The Joys of Industrial Machines - Part 1 July 18, 2006
Some months ago, I purchased a Kansai Special W8103F coverstitch machine. It has 5-thread capabilities: two or three needles with or without a top cover. It’s been great for hemming all of my knit garments! This weekend I decided it was time to practice with the binding attachment. This machine uses what is known as a post binder. The binding attachment mounts onto a post at the front of the machine vs. being screwed into the bed of a flatbed machine.
I currently own four types of binders: 1.5″ single-fold (meaning the lower edge is left raw), 1.25″ single-fold, 1.75″ double-fold (both the top and bottom edges are turned under) and a 3.5″ double-fold. I also have a 1 9/16″ double-fold and a 1″ double-fold on order. It’s nice to have a selection on hand. In retrospect, buying the 1.25″ single-fold binder was a bit of a mistake - there just isn’t enough difference between it and the 1.5″ binder to make it a justifiable purchase. Maybe it’ll come in handy sometime when I am short on fabric.
One-and-a-half inch binding is pretty standard. I have been able to amass a few rolls of precut binding. While I like cutting my own binding from my fashion fabric, these precut bindings are great for athletic wear.
Here is how the binder attaches to the machine. Since I’ve only used flatbed mounted binders until now, it took a little practice to get everything lined up just right.
The machine in action. The fold of the binding is about even with the bed of the machine so that I can simply guide the garment into the fold, being careful not to stretch the garment.
The finished product, a beautifully bound edge.
I love this finish so much that I’ve decided to buy a 2nd coverstitch - a flat bed - and keep this one set up with a binder all the time.
Gasp! Oh Gigi, I am so jealous! What a great machine. May I be so tacky and inquire how much one of these machines typically costs? I would love to start saving my pennies!
Wow! Does this machine have to be hooked up to something external (like a motor) to work?
Wow Gigi I envy your coverstitch machine.That is a beautiful binding.
I think I need a sewing vacation at your house! :o)
Ann, you could expect to pay about $2200 new, about $1200 used (MB has a very good source for used right now, if you’re interested). Pennies compared to home machines, wouldn’t you say?
Yes, Beth, this machine must be installed in a power stand.
I love coverstitch machines. I have a Babylock Evolve that can do a coverstitch hem, but not nearly as professional as this looks!
What a beautiful machine, Gigi. Love that binding…maybe someday, once I get the industry part of industrial set up…I can get back to **real** garment sewing. Soon, I hope, I’m beginning to
m-e-l-t t t t (puddle)
Yes, a sewing vacation at Gigi’s!! What a great idea. I had better start getting everything ready for binding now. The possiblilites are endless.
Gigi how wide does your 1.25 binder finish? It’s less than 1/2″ isn’t it?
OOHH to be Gigi - that is my sewing dream!
ConnieB
Yes, Georgene, the 1.25″ single-fold binding is about 3/8″ finished. This is such great fun - I’ll be cranking knits out even faster than usual!
Hi Gigi…..I have the same Kansai Special coverstitch industrial machine. I love it, love it, love it.
I will double check the model # because i am interested in the binding attachments. I live in Ontario Canada. Where would I get them? My sewing machine mechanic wasn’t successful in his hunt.
Thank you
Robena, you can buy the binders from Sharp Sewing on Ebay - they are located in California. Also try their website http://www.cutsewservice.com
You may buy folders also from SURUCU. http://www.surucuapere.com
Hi - I am interested in getting a machine to do quilt binding - mostly with customers won bias binding cut from the same fabric as the quilt - in other words not anything elastic. How would this machine do? I like the look of the 1&3/4 inch bias, ends up about 3/8inch, when double folded.
could you post a link to the kansai machines, pse. i am particularly interested in a used coverstitch machine. thanks
hi.. i want to learn how to sew using hand and machine. anybody knows of a sewing class or conducts sewing class?
Hi: I just found you in a search for binders for the Kansai Special Coverstitch machine. I have recently purchased a much older model (V-7002F). Could anybody please tell me what size binder (folder) I am supposed to purchase. The machine only came with one. Apparently they are hard to get in Canada and I live in Ontario. Love the machine, very quiet for it’s age. I’m having a little problem with the tension, but that is just me trying to get used to the machine.
Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.
Michele from Ontario
Hello, Can I hire someone to sew a carpet binding on for me? I already have all the materials (thread, binding strip, and carpet. I just need someone to sew the binding on. It is a 2.75″ dbl-fold binding strip. Total sew length is between 40 and 50 feet.
Thanks, Derek