Janome CoverPro 900CPX Review: A Top Coverstitch Machine
Coverstitch machines are specialized sewing machines that are used to finish and secure the raw edges of fabric pieces. Unlike regular sewing machines, coverstitch machines use two to four threads and multiple needles to create rows of straight stitching on the right side of fabrics. This gives projects a professional, clean-finished look, especially on the hems and necklines of garments.
The Janome CoverPro 900CPX is one of the most popular home coverstitch machines on the market. It is feature-rich, durable, and can produce beautiful cover and chain stitches comparable to far more expensive industrial machines. In this Janome CoverPro 900CPX review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the features, performance, and ease of use of this fantastic sewing machine.
Overview of the Janome CoverPro 900CPX
The Janome CoverPro 900CPX is a coverstitch machine designed specifically for home use. It has a sturdy metal internal construction and weighs 27 pounds. The machine features Janome’s exclusive Seam Tightening System (STS) which helps reduce the amount of slack in the looper threads for flatter, tighter stitches.
This CoverPro model is able to sew both built-in cover stitches and single needle chain stitches. It can stitch at up to 1,000 stitches per minute, making it suitable for quickly finishing edges and hemming projects. The combination of versatility, speed, and Janome’s signature ease of use makes the 900CPX a great choice for home sewers looking for beautifully finished garments.
Insert video overview of Janome CoverPro 900CPX machine
Features and Benefits of the Janome CoverPro 900CPX
Here are some of the main features and benefits of the Janome CoverPro 900CPX coverstitch machine:
- Easy to thread system – There are printed guides and diagrams directly on the machine that show you how to thread the needles and loopers correctly. This makes setup much easier.
- Free arm capability – The removable flat bed extension allows you to remove the bed for free arm sewing of sleeves, pant legs, and other tubular areas.
- Extra wide flat bed – At 4 inches by 5.5 inches, the sewing bed provides ample space for large projects. You can easily sew quilts, curtains, and other expansive materials.
- Differential feed – The adjustable differential feed prevents stretching and puckering on knit fabrics. It ensures smooth stitches on woven and stretchy materials.
- Professional finish – The Janome CoverPro 900CPX produces a professional finish on hems and edges that looks comparable to a commercial coverstitch machine. This gives your homemade garments a high-end polish.
- Beautiful hems – You can sew beautiful hems on t-shirts, blouses, dresses, jeans, and any other clothing item with knit or woven fabric. It handles elastic, bias tape, ribbons, and other trims with ease.
- Sturdy stitches – The coverstitch and chain stitches produced by this machine are very sturdy. They hold up extremely well through repeated wearing and washing.
Janome CoverPro 900CPX coverstitch machine
Additionally, here are the key technical specifications for the Janome CoverPro 900CPX:
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Sewing Speed | 1,000 stitches per minute |
| Stitch Length | 1mm – 4mm |
| Stitch Width | 5mm |
| Needles | 1 or 2 |
| Threads | 2-3 |
| Presser Foot | Snap-on type |
| Bed Size | 5.5″ x 4″ |
| Free Arm | Yes |
| Weight | 27 lbs |
Ease of Use
One area where the Janome CoverPro 900CPX really shines is in its ease of use. Janome is known for making sewing machines that are intuitive to thread, adjust, and operate. Here are some of the ease of use features on this model:
- Quick reference chart – There is a chart printed directly on the front of the machine that recommends settings like stitch length, differential feed, and tension for common fabrics like lightweight knits, medium knits, and heavyweight knits. This makes setup a breeze.
- Easy tension adjustment – The tension dials for both the needles and loopers are conveniently located on the belt cover for quick access.
- One-handed thread cutter – Cutting the threads is a one-handed operation, as the thread cutter is located near the needles.
- Vertical needle drop – The left and right needles both drop vertically into the fabric for smooth feeding.
- Presser foot lifter placement – The presser foot lifter is positioned behind the needles so it can be operated with either your left or right hand.
- Free arm – Simply remove the flat bed cover to access the free arm for stitching sleeves, pant legs, and other cylindrical shapes.
Thanks to features like these, you’ll be able to thread, adjust, and operate the Janome CoverPro 900CPX with ease. It’s an very user-friendly machine, even for sewing beginners.
Insert video demonstrating threading and setup process
Performance and Stitch Quality
The most important aspect of any coverstitch machine is how beautifully it sews stitches and handles different types of fabrics. The Janome 900CPX delivers exceptional performance:
- Woven and knit fabrics – It sews smoothly over both woven fabrics like cotton and linen as well as knits like jersey and interlock. The stitches have a nice amount of stretch and strength.
- Swimsuits and activewear – This machine is ideal for sewing high-stretch fabrics like spandex swimsuits and activewear. The overlock stitches have enough give to allow the garment to stretch and move.
- T-shirts – Sewing t-shirts is a breeze thanks to the differential feed. It prevents tunneling or puckering on the hems and neckbands, even on lightweight cotton/polyester blends.
- Cover and chain stitches – Both the coverstitch and chain stitches produced by the Janome CoverPro 900CPX are extremely sturdy. They hold up through repeated wearing and washing without popping or unraveling.
- Troubleshooting tips – To avoid skipped stitches, use the proper needle for your fabric thickness and type. Make sure the needles are straight and sharp. Using a high-quality polyester thread can also help.
Whether you are hemming denim jeans, finishing a neckline on a silk blouse, or edgestitching a linen skirt, the Janome 900CPX has the stitch power to handle it beautifully. The results look so professional that no one will guess your project is homemade.
Example of a coverstitch finish by the Janome 900CPX
Helpful Accessories and Attachments
The Janome CoverPro 900CPX comes with several handy accessories like needles, screwdrivers, tweezers, and spool nets. However, Janome does offer additional presser feet and attachments that can add functionality to your machine:
- Clear coverstitch foot – This foot allows you to see the stitching clearly as you sew. It helps guide your fabric and ensure straight stitches.
- Tape binder foot – Attach ribbon or bias tape directly as you sew with this handy foot.
- Hemming guides – These attachments help create perfectly even hems at different widths.
- Extension table – A larger extension table provides more surface area for big projects.
- Adjustable seam guide – This guide attaches to the bed to keep seams and topstitching lines consistent.
Using accessories like these can elevate your sewing skills and streamline certain techniques. Be sure to check the Janome website or your dealer for compatible accessories for your CoverPro 900CPX.
Our Final Verdict: An Excellent Coverstitch Machine
So what’s our final verdict on the Janome CoverPro 900CPX coverstitch machine after taking a close look at its features and performance? In short, it’s an absolutely excellent sewing machine that will meet the needs of most home sewers.
Here are some of the main benefits that make it a great buy:
- Extremely easy threading and setup process
- Free arm and large workspace to accommodate projects
- Cover and chain stitches have outstanding quality and strength
- Sews smoothly over wovens, knits, denim, and stretch fabrics
- Produces professional-looking finishes on garments and household items
- Durable construction built to last through years of use
- More affordable than the upgraded Janome CoverPro 1000CPX
The Janome 900CPX is ideal for intermediate to advanced sewers who want beautiful hems and edges on their homemade clothing, crafts, and other fabric projects. While it lacks some of the stitch options offered by pricier models, its core coverstitching performance is top-notch.
Overall, we highly recommend the Janome CoverPro 900CPX as a feature-rich coverstitch machine that can handle a wide variety of fabrics while delivering a superior stitch appearance. It’s a great workhorse sewing machine that will give your projects a clean finish.
The Janome CoverPro 900CPX is an excellent coverstitch machine for home sewing