Home craftsmen and just beginners in the field of sewing will need an indispensable assistant - an overlocker. Consider how to choose an overlocker for home use, its functions, additional features, as well as distinctive features.
What is an overlock?
A specialized sewing machine called an overlocker is designed to finish the edges of the product and sew parts.
Before choosing a sewing overlock, it is worth determining the quality of the fabrics with which the seamstress plans to work at home. All models differ in functions and power. If you plan to work only with knitted fabrics, you can take a small compact machine with a minimum set of functions. If the seamstress plans to work with outerwear, then it is better to opt for a universal device.
Most often, the edges of loose fabrics are processed with an overlock, which prevents their further blooming. In addition, when processing with an overlock, you can not only cut the fabric, but also simultaneously stitch several parts and overcast the cut line. Some models with extendedhave an option and can finish the edges with a decorative seam.
Why an overlock and not a sewing machine?
Some people wonder how to choose a sewing machine with an overlock, and whether it is possible to finish the edges with a simple sewing device. Not all sewing machines cope with the function of processing the edges of products with high quality. In addition, a sewing machine and an overlock are different devices, both in terms of the principle of operation and technical parameters.
A regular sewing machine sews parts with a lockstitch and two threads, so these edges can fray over time. Overlock sews with at least three threads. It cannot be said that the sewing machine overcasts the edges of the part, it simply imitates an overcast seam if there is a special foot, while the edges of the part turn out to be very tight. With overlock, the edges of the product are always elastic and protected, which is important for children's clothing or sportswear.
Varieties of overlockers
Before choosing a home overlock, you need to know that these devices come in several modifications.
- A household four-thread overlocker (this type of device can be reconfigured if necessary to overcast the edges of products in two threads).
- Cover Stitch Machine (performs standard overcasting, but also has a decorative stitch option).
- Five-thread overlocker (you can work with such a device with any knitted fabrics).
In this case, five-thread overlocks can be further divided into two groups. It can be a coverlock, with the ability to create a flat seam, and an overlock with a chain stitch looper, which has great functionality and, accordingly, the price.
Regardless of the type of device, it must be equipped with a differential feed of the fabric, the foot pressure must be adjustable, which will allow you to work with fabrics of different density, the thread must be threaded easily, and the sewing speed for home use must be at least 1000 stitches per minute.
Additional features
Depending on the model and before choosing an overlock machine, you should familiarize yourself with its additional features and accessories.
Some models have top thread guides, which allow you to sew a decorative flat seam on the right side of the fabric, while it will be double-sided. For working with stretchy and elastic fabrics, a differential conveyor is suitable. With its use, the line is smooth and elastic. The needle threader saves time when threading the needle.
All additional accessories that go with the overlocker and their extended functionality are selected depending on the expected frequency of use of the machine, the complexity and nature of the sewing work.
What kind of thread is needed for overlock?
Considering the question: "How to choose an overlock?", It is worth mentioning the threads in addition. From their qualitythe overcasting of the edge directly depends. If you use threads of different density and thickness, then the edge may turn out to be uneven and with gaps. The overlock machine is very sensitive to thread tension.
Most often for overlockers (regardless of the modification) threads on large bobbins are used. They have a minimum thickness, are not very “twisted” and last for a long time. Not only the quality of the overcasting, but also the future appearance of the product depends on this. Thicker threads are not used in overlock, especially for thin and stretchy fabrics.
How to choose the right model?
Before choosing an overlocker for home use, you need to answer a few questions: what is the machine for and how much work is planned to be done on it. Also, the choice depends on the nature of the fabrics with which the seamstress plans to work. If it will be only knitwear, then you can stop at an economical overlock model or a coverlock.
What to look for when choosing?
- Complete set. The machine must be equipped with a differential conveyor that does not stretch the edge of the fabric during processing. The platform for the sleeves of a removable type will allow you to process the edges of trousers and small items. The cutter tray may be needed when sewing large volumes.
- Ease of use. The machine has many buttons and various functions. The seamstress must understand how to switch from one option to another, that is, the so-called machine control panel must beunderstandable.
- Requirements for threads. Simple economy class models are less demanding on the quality of threads. More expensive options only finish the edges of products with threads on bobbins.
- The size of the machine. For home use, the machine should be compact, not bulky. It is worth considering in advance the place where she will stand.
- Producer. Buy equipment only from well-known and trusted companies that provide warranty and service in the event of a breakdown. In addition, you can always find spare parts for such models or supplement your machine with auxiliary functions if necessary.
Popular device manufacturers
Medium price machines are suitable for a seamstress who plans to work with various fabrics, which must be considered before choosing an overlocker. Most modifications of just this price category are suitable for home use. They differ in both design and advanced functionality, while the processing quality is always high.
Well-known manufacturers that present the device at an average price are Elna, Janome, New Home, Minerva, TOYOTA, Family, Merrylock, Juki and Brother, but all of their models are quite functional. The Juki brand previously produced models for industrial production, but later retrained into inexpensive devices for home use. The only drawback of the models of this company is the high cost of repairs and spare parts for it.
In the question of how to choose an overlock,user reviews lean towards the following models.
- TOYOTA SL 3335 and TOYOTA SL3487. The case is metal, which indicates the reliability of the device. The machine sews seams in 2, 3 and 4 threads. The degree of pressure of the foot is adjustable, there is a differential conveyor, the device is designed to work on various fabrics.
- Minerva M840 DS. The device differs in reliability, high quality of work. The machine is equipped with a powerful motor, so it can easily cope with different types of fabrics. Additionally, there is a removable sleeve, the length of the line, the tension of the fabric is adjustable. Plus: the work surface is backlit.
- Janome MyLock 205D, Janome T-34. A cheaper option compared to the two previous models. The machine has seven programs that allow you to work with different types of fabrics, regardless of their thickness. Stitches come out beautiful, but threading machines is more difficult and there is no sleeve platform.
Conclusion
Before you choose an overlock, you should pay attention to many different factors. The quality of the work on processing the edges directly depends on this. Additional features of the machine will eventually allow the novice seamstress to switch to mass tailoring.
