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Coverstitch Stitch Unravelling at the End of a SeamUpdated 2 days ago

Coverstitch Stitch Unravelling at the End of a Seam

Unlike a sewing machine, a coverstitch machine doesn't lock the stitch automatically when you stop. The chain on the underside will unravel if it isn't secured correctly - but once you know the right technique it's easy to fix and prevent.

Why coverstitch unravels

The coverstitch forms a chain stitch on the underside of the fabric. If the looper thread is pulled at the end of a seam, the whole chain can unravel back through the stitching. This isn't a machine fault - it's simply the nature of the stitch and the solution is to secure the thread ends correctly at the end of every seam.

Starting a seam - use scrap fabric

Always start on a small piece of scrap fabric before sewing onto your actual project. This gives you a clean, secure start with no loose threads at the beginning of your seam.

  • Place a small piece of scrap fabric under the presser foot before you begin
  • Turn the handwheel manually a few times, then use the foot pedal to sew onto the scrap
  • Sew off the end of the scrap and straight onto your actual fabric without stopping
  • Cut the thread between the scrap and your fabric once you're done
💡 Starting on scrap fabric is good practice every time. It protects the beginning of your seam and gets the stitch forming cleanly before it hits your actual project.

Finishing the seam - three methods

Choose the finishing method that works best for your project. All three are effective - it comes down to personal preference and what equipment you have to hand.

Method 1 - Thread chain

  1. At the end of the seam, increase the stitch length to 4mm
  2. Gently guide the fabric out from the back of the presser foot, running the machine to produce a thread chain of around 5-12cm
  3. Cut leaving a tail of around 5cm on the fabric end
  4. Thread the tail through a hand needle and weave it back through the chain to secure

Method 2 - Scrap fabric

  1. At the end of the seam, sew straight off the fabric and onto a piece of scrap without stopping
  2. Stop sewing and cut the threads between the fabric and the scrap, leaving a tail
  3. Knot the needle threads together first, then tie the looper thread in with them
  4. Trim any excess thread

Method 3 - Knotting

  1. Sew to the edge of the fabric and allow the threads to come off the end
  2. Knot the needle threads (2 or 3 depending on your stitch) together first
  3. Tie the looper thread in with the knotted needle threads
  4. Trim any excess thread

Still having trouble? We're here to help.

If you're having problems with your coverstitch seams unravelling, get in touch and our team will take it from there.

📞 01209 216 942 ✉ Message Us
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