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|  |  | The Overlock Stitch
The overlock serger is probably the most intimidating of all the machines since it has multiple needles and uses multiple threads, but once you get used to it you will wonder how you ever made due without one. This type of machine trims the edge and encases it with thread in one operation. These units can have one or two needles and up to five different threads. It uses loopers instead of traditional bobbins and has blades to trim the excess fabric to neaten the edge before overlocking it. If you look at the inside of just about any garment you will find the overlock stitch. A must have if professional results is what you are looking for. | | | |
| The Cover Stitch
The cover stitch (aka coverhem) makes traditional hems. The Coverstitch machine, unlike the serger, does not trim the fabric as it sews. It can have two or three needles and usually three or four threads. You would first pin back the overlocked edge of fabric and then pass it through this machine. This will produce two or three lines of straight stitches on the right side of the fabric and loops or zig zags on the inside. The shirt you are wearing most likely has this type of stitching on the hem or on the sleeve. | |  | | | |
|  | | The Blind Stitch
The blind stitch sewing machine (aka blind hem) is similar to the coverstitch in its application but it makes small single dots of spaced out stitches on the right side and close loops on the inside making the stitch almost invisible (hence the term "blind"). This machine is used for men's trousers, skirts, wedding dresses, or anywhere that a straight line, or two, of stitching would not be suitable. Like the coverstitch machine, this unit will not trim the edge and the overlock should be used before hemming for professional results. | | | |
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