BROTHER CV3550
A coverstitch machine with 7 stitches, three of them top cover stitches. It sews with 5, 4, 3 and 2 threads and has a 155 mm working space and a free arm.
Besides the four basic stitches – triple cover, wide cover, narrow cover and chain – this machine sews three top cover stitches: wide, narrow and triple. They suit hems, topstitching, flat joining seams and edging with elastic and bindings.
The working space is 155 mm, so large projects are easier to sew, and the free arm makes sewing necklines, cuffs and hems easier.
Features
Top cover stitches
The wide and narrow top cover stitches are sewn with 2 needles and 4 threads, and the triple top cover stitch with 3 needles and 5 threads. They suit hems, topstitching and flat joining seams.
Controls on the right
The stitch length dial, differential feed dial and handwheel are on the right-hand side of the machine.
Large working space
The 155 mm working space is to the right of the needles. You can sew right up to the edge of the fabric, or sew off it to create a chain of thread, and cut the chain to the length you need.
Free arm
With the bed extension removed, the free arm makes sewing necklines, cuffs and hems easy.
Automatic thread tension release
Lifting the presser foot lever releases all thread tensions, so the fabric comes out easily. The tensions stay released until you lower the presser foot again.
Vertical needles
Vertical needles penetrate the fabric deeper and are less likely to damage it.
More features
Easier threading
- A lever moves the lower looper to the right, which makes threading it easier.
- Threading paths are marked with coloured lines and numbers.
Variable stitch length
- The stitch length can be changed with a dial from 2 to 4 mm; the normal setting is 3 mm.
Adjustable presser foot pressure
- The pressure is set with a screw on the top left of the machine; the normal setting is 2.
- If the fabric does not feed, increase the pressure by turning the screw clockwise.
Separate thread tension dials
- Each needle thread, the looper thread and the top cover thread has its own dial.
- The dials are colour coded: yellow for the left needle, green for the centre needle, pink for the right needle, purple for the top cover thread and blue for the looper thread.
- Most sewing is possible at setting 4.
Looper thread tension lever
- The lever fine-tunes the looper thread tension: raise it to increase the tension when sewing stretch fabric or with a short stitch length, and lower it to reduce the tension when sewing non-stretch fabric or with a long stitch length.
Differential feed
- Set with a dial; the normal value is 1.0.
- A lower value stretches the fabric and reduces puckering on thin fabrics; a higher value reduces rippling when sewing stretch fabrics.
- The more elastic the fabric, the further the dial should be turned from 1.0 toward 2.0.
- Do not use differential feed on thick non-stretch fabric such as denim, as it may damage the fabric.
Thread stand for five spools
- Raise the telescoping thread tree to its highest position before sewing.
- Put a spool net over a spool of loosely spun nylon thread so that the thread does not slip off.
- If the thread slips off the spool easily, place a spool mat under the spool so that the thread does not tangle on the spool pin.
Standard home sewing needles
- The machine uses ordinary home sewing machine needles; the recommended needle is 130/705H (#90).
- Fabric damage can be reduced by using 130/705H SUK (#90) BALL POINT needles.
LED light
- An LED light illuminates the sewing area.
Thread cutter
- The built-in cutter trims the threads.
Light and compact
- The machine weighs 7.6 kg and has a carry handle, which makes it easier to move.
Front cover compartment
- There is room for needles, tweezers and the hexagonal driver under the front cover.
Stitches and their uses
| Stitch | Needles and threads | Suited for |
|---|---|---|
| Triple cover stitch | 3 needles, 4 threads | Reinforced stitch for hems, decorative effects and stretchy, durable seams on sportswear. |
| Wide cover stitch | 2 needles, 3 threads | Hemming, topstitching and decorative effects on T-shirts and knits. |
| Narrow cover stitch | 2 needles, 3 threads | Hemming fine fabrics, tape binding and topstitching. |
| Chain stitch | 1 needle, 2 threads | Rolled hems, tape binding, joining woven fabrics and decorative effects. |
| Triple top cover stitch | 3 needles, 5 threads | Hems, topstitching, flat joining seams and edging with elastic and bindings. |
| Wide top cover stitch | 2 needles, 4 threads | Hems, topstitching, flat joining seams and edging with elastic and bindings. |
| Narrow top cover stitch | 2 needles, 4 threads | Hems, topstitching, flat joining seams and edging with elastic and bindings. |
Stitch examples
The chart shows all 7 stitches on fabric. The stitches are arranged in rows from left to right, top to bottom.
In the figure: 1 – triple cover stitch, 2 – wide cover stitch, 3 – narrow cover stitch, 4 – chain stitch, 5 – triple top cover stitch, 6 – wide top cover stitch (labelled Top cover stitch, Wide), 7 – narrow top cover stitch (labelled Top cover stitch, Narrow).
Video
Official video about this model from Brother Sews USA.
Technical specifications
| Machine type | Mechanical coverstitch machine with top cover stitches |
|---|---|
| Fabrics | Fine to heavy materials |
| Threads and needles | 5, 4, 3 or 2 threads; 1, 2 or 3 needles |
| Stitch types | Chain, wide cover, narrow cover, triple cover, wide top cover, narrow top cover, triple top cover |
| Maximum sewing speed | 1000 stitches/min. |
| Stitch width | 6 mm / 3 mm |
| Stitch length | 2–4 mm (normally 3 mm) |
| Presser foot lift | 5–6 mm |
| Needle bar stroke | 29 mm |
| Needle | SCHMETZ 130/705H (90/#14) |
| Working space | 155 mm |
| Differential feed | Yes, normal setting 1.0 |
| Free arm | Yes |
| Lighting | LED |
| Presser feet | Clear foot, standard foot |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | 396 × 297 × 358 mm |
| Weight | 7.6 kg |
| Country of origin | Taiwan |
| Intended use | Household use (according to the Brother manual) |
| Warranty | 3 years (1 year for commercial use, according to Brother) |
In the box
In the box, according to the Brother operation manual. The numbers match the picture.
- Soft cover
- Accessory box
- Tweezers
- Spool nets (5)
- Thread spool caps (5 pcs.)
- Cleaning brush
- Hex driver
- Needle set 130/705H, size 90 (3 pcs)
- Clear foot
- Top cover spreader
- Top cover thread guide
- Attachment screws (2)
- Spool mats (5)
- Foot controller (with power cord)
- Instructional DVD
- Operation manual
Optional accessories (not included in the box)
Brother lists the following optional accessories for this machine. When using them, use the presser foot supplied with the accessory. List compiled from the Brother operation manual and the Brother support page section 'Consumables & Options' for this model.
- Hemming set SA221CV – for single or double fold hems; can be used with the cover stitch only, not with the top cover stitch
- Bias tape folder SA222CV – folds and attaches 12 mm or 12.7 mm (1/2") wide bias tape in one step
- Belt loop guide SA223CV – turns fabric strips into belt loops
- Bias tape binding set SA230CV – a wide guide for wide bias tape stitched with the 6 mm cover stitch and a small guide for narrow bias tape stitched with the 3 mm cover stitch
- Dual function fold binder SA231CV – folds 32 mm wide bias fabric tape into 8 mm double fold bias tape and applies it to the fabric edge
Manuals
Any questions?
Call +370 685 85915 or email info@siuvimomanija.lt. We will help you check whether this coverstitch machine is right for your work.