Stitching Outside the Lines: How the Applaud's Top Cover Stitch Transformed My Projects

Before receiving the machine, I assumed that the Top Cover Stitch on the Applaud would look like any other Top Cover Stitch. My first thought was, how do I make what we create with this new machine look different when our stitch would look similar? At that point, a little bit of panic set in but quickly disappeared after stitching those first few stitches. That is when I realized the versatility of the Creative Top Cover Stitch was going to exceed my expectations. After a few hours of using the machine, I was sketching projects and writing notes on creative ways to use this amazing stitch. Each day I spent stitching on the Applaud I discovered another creative opportunity, whether it was using only one wiper, adjusting the stitch length using a particular thread to change the look of the stitch, using decorative threads in each of the wipers, or simply one wiper, creating a unique pattern with a particular stitch, or using the Creative Top Cover Stitch with all of my serger attachments. I realized that while the stitch was designed for functionality, hemming, and finishing seams, it was the creative side of the stitch that intrigued me the most. Having the ability to change the stitch so that it didn’t look like a Top Cover Stitch or even something that was stitched on a serger. That is when my creative journey with the Creative Top Cover Stitch on the Baby Lock Applaud truly began.  

There are several creative elements I like to incorporate into any project I am working on, whether it is something I have sketched/designed, a commercial pattern, or an indie pattern to help make what I create look unique or one-of-a-kind. Often these elements are decorative threads of various weights. Another is techniques like pleats, specialty stitches, and https://babylock.com/accessories/feet-attachments/serger-feet.  The Creative Top Cover Stitch is now one of those elements, and it could be as simple as stitching on fabric to create a custom fabric. Because the Creative Top Cover Chain Stitch is the ideal stitch to create custom fabric using decorative threads, I started testing threads in the wipers to see what I did and didn’t like. With the wiper thread picked, the stitch length had to be determined.  Next came the pattern or design, a simple grid. The hardest part was the spacing, 1” or 1 ½”? And after each step, I questioned my decision!  My final step was to stitch my design on my project fabric. At this point, I had to decide the best use of this technique, a home dec project or garment. The garment won!  Secretly, I had the perfect pattern and fabric already selected. All that was left was the technique that would be used to create the fabric for the jacket. With the fabric embellished, the next step was to cut out the pattern pieces and stitch the garment together. The design changed slightly from my test sample to the final piece, which often happens.  That is part of the creative process! 

This technique was something that I found exciting and creative. Lots of opportunities.  From here each stitch was a chance for me to explore the creative side of what I could do with the Creative Top Cover Stitch.

As my journey continued, I kept exploring different techniques and using various threads along with stitching on fabrics that most wouldn’t consider using with a serger let alone with the Cover or Chain Stitch and certainly not a Top Cover Stitch. Besides the fabrics listed below, I stitched on home décor fabric, neoprene or scuba fabric, wool, faux leather, pleather, and other fabrics. We think that a Top Cover Stitch can only be used on knits. Why? Because that is what we see and are encouraged to use with this stitch type. With the look of the Creative Top Cover Stitch, it only seemed natural to look at other fabric types. Make good choices when selecting fabric. Don’t base the selection on, “I wanted to see if it would work”. Remember, the stitch is what you want to see, it is the “bling” or “frosting” on the fabric.

The Creative Top Cover stitch is not only unusual, but the results are simply unexpected, especially when using this stitch with the attachments. Using attachments in projects is one of my favorite ways to create detail, texture, and interest. Using the Creative Top Cover Stitch and decorative threads with the attachments, the look transforms from traditional and expected to couture and unexpected.

Picking a favorite stitch is hard as each stitch is unique, whether using overlock thread or a decorative thread such as 12wt. cotton. But, if I did, it would be the Narrow Cover Stitch, either Left (C1/C2) or Right (C2/C3). The Narrow Cover Stitch is elegant and exquisite, while the Triple and Wider Cover are bold and dynamic. When the same thread color is used in the needles and both wipers, the stitch looks like tiny pearls! The look is so different from the Triple and Wide Cover Stitch and is truly unique. I found myself using the stitch more than I would have anticipated. Whether I used both wipers, one wiper, overlock thread, or decorative thread, I got the same results - a stitch like no other., one wiper, overlock thread, or decorative thread I got the same results, a stitch like no other. 

What I found in the Creative Top Cover Stitch was versatility, creative options/opportunities, and stitch and machine that fit into my creative environment. My journey with the Baby Lock Applaud continues as I explore different threads, techniques, and ways to use the Creative Top Cover Stitch in projects - whether they are planned and on paper or simply inspired by something I see. I hope that your journey with this machine and the Creative Top Cover Stitch is as exciting and inspiring as mine has been.

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Learn more about the Baby Lock Applaud here.