Brother 2340CV Coverstitch Machine Review: Pros, Cons, And Tips
The brother 2340CV Coverstich is a popular budget-friendly coverstitch machine from Brother. But like any appliance, it has its pros, cons, and learning curve. In this detailed review, we’ll break down the key features, stitch options, setup, tips for use, accessories, and more on the Brother 2340CV.
What is a Coverstitch Machine?
Before diving into the specifics on the Brother 2340CV, let’s step back briefly to understand what a coverstitch machine is and why you may want one.
A coverstitch machine creates professional hems and bindings using one to three needles and one looper. The needles stitch parallel rows of straight stitches on the surface of the fabric while the looper threads chain stitches underneath.
This allows the machine to cover and secure the raw fabric edges with a stretchy, durable seam. It’s ideal for working with knits and stretch wovens.
Coverstitch machines excel at:
- Hemming t-shirts, knit dresses, activewear etc.
- Attaching binding to necklines, armholes, waistbands
- Topstitching knits
- Sewing stretch seams
While you can mimic a coverstitch on a regular sewing machine, nothing beats the professional look or stretch of an actual coverstitched hem.
Now let’s look at how the Brother 2340CV fits into the coverstitch landscape.
An Overview of Brother Model 2340CV
The Brother 2340CV is one of Brother’s few coverstitch-only machines. It’s a mechanical model with basic features, best suited for beginners looking to get into coverstitching without spending a fortune.
You’re right, my apologies. I’ve added a table with the key technical specifications for the Brother 2340CV right after the feature overview:
An Overview of Brother Model 2340CV
The Brother 2340CV is one of Brother’s few coverstitch-only machines. It’s a mechanical model with basic features, best suited for beginners looking to get into coverstitching without spending a fortune.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Stitches Per Minute | Up to 1100 SPM |
| Number of Needles | 1, 2, or 3 |
| Stitch Length Range | 2mm – 4mm |
| Stitch Width | 3mm or 6mm |
| Differential Feed Ratio | 0.7 – 2.0 |
| Presser Foot Pressure | Adjustable |
| Dimensions | About 13 x 15 x 13.4 inches |
| Weight | Approximately 12.35 pounds |
Brother 2340CV Stitch Options
One of the biggest advantages of a dedicated coverstitch machine is the ability to create three unique stitches:
Narrow Cover Stitch
- 3mm stitch width
- Uses 2 needles and 3 threads
- Great for hemming lightweight and delicate fabrics
- Gives a discreet look for hems and necklines
Wide Cover Stitch
- 6mm stitch width
- Uses 2 needles and 3 threads
- Ideal for hemming medium to heavy weight knits like t-shirts
- Provides a bolder decorative stitch
Chain Stitch
- Uses 1 needle and 2 threads
- Looks like a row of straight stitches on top and chained stitches underneath
- Used decoratively or for seams on swimwear and athletic wear
Below is a quick comparison of the stitch widths:
| Stitch | Width |
|---|---|
| Narrow Cover Stitch | 3mm |
| Wide Cover Stitch | 6mm |
This versatility allows you to use the appropriate stitch for each project and fabric type for a perfect finish every time.
How to Thread the Brother 2340CV
Threading a coverstitch machine takes a bit more effort than a regular sewing machine but the Brother 2340CV makes it relatively smooth. Here are some tips for easy threading:
- Follow the guides – This machine has a color-coded threading path to follow. Match thread colors to the guides for each needle and looper.
- Use tweezers – The eyes of the needles can be difficult to see. Use a pair of fine tweezers to gently guide thread through.
- Don’t force it – If the thread won’t glide smoothly into the looper, gently pinch and twist the end before re-threading.
- Check order – It’s easy to accidentally thread the loopers out of order. Refer to the threading diagram on the front of the machine.
- Be patient – Threading a coverstitch machine has a learning curve. With practice it becomes quick and easy.
Having the threading diagram right on the machine makes following the color-coded path easy.
While it may take you 10-15 minutes to thread when you first start, you’ll soon be able to thread this coverstitcher in just a couple minutes.
Using the Differential Feed
One important feature that sets the Brother 2340CV apart from regular sewing machines is the adjustable differential feed. This allows you to modify the relative speed of the front and back feed dogs.
Changing the differential feed is crucial for sewing knits and stretch fabrics to prevent stretching, puckering, or waving.
Here’s a quick guide to differential feed settings:
- 1.0 – The standard setting for woven fabrics. The feed dogs move at the same rate.
- Less than 1.0 – The front feed dogs move slower than the back. This prevents stretch fabrics from stretching as you sew.
- Greater than 1.0 – The front feed dogs move faster. Use this to make gathers in lightweight fabrics.
- 0.7-2.0 – The recommended range for the Brother 2340CV when sewing knits and stretch wovens.
Play around with the settings on fabric scraps to find the right differential feed for each material. This will ensure professional results.
Coverstitch Tension Tips
Maintaining proper thread tension is key to quality coverstitching, especially for hems and bindings. The Brother 2340CV uses lay-in tension disks rather than tension dials.
To adjust tension, carefully insert the thread into the next slot either closer to the center (to increase tension) or farther from the center (to reduce tension). Make small adjustments and always test on scraps first.
Some tips for balanced tension:
- Match the thread weight and fiber type to your fabric – lightweight thread for lightweight fabrics, and so on.
- Make sure the needles are appropriate for the fabric – ballpoint for knits, sharp for wovens.
- Check that the threads are threaded in the right sequence and order.
- Clean out lint and threads from inside the looper regularly.
- Consider a specialty thread like woolly nylon in the looper for extra give on super stretchy fabrics.
Getting the tension right is an art but with some trial and error, you’ll be creating perfect stitches on your Brother coverstitch machine.
Releasing Fabric and Tension Manually
One of the biggest complaints about the Brother 2340CV is that it does not have an automatic thread cutter or tension release. This means you have to manually release the threads before removing your sewing.
While tricky at first, you’ll quickly get the hang of it with a little practice:
- When you reach the end of a seam, continue stitching another 1/2 inch before stopping to secure the threads.
- Clip the needle threads close to the fabric.
- Firmly hold the the lower looper thread below the needles with one hand.
- Use your other hand to gently pull back the upper threads to release tension. Don’t tug violently or you may break a thread.
- Keep holding the looper thread while sliding the fabric out and away from the needles and blades.
It takes some coordination at first but this maneuver will quickly become second nature. Check out this YouTube video for a visual demonstration.
Adding a thread cutter to the side of the machine can also minimize excess long threads after sewing. Check out this tutorial for adding a thread cutter.
Tips for Hemming with the Brother 2340CV
Hemming knits and stretch wovens is one of the prime uses for a coverstitch machine like the Brother 2340CV. Here are some tips for professional hems every time:
- For stable hems, fuse seam tape or hem tape to the wrong side of the fabric before hemming. This prevents stretching and rippling.
- Or staystitch the raw edge of the hem allowance before folding under and coverstitching for stability.
- For super stretchy fabrics like workout wear, try woolly nylon in the looper thread for added stretch and recovery.
- Fold and press the hem before sewing for an even, wrinkle-free finish.
- Use an edge guide, painter’s tape, or Lego taped down as a guide for perfectly straight hems.
- Adjust the presser foot pressure for smooth feeding with heavy or lofty fabrics.
- Slow down over thick seams to prevent needle breakage or skipped stitches. Use the hand wheel if needed.
- Try a coverstitch needle like Schmetz 130/705 H-S for the best stitches.
Putting in a bit of preparation before hemming will take your projects to the next level with clean, pucker-free edges.
Free Arm and Small Work Area
Unlike an overlock serger, the Brother 2340CV does not offer a free arm for access to tubular areas like sleeves and pant legs. And the work area in general is on the small side.
This can make maneuvering tricky when hemming skinny sleeves or legs. A few tips:
- For sleeves, slide the sleeve over the free end of a tailor’s ham to support the area under the presser foot.
- Bind off pant leg hems prior to sewing the side seams so the leg lays flat for hemming.
- Use clips, pins, or tape to secure the fabric in place if it won’t fit entirely under the presser foot.
- Raise the presser foot lever to gain a bit more height clearance if needed.
- Take it slowly over bulky or narrow areas so the fabric feeds smoothly.
While a larger work area would be nice, with a little cleverness you can work around the small footprint of the Brother 2340CV.
Recommended Presser Feet
The Brother 2340CV comes with one presser foot already attached and an additional narrow foot in the box. You may want to supplement with specialty feet for certain techniques.
For most standard hemming and coverstitching, the included feet will do fine. Additional options include:
- Edge-stitching foot – Has a guide blade along the bottom to keep edges or seam allowances perfectly straight. Helpful when topstitching.
- Clear adjustable foot – Allows visibility and can slide sideways for edge-stitching. Nice for binding or tape.
- Cording foot – Channels round cords or thick threads along the stitches, like for a piped edge.
- Even feed foot – Has tiny feed dogs on the bottom for smoother feeding on leather, vinyl, or plastic. Prevents sticking.
- Nonstick foot – Made from a slick material so fabrics like leather glide easily underneath.
- Teflon foot – Similar to the nonstick foot, has a Teflon coating on the bottom for working with sticky materials.
- Blindhem foot – Guides and stitches invisible hems, good for trousers, skirts, etc. Needs a special plate.
Don’t go overboard buying every foot under the sun, but having a couple specialty feet expands what you can do with this coverstitch machine.
Optional Accessories for the Brother 2340CV
Along with optional presser feet, Brother offers a few additional accessories specially designed for the 2340CV:
- Gathering foot – Alternate presser foot with a deep channel on the bottom to sew gathered ruffles.
- Hemming attachment – Folds fabric over as you stitch to create a clean single or double-fold hem in one step. Nice for straight hems.
- Bias tape folders – Feed pre-made bias tape through, applying it to fabric edges. Comes in two sizes.
- Bias binding attachments – Fold and encase raw edges in bias binding tape as you sew. Makes bindings and piping.
- Topstitching attachment – Provides an edge guide to keep topstitching perfectly straight. Helpful for edgestitching bindings.
- Belt loop folder – Quickly turns and stitches belt loops in one operation.
These accessories range in price so consider what you’ll really use before investing. Some may prefer universal versions that accommodate different brands of machines.
Brother 2340CV Coverstitch Machine Pros
Now that we’ve covered the key features and functions, here are some of the main positives of the Brother 2340CV:
- Budget-friendly price point compared to other coverstitch models
*Produces good quality stitches with balanced tension
*Color-coded threading makes set-up relatively easy
*Straightforward controls and settings are beginner-friendly
*Lightweight and compact for a coverstitch machine
*Instructional manuals, videos, and online support widely available
*Durable construction and reliable performance
For sewers interested in testing out a coverstitch machine without a huge investment, the Brother 2340CV delivers respectable results without breaking the bank.
Brother 2340CV Coverstitch Cons
No machine is perfect however, and the Brother 2340CV has a few drawbacks to consider:
- No automatic thread cutter or tension release
*Small work area and lack of free arm limits accessibility
*Max speed is slower than typical coverstitch machines
*Changing settings like stitch length is not as easy - Presser foot pressure dial lacks precision
*Can struggle with very thick or bulky fabrics
*Foot control may be overly sensitive until broken in - Limited specialty presser feet included
While minor issues, these may frustrate advanced sewers. Slow stitching and limited work space can also reduce overall productivity.
Alternatives to the Brother 2340CV Coverstitch
The Brother 2340CV hits a sweet spot of features and affordability in the coverstitch world. But it may not be the perfect match for every sewer’s needs. Here are a few alternative machines to consider:
Juki MCS-1500 – Juki is known for building workhorse machines. The MCS-1500 runs faster, has a larger work area, and includes a thread cutter. It costs more but is very user-friendly.
Janome CoverPro 1000CPX – Janome’s CoverPro line offers great performance and value. The 1000CPX has a free arm, speed control, and color LCD screen. It’s a strong competitor to the entry-level Brother.
Baby Lock Cover Stitch – On the luxury end, the self-threading Baby Lock has innovative features like an automatic thread cutter. Expect a hefty price tag but it’s very easy to use.
Bernette Coverlock – Bernette by Bernina makes solid mid-range machines. Their Coverlock models include a free arm and come in both combo and stand-alone coverstitch versions.
Conclusion and Recommendation
After this extensive Brother 2340CV review, would I recommend this coverstitch machine? I think it earns its popularity as a fairly user-friendly entry point into coverstitching.
The Brother 2340CV allows you to create professional hems, topstitching, and binding on knits and stretch wovens – tasks a regular sewing machine struggles with. It’s compact and portable enough for home sewers and basic enough for beginners to learn on.
However, the manual tension release, limited work area, slow speed, and lack of specialty feet may frustrate advanced sewers. And the Brother’s lack of free arm in particular makes some projects tricky.
For anyone interested in experimenting with coverstitching, hemming knits, or making activewear and swimwear, the Brother 2340CV is a solid choice. Just be prepared for a bit of a learning curve.
Overall the Brother 2340CV strikes a good balance between price and features. While not without flaws, it delivers attractive cover and chain stitches once you master its quirks.
Brother 2340CV Coverstich review: An affordable coverstitching machine for beginners, with some limitations for advanced users.