How to choose an overlock

Handmade is very popular in the modern world. The demand for handmade dolls, tablecloths and hand-embroidered napkins is very high. There are also options for ordering exclusive custom-made clothing models. All these items are made by a master who has special skills. If you want to learn the basics of sewing, then you will not be able to do without the involvement of highly specialized equipment.

To overcast edges, remove shedding fabric, you need to use an overlock. Due to this, all things will become neat and will last a long time. It is not surprising that the question arises: "how to choose an overlock?" It is quite possible to cope without it, you can overcast open sections using a simple machine. For this reason, we decided to analyze this topic in more detail.

Purchase objectives

When deciding how to choose an overlock for your home, decide on your goals. If you are just starting to comprehend the basics of this case, then it will only be required in 3 cases:

1. The decision to sew to order. If you want to be paid for your work, then sew things for clients with processing. Those. get the result, like in stores. In order not to be ashamed that you take money for low-quality work.
2. If you are sewing for a family or for yourself, but need a good inside out, an overlock will also be useful. Everything here will depend on the person. There are those who know that if the wrong side is of poor quality, then this means the same thing. But if others do not see this, then you can do without an overlock. If you are a 100% perfectionist and want the wrong side to be perfect, then buy an overlock for a sewing machine.
3. Another case - the bulk of the clothes that you sew are made on the basis of stretch or knitwear. For example, hoodies, sweatshirts, tracksuits, sweatshirts, swimwear, etc. You can't do without an overlock and special stitching. The overlocker is a professional equipment.

How to choose a home overlock: the difference from a carpetlock and a sewing machine

With the help of an overlock, you can make overcasting stitches that differ in different weights and widths. But the carpetlock was created for overcasting stitches, flat seams and other types of knitted stitches.

As you study the information on which overlock to choose, you will most likely stumble upon the fact that the sewing machine has the ability to combine the overlock option. Even in the store, you can sometimes hear such words. Only it isn't. The design makes an imitation of an overlock stitch and after washing, the edges that are processed in this way will be swept.

As for the overlock, there is a knife in the complete set, which during sewing helps to trim the edge of the fabric. As a result, it will be even, all unnecessary villi will be excluded.You can immediately notice the difference between overcasting and zigzag sewing on the sewing machine and overlocking. The stitching will be neat and professional.

Please note! When choosing which overlocker is better to choose, you need to know that it will not replace a sewing machine. She sews straight seam stitches. But if you plan to sew exclusively from knitted fabrics, then buy a rug and sewing equipment you will not need anymore. It is the best way to overcast and sew fabric together.

How to choose for home use: differences from an industrial look

Speaking about how to choose a sewing overlock, you need to understand that there are household and industrial options. In the first case, they are suitable for sewing with a minimum load. Those. the duration will be 2-3 hours a day. But the industrial type of overlock is designed for a more solid workload. You can sew on it for 8-12 hours. It will not get warm, since the engine power indicators are designed for such a load.

An industrial overlock works 10 times faster than a household one. At the same time, he can work on 1 type of stitch, while the household type makes 12 different stitches, rebuilding. As a rule, the industrial look is presented in the form of a table, and therefore the stability of the machine is ensured. The body of the model is made on the basis of steel. If we talk about a household overlock, then it is equipped with plastic. Of course, due to such a configuration, industrial equipment is quite high at a price.

If you do not plan to sew clothes in batches, then, of course, we can advise you to purchase a household look. Such an overlock is 100 percent suitable for these tasks.

Overlock types

Not only industrial and household types are presented today. There are designs that are divided into types due to such importance as threading. Of course, we will talk about household overlocks, which are the best option for home use.

So, let's start in order.

Two-thread

This type is the simplest. It may be the cheapest in terms of price, but we will not recommend buying it. This is due to the fact that the lines do not differ in the required density and quality. It is better to choose an overlock of 3 strands or more.

Three-thread

A versatile look that works well for overcasting. The seam will be tight, of high quality, and will not unravel after washing. This overlocker can sew a roller stitch or stretch stitch to sew knitwear.

Four-thread

This option is able to reinforce the seam that a three-thread overlock can make. Due to it, you can make a double front seam. You can also use it to overcast the edge, connect the parts. The use is appropriate for sewing swimwear, bags or special clothing.

Five-line

This type is aimed at performing a wide range of works. It provides an opportunity for creativity. Able not only to allow overcasting, but also to sew, embroider, and also perform many different options. If you plan to use overlock seams, as well as others, then do not ignore this model.

It makes no sense to get to the study of overlocks with 8 threads. They are more suitable for industrial applications.

List of manufacturers: which company to give preference to

In the matter of buying an overlock, you need to study the list of companies that have been able to positively establish themselves in the market. Such models have a high degree of reliability. They will not provide for the appearance of marriage in work, and more often than not they have a solid functional set.

Today, the most popular companies that produce overlocks are considered to be: Bernina, Janome, Juki, Brother, Pfaff, etc. The line includes both expensive models and budget options. Further, we propose to continue studying the material in order to choose a reliable and practical overlock for your purposes.

Refueling

In fact, initially it may seem that the device is complex, and therefore it will not work to change the threads if you face the task for the first time.But in fact, when you refill the thread, you will realize that it is not. You can learn to quickly cope with this task, almost closing your eyes.

So, there are 2 ways how you can save yourself the painful thread re-threading. This is to purchase a model with an automatic threading option. Such a purchase will be more expensive, but you can save time and nerves. Seamstresses who have been using overlock for more than a year resort to one life hack. It consists in not passing the thread through all the thread guides, but cutting off the old thread at the base of the spool and then removing it. By placing a spool, you can tie the threads together. When you pull the threaded thread through the needle, it will draw in new thread. Those. all you need to do is cut the knotted thread and insert a new one into the eye of the needle.

Optionality

During the purchase, the following question may arise: "what set of sewing operations is necessary for the job?" We propose to dwell on it in more detail.

Automatic thread tension

Many people don't like overlock reconfiguration. In order not to face this task constantly, you can buy a model where all this is carried out in automatic mode. As a rule, overlocks are computer controlled. If you chose a machine with manual settings, then there will be no problems either. You just need to fill your hand. The instruction that comes with the kit will be an assistant in this.

Rolled seam

The seam allows you to process the edges of scarves, flounces on blouses or a dress. Sometimes, seamstresses use it to hem the bottom of the skirt. It turns out a really neat and beautiful thing. For this reason, we can safely say that the option is really useful.

Differential conveyor

With this option, you can create wavy edges on the fabric. If you need to make the bottom of the sleeve or the hem of the skirt lie in waves, then this option is indispensable. The conveyor can also work in the opposite direction, forming neat assemblies in the edge area.

Stitch width

Overlock step control. It is necessary to make a tight seam or, on the contrary, to dilute it.

Detachable knife

A useful option at work. It removes the swirling edge, but sometimes it needs to be turned off. For example, if you need to sew the cuff on the pants.

Presser foot

This option is no less useful, both in the overlock and the sewing machine. It makes it possible to sew thick and heavy fabrics, simple things, for example, a sweatshirt or sweatshirt. For this reason, it is best to buy an overlock that has this option.

Garbage compartment

The option is no less useful. It is present in almost all modern overlock models. But evaluate whether it is available, because if it is not, then the workplace will quickly become more like a trash heap.

Purchase!

If you have a sewing machine, then most likely you know where the overlock is sold. But if this is not the case, then we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the options where you can buy it.

So, one of the ways is the Internet. Here you get the opportunity to study the cost from various manufacturers. You can visit resources from reputable online stores, as well as study prices for a number of popular models. There you can also read reviews of buyers who are real people. They share their opinions on this or that model. This is useful information, and therefore your purchase will not disappoint over time. Choose trusted suppliers who have a good reputation and have been able to earn respect from buyers.

You can also go to a specialized store. Today there are such centers in every city of our country. They specialize in the sale of sewing equipment. The products of this group have long become popular, and therefore there are specially trained sellers for their sale. These are specialists who sell equipment and know how to handle it.

They will help you on how to refuel the overlock, choose the model of the machine according to your needs, and teach you how to take care of your sewing technique.As a result, it will last a really long time. Do not forget to clarify what is the warranty period and the possibility of repair if a breakdown occurs. These points are also very important when buying.

If you have a limited budget, then you can buy an overlock on sites like Avito or from your hands. Of course, no one refuses that there is a great chance to run into a low-quality purchase. For this reason, it is best to bring someone who knows about sewing products with you so that you do not make a mistake.

There are many good overlock models in the open spaces of Avito, which are not so expensive. You don't have to come across a broken item. No, it is likely that the seller no longer needs it, and therefore he decided to sell it for a small amount. There are also sewing machine masters who sell used, but serviceable equipment. They have a chance to buy overlocks even those that were popular in Soviet times. If such devices work, are configured correctly and perform high-quality lines, then why not give preference to such a purchase.

Lines: what you need to work

Each type of stitch is used for sewing clothes. Maybe some of the options in the overlock will not be useful to you, but the main 5 types of stitches should definitely be at your disposal.

Double thread chain stitch

One-needle two-thread stitching is often used for decorative purposes. It can also be sewn to join stretch fabrics or knits.

Three-thread overlock stitching

This is the most popular type of overlock stitch. It is found in the processing of open sections. For the sake of it, many people resort to buying an overlock.

Wide and narrow flat seam - Flatlock

An irreplaceable option if you need to sew T-shirts, T-shirts, sweatshirts and other things made of knitwear. It can be presented in 2 versions. It really depends on how your overlock is doing it.

If it's a Merrylock, then the seam is flat, but there are Janomes who make it wider, as in the second photo.

Four-thread reinforcement stitch

Combination of chain stretch stitch and overlock stitch is presented. A sample for better understanding is presented below.

3-thread rolled hem

He also received the name roller stitch among the professionals of the sewing business. It has already been described a little above.

Price question: How much do overlocks cost?

The price will depend on what additional options the overlock has. If these are inexpensive options, then the cost will please. But in your work, keep in mind that they may not prove themselves in the best way. If you want to save money, then be prepared for the fact that you will need to fray your nerves at the expense of threading the threads, adjusting the tensioners. As a result, you will also spend a lot of time to start sewing.

Having studied the prices in the market, we made the following conclusions:

• If you want to buy an overlock with 2 threads and automatic refueling, then get ready to pay from 4500-15 thousand rubles. But keep in mind that it is not worth buying a typewriter for less than 6,000 rubles. The quality of the work done is likely to upset you;
• An amateur-level three-thread overlock with 5 types of seams will cost around 4 thousand - 13 thousand rubles. There is also no need to chase after a cheap model. The threshold of reasonable savings is the best option. It varies in the region of 7-8 thousand rubles;
• Semi-professional models for 3-4 threads, which perform 7 or more types of seams, will cost around 12 thousand - 28 thousand rubles;
• A professional rug tucked in 5 threads, as well as having the ability to smoothly regulate the operation of the legs, automatically adjust the tension of the cords, will cost around 21 thousand - 39 thousand rubles. If you are interested in an even more advanced solution, in which there are more than 20 lines and a pneumatic filler, then fork out 45 thousand - 75 thousand rubles.

If you choose the overlock model correctly, then in the future it will delight you with exceptionally beautiful lines.You will certainly begin to wonder how you used to do without his help.