How to choose an overlocker? Everything you need to know if you're just starting to sew

Helena Lachowiczová
2024-09-09T22:32:33+02:00

Dear women,

today I'm here for you with a tip on how to choose an overlocker. I remember my first overlocker as if it were yesterday. An overlocker named Veronika. As a self-taught sewer who was just starting out, I had no idea what an overlocker could do.

But I knew one thing – I wanted to sew, so I knew I just had to master overlocker sewing. And so I dove headfirst into it. I tried everything by trial and error. For a long time, I had no idea what the various gadgets and parts on the overlocker were for. For a long time, I was even afraid to re-thread it myself for different colors.

Today, several years later, the overlocker is an indispensable part of my workshop. And I want to share everything I've learned with you, so you too can find your perfect overlocker and turn your sewing projects into professional pieces.

Why is choosing the right overlocker so important?

Imagine you're starting to sew a new dress. You spend hours choosing fabric, cutting, and sewing. And then it's time to finish the edges. With a regular sewing machine, it's a long haul – overcasting, hemming, maybe even hand-finishing. It takes 3 times as long and it's just not the same. The result without an overlocker will never look like it came from a store.

With an overlocker, it's a different story:

- All edges are finished quickly and precisely
- Elastic materials will not ripple or pull
- Garments will look professionally finished

An investment in an overlocker will simply save you a lot of time and nerves. And the results will be worth it!

Which overlocker to choose if you are an absolute beginner?

I understand that looking at all the options and features can easily make your head spin. I probably wouldn't be sure either. Today, the choice is really vast, and sometimes we practically decide based only on a different packaging.

The key is to think about what you expect from an overlocker:

- Will you be sewing mainly cotton and common fabrics? Go for a basic 3-thread model.

- Do you want to handle stretchy materials like knits and sweatshirt fleece, ribbed materials? A 4-thread overlocker will be your new best friend.

- Do you desire truly professional results? Invest in a model with differential feed.

Remember, even the most basic overlockers can do a lot of work. My first love was just such a 4-thread model for a few thousand.

The Secret of the Overlocker Stitch: Everything You Need to Know

At the heart of every overlocker is the overlocker stitch. This is formed by intertwining several threads around the edge of the fabric, thus finishing and reinforcing it.

Most commonly, you'll encounter these variations:

- 3-thread overlock: Basic wide stitch suitable for common fabrics
- 4-thread overlock: Stronger and more elastic, ideal for knits
- 5-thread safety stitch: Combines overlock and straight stitch for extra strength

The more threads, the stronger and more elastic the resulting seam. But be careful, more doesn't always mean better! For thin and delicate materials, a 3-thread stitch can be a much more suitable choice.

Overlockers often also offer various decorative stitches, buttonholes, or blind hems for perfect edge finishing. There are no limits to creativity!

Special features that make your life easier: differential feed and extra high presser foot lift?

If you're really serious about sewing, it's worth looking for an overlocker with a few extra features. Believe me, once you try them, you won't want to go back.

My top 3 indispensable features:

1. Differential feed: No more rippling or stretching of fabric, every seam will be perfectly smooth
2. Air threading: Forget tedious thread-pulling, with one push of a button, the overlocker is ready for action
3. Automatic thread tension: No more testing and adjusting, the machine handles it itself

And that's just the beginning! Some professional models also offer needle threaders, converters for 2-thread stitches, or extra high presser foot lift for thick fabrics.

As I said, there are no limits to creativity. But don't worry, even without these special features, you can do wonders with an overlocker.

Overlocker maintenance: To serve you faithfully for years

With a little care, your overlocker can last a lifetime. And believe me, you want to take care of it – there's nothing like the feeling of sitting down at a perfectly lubricated machine and having it handle everything you throw at it without a hitch.

Here are a few tips on how to care for your overlocker:

- After each sewing session, clean it of dust and fabric scraps
- Regularly lubricate it with quality sewing machine oil
- Be gentle and patient when threading, so nothing breaks
- Have it checked by a professional once in a while

Do you have everything?

If you came to this article for useful practical information and got what you needed, I will now direct you to one of my favorite courses. Overlock Easy Course is popular with beginners and that's why I recommend it to you too. It will shorten your path to better results.

OVERLOCK EASY COURSE - 999 CZK (click)

I wish you lots of joy and success in your sewing workshop.

Did you know that the first overlocker was invented back in 1880? These machines have come a long way since then!

Yours, Helena alias Šibabi