Overlocker vs coverstitch machine: which do you need?
An overlocker trims and finishes seams; a coverstitch hems knits. Researched from UK dealer listings, 1 November 2026.
Dot's verdict
Buy an overlocker first for seams. Add a coverstitch if you sew lots of knit hems.
Buy an overlocker first for seams. Add a coverstitch if you sew lots of knit hems.
Pick Overlocker (Brother 2104D) if
you want trimmed, finished seams. Brother 2104D £279 (Sewing Machine World, 1 Nov 2026).
Pick Coverstitch (Brother CV3440) if
you hem lots of T-shirts and leggings. Brother CV3440 £499, was £599 (Sewing Machine World, 1 Nov 2026).
What each does
An overlocker trims the edge as it sews and wraps it in 3 or 4 threads (Brother 2104D listing). A coverstitch machine has no knife; the CV3440 listing describes 4, 3 or 2-thread cover and chain stitches for hems.
CV3440 details
4, 3 or 2 threads, 155mm space, free arm and chain stitch.
Side by side
| Overlocker (Brother 2104D) | Coverstitch (Brother CV3440) | |
|---|---|---|
| Cuts fabric | Yes | No |
| Main job | Seam finishing | Hems, binding |
| Threads | 3/4 | 4/3/2 |
| Price (1 Nov 2026) | £279 | £499 |
Sources
All checked 1 November 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.