Brother 2340CV review
VerdictSpecs checked against Brother data · Checked Sep 2026
8.0/108.0
out of 10
The 2340CV is the lowest-priced dedicated coverstitch from a major brand: 3-needle, 3 or 6 mm cover stitch plus chain stitch at 1,100 spm.
Who it's for
A knit sewist who owns a serger and wants ready-to-wear style hems without buying a combo machine.
Skip it if
You need a free arm, a tension release lever, or a wider bed; the Janome CoverPro 2000CPX has those.
Price band$500–1,000
$$ 500–1kCoverstitch
Check price at Sewing Machines PlusAffiliate link · opens new tabLast seen $580 on September 29, 2026 at another dealer. Today's price is on the Sewing Machines Plus page.
Real cost to get sewing
Machine $$ 500–1k3 to 4 cones of thread; a wooly nylon for the looper is optionalSCHMETZ 130/705H SUK ball point needles, 90/14Wash-away or tissue stabilizer for very light jerseySerger oil
Specs
Research pass 2026-09-29 · manufacturer page check pendingSource: brother-usa.com · officedepot.com · manualslib.com · sewingmachinefun.com · sewingmachinesplus.com. Bracketed cells are values the manufacturer does not publish; we never fill a spec we can't source.
Where sources disagree
- Price: Walmart and eBay listings show $579.99; the Sewing Machines Plus page returned no price in snippets. Catalog will use $579.99 flagged as marketplace.
- Stitch length: retailer copy '2.0 to 4.0 mm'; Brother page value not captured. Catalog will use retailer figure flagged [verify].
- Retailer titles call it a 'serger'; it is a coverstitch and chain stitch machine only.
Manufacturer claims we quote but do not assert (3)
- "Professional hems, chain stitch and decorative stitching" (manufacturer claim, product page)
- "Sturdy metal frame" (retailer listing title)
- Listed as 'Coverstitch Serger' in some retailer titles; it has no knife and does not overlock
Strengths
Standard 130/705H household needles, so ball points for knits are easy to source.
Differential feed 0.7 to 2.0 and stitch length 2 to 4 mm published.
Brother's warranty covers the chassis 25 years and electronics 6 years.
Weaknesses
No automatic tension release, a frequent owner complaint when removing work.
Free arm and dimensions are not published in results captured.
Owner reports on skipped stitches are sharply split.
Check before you buy
3 checks01
Needles for knitsThe manual names SCHMETZ 130/705H 90/14 and recommends SUK ball point for knits. Buy ball points before the first project.
02
Two feet in the boxStandard foot and a hem foot. Binders, clear feet and belt loop folders are add-ons, often bundled by dealers.
03
It is not a sergerRetail titles say 'coverstitch serger'. It has no knife and no overlock stitch. You still need a serger or a sewing machine for seams.
Buying from Sewing Machines Plus
Checked Sep 2026WarrantyBrother publishes: 25 yr chassis casting, 6 yr electronic components and PCBs, 2 yr parts, labor and accessories. Warranty runs through an authorized dealer; confirm SMP is one for Brother before you buy.
ReturnsSewing Machines Plus lists a 60-day return window; the buyer pays return shipping and opened machines may be refunded as store credit. Restocking fee: [verify]. Re-check the policy page before ordering a heavy machine.
ServicingWarranty repairs go through Brother's authorized service network. Whether a local Brother dealer will service a machine bought online varies by dealer; ask before you buy.
Setup and lessonsOnline orders may not include the lessons a local dealer offers. Ask before you buy if that matters to you.
What owners say
Paraphrased, attributed. We did not operate this machine.mixed
One owner who replaced a Baby Lock coverstitch says it has never skipped a stitch; others say it is finicky and skips until needles are fresh and matched to the fabric.sewing.patternreview.com
mixed
Long discussion thread ranges from 'greatest machine ever' to 'want to throw it out the window'; the split tracks with setup, needle choice and stabilizer on thin knits.sewing.patternreview.com
negative
No automatic tension release; owners describe pulling fabric out and unpicking as the weakest part of the design.growyourownclothes.com
Questions people ask
How fast is the Brother 2340CV?
Brother publishes a top speed of 1,100 stitches per minute. That is the spec, not a promise of finished quality at that speed; heavy layers want a slower setting.
What stitches does the 2340CV have?
Cover stitch narrow 3 mm, cover stitch wide 6 mm, triple cover stitch, 2-thread chain stitch.
What is the 2340CV warranty?
Brother publishes: 25 yr chassis casting, 6 yr electronic components and PCBs, 2 yr parts, labor and accessories. Warranty service runs through authorized dealers, so confirm the seller's status before you buy.
Who should skip the 2340CV?
You need a free arm, a tension release lever, or a wider bed; the Janome CoverPro 2000CPX has those.
