Serger vs Coverstitch Machine: Which One Should You Buy?
A serger trims and overlocks raw edges, while a coverstitch machine sews cover hems on knit garments; this guide compares the two types and lists overlock sergers for edge work.
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A serger trims fabric and overlocks the edge as it sews, while a coverstitch machine sews a cover hem without trimming, and the serger vs coverstitch machine choice comes down to the seam the project needs. A maker finishing raw edges needs a serger, while a maker hemming knit garments needs a coverstitch machine, and a maker with edge-finishing and hemming work needs one of each type, since no machine in this guide does both jobs.
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What a serger does
A serger sews, trims and finishes an edge as the fabric feeds through, giving garments a clean, finished edge. The sergers in this guide offer 3 and 4 thread setups, with the SINGER models adding 2 thread capability and 13 stitch options on the Heavy Duty 0420. Differential feed on the SINGER models keeps knits from stretching and delicates from puckering, and a cutting blade trims excess fabric for a neat edge. Across the sergers in this guide, rolled hems, flatlocking and lettuce hems cover decorative edges and fine finishes.
What a coverstitch machine does
A coverstitch machine sews cover hems on knit garments without trimming fabric. It finishes hems rather than raw edges, so it does not replace a serger for edge finishing. A maker whose work is mostly knit hems should look at a coverstitch machine, while a maker finishing raw edges should look at a serger.
Serger vs coverstitch machine: side-by-side
| Feature | Serger | Coverstitch machine |
|---|---|---|
| Trims fabric | Yes, with a cutting blade | No |
| Edge finish | Overlock, rolled hem, flatlock | Cover hem |
| Thread setups listed in this guide | 2, 3 and 4 thread | Not stated |
| Suits | Raw edges on garments and linens | Knit hems |
How to choose between a serger and a coverstitch machine
Start from the seam: raw edges that fray need a serger, while knit hems need a coverstitch machine. A maker sewing garments with edge finishing and knit hems needs a machine of each type, since no machine in this guide does both jobs. A maker on garment-only work can start with a serger, since the gear below covers edge finishing, rolled hems and decorative edges.
Gear to look at
The gear below lists the sergers in rank order. All four are overlock sergers; no coverstitch machine appears in the listings for this guide, so check coverstitch listings separately for hem-only work.
Brother 1034D Bundle
The Brother 1034D bundle pairs a metal-frame overlock machine with a thread assortment and needles. It sews at up to 1300 stitches per minute with 3 or 4 thread capability, color-coded threading, and a foot pedal for speed control. The bundle includes 4 spools at 1750 yards per spool in white, pearl grey, hi taupe and black, plus a 5-pack of universal sewing machine needles.
SINGER Heavy Duty 0420
The SINGER Heavy Duty 0420 offers 13 stitch options with 4/3/2 thread capability for overlocking, flatlocking and rolled hems. A large cutting blade trims excess fabric, a heavy-duty motor with a full metal interior frame adds piercing power, and differential feed control reduces stretching on knits and puckering on delicates. The box includes a standard presser foot, spool holders, tweezers, 2-thread converter, screwdriver, lint brush, sewing machine oil, a spare lower-cutter knife blade, a pack of needles and a soft dust cover.
SINGER S14-78
The SINGER S14-78 offers 2, 3, and 4 thread stitch capability for seams, seam finishes, decorative edges and rolled hems. A free arm sews cuffs, sleeves and hard-to-reach areas, differential feed prevents puckering and stretching, and the listing states 1300 stitches per minute with a 1 Year Manufacturer warranty.
VEVOR Serger
The VEVOR serger offers 3 and 4 thread capability with adjustable stitch length and width, up to 1250 stitches per minute from a 112W motor, color-coded threading, an LED light and an adjustable presser foot. Stitch styles include overlock, rolled hem, edging and lettuce hem, for fabrics from sheer fabrics to heavy denim. Note the wording tension: the title calls it a heavy-duty metal frame machine while the bullets describe an iron-and-plastic body.
FAQ: lasers and CNC
Can a serger sew a cover hem?
No serger in this guide sews a cover hem. A serger overlocks and trims edges, while a cover hem is the coverstitch machine’s job.
Can a coverstitch machine finish raw edges?
No. A coverstitch machine sews hems without trimming fabric, so raw edges still need a serger or another finish.
Do I need a serger if I have a regular sewing machine?
A regular sewing machine sews seams without trimming the edge, so a serger adds trimmed, overlocked edges and rolled hems in the same workflow.
Which serger in this guide has the highest stitch speed?
The Brother 1034D bundle and the SINGER S14-78 list 1300 stitches per minute, while the VEVOR lists 1250 stitches per minute.
What comes with the Brother 1034D bundle?
A thread assortment of 4 spools at 1750 yards per spool and a 5-pack of sewing machine needles.
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