Brother CV3550
SewingSpecs does not sell and does not show shop prices: check the price where you buy.
The CV3550 is a coverstitch machine from Brother's European range, built to hem knit garments and finish seams with a professional look: unlike a serger, it does not trim the fabric, but covers the edge with parallel rows of stitching, from chain stitch to triple cover stitch.
It works with a variable thread count from 2 to 5 depending on the stitch chosen, covering both narrow hems and wider, decorative finishes. The free arm lets you work on cuffs, trouser legs and armholes without turning the garment, and presser foot pressure adjusts to suit fabrics of different thickness, from light jersey to fleece. The workspace to the right of the needle is 155 mm.
It is a dedicated machine: it does not replace a sewing machine or a serger, but works alongside them for anyone who regularly works with knit garments and wants stretch hems that don't crack. The instruction manual ships on DVD.
Technical specifications
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 8.0 kg (17.6 lb) | manufacturer website |
| Maximum threads | 5 | Declared by the brand |
| Stitch types | Chain stitch, Double coverstitch (narrow), Double coverstitch (wide), Triple coverstitch | Declared by the brand |
| Free arm | Yes | Declared by the brand |
| Space to the right of the needle | 155 mm | Declared by the brand |
| Adjustable presser foot pressure | Yes | Declared by the brand |
Pros and cons
In favour
- It covers everything from chain stitch to triple cover stitch, with a thread count from 2 to 5
- The free arm lets you work on cuffs, trouser legs and armholes without turning the garment
- Presser foot pressure adjusts to suit fabrics of different thickness
Worth knowing
- It does not trim the fabric: it does not replace a serger for finishing raw edges
- The instruction manual ships on DVD, not on paper or as a downloadable PDF source
Alternatives in the catalogue
Chosen by the declared use tier and footprint, not by price: we don't publish prices.
Same tier, different manufacturer
