While visiting Sunshine Sewing and Quilting in Margate, Florida, I had an opportunity to review the new Janome Cover Pro 2000 CPX.
Faye Nicholl, Sunshine owner and manager points out that “this machine is only for people who know what they want to do with it”. In order words, the Cover Pro 2000 CPX is a highly specialized single purpose machine.
At A Glance
Janome Cover Pro 2000 CPX
Looper tension switching lever
The Janome Cover Pro 2000 CPX looks very much like the Cover Pro 1000 CPX with one very distinct difference.
The 2000 CPX has a looper tension switching lever to the left of the looper tension disc. More on this brand new feature as we discuss working on this machine. It also has a free arm.
Dials on the right side, beneath the balance wheel give the user control of the adjustable stitch length, and differential feed.
Dials on the right side
Inside the looper door are two decals… one showing the proper threading pattern for the needles and the second with complete threading instructions.
Both decals are color coded, making the threading process as uncomplicated as possible.
Features
- Work with up to three needles and four threads
- Single needle chain stitch
- Adjustable stitch width and length
- Work area – 4” x 5 ½”
- Differential feed
- STS – Seam tightening system
- TLC – Tension level control (looper tension switching lever)
- LED lighting
- Adjustable foot pressure
- On board treading guide inside looper door
Working on the Janome Cover Pro 2000 CPX
The on board threading guides make setting the Janome Cover Pro 2000 CPX for work child’s play. No matter if you are using three threads or just one, threading this machine is simple and uncomplicated.
The new tension switching lever makes it possible for the user to effortlessly change the tension level from tight to loose with the mere touch of a fingertip.
This added feature is the single most outstanding innovation on the Cover Pro 2000 CPX, and one that will no doubt make working with different fabric textures and thicknesses much more user friendly.
On board threading guides
When you are working with a single purpose machine, you are entitled to expect that it operate flawlessly and this is certainly the case with the Janome Cover Pro 2000 CPX.
The quality of the stitches is superb. I found it interesting that the manual for this single purpose machine mentioned the capability to produce ‘decorative stitches’.
Quality of the stitches is superb
When I asked about this statement, I was told that the ‘decorative stitches’ were in essence, the underside of the chain stitched fabric.
It was then that I discovered that as the stitch length and width was adjusted, there was, indeed, a sort of decorative border stitch on the underside of the fabric.
In my opinion, this ‘decorative’ stitch could realistically be used to embellish a border or a blouse front. It would take some imagination and creativity, but there are some very definite possibilities with this unusual idea of creating decorative stitches when using a cover stitch only machine.
Fabrics
- Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool
- Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet
- Knits
- Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester
- Denim
- Upholstery
- Leather/suede
- Fur
- Reptile skin
- Canvas/Twill
- Plastic/Rubber
- Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers
Accessories
Standard accessories:
- Quick reference guide
- Dust cover
- 4 cones of thread
- 4 spool nets
- 4 spool caps
- Lint brush
- Seam ripper
- Extra needles
- 2 Screwdrivers (1 large/1 small)
- Tweezers
- Needle threader
- Owner’s manual
Optional accessories:
- Adjustable seam guide
- Hem guide
- Elastic gathering attachment
- Center guide foot (for use with 3 needles)
- Clear view cover stitch foot
- Extension table
- Tape binder (for use with 3 needles)
Accessories
Maintenance
| After each use | Monthly* | Once Each Year** | As Needed | |
| Clean race hook and feed dogs | ||||
| Wipe head with soft dry cloth | ||||
| Wipe head with soft damp cloth | ||||
| Lubricate | ||||
| Service by sewing machine repair professional |
Tying Off The Loose Ends
The Janome Cover Pro 2000 CPX is a very good machine for anyone who is ready to add a single purpose chain stitch machine to their sewing room.
The excellent stitch quality and ease of operation makes this an ideal choice for the home sewer who has never before used a cover stitch machine as well as the seasoned home sewer with lots of experience with a machine such as this.
Owner’s manual
The on board diagrams showing the different threading patterns for the various stitch options are easy to understand and follow. I believe that after just a few passes, anyone will be able to master this step with no hesitation whatsoever.
The quick reference guide is an excellent tool to have on hand just in case there may be some question about adjusting the tension, length, width or when and how to use the differential feed.
According to Faye Nicholl, Sunshine owner and manager, the only real difference between the 2000 CPX and the Janome 1000 CPX is the addition of the new looper tension switching lever which is situated next to the looper tension disc on the front of the machine.
I was really impressed by the ease with which the tension was tightened and loosened to accommodate varying thicknesses and types of fabric.
This little addition is a wonderful idea, and an idea whose time has definitely come. This innovation has made using a cover stitch machine designed for home use almost as flexible and powerful as one made for use in factories and professional studios.
When I look back at my review of the Cover Pro 1000 CPX, I see what she means. Like the 2000 CPX, that machine also performed at a very high level.
I thought it was a bit funny that even though I didn’t really discuss the ‘decorative stitch’ capability of the 1000 CPX, I did feature it in the photos in that review.
One other thing that I noticed in the review of the 2000 CPX that was only touched upon in the review of the 1000 CPX is the access to the free arm.
If you do not really look for it, it is very easy to mistakenly assume that there is no free arm on either of these machines. There is a very small piece that is removed to give the user access to the free arm.
Free arm
In my opinion, this simply does not give you enough space to work on a larger pant cuff, a multiple layers or a thicker fabric. If you ask me, this is the only thing that I would change on the Janome Cover Pro 2000 CPX.
Ideally, I would like to see a free arm clearance of at least two inches. The free arm clearance on both the Janome Cover Pro 1000 CPX and the 2000 CPX is no more than an inch if that much.
There is no doubt that the Janome Cover Pro 2000 CPX cannot do all that a sewing machine can do. Nor can it perform the functions of a serger.
If, however, you are in the market for a single purpose chain stitch machine that produces professional results, you are certainly a candidate for the 2000 CPX.
I recommend this machine for anyone who is seriously considering a chain stitch machine. It is well built, runs smoothly, is quiet and has virtually no vibration whatsoever, even when operating at the highest speed.
The Cover Pro 2000 CPX is available only at authorized Janome dealers, where you can get a hands on demonstration before making your purchase; and after taking the Cover Pro 2000 CPX home, new owners will have access to training and personalized customer service as they learn and adjust to using their new cover stitch machine.
- Beginner
- Needs lots of help – able to sew a straight seam but unfamiliar with most sewing techniques; needs assistance and instruction on basic sewing techniques.
- Intermediate
- Competent – can make different clothing items without assistance or guidance, but not good enough to sew intricate projects or to sew without a pattern.
- Expert
- Expert – can sew anything without instruction or assistance; possesses an expansive knowledge of sewing techniques and terminology.
- Superior stitch quality
- New tension release system
- Single purpose machine
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