A coverstitch machine is a specialized sewing machine for making professional sealed hems. You can also use it for some kinds of decorative stitching. The Janome 1000CPX is a heavy-duty longarm coverstitch machine. Should it be your next addition to your sewing room? This Janome Cover Pro 1000CPX review has been written to help you find out.
About Coverstitch Machines and the Janome Cover Pro 1000CPX
Coverstitch machines bear some similarities to overlock sergers and regular sewing machines. But the three machines are different in form and in function.
What Is a Coverstitch Machine, Anyway?
At first glance, a coverstitch machine may look a lot like a serger. Both have multiple needles, and both use loopers to cast thread over raw seam edges in order to seal them. Both also have a differential feed, which makes them a natural for working with stretch and knit fabrics.
But the similarities end there.
An serger sewing machine sews on the edges of fabric. A coverstitch machine, on the other hand, topstitches hems, while sealing and securing edges on the underside of the fabric.
Likewise, a serger’s main use is construction, while the primary job of a coverstitch machine is finishing. Though you can also use it to make straps, drawstrings, and bindings.
There are some physical differences as well. Sergers typically have two needles and two loopers, for example. Coverstitch machines, on the other hand, have three needles and one looper. Coverstitch machines also typically lack a serger’s cutting blades.
Also, though some coverstitch machines have similar proportions to a serger, many, including the Janome 1000CPX have more throat space, and look a bit more like a regular sewing machine.
Do You Need a Coverstitch Machine?
Maybe.
A high quality regular sewing machine can perform most home sewing tasks, including hemming and finishing. But if you make a lot of garments, or if you’re starting a home garment-making business, then the professional finish that a coverstitch machine can impart will set your garments apart.
A coverstitch machine is not a replacement for a regular sewing machine. It’s certainly not a replacement for an overlock serger. Instead, a coverstitch machine complements both a regular sewing machine and a serger, increasing your versatility as a crafter.
A Bit About the Janome 1000CPX Coverstitch Machine
LIKES
- Generous throat space
- Spring-loaded looper tension
- Free arm
- Extended differential feed
- Extra large workspace
- Lightweight
- Easy to thread and use
DISLIKES
- Only 1,000 stitches per minute
- No simplified looper threading
- No needle threader
Janome advertises the Janome 1000CPX as a “longarm” machine. One shouldn’t compare it to a longarm quilting machine, of course. However, it does have a lot more space to the right of the needles than many coverstitch machines. And it also has a very decent sized sewing surface.
Coverstitch machines, like sergers, tend to be a bit more expensive than regular sewing machines. And Janome equipment tends to be pricey across categories. As far as coverstitch machines go, however, the 1000CPX is priced a bit below what one might expect. That is, it costs about the same as similar machines from other manufacturers.
Of course, like quite a few lower-priced Janome machines, the 1000CPX is a bit light on features. And we’ll talk more about that in a bit.
What’s in the box?
Accessories that come with the Janome Coverpro 1000CPX, include:
- Set of needles: 5 X #80/12 (Organ EL X 705)
- Set of needles: 5 X #90/14 (Organ EL X 705)
- Screwdriver (Large)
- Screwdriver (Small)
- Tweezers
- Thread Nets
- Spool holder caps
- Lint brush
- Needle threader
- Attachment screws
- Accessory box
Technical Specifications
How to Choose a Coverstitch Machine
If you’ve decided that you need a coverstitch machine of your own, how do you pick a good one? Here are a few things to look for.
Number of Threads
Most coverstitch machines have three needles and a looper. They can work with two, three, and four threads like a serger. Some machines can work with more than four threads. More threads mean more versatility.
Stitch Selection
One of the things that makes a coverstitch machine unique is its built-in chainstitch. This stitch can be used alone to sew or baste seams. It can also be used decoratively. Most importantly, it’s the foundation of all cover stitches.
A coverstitch is a two-sided stitch. On the right side of the fabric, there are two or three lines of straight stitching. On the reverse side, the chainstitch connects these lines.
A coverstitch machine may come with a variety of built-in cover stitches, including:
- Narrow three-thread cover stitch
- Wide three-thread cover stitch
- Four-thread cover stitch
You might also find some premium models with additional stitch designs built in.
Speed
Like a serger, a coverstitch machine is high-speed equipment. Most sew at a speed of 1,300 to 1,500 stitches per minute, which is twice the speed of many regular home sewing machines.
Size of Workspace
Because a coverstitch machine doesn’t have a serger’s cutting knives, you can expect it to have more throat space, that is, space to the right of the needles, as well as more workspace in general.
Most regular sewing machines generally have between seven and nine inches of space to the right of the needle. A serger has almost no space. Many coverstitch machines, by contrast, can have as much as five inches of throat space. Some also have an extended work space.
Convenience Features
A coverstitch machine, like a serger, is a complicated piece of equipment. As a result, manufacturers have come up with various features to make setting up and operating their machines a bit easier.
Some convenience features you might find on a coverstitch machine include:
Color-coded threading diagrams
Most sewing machines, sergers, and coverstitch machines have color-coded maps to show exactly where each of the many threads should go.
Simplified looper threading
Although a coverstitch machine’s single looper is less complicated than the two loopers that a serger has, threading can still be a chore. So there are some additional steps manufacturers may take to make the job easier.
In addition to a color-coded threading diagram, you might find a special threader included in the accessories pack. Some models may allow you to move the looper into a position that’s easier to thread. Finally, some premium coverstitch machines may even be self-threading.
A tension release device
Some coverstitch machine users find it difficult to remove their work from the machine once they’ve finished stitching. This comes down to thread tension.
Some models have automatic tension release, which releases the tension of all of the threads when you lift the presser foot. Others may have a tension release switch.
Features and Benefits Review of the Janome 1000CPX Cover Pro
Earlier, we mentioned that the Janome 1000CPX Coverstitch Machine is a bit light on features. That’s true, when you compare it to similar models. At the same time, it does have quite a few things to recommend it.
Lots of Space
If you compare the appearance of the Janome 1000CPX to a different coverstitch machine, like the Brother 2340CV, you’ll notice that they’re quite different in appearance. The Janome 1000CPX is longer and more rectangular in shape than the Brother machine.
This is because of throat space. The Brother machine is built like a serger, with very little space to the right of the needles. On the other hand, the Janome 1000CPX has a generous work area and five whole inches to the right of the needles.
This is good news for larger projects, as well as for decorative sewing.
Spring Loaded Looper Tension
The Janome 1000CPX has Janome’s proprietary Stitch Tension System (STS). This system uses a spring to regulate looper tension, rather than a tension dial. The STS reduces slack in your looper thread, enabling greater stitching precision.
Free Arm
The Janome 1000CPX also has a free arm. A free arm makes it easier to work on small, circular projects like collars, cuffs, and trouser hems. Not only are these the types of finishing for which a coverstitch machine is built, but many coverstitch jobs are done in the round. A free arm isn’t strictly necessary, but it can certainly make things easier.
Extended Differential Feed
A regular sewing machine has one set of feed dogs that moves the fabric through the machine, beneath the needles. Sergers and coverstitch machines have two sets. They also have a differential feed mechanism that allows you to adjust the speed of the feed dog sets relative to one another.
The difference between the speeds will influence the degree to which the machine stretches or compresses the fabric during sewing.
Most sergers and coverstitch machines have a differential feed range of between 0.7 and 2.0. The Janome 1000CPX has an extended range of 0.5 to 2.25.
Lightweight
Despite its size, the Janome 1000CPX is quite a bit lighter than similar machines. It weighs a scant 15 pounds.
Customer Satisfaction
One of the most important measures of a machine’s quality is customers’ overall satisfaction with their purchase. By and large, consumers find the Janome 1000CPX easy to thread and easy to use. Customers are also impressed with this model’s overall performance.
Alternatives to the Janome 1000CPX Coverstitch Machine
There are a lot fewer coverstitch machines on the market than sewing machines, or even sergers. Nonetheless, there are enough models with enough variety in features, to make a comparison. Which of these do you think might serve your needs best?
Brother 2340CV Coverstitch Machine
One thing Brother does very well is producing budget equipment worth buying. The Brother 2340CV Coverstitch Machine is a budget machine to the core: no free arm, no throat space, and a modest complement of cover stitches.
At the same time, it’s lightweight, high-speed, has simplified threading, and does most of what you’ll need it to do. And the price, compared to similar models, is really right.
If you’re on a budget, this one is worth checking out.
Juki MCS 1500 Coverstitch Machine
The Juki MCS 1500 coverstitch machine costs a tiny bit less than the Janome 1000CPX. At the same time, it has a few more features.
First, it has a movable looper, which makes threading a bit easier. It also has adjustable presser foot pressure. Although it doesn’t have nearly the same amount of space to the right of the needles as the Janome machine, it does have some. And it runs at a speedy 1,350 stitches per minute.
For a good mid-range option, this model should be on your radar.
Bernette B48 Funlock Coverlocker
The Bernette B48 Funlock is a coverlocker. What does that mean? It means that it’s a coverstitch machine that can do overlocking (serging) as well. That means seams and edges; construction and finishing. It’s pretty neat — and it doesn’t cost that much more than the Janome 1000 CPX.
Like Janome, Bernette tends to make machines that are focussed, with few frills. At the same time, like Janome machines, Bernette machines are well made with high quality construction.
So, what do you get for your money?
- 15 overlock stitches
- Three cover stitches
- Four combination stitches
- One chainstitch
This machine also sews at a respectable 1,300 stitches per minute.
A coverlocker is a great option for someone looking to conserve space in their sewing room and maximize their budget. If this sounds like you, then this machine is worth your attention.
Janome 1000CPX: Your Needs, Covered
A coverstitch machine is a specialized piece of equipment made for a narrow set of tasks. They also tend to be a bit more expensive than your average home sewing machine. So, if you decide you need one, it’s important to buy the one that most closely fits your requirements.
We’ve touched on a few different kinds of coverstitch machines. The Janome 1000CPX is a focussed longarm model with a generous workspace. Other models may have more stitch designs and convenience features, but less room for larger work.
Despite its higher price tag and no-frills nature, the Janome 1000CPX is a crowd pleaser. Users uniformly praise its ease of use and quality build. And if these are dealbreakers to you, then the Janome 1000CPX should be on your list.
