Pfaff Coverlock 3.0 Review
Excellent Serger / Overlocker For The Home Sewer Of Any Skill Level

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The Pfaff Coverlock 3.0 is a sleek, efficient serger that is capable of rendering 23 overlock stitches at a rate of about 1,100 stitches per minute.

When you think about a serger, you seldom think that it will look more like a conventional sewing machine.

That's exactly what we observed when we reviewed the Coverlock 3.0. The only real give away is the five spindle spool bed mounted on the back of the machine.

One of the most popular features on the Coverlock 3.0 is the Plexiglas extension table that mounts on the free arm to give the sewer an additional 18 inches of workspace.


With the extension table in place, it is possible to work on large projects with less concern about fabric slipping off of the work table and onto the floor. The extra large sewing space on the Pfaff Coverlock 3.0 is a dream come true.

Large sewing projects like coats, purses, bags and quilting are easier with this machine. When coupled with the extension table, the workspace is doubled, allowing the home sewer to get a lot more done with speed and ease.

The five thread safety stitch is possibly the most durable stitch option available on any machine. It is strong and tear resistant under the most extreme pressure.

The five thread option gives users a lot of choices that are not available with four thread sergers. With the five thread cover stitch, it is possible for the home sewer to expand their repertoire of utility and decorative stitches.


The 23 available stitches make it possible for user to do everything from basting to hemming in just one step. With just a little bit of imagination, it is possible to create some truly eye-catching fashions by using contrast rayon thread to add accents to sportswear or casual clothes. or to easily produce exceptional borders and trims for quilts.

The ability to use up to five threads gives the user a choice of using any one of 23 stitches to trim, overcast, and stitch sewing projects in a fraction of the time. The innovative German engineering of the Pfaff Coverlock 3.0 makes it easy for the user to change between overlock and coverstitch options without changing presser feet or the needle plate.

Stitch options include:

• Two thread overlock stitch - used to create narrow or wide flatlock stitches and rolled edges
• Three thread overlock stitch - this option is used to produce narrow or wide seams. It is also used to add decorative touches.
• Four thread overlock stitch - this reinforced overlock stitch is ideal for straight sewing as well adding decorative trims and for finishing seams and edges.
• Five thread overlock stitch - this option is a combination of two different stitches to produce a sturdy seam that will withstand extreme wear and tear.
• Chainstitch - use this option when you are basting or when you would normally use a traditional open pressed seam.
• Coverstitch - this is an excellent option for working with elastic, finishing knitwear and sewing hems.

The built in carrying handle makes it possible to move the machine without tangling the threads or having to remove them. Other features include a built in rolled edge option which makes it possible to sew rolled hems with two or three threads without changing the needle plate or presser foot.

The automatic tension adjustment allows the user to identify the thread and stitch without worry. The tension release feature releases threads, allowing them to pull through easily when the presser foot is in the raised position. The differential feed adjusts to ensure that each seam is perfect.


A color coded threading chart stamped into the front cover makes threading less complicated. The adjustable speed feature makes it possible to slow down or speed up as needed. The adjustable stitch length and cut width options combine to make working with different fabric weights and methods a breeze.

The availability of extra clearance under the presser foot makes it possible for users to work with multiple layers of thick fabric. One of the most import features, even if not the most recognizable is the safety lockout feature which disables the machine when the front cover is open, avoiding the remote possibility of an injury while threading.

The movable upper cutter can be taken out to make it possible for using special techniques. The built in thread cutter is conveniently located to make cutting threads fast, safe and easy.

Accessories
Accessories that are included with the Pfaff Coverlock 3.0 include an interactive DVD detailing threading instructions for all 23 stitch options; the plexiglass work table extension mentioned above; five spools of white Mettler thread; five mesh thread covers; five spool caps; seam gage; oil dispenser; screwdrivers; vinyl dust cover; owner's manual; lint brush; extra needles and a catch bag to hold the trimmings as they fall from the machine.


Although the Coverlock 3.0 comes with a universal snap on presser foot that can be used with all of the standard stitches that come with the machine, a selection of optional presser feet are available from the manufacturer.

Working with the Pfaff Coverlock 3.0

Threading
Depending upon the sewing project, people who use this machine have the option of using two, three, four or five threads and one, two or three needles. The step by step interactive DVD color coupled with the coded thread guide inside the looper cover make threading the Pfaff Coverlock 3.0 as simple as can be.

Regardless of the number of thread spools or the type of stitch desired, the DVD clearly shows all of the steps necessary to not only thread the machine, but to make all of the necessary adjustments and settings to the machine itself.

The DVD is produced in such a way that it's almost like having an expert there to hold your hands and literally guide your every single move. The four thread option is ideal for sewing, hemming, trimming and edging.

Therefore, for this review, we decided to use four threads and two needles. This option is also used most frequently by home sewers who have sergers in their sewing rooms.

Sewing
Sewing on the Pfaff Coverlock 3.0 is smooth, quiet and fast. There is virtually no vibration whatsoever.

The large foot pedal is comfortable to use and requires just a little bit of pressure to engage the needle and complete a row of perfect stitches, regardless of whether we are using an overlock stitch or a coverstitch.

The enormous workspace is a delight. Very few machines offer this much clearance. The extra space is ideal for working with large projects like coats, hand bags, drapes, quilts and even wall hangings.

The adjustable two speed control is conveniently located on the foot control and very easy to use. This customizable feature makes it possible for the home sewer to have even greater control while maneuvering the most intricate jobs when high speed sewing and serging is not practical.

The differential feed and the ability to adjust the pressure on the presser foot makes working with all fabric weights and thicknesses easy. Seams do not pucker or stretch, even when working with very delicate or light weight fabric or multiple layers of thick, heavy weight material.

If, however, you want to create a unique decorative look, for instance, to create decorative flower appliqués, you can reverse the differential feed setting to produce an awesome visual effect.

Maintenance

Get rid of lint, thread snips and minute fabric scraps as quickly as possible. It is strongly recommended that the Pfaff Coverlock 3.0 be cleaned with a soft cloth and the lint brush included in the accessory kit after every use.

Gone are the days when you can expect to get years and years of service by cleaning and oiling your serger at home after eight or ten hours of use. Like all electronic sewing, embroidery machines and sergers, this electronic machine requires regular cleaning by a certified service provider.

Taking your electronic serger in for routine cleaning may seem like a waste of time and money, but it is the best way to guarantee that you will get the most out of your Pfaff Coverlock 3.0 and protect your investment.

Wrapping It All Up

The Pfaff Coverlock 3.0 is an excellent choice for the home sewer regardless of skill level. The detailed threading instructions make it the perfect selection for the new sewer as well as the lifelong home sewer who has never used a serger before.

Although there is a slight learning curve for those who are accustomed to mechanical sergers, the Pfaff Coverlock 3.0 is a practical and user-friendly machine that is extremley reliable. It is easy to set up and use - due largely to the thorough instructions provided on the DVD.


Anyone who purchases this machine - even the veteran serger - should take the time to watch this DVD and go through each and every one of the instructional steps.

The seasoned person who has been using a different serger at home for a long time may think it a waste of time and energy, but will soon come to recognize that skipping these instructions will result in hours of self instruction that could have been spent producing an array of fabulous new clothes, accessories and home décor accents for themselves, family members and friends.

A recent survey of people who use the Pfaff Coverlock 3.0 on a regular basis reveals that at a suggested retail price of about $1,000, this particular electronic serger is a very good value for the money. The users who participated in this survey gave this machine high marks all around, rating it above average in performance, reliability, user-friendliness and value.

Comments and observations reveal that the Coverlock 3.0 is an excellent choice when it comes to size, portability, stitch options, safety, ease of operation, the user-friendly manual and instructional DVD, and available accessories.

Taking the Pfaff Coverlock 3.0 to your local sewing machine service and repair professional for servicing every time it needs to be cleaned may be a turn off to veteran home sewers, but it is a minor inconvenience.

All you have to do is take a few moments to consider the many functions this machine can perform that simply cannot be replicated on older mechanical machines.

The inconvenience of a little bit of downtime is well worth the many benefits you reap in the long run.

Besides, there is no better way to protect your investment than to make sure you give your machine the very best care possible.

Currently the Pfaff Coverlock 3.0 serger is available online at Amazon.co.uk.

We would like to thank Cynthia's Fine Fabrics for lending us the Pffaf Coverlock 3.0 serger for this review. You can read more about Cynthia's in our review.

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