Why do you need an edging on a cover stitching machine and when to install it?

The edging for the cover machine is a specialized device that transforms a standard cover stitch into a neat edging with an overcast edge at the same time. Without it, processing the edges of the fabric on the cover stitch (overlock) is limited to trimming and overcasting only, while the edging machine allows you to create professional seams similar to those made on industrial equipment.

Installing an edging is relevant in several cases: 1) When working with knitted or elastic fabrics where a tight fit of the seam is required without stretching. 2) For decorative finishing of products (for example, finishing the neck of T-shirts, cuffs or hems of skirts). 3) When it is necessary to combine the operations of overcasting and stitching the edging in one pass, saving time and thread.

Not all coverstitch machine models support borders - it depends on the type needle platforms and the presence of special fastening.

It is important to understand the difference between built-in edging (installed instead of the standard clamp) and edging attachment (attached on top of the existing clamp). The first option gives a more stable result, but requires complete disassembly of the machine, while the nozzle is suitable for quickly changing functions.

📊 What type of edging do you use?
Built-in (replaces the clamp)
Nozzle (attached from above)
Haven't tried it yet
I don't know what it is

Types of borders: which one is suitable for your cover frame

The choice of edging depends on coverstitch machine models and the problems you plan to solve. All devices are divided into three main categories:

  • 🔹 Universal attachments - suitable for most household covers (Brother 1034D, Janome 9300DX, Juki MO-644D). They are attached to the existing presser foot, do not require complex settings, but are limited in the width of the edging (usually up to 5 mm).
  • 🔹 Built-in edgers — replace the standard clamp and install it instead. They give a more even seam and are suitable for professional machines (Pfaff Hobbylock 2.0, Babylock Evolve). Requires precise calibration.
  • 🔹 Specialized edgers for flat seams - used to create “flat edging” (for example, for sportswear). Often included with industrial machines (Juki MO-735).

Please check compatibility with your model before purchasing! For example, an edger for Brother 3034D won't fit Janome 6234XL due to various distance between needles and the design of the clamp. Please note:

  • 📏 Edge width (from 3 to 12 mm).
  • 🧵 Thread type (some models require special elastic threads for knitwear).
  • ⚙️ Fastening mechanism (screw, latch, magnetic).
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If you sew clothes from thin fabrics (silk, chiffon), choose a edging with adjustable presser foot pressure - this will prevent the material from tightening.

Preparing the cover machine for installation

Before installing the edging, it is necessary to prepare the machine to avoid breakdowns and ensure proper operation of the mechanism. Start with the following steps:

  1. Unplug the machine and wait until all moving parts come to a complete stop. This will prevent accidental activation during installation.
  2. Remove all threads and needles. The edging machine is installed on a “naked” machine without threading.
  3. Clean the work area from dust and fabric scraps. Use a small brush or vacuum cleaner with a narrow attachment to remove lint from the mechanism.
  4. Check the condition of the needles and looper. Worn needles (size 75/11 or 90/14) can break the thread when working with the edging.

Pay special attention thread tension adjustment. The edging requires a weaker upper thread tension compared to the standard edging. If the tension is too strong, the seam will be “tight” and the edge will be wavy. To check:

⚠️ Attention: If your car has automatic tension adjustment (for example, Brother 1634D), before installing the edging, switch it to manual mode. Automation may reset the settings the first time you start it.

Turn off the power and remove the plug from the outlet|

Remove needles, threads and presser foot|

Clean the mechanism from dust and debris|

Check the condition of the needles and looper|

Adjust thread tension manually-->

Step-by-step instructions for installing the edging

The installation process depends on the type of edging, but the general diagram looks like this:

1. Installation of the edging attachment (for household machines)

This option is simpler and does not require disassembling the machine:

  1. Remove the standard presser foot by pressing the release lever (usually located at the back).
  2. Install adapter for edging (included) in place of the foot. Secure it with a screw or latch.
  3. Place the edging itself onto the adapter with the fabric guide facing forward. Make sure the clips are aligned with the grooves.
  4. Adjust foot height using a screw on the frame body - it should lightly press the fabric, but not deform it.

2. Installation of the built-in edging (replacing the clamp)

This process is more complicated and requires care:

  1. Remove the two screws that secure the standard clamp (usually located on the sides).
  2. Remove the clamp and install it in its place frame base. Tighten the screws crosswise to avoid distortion.
  3. Attach the top of the edging (with the edging tape guides) and secure it with the side clamps.
  4. Check alignment of needles and looper - they must be strictly in the center of the edge guides.

Critical detail: After installing the built-in looper, be sure to check the gap between the needle and the looper (should be 0.1-0.3mm). If the gap is larger, the seam will skip stitches.

How to check the gap between needle and looper?

Manually turn the machine's handwheel until the needle drops to its lowest position. The looper should approach the needle at a distance of no more than 0.3 mm (can be checked with a feeler gauge or a sheet of paper 0.2 mm thick). If the gap is larger, adjustment is required using a service key (usually included with the machine).

Adjusting the edging: adjusting the seam and eliminating defects

Even a properly installed edging requires fine tuning. Start with a test stitch on a piece of fabric similar to your project. Please pay attention to the following parameters:

Problem Reason Solution
Wavy edging Upper thread tension too tight Loosen the upper thread tension by 0.5–1 unit
The seam tightens the fabric Incorrect presser foot height or pressure Raise the presser foot 0.5mm or reduce the pressure
The edging tape moves Incorrect installation of guides Adjust the position of the guides with the screws on the body
Skipped stitches Worn needle or incorrect needle-looper gap Replace the needle, check the gap (should be 0.1–0.3 mm)

To adjust thread tension, use test patch with drawn lines - this way you will see how the seam behaves on straight and curved areas. If the edging moves to the side, try:

  • 🔧 Pull up side guides edging (they should press the tape tightly, but not deform it).
  • 📐 Check parallelism of needles - if they are installed at an angle, the seam will be crooked.
  • ⚖️ Balance tension left and right threads (for machines with 4–5 threads).
⚠️ Attention: When working with elastic fabrics (jersey, interlock), use polyester threads with little stretch. Cotton threads may break when the seam is stretched.
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An ideal edged seam should look like this: the edge tape is wrapped evenly around the edge of the fabric, the stitches run evenly through all layers, without skipping or pulling.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced seamstresses encounter problems when using the edging for the first time. Here are the most common errors and how to fix them:

  • 🚫 Using the wrong edging tape. Too wide or too narrow tape will cause the stitch to bunch. For most household edgings, a tape 1.5–2.5 cm wide is suitable.
  • 🚫 Incorrect threading. If the thread does not pass through all the guides, it will cling to the edging. Always follow the refueling diagram provided in the machine manual.
  • 🚫 Ignoring the test seam. Never skip testing on a scrap of fabric! Different fabrics require different tension and presser foot pressure settings.
  • 🚫 Excessive pressure on tissue. If you pull the fabric by hand, the seam will turn out uneven. Let the machine pull the material through on its own.

One of the most insidious problems is "looper skip"when the upper thread is not caught. This happens due to:

  • 🔹 Contamination in the looper mechanism (solution: cleaning and lubrication).
  • 🔹 Incorrect needle installation (solution: the needle should be inserted all the way, flat side back).
  • 🔹 Looper wear (solution: replacement at a service center).

If after all the adjustments the seam is still uneven, try reduce sewing speed. At high speeds, the edging machine may not have time to form the seam correctly, especially on thick fabrics.

Care of the edging: cleaning and lubrication

The edging, like any other part of the cover machine, requires regular maintenance. Dust, lint and thread residues accumulate in the mechanism, which leads to malfunctions. Here are the basic rules of care:

  • 🧹 Cleaning after every project. Use a small brush (or a toothbrush) to remove lint from the guides and under the presser foot. For hard-to-reach places, a compressed air cylinder is suitable.
  • 🛢️ Lubrication of moving parts. Apply 1–2 times a year machine oil for sewing machines on metal guides and axles. Avoid getting oil on plastic parts!
  • 🔍 Checking fasteners. Once a month, tighten the edging screws - they may become loose due to vibration.
  • 🧼 Cleaning the Foot and Guides. Wipe them with an alcohol wipe to remove any traces of adhesive from the edging tape.

If the edging has not been used for a long time, check before use:

  • 🔹 Guide mobility - they should move freely without jamming.
  • 🔹 Condition of rubber gaskets (if any) - over time they may harden and crack.
  • 🔹 Spring integrity — a broken spring will lead to uneven pressure on the fabric.
⚠️ Attention: Never use WD-40 or other all-purpose edging lubricants! They contain solvents that will destroy plastic parts. Use only specialized sewing machine oil.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Can a binding be used to sew a regular seam without a binding?

Technically yes, but it's impractical. The edging machine is designed specifically for working with edging tape. Without it, the seam will be less neat than when using a standard presser. In addition, some edging models may scratch the fabric when edging without tape.

Why does the edging tape move to the side while sewing?

This occurs due to improper adjustment of the guides. Try:

  1. Loosen the screws securing the guides and align them with the center of the presser foot.
  2. Reduce presser foot pressure - sometimes pressing too hard will deform the ribbon.
  3. Use tape with adhesive layer - it holds its shape better.
How wide should the edging tape be for my car?

The width of the tape depends on the model of the edging. Suitable for most household machines 1.5–2.5 cm. Industrial edgers (e.g. for Juki MO-735) support the tape up to 5 cm. The exact parameters are indicated in the instructions for the edging or on its body.

Is it possible to install the edging on old Soviet covers (for example, "Podolsk")?

For most Soviet covers ("Podolsk", "Chaika") edgings were not produced - they have a different design of the presser and the distance between the needles. However, some craftsmen adapt universal attachments by making adapters by hand. This requires precise fitting and does not guarantee a quality seam.

What should I do if, after installing the edging, the car begins to make noise?

Increased noise is usually associated with:

  • 🔹 Frame distortion — check whether it is installed evenly.
  • 🔹 Lack of lubrication - Apply oil to rubbing parts.
  • 🔹 Ingress of foreign objects (scraps of thread, pieces of fabric) into the mechanism.

If the noise persists, remove the frame and check whether the guides were deformed during installation.