What is coverstitch?
A coverstitch is the pair of parallel stitch lines you see on the outside of a t-shirt hem, cuff or neckband, with a looped thread covering the raw edge on the inside. It stretches with the fabric and finishes a knit edge cleanly.
Why it matters
It is the finish that makes a hem look retail rather than homemade. Stitch density and thread tension show immediately on a heavyweight garment.
On our floor
Coverstitch on every hem and cuff, and around the neck rib, with tone-on-tone or contrast thread as specified.
Common questions
- Where is coverstitch used?
- Hems, cuffs, neckbands and sometimes decorative seams on tees, hoodies and joggers.
- Can the thread be a contrast colour?
- Yes — a common detail on premium tees.
- Is it different from topstitch?
- Topstitch is a general term; coverstitch is the specific stretch stitch used on knits.
- How wide is a coverstitch?
- Typically 6 mm between the two needle lines; 3 mm narrow is used on lighter garments.
Related terms
overlock
An overlock — or serge — is a stitch that joins two pieces and wraps the raw edge in looped thread in a single pass, trimming as it goes.…
flatlock
A flatlock seam joins two pieces edge to edge with a flat, ladder-like stitch so there is no ridge on the inside. It is used where the seam…
jersey
Jersey is the single-knit fabric of the t-shirt: a smooth face, a slightly looped back, stretch across the width and a tendency to curl at…
cut and sew
Cut and sew means the garment is made from fabric — cut to a pattern and sewn — rather than bought as a finished blank and decorated. It is…
Where this applies
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