Processing cuts of knitted products requires not only high-quality equipment, but also specialized equipment. Edging attachment for cover stitching machine is one of the key elements to transform an ordinary sewing process into a professional production. It is this tool that is responsible for creating an aesthetic, smooth and elastic edge of the product, be it the neckline, the bottom of the sleeve or the hem of a T-shirt.
Using a specialized foot or guide significantly speeds up the operator’s work. Instead of labor-intensive preliminary ironing of the braid, you get the finished result in one pass. This is especially true when working with elastic materials, where feed speed and uniform thread tension are important.
In this article, we will examine in detail the design features of various types of edgings, methods for setting them up, and typical mistakes that beginners make. Understanding the operating principle of this unit will help you avoid defects and significantly increase the productivity of the sewing area.
Design and principle of operation of the edging
Standard edging device is a complex metal structure that is attached to the needle holder or needle board of the machine. The main element is a guide groove through which the binding (edging tape) passes. The design is designed so that the tape goes around the fabric section and is fed under the needles in an already folded form.
The key point is the tension system. A high-quality edger is equipped with adjustable screws or spring mechanisms that allow you to control the pressing force of the tape. Double-needle or three-needle The configuration of the machine requires precise positioning of the guide so that the needle puncture is strictly in the center of the fold of the tape.
Many models have removable elements, which allows you to quickly change the processing width or switch to working with other types of fabrics.
- 🧵 Guide channel — forms the correct fold of the tape until it is pierced with a needle.
- ⚙️ Tension regulator — allows you to adapt the feed of the belt to the elasticity of the material.
- 🔩 Mounting unit — provides rigid fixation of the device relative to the needle bar.
Why is gutter polishing important?
The inner surface of the gutter must be perfectly smooth. Any burrs or roughness will slow down the movement of the belt, leading to uneven tension and the formation of a “wave” on the finished product.
Types of edging devices
There are several types of equipment on the modern sewing equipment market. The choice depends on the model of your machine and the specifics of the product being manufactured. Built-in edgers often come complete with professional cover stitching machines from brands such as Juki or Brother. They are maximally integrated into the design and require minimal reconfiguration.
There are also universal false paws, which can be installed on most industrial machines. They are attached to the presser foot holder and require more careful adjustment of the needle height. For home use or small workshops, simple guides that do not require complex installation are popular.
Separately, it is worth highlighting devices for working with spaghetti elastic bands. They have a narrower channel and are often equipped with an additional stretch mechanism to ensure that the finished edge stretches well with the product.
Compatibility table and technical specifications
When choosing accessories, it is critical to consider the technical parameters of your machine. If the width of the border does not match the pitch of the needle holder or the type of fabric feeding, it will lead to broken needles or damage to the mechanism. Below is a reference table to help you navigate the main parameters.
| Machine type | Recommended binding width (mm) | Mounting type | Compatible Brands |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-needle straight stitch | 12 - 15 | To the needle plate | Juki, Siruba, Jack |
| 3-needle flat | 10 - 12 | On the foot holder | Brother, Kansai, Pegasus |
| Gum machine | 6 - 8 | Specific | Specialized models |
| Universal cover holder | 15 - 20 | Combined | All major |
Please note that the width of the working part of the edging should be 1-2 mm larger than the width of the finished bindingso that the fabric passes freely through the channel, but does not dangle. Using a jig that is too narrow for thick fabric will cause jamming and thread breakage.
When working with synthetic slippery fabrics such as lycra or supplex, it is recommended to use Teflon-coated edgers or an additional presser foot. This will prevent the bottom layer of fabric from slipping relative to the top.
Step-by-step setup and adjustment
Correct installation is the key to quality stitching. The process begins by removing the standard presser foot and cleaning the needle plate of lint. Install edging device, making sure that it is securely fastened with screws.
The next step is threading the binding. Thread the tape through the guide channel until it comes out the other side. It is important that the tape lies flat, without distortions. Bring the cut of the main fabric under the edge of the binding and lower the foot.
☑️ Checklist for edging settings
Now you need to adjust the thread tension. For a cover stitching machine this is a critical parameter. If the top threads are too tight, the edge will curl inward. If weak, a “tunnel” or waviness is formed.
⚠️ Attention: Never start adjusting tension on a finished product. Always use a reference fabric of the same weight and thickness as the base material.
Turn the tension adjusters in small increments (literally a quarter turn), making test stitches after each change. The ideal stitch should be flat, with evenly distributed punctures and no puckering of the fabric.
Typical defects and methods for eliminating them
Even experienced operators encounter defects when edging. Most often, the binding is shifted to one side. This indicates that guide channel is installed asymmetrically relative to the needle or the fabric cut is fed at the wrong angle.
Another common problem is “combing” or edge gathering. This occurs when the fabric is fed faster than the needle can pierce, or when the thread tension is too high. In some cases, the cause may be a dull needle that does not pierce the tissue, but pushes it through.
- 🚫 Skipped stitches — check that the thread is threaded correctly and the condition of the needle.
- 🌊 wavy edge - Loosen the tension of the upper threads or reduce the presser foot pressure.
- 🧶 Broken thread — check the quality of the threads and the absence of burrs along the tape path.
If you notice that the binding is laying unevenly, check the position of the limit screw on the binding. He is responsible for ensuring that the edge of the fabric does not go too deep into the canal.
Use silicone spray on the edge guide channels when working with sticky or lint-laden fabrics. This will improve glide and prevent getting stuck.
Tips for using and caring for equipment
To edging device served for a long time and did not spoil the fabric, it is necessary to take care of it. After each change, remove lint and thread trimmings that inevitably accumulate in the corners of the gutter. Use a soft brush or compressed air to clean.
Periodically check the mounting screws for looseness. Vibration of the machine during operation can lead to the foot starting to “walk”, which will immediately affect the quality of the seam. Once a month it is recommended to lubricate rubbing metal surfaces with special sewing oil.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use aggressive solvents or acetone to clean the plastic elements of the edging, if they are present in the design. This can lead to destruction of the material and deformation of the guide.
Store removable edges in separate cells or boxes to avoid mechanical damage to the work surface. A scratched gutter will snag the fabric and spoil the appearance of the product.
Regular maintenance and cleaning of the edging takes no more than 5 minutes a day, but extends the service life of expensive equipment several times and guarantees stable seam quality.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to use a cover stitcher on a regular lockstitch machine?
Technically, it is possible to install the presser foot if the fastening allows it, but it will not be possible to perform a high-quality cover stitch (flat stitch with overlap) on a machine without an upper rapport (thread conveyor). The edging will not lie correctly and the back of the seam will not have its characteristic flat appearance.
What width of binding is best for a beginner?
To get started, it is recommended to use 15-18 mm wide tape. It is less capricious in refueling and forgives small errors in tension. Narrow edges (6-10 mm) require high precision adjustment and operator skill.
Why does the edging constantly get clogged with threads?
This may be due to the use of low quality threads that have a lot of lint. Static electricity may also be the cause. Try changing the brand of thread, installing an antistatic agent, or increasing the angle at which the thread exits the spool.
Do I need to change the needles when installing the edging?
There are no specific needles for edging, but it is important to use the appropriate needle for the type of fabric (for example, knit needles with ball points - Jersey or Stretch). Make sure the needles are set to the correct height and do not touch the edges of the border.