Sergers and coverstitch machines are two specialized types of sewing machine primarily used in garment making. They look similar, but do quite different types of sewing. A coverlock machine, like the Juki MO-735 reviewed here today, bridges the gap between the two, but features can vary widely from model to model. Does this one have the features you need? Let’s find out as we go through our Juki MO-735 Review together.
About Juki and the Juki MO-735
Juki may not be as much of a household name as Singer or Janome. But when it comes to home sergers, they’re pioneers. In fact, the Juki company was founded specifically for the purpose of making sergers for sale on the domestic market. Before that, the overlocker was strictly an industrial machine.
The Juki MO-735 was first released in 2003. It’s a coverlock machine, that is, a combination serger and coverstitch machine. [1]
What does that mean? Let’s take a look…
An overlocker, or serger, sews strong, flexible, sealed seams and decorative edges. One needle (or sometimes two) sews a row of straight stitches while two loopers cast their threads over the seam edges. It’s an edges-only machine, which means it cannot do topstitching or sew down the middle of a piece of fabric.
A coverstitch machine, on the other hand, does mainly topstitching. Its primary job is hemming, though you can also use it to baste and sew seams, as well as to do decorative chain stitching.
A coverlock machine, like the Juki MO-735, combines some of the functions of both of these machines. The exact features vary from model to model, but most coverlockers can produce a chain stitch, a cover stitch, and three- and four-thread overcast stitches.
For a deeper dive into these specialised sewing machines, check out our post on the differences between coverlockers, coverstitchers, and sergers.
Who is the Market for the Juki MO-735?
LIKES
- 2-3-4-5 thread stitching
- Simplified chain looper threading
- A nice assortment of built-in stitches
- 1500 stitches per minute stitching speed
- Extra high presser foot lift
- Uses regular sewing machine needles
- Very decent accessories pack
DISLIKES
- Challenging to thread
- Steep learning curve
- No speed control
Sergers are complicated machines. They’re time-consuming to set up, and operating them can be quite involved as well. Add the functions of a second type of machine, and you have an intricate piece of equipment with a steep learning curve.
One of the main uses for sergers, coverstitch machines, and coverlockers like the Juki MO-735 is sewing knits and stretch fabrics. And this, too, can be a difficult business.
The upshot is, if you’re looking at coverlock machines, you probably have a bit of experience under your belt. You’re probably also interested in a specific type of sewing, such as garment making or housewares.
A coverlock machine in general is too complicated, too specialized, and too expensive to buy on a whim.
The Juki MO-735 falls in the middle of the price range for this type of machine. That’s around the lower end of the premium range for regular sewing machines. It’s a lot of money for a hobbyist’s, but if you have a small business — or a very serious hobby — it could be money well spent.
Do you need a coverlocker?
It’s possible, especially if:
- You need to make a lot of professional-grade seams and hems
- Your sewing involves mainly knit fabrics
- You want to conserve space in your sewing room
- You enjoy learning new technologies
As we’ve said, the features can vary from machine to machine, so let’s see what the Juki MO-735 has to offer.
What’s in the box?
Accessories that come with the JUKI MO-735 Coverlock Machine, include:
- Compensating Presser Foot for Coverstitch
- Large Screwdriver
- Lower Knife
- Spool Caps
- Spool Holder
- Upper Looper Converter
- Oiler
- Threader Nets
- Vinyl Cover
- Needle Set
- Tweezers
- Brush and Needle Inserter
- Needle Threader
- Guide Bar
- 2/3 Thread Selector Auxiliary
- Cover/Chain Stitch Extension Plate
- Trim Trap
- Accessory Bag
- Juki MO-735 Manual
- Foot Control and Power Cord
Technical Specifications
How to Choose a Coverlock Machine
Choosing the right coverlock machine can be a challenge. Although they all combine features and functions from both coverstitch and overlocker machines, those features and functions can vary greatly from device to device.
If you’ve decided that you need this type of machine, here are a few things to watch for.
Stitch Selection
The selling point of a coverlock machine is its ability to do both overlock stitches and cover stitches. But exactly which ones are built into any given machine can vary by model.
Most will do a chain stitch, which is the basis of a coverstitch, and at least one coverstitch. Most will also do three and four-thread overcast stitches.
In addition to these, you might find:
- Built-in rolled hem
- Two and three thread flatlock
- Narrow and wide overlock stitches
- Three and four thread overlock stitches
- Decorative edging stitches such as picot edge
To name a few.
Simplified Threading
Threading a serger can be complicated. Threading a coverlock machine can be even more complicated.
Some higher-end models are self-threading, which can be a blessing. But you’ll pay quite a bit more for that blessing.
Most mid-range and lower-end machines have color-coded thread guides, which can be extremely helpful…providing the placement of the parts you need to reach aren’t too hidden away. Some manufacturers add switches that can maneuver thread guides into a place where you can better thread them which, again, can come in very handy.
Auto Tension
After threading, tension adjustments are probably the most tedious part of working with this type of machine. Some coverlockers have automatic tension settings that make things easier.
Auto Tension Release
A common complaint from coverstitch machine users is that it can be difficult to remove your work from the machine once you’ve finished sewing.
Some machines come with auto tension release. That means that when you lift the presser foot, the tension slackens so that it’s easier to get your work out. This simple feature can dramatically lessen frustration levels.
Knee Lifter
Because a coverstitch machine (and, to a lesser degree, a serger) can be used for quilting, some models come with a knee lifter.
A knee lifter is a metal bar that slots into a port in some (but not most) sewing machines. This feature allows you to move this bar with your knee to lift the presser foot, while keeping both hands on your work.
Speed Control
Read our best computerized sewing machine reviews and it’ll quickly become apparent that speed control is a common feature these days. However, because most (but not all) sergers and coverstitch machines are mechanical, they often lack this feature.
Quite a few coverlock machines, though, do have a speed control slider. This can come in handy for certain types of sewing, especially since coverstitch machines sew at high speeds.
Features and Benefits Review of the Juki MO-735
When it comes to functions, this small machine packs a mighty punch. Have a look.
2-3-4-5 Thread Stitching
Up to five threads gives you serious versatility. Use two threads to create delicate decorative edgings on ultralight fabrics. Three and four threads provide the workhorse stitches for both serging and coverstitching. And five-thread capability can help to make easy work out of heavy jobs.
Stitch Selection
With three needles and up to five threads, you can do quite a lot with the Juki MO-735. This machine’s built-in stitches include:
- 2-thread chain stitch seam, top and bottom
- 2-thread overlock seam, wide and narrow
- 2-thread flatlock seam, wide and narrow
- 2-thread rolled hem
- 3-thread overlock seam, wide and narrow
- 3-thread super-stretch
- 3-thread flatlock seam
- 3-thread blanket stitch, wide and narrow
- 3-thread coverstitch, wide and narrow
- 3-thread rolled seam
- 3-thread rolled hem
- 4-thread coverstitch, wide
- 4-thread overlock seam
- 5-thread safety seam, wide
Whether you’re doing construction work or professional finishes, that’s more than enough.
Threading Assist
The Juki MO-735 isn’t a self-threading machine, and some users find that it can be challenging to thread.
That being said, Juki has tried to make it easier by offering a positioning mechanism for the chain looper. A lot will depend on the individual and their dexterity, though.
Retractable Cutting Blade
A serger uses a cutting blade to trim seam edges while you sew, but there are times, such as coverstitching and decorative edging, when you don’t want to trim the edges. With some models, you have to remove the blade altogether, but the Juki MO-735 allows you to simply move the blade to a more convenient position.
High Speed Stitching
Sergers and coverstitch machines typically operate at higher speeds than the average domestic sewing machine. The standard falls somewhere between 1,100 and 1,300 stitches per minute.
The Juki MO-735, however, stitches at an amazing 1,500 stitches per minute. It would be great if you could dial that speed down for certain types of work (you can’t). But if you have a need for speed, this model provides it.
Built-in Rolled Hem
A rolled hem is a refined way to finish off the edges of a scarf or other single fabric layer. With some machines, you need to move, switch out, or remove the stitch finger or other parts. A built-in rolled hem, on the other hand, does all the necessary adjustments with the flick of a switch.
The Juki MO-735 has a built-in rolled hem, and we’re glad about that.
How to use the jUKI MO-735 Coverlocker
Below is a series of tutorials produced by JUKI themselves. Check them out to get an idea of how easy the JUKI MO-735 is to use and whether or not it is suited to your own personal sewing requirements:
Alternatives to the Juki MO-735
Coverlock machines are specialized pieces of equipment, and there aren’t as many models on the market as there are, for example, regular sewing machines. What’s more, features can vary wildly as you move across the price spectrum.
With this in mind, we always like to provide our readers with some alternatives to the star of the show in each review we conduct. So, true to form, here are a few other models that we think could be worth looking at if the JUKI MO-735 doesn’t quite hit the spot.
Baby Lock Ovation
Baby Lock makes expensive equipment, we all know that. But, if you’re looking for a coverlock machine that’s fun and easy to use, then it could very well be money well spent.
The Baby Lock Ovation is a top-of-the-line serger/coverstitch combo that may not do it all, but it sure does a lot. Check it out:
- Self-threading
- Auto tension
- 2-3-4-5-6-7-8 thread stitching
- Two proprietary decorative stitches
- Five inches of throat space
- Knee lifter
- Speed control
If you want one of the best machines on the market, and you’re not afraid of a four-figure price tag, then the Baby Lock Ovation could be your sewing room’s new best friend.
Consew 14TU2345
The Consew brand may be more familiar to connoisseurs of industrial sewing machinery than to domestic users. That said, if you’re after a tough, well-made coverlocker at a fair price, the Consew 14TU2345 may be one to check out.
This is a 2-3-4-5 thread coverlocker. It has two needles instead of three and a slightly slower (but still respectable) stitching speed of 1,200 stitches per minute.
One drawback to this machine is that it can’t do a standalone chainstitch. On the other hand, if you can get by without it, the price is really, really right for this solid piece of kit.
Bernette Funlock b48
For about the same price as the Juki MO-735, you could also have the Bernette Funlock b48. Bernette is a subsidiary of the Swiss company Bernina, which makes expensive, albeit stylish and well made sewing machines.
The Bernette Funlock 48 has 23 stitches: a chain stitch, three cover stitches, 15 overlock stitches, and four combo stitches.
This model has color-coded threading, and the lower looper and chain looper have a mechanical threader. It also comes with a trim trap and a nice assortment of accessories. We like it a lot here at You Sew And Sew.
JUKI MO-735 Review…Covered
A coverlock machine is a complex, specialized piece of equipment. It can be quite a financial investment as well, but, for the right user, it can be the perfect tool.
Because available features can vary so widely, it’s important to have a list of your dealbreaker features before you begin your search. Think about stitch types and conveniences, especially. Do you have to have that chain stitch? What about a built-in rolled hem? Perhaps you want some proprietary decorative stitches as well? Let features be your guide, rather than price.
One of the only things worse than paying too much for the right equipment is when your bargain machine won’t do what you need it to.
So think, consider and plan.
And then get shopping!
REFERENCES
- JUKI | Household Sewing Machine History | https://www.juki.co.jp/history/en/household.html
