Baby Lock Applaud: Coverhems & Decorative Stitching | Reva's Tips
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Time to read 3 min
There is a new kid in town, the Baby Lock Applaud. This machine is a dedicated coverhem machine which means it will give you the professional hem that you find on your t-shirts and the hems of your leggings.
But it is far more! The Applaud also has the ability to have the coverstitches on both the top and the bottom sides of the fabric, resulting in a professional look that you will find on sportswear. It is a very stretchable stitch that looks and performs great!
Baby Lock Applaud Deluxe Coverhem
The Baby Lock Applaud features ExtraordinAir threading, automatic tension (ATD: No Tension Adjustments), Needle Up/Down, and a Dual Wiper System. The Creative Top Cover Stitch is what sets it apart, putting a finished, professional look on both sides of the fabric. It is a fantastic coverhem machine that does so much more.
SEE PRICETip: When stitching a double coverhem for sportswear, use a wooly poly thread instead of regular thread for that extra needed stretch.
Add Some Zing with Decorative Threads
Let's not stop there. Use threads of any type and color to add texture and fun to your fabric and project. Use matching thread in the wipers to add dimension and interest to a piece of fabric to use in a garment or home decor project. Do you want to take your basic sewing from ho-hum to WOWZA? Why not add some decorative threads to a "normal" stitch to add some zing?
In past articles, you have heard me talk about my love for the Glamore thread from Wonderfil that we carry. It is OOOOH SOOOO PRETTY! That's right, thread those upper wipers with these decorative threads and you will create a show stopper. Why be boring when you can BLING?
Tip: When using decorative threads in your project, try using stitches of different lengths. I find that using a longer stitch length allows the thread to be more visible on the fabric surface and will have more sparkle.
WonderFil GlaMore Thread
WonderFil GlaMore is a 12wt sparkly thread that works in the wipers of the Applaud to create a show-stopping decorative finish. No matter if you are creating athletic wear or letting your inner artist shine, threading it through the upper wipers adds a layer of texture and shimmer that regular thread simply can't.
SHOP GLAMORE THREAD
No matter if you are creating athletic wear or letting your inner artist shine, you are going to love the Baby Lock Applaud. It is a fantastic coverhem machine that does so much more. Browse all Baby Lock sergers and coverhem machines or give us a call at (800) 687-5175 with any questions.
Happy Stitching,
Reva
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a coverhem machine?
A coverhem machine creates the type of professional hem you see on the bottom of t-shirts, activewear, and leggings. It produces a stitch that is visible on both the top and bottom of the fabric and has stretch built in, making it ideal for knit fabrics. It is different from a serger, which finishes raw edges, and from a regular sewing machine, which does not produce a true coverhem.
The Baby Lock Applaud is a dedicated coverhem machine with the added ability to place coverstitches on both sides of the fabric, a feature found on high-end coverstitch machines.
What is the difference between a coverhem and a coverstitch?
A coverhem typically refers to the hem finish itself, while coverstitch describes the stitch type. Most coverhem machines stitch on the top side of the fabric only. The Baby Lock Applaud goes further with its Creative Top Cover Stitch, which puts the decorative stitch on both the top and bottom sides of the fabric simultaneously. This is what creates the professional finish found on sportswear and performance fabrics.
Why use wooly poly thread for a double coverhem?
Wooly poly thread is a textured, crimped polyester thread that has more give than standard thread. When used in the loopers of a coverhem machine, it fills in the stitch and adds the extra stretch needed for performance fabrics like spandex and jersey. Standard polyester thread can break when the fabric is stretched because it does not have the same built-in give.
Can I use decorative thread in the Baby Lock Applaud?
Yes. The Applaud's Dual Wiper System lets you thread the upper wipers with decorative threads like WonderFil GlaMore to add texture, shimmer, and color to your fabric surface. Using a longer stitch length makes the decorative thread more visible and gives more sparkle on the finished surface. This works on garments, home decor pieces, and any project where you want the stitching itself to be a design element.
What accessories are available for the Baby Lock Applaud?
Several foot kits and accessories are available specifically for the Applaud, including the Cording and Taping Micro Insert Foot Kit, the Stitch in the Ditch Micro Insert Foot Kit, and the Baby Lock Applaud 10 Foot Kit. Call us at (800) 687-5175 for help choosing the right accessories for your projects.
