7 Best Sewing Machines for Chainstitch

The chain stitch is not as widely used as the lockstitch or regular straight stitch. It is a form of decorative embroidery in which chain like stitches are looped together to form a pattern.

It has been used for sealing grain bags, finishing the hems and side seams of jeans, and as a safety stitch on garments which may need to be taken apart eventually. Some sewing machines which do chain stitching also have the capability to do other types of stitches like the cover stitch.

A few may also serge as well while some are solely dedicated to chain stitching. I will be looking closely at the best sewing machines for chain stitch.

1. Juki MCS-1500 Cover Stitch and Chain Stitch Machine

When any chain stitch machine makes chains, they are formed on the underside of the garment.

The type of stitching that results makes it ideal for use on waistbands and the side seams of trousers that need an added stretch.

As an embroidery stitch, the chain stitch is also used to create decorative designs on the necklines of garments. No need for a specialized embroidery machine.

Most machines for home use are never for a single purpose and this one is no different.

You can also use the Juki MCS-1500 to do cover stitching to finish off necklines, hemlines and cuffs.

This cover stitch also facilitates stretching as well, so it is perfect for use on knits and other types of stretch fabrics.

Unlike a serger sewing machine, the chain stitch and cover stitch machine can stitch at any position on the fabric.

The Juki MCS-1500 is made to accommodate 4 spools of thread.

Only 2 threads are needed to form a chain stitch and 3 or 4 for a cover stitch.

It comes with a standard presser foot which can be raised and lowered by using a lever.

The front of the presser foot is designed with a higher upward curve to ensure that fabrics can easily be placed under it at the start of stitching.

The presser foot can be raised to between 8 and 10mm to accommodate thick layers of fabric or adding bulky notions.

The pressure of the presser foot can be adjusted based on the fabric you are working with, to provide added ease or added hold.

This machine can accommodate three needles and the looper can be easily threaded by just pressing a button to lower it.

The adjustable differential feed allows for smooth and even sewing every time.

Since the chain stitch can be created at any position on the fabric, not just the edge as with overlockers sewing machines, there are seam guidelines on the extension plate to use while sewing.

The features are complete with a sewing light and an exterior thread cutter at the side.

If you really don’t need a chain stitch machine with four threads, this next machine may be what you are looking for.

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2. Janome CoverPro Coverstitch Machine 900CPX

This three thread machine by Janome uses one or two needles to create its stitches.

1 needle to create  a 2 thread chain stitch and 2 needles to create a 3 thread cover stitch.

I like that is has a seam tightening system or STS, which allows for the secure formation of stitches.

It operates at 1000 stitches per minute, has a large sewing bed and an adjustable differential feed.

The colour coded diagram assists with threading and you get a basic tool kit and accessories with this package.

If you are looking for a multi-use machine which provides the functions of a serger as well as chain stitch in one, then this final machine is a perfect fit.

This model is the Best Machine for Chain Stitch and Serger

3. Juki Pearl Line MO-655 2/3/4/5 Thread Serger

Designed to accommodate 5 threads, this machine performs 2 needle overlock stitches as well as a chain stitch.

The knife can be adjusted via the lower knife adjustment knob to accommodate the chain stitch and also flatlock stitching.

The differential feed allows for even stitching and the thread tension dials also facilitate smooth operation.

The colour coded threading system provides simplification when threading.

In my opinion, if you don’t want to have to purchase a chain stitch machine separate from a serger, this is an economical option.

4. Singer Zigzag Chainstitch Sewing Machine

This Singer Zigzag Chainstitch sewing machine can create a chain and zig-zag stitches. It is operated by a foot pedal and features a lighted work area. This machine is suitable for beginner sewing projects.

• foot pedal
• built-in light
• carrying handle

5. Janome Cover Pro 1000CPX Coverstitch Machine

The Janome Cover Pro 1000CPX is capable of producing triple or double needle cover stitches or chain stitches. It features a superior needle system which is more reliable than that found in most sewing machines. The seam tightening system allows for easy thread tension adjustment.

• extra large sewing bed space
• differential feed
• one hand thread cutter

6. NKOK A2213 Singer EZ Stitch Chainstitch Sewing Machine

The NKOK A2213 is a simple-to-use sewing machine which creates chainstitches quickly and easily. It is battery operated for portability. It can be used safely by young sewers.

• battery operated
• protective needle cover
• work area light

7. Juki MO-735 5-Thread Serger

The Juki MO-735 serger can perform a variety of functions with 2, 3, or 4 threads. It can create chain stitches, overlock stitches, and a five-thread safety stitch on light to heavy-weight materials. A multi-function presser foot makes it easy to work with even difficult to feed materials.

• chain looper threading
• multi-function presser foot
• chain stitch mode