Here is my method for coverstiching, on a Singer Profession 5 14T968DC.
I start by positioning the fabric where I want to start the stitching to start, do my stitching, then at the end.
Don't sew off fabric, stop where you want to end and take your foot off the foot pedal.
Hand crank forward to the highest needle position, then slide a hook or tweezer under the presser foot and pull the needle thread forward about 8 to 10 inches. then cut all 4 of them.
Now pull fabric directly back or slightly to the left (11 o'clock), and pull back until all of the needle thread are pulled through the fabric, now cut the looper thread, and the end of the cover stitch has all of the thread in the back to tie off.
To finish of the start of the stitch, go to the back of the fabric and use a seam ripper or large need to locate and pull the needle threads to the back of the fabric.
With this method, I do not have to ever hand crank backwards,