How to Sew Perfect Knit Neckbands with a Coverstitch Binding Attachment

A coverstitch binding attachment will help you to achieve perfect and professional knit and jersey neckbands every time. No more stress, no more holding of breath, just straight forward, easy knit neckbands in one simple step. In this video I'll demonstrate exactly how it works and where you can find the attachment for your coverstitch/coverlock machine to make your perfect jersey neckband dreams a reality!

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Transcript

Intro

Hi and welcome to the Sew Essential vlog, I hope you're well? Today I have a super exciting discovery to share with you. How to create perfect knit and jersey neckbands using a coverstitch binding attachment.

Let me start by showing you just how professional the results are and you will understand why I'm so excited. Just look at this neckline. Here's the front and here's the back. Doesn't it look so professional? I'm sure you'll agree you couldn't wish for a better finish than that?

What's more the attachment makes it so easy to do. You don't have to worry about stretching the binding as you sew or making sure it is tight enough to pull the neckline in, the attachment does it all for you. You just have to remember to leave one of the shoulder seams open and sew the open shoulder once the binding has been attached.

If you haven't seen one before this is what it looks like. I'll be using this one on the Babylock Gloria machine today - you can find the attachment and the machine on our website and the links are below. We also stock these attachments for other models of Babylock coverstitch machines and Brother, Janome, Husqvarna, Pfaff and Elna coverstitch machines plus the machines themselves. You can find the links below. You can create different width bindings depending on the attachment so just check the product descriptions where you will also find the list of compatible machines.

I honestly couldn't believe how easy it was to master and now have an overwhelming urge to make all the Tshirts!

Using a Coverstitch Binding Attachment

You fix the attachment to your coverstitch table using the little screws. You want the end of the binding attachment to be lined up in the correct position with the needles. You may need to move it to the left or the right to get the position right. It is best to run a little test with some spare fabric first to make sure you are happy with the positioning of the stitching lines.

Here I have my neckline mock up and here I have my binding. The binding is cut to the correct width for the attachment in the direction with the most stretch. It is also important to make sure the binding is much longer than your neckline so you have the opportunity to start the binding off before attaching it to the garment.

Start by feeding the binding into the attachment with the wrong side of the fabric facing you. You can use tweezers to help you to do this. Notice I've cut the binding into a little point at the end to help feed it through.

Once it is through the other end of the attachment you can feed the excess through the guide. This helps to prevent the fabric from becoming twisted.

Lift the foot of your machine and pull the binding through and under the foot. Put the foot down. Make sure the fabric is still nice and flat through the guide and start to sew gently holding the fabric at the end of the guide and taking care not to stretch it.

Check you are happy with the positioning of the stitching and everything is feeding through nicely. Next you are going to position your neckline to attach the binding.

Place your garment with the right side of the fabric facing up. Line the edge of the neckline up so it is just touching the binding as it passes through the attachment. As you sew remember to make sure you don't let the garment hang off the table because the weight of the fabric could stretch it out of shape. You also need to make sure the binding remains nice and flat as it feeds through the guide, but be careful not to stretch it.

I'm going to start to sew and you can see the neckline is feeding through with the binding. Stop and reposition if you need to and just take it steady. Keep the garment fabric nice and flat as you sew and make sure the edge of the neckline is just touching the binding.

When you reach the end run the excess binding through. One of the great advantages of my Babylock is that you can run off a chain of stitches without any fabric like with an overlocker. However, on most coverstitch machines you will need to stop at the end of the fabric and pull the threads forward.

There you have it, a beautifully professional neckband. Here's the front - you can see how even and neat the band is. Here's the back, what a lovely finish.

Conclusion

I hope you've enjoyed that little tutorial and you are as excited about this technique as I am?! As I mentioned at the start of the video we stock these attachments for Babylock, Janome, Brother, Husqvarna, Pfaff and Elna machines plus the coverstitch or coverlock machines themselves. You can find them all on our website and the links are below.

If you have any questions or need any advice please don't hesitate to ask, we are more than happy to help.

That's all from me for today, I'll see you next time!

Have fun sewing!

Lucy

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