstitch?

A flatlock stitch can mimic the look slightly, especially on activewear seams, but it’s not ideal for hems.

Can I fake a coverstitch look with a twin needle?

Yes, to some extent. Use a stretch twin needle and woolly nylon in the bobbin for better elasticity.

Are combo machines worth it?

Yes—if you’re short on space and don’t mind the setup time. They’re a good long-term investment.

Do professionals use coverstitch machines?

Absolutely. Almost all ready-to-wear (RTW) knitwear features coverstitched hems.

How much does a good coverstitch machine cost?

Anywhere from $300 to $1,500, depending on features and brand reputation.

Final Takeaway

So, can you do a coverstitch with a serger? Unless you own a combo machine—not really. But that’s not a dead end. Whether you invest in a separate coverstitch machine or master clever hacks, you can still achieve beautiful hems on knitwear.

If you’ve made it this far, I’d love to hear from you: Have you tried faking a coverstitch? Or do you swear by your combo machine? Drop your experiences below—let’s swap stories and tips.

Read Also: Benefits of Silicon Baby Dolls