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- how an overlock sewing machine works,
- overlock sewing machine parts and functions,
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- what is the difference between a sewing machine and an overlocker?
What is an overlock sewing machine?
As you have already noticed—if not within your practice, then in the photo above—an overlock sewing machine looks slightly different from a regular one. It’s because it features slightly diverse functions. An overlock sewing machine is a specialty machine that creates an overlock stitch using three or more thread sources. Overlocking is more visible than a standard straight seam, so it’s a good idea to pick a thread color that closely matches your fabric—suggests Yesterday’s Thimble. If you’re working with a busy print, try to match the most prominent color. You can also go with a contrasting thread, but sew a sample first in case it doesn’t look as expected. Do you learn to sew and wonder what differentiates overlockers and sewing machines? Both are used for sewing, but they make different types of stitches.“They are not the same and can’t replace each other”—Threads Monthly responds to the commonly heard question. An overlock sewing machine (also known as a serger sewing machine) can
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- trim,
- stitch, and
- overcast seams as it sews,
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- inserting a zipper, and
- creating delightful decorations with certain stitches;
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- metallics, silks, and perle cotton, which are great to sew seams or finish garment edges,
- fine knitting yarn, buttonhole twist, crochet thread, and even narrow ribbon for special effects;
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- saving us time—a typical overlocker sews faster than a conventional sewing machine; it gets to 1,700 stitches per minute,
- giving a professional appearance to constructed items—there is no better option that an overlocker sewing machine to achieve seams similar to those in store-bought clothing;
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- sew a seam with your regular sewing machine and
- finish the seams with your serger;
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- one or two needles (we talk about sewing machine needles here) and
- one or two loopers;
“This specialized machinery is more like crochet or knitting than the stitch of a conventional machine. Loopers replace the traditional bobbin and interlock threads together.“—explains ACES. Blades trim seam edges in front of the needle or needles. In some overlock sewing machine models, the upper knife can be rotated to disengage the cutting action. In other models, you need to remove a blade to stop the machine from trimming.
Overlocker vs sewing machine
We mentioned that an overlocker and a regular sewing machine are different devices with features that complement each other. Let’s get more precise and tackle the differences between regular machines and overlockers. Here’s an engaging video take on “Sewing Machine vs. Serger” by Nadira037 In the meantime, read how to sew and how does a sewing machine work on our blog. Let’s have a look at the comparison chart by Threads Monthly:Regular sewing machine | Overlock sewing machine | |
Straight stitch | Yes | No |
Zig-zag stitch | Yes | No |
Embroidery stitches | Yes | No |
Create buttonholes | Yes | No |
Insert zippers | Yes | No |
Overlock or mock overlock stitch | Yes | Yes |
Rolled hem | Yes | Yes |
Attach piping | Yes | Yes |
Gather fabric | Yes | Yes |
Blind hemstitch | Yes | Yes |
Mock flatlock stitch | No | Yes |
Cutting knife | No | Yes |
Sewing machine | Overlock machine | |
Speed | Depending on sewing machine brands, but typically slower | Faster—an average overlock can produce professional work about half the time it would take a sewing machine. |
Neck (Not sure what is it? Check our sewing machine parts article) |
Shorter | Longer |
Threads | Up to two cones of thread | 3-8 cones of threads |
Operating method (sewing fabric) | Allows sewing your cloth from any side | Only allows one side serging (left side) |
Operating method (seams) | You’ll first have to sew your cloth after cutting it | Reduce excess seam and binds fabrics simultaneously |
Flexibility | More flexible(allow any side sewing) | Less flexible |
Decorative stitching | Can perform decorative stitches | Makes some decorative stitching techniques look easier and simpler |
Can you do an overlock stitch on a sewing machine?
An overlock stitch is a combination of a straight stitch and a zigzag. It sews backward and forwards in a straight line, but between every set of straight stitches, it sews a zigzag—like in serging, a technique used to sew most store-bought clothes. (read more on Yesterday’s Thimble) Can you overlock on a sewing machine? Overlocker Guide mentions that a standard sewing machine features various overlock foot attachments for overcasting fabrics. The problem arises because a regular machine only uses only two threads at a time.-
- cannot create the stretchability and durability needed to prevent the edges from fraying, and
- lacks the precision required for seam-finishings;
Overlock stitch sewing machine models
All in all, an overlocker, alias serger, is a special-purpose machine that produces professionally finished seams, using between two and nearly a dozen threads. (read more on Sewing Brighton) We use it to clean-finish the seam allowances and much more. An overlocker encases the raw edge of the fabric with an overcast stitch while trimming away the seam allowance—operating at pretty fast speeds. Instead of a bobbin and single needle as in regular machines, the overlocker has a cutting blade, “loopers,” and multiple needles. Luckily, overclockers aren’t those historical, heavy, industrial overlock sewing machine constructions, impossible to use in our home sewing practice. Nowadays, overclocking devices are diverse in their stitch capability, easy to operate, and affordable. Where to find a cheap overlock sewing machine? Threads Monthly notes down the following “4 Best Cheap Overlockers for Beginners.”-
- Brother 3034dwt,
- Brother 2104d,
- Brother m343d,
- Elna 664;
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- Brother 2340CV Coverstitch Serger,
- Singer ProFinish 14CG754 Serger,
- Juki MO654DE Serger,
- Juki MO-1000 Serger,
- Janome MyLock 634D Serger,
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- Juki MO – 734DE Overlocker (higher price),
- Janome Cover Pro 2000 CPX (medium price), and
- Jaguar Starter 098 Overlocker (low price);
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