what is the best overlock machine

Best overlocker and serger sewing machines

• Best beginner: Jaguar Starter 098 (Amazon, £269.99)
• Best budget: Brother M343D (Ebay, £219)
• Best intermediate: Janome 8002DG (Amazon, £249)
• Best for reliability: Brother 734DS (John Lewis, £229.99)
• Best for speed: Jaguar Advanced 099 (Ebay, £319)
• Best for ease of use: Singer 14SH754 (Amazon, £265)
• Best compact size: Janome 9200D Overlocker (John Lewis, £299)
• Best design: Pfaff Hobbbylock 2.0 (Ebay, £329)

Full Answer

How do I choose an overlock machine?

Features to Consider Before Buying an OverlockerNumber of threads – ideally a machine would have four threads.Adjustable stitch length.Adjustable pressure foot for different fabric thicknesses.Differential feed (similar to a walking foot where thicker fabrics feed through evenly).Free arm for sewing sleeves etc.More items...

What is the best overlocker for beginners?

Best Overlockers for BeginnersBrother M343D Overlocker.Singer 14HD854 Pro Speed Overlock Machine.Janome 9300DX Overlocker.Singer Overlock 14SH754 Sewing Machine.Jaguar 489 Overlocker.Bernina Bernette B44 Overlocker Machine.Brother M1034D Overlocker.Janome 6234XL Overlocker.More items...

What is the difference between an overlock and serger machine?

A serger and an overlocker are different names for the same machine. Americans generally refer to these as sergers, and nearly everyone else refers to them as overlockers. A serger performs an overlocking stitch, which is really more like knitting than sewing.

Which is the easiest overlocker to thread?

If you want air threading, a needle threader, and automatic tension, the Babylock Victory is for you! This is basically the easiest-to-use overlocker. Automatic tension means the overlocker will choose stitch settings for you, creating (near enough) perfect stitches immediately.

Is it worth buying an overlocker?

Long answer: No, you don't need an overlocker, but it gives a more professional finish to many clothes. If you make clothes that you plan to sell, then I would say it is essential! An overlocker creates a stitch that trims and wraps the raw edges of your project and can sew a seam at the same time.

Can you make clothes with just an overlocker?

Although you can create knit garments on a sewing machine, you can also make them using an overlocker. However, I've often heard people say they only use their overlocker for finishing seams.

Can a sewing machine do overlocking?

Overlocking on your sewing machine Essentially it allows thread to wrap around the edge of the fabric to prevent unraveling. It is a magical little sewing machine foot that can give you an edging similar to that of an overlocker with just about any sewing machine. You can buy an overlocking foot here.

Can you sew normally with an overlocker?

Most certainly yes! Once you've used one you won't want to go back to finishing your edges with a domestic sewing machine! Both beginning and experienced sewers benefit from tools that simplify sewing and make professional results easier.

Can an overlocker do straight stitch?

The most commonly used overlockers are the ones with four or five threads. The ones with five threads create an additional straight stitch to the typical serer seam, which make them widely used in woven fabric apparel. Overlockers can also be industrial and for domestic use.

Which is better Juki or Babylock?

For me, the Baby Lock Vibrant is the winner. Honestly, I don't think there is a wrong choice between the two; it all comes down to personal preference. It is the more expensive of the two, but not by very much. I probably would be just as satisfied with the Juki as my first machine.

What are the different types of Overlockers?

Types of Overlock Sewing Machine2 Thread Overlock machine.3 Thread Overlock Machine.4 Thread Overlock Machine.5 Thread Overlock Machine.6 Thread Overlock Machine.

Are singer Overlockers any good?

The Singer Overlockers are excellent value for money. They are nice and quiet, do a very nice 3 or 4 thread overlock and a wonderful rolled hem.

Are Overlockers difficult to use?

Overlockers are difficult to thread! There is a lot more to threading an overlocker than a sewing machine, yes. But they're not 'difficult' to thread, just a bit fiddly. It's the lower looper that generally causes all the bother as it's often tucked away underneath. So it is a bit of a mystery and not easy to access.

Is it hard to use an overlocker?

As you can imagine it is a lot more complicated than threading a sewing machine with two needles and four threads to contend with. Many overlockers also have to be threaded in a particular order and it can take a lot of time, practice and bedtime reading of the manual for you to perfect it.

How do you use an overlocker for beginners?

14:5931:00Overlockers For Beginners - Stitch Demonstrations & Full GuideYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipVideo i'm going to lift my presser foot up and the presser foot lifter lever is at the back so i'mMoreVideo i'm going to lift my presser foot up and the presser foot lifter lever is at the back so i'm going to lift it up like that i'm going to put my fabric underneath.

Can you use normal thread in an overlocker?

Your normal sewing machine thread can be used in an overlocker. You might think it takes special thread because you see the giant cones on the machines, but it's just a larger quantity of sew-all thread.

What Is an Overlock Machine?

So, what is a serger and why do we need one? Let's answer these questions. A serger, or an overlock machine as it's also called, is a device used to overlock stitches and enclose raw edges of materials to prevent them from fraying. A serger is also used to trim off excess seam allowance eliminating the need for you to do it manually later, when the sewing is done. Sergers do a great job of edging, hemming, and seaming, and are used to add a professional look and finish to your clothes. Though you could argue that a regular sewing machine can do the same thing, it would not be completely true. Unlike sewing machines, a serger uses loopers to feed several thread cones, and it also makes stitches much more elastic, which is essential if you want your clothes or some decorative elements to serve you longer.

How many stitches does a Brother Overlock have?

Yet, the main perk of the Brother overlock machine is that it features 22 stitch functions with 4-thread overlock, 3-thread overlock, narrow, rolled hem, and ribbon lock stitches. Also, the stitch variety includes specialty functions for formal and bridal wear, home decor, crafts, heirloom, and reinforced tape applications. The stitch width can be adjusted between 5mm to 7mm.

How many stitches does a 1034D serger stitch?

The machine ensures up to 1300 stitches per minute, thus, saving you a lot of time on your projects. With its great speed, a variety of built-in stitches and differential fabric feed, the 1034D Serger will help you achieve a professional finish on any kind of fabric.

What is a Juki serger?

This Juki serging machine was made to bring your sewing projects to perfection! Designed for two-, three-, and four-thread serging, it allows you to work with both light and heavyweight fabrics to create smart clothing and stylish decor items. With that, the unit is quite simple in use. It has color-coded guides for convenient threading; after some practice, it won't take you long to prepare the machine for work. Ergonomic dials ensure simple thread tension adjustment.

What is a Singer 14T968DC overlock machine?

The SINGER 14T968DC overlock machine can be used with literally any type of fabric you need. It's a professional model that is perfect for both home and commercial use.

When was overlock stitching invented?

Overlock stitching was created in 1881 by the Merrow Machine Company. This stitching technology became a starting point for the invention of an overlock machine. The first one was patented by the owner of the same company, Joseph Merrow, in 1889.

What is a Brother 1034D?

To sum it all up, the Brother 1034D is a simple, quick, customizable and efficient machine. I t will serge like a dream in the hands of both professionals and beginners.

What is an overlock sewing machine?

If you’re enjoying making your own clothes, but finding your usual sewing machine needs a helping hand at times, it could be time to treat yourself to an overlock sewing machine – also known as a serger sewing machine. They’ll speed up your hems and seams and give your me-made wardrobe a professional finish.

What is a hobbylock overlocker?

The PFAFF hobbylock overlocker sewing machine is a modern, attractive machine. The machine offers many practical features, including 15 (!) stitches to allow to you cut, stitch and finish seams in one go. The 15 stitches include variations of 2 thread, 3 thread, 4 thread, flatlock and rolled edge stitches. Additional features include adjustable stitch length, built in rolled hem feature, a free-arm for sewing sleeves and trouser legs, a safety lockout (so the machine can not sew when the front cover is open) and extra presser foot height, great for stitching bulky seams.

What is an overlocker?

Overlockers (or serger sewing machines) are used to finish raw fabric edges. They have grown in popularity in the last 50 years since domestic overlockers have become widely available and affordable to the home sewist.

What is the best overlocker for John Lewis?

The Janome 9200D Overlocker is exclusive to John Lewis. It’s a machine best-suited to intermediate sewists and stitches light-medium weight fabrics with ease. Threading the machine is once again made simpler by the colour-coded thread paths. It’s a small and quiet machine with lots of stitch options allowing you to sew with 3 threads, 4 threads and stitch pretty rolled hems. The reason this machine is one of the best overlockers is because it’s a compact machine that stitches fast and gives your projects a professional looking edge.

How many stitches per minute on a Jaguar machine?

This Jaguar machine stitches an impressive 1300 stitches per minute! One of the stand out features of this machine is that the front cover drops down (as with most overlockers) but the front left-hand side of the machine also swings open to allow you to access the thread guides for super easy threading. The machine can stitch with 2, 3 or 4 threads as well as a rolled hem setting and changeable differential feed settings. The machine also comes with an accessory kit worth £100! Presser feet for overlockers can be pricey but this kit contains five feet that will help you sew a variety of fabrics and trims, included are a 5mm blind hem foot and a 10mm blind hem foot, piping foot, gathering foot and elasticator foot.

Why do dressmakers use overlockers?

However, many dressmakers are interested in overlockers as they bring a professional level of finishing to garments in a quick and easy manner. As well as producing a series of stitches over the raw edge, overlockers also cut away the raw edge of the fabric as you sew for a neat and precise finish.

What stitches are used in a sewing machine for beginners?

For complete beginners to dressmaking, there are lots of stitches available on a domestic sewing machine (browse our best sewing machines for beginners guide) such as zigzag and overcast stitch. These can be brilliant for finishing raw edges and making sure garments last a long time.

What is the most expensive overlocker?

5-Thread Overlock/Safety Stitch – The most expensive overlockers for sale are the ones with 5 threads. These are capable of sewing a 5-thread safety stitch which is perfect for creating very strong seams on heavier fabrics such as denim.

Why use an overlocker sewing machine?

There is a reason an overlocker sewing machine was used on almost every piece of clothing you are wearing right now and its because they are the best machine for doing the job to a high standard. As much as I love sewing machines they just aren’t capable of achieving the same results as an overlocker.

What is the best brother M343D?

The brother M343D is one of their best-selling models and is a great affordable option for those on a budget. In terms of stitches it has 3- and 4- thread overlock stitches and can do narrow overlock and rolled hem stitches.

What is the best stitch to use for overlocking?

4-Thread Overlock Stitch – This is the most common used overlock stitch and for good reason. One of the best qualities of this stitch is its strength and the fact it has some flexibility to it. Ideal for seaming and giving a sturdy finish on woven fabrics, you will be using this one a lot.

What is a 3 thread overlock stitch?

3-Thread Overlock Stitch – These are often used for seaming but they lack the strength of using 4 threads. They do give a bit more in terms of flexibility than a 4-thread which is good, i would avoid using on high-stress areas though.

What is an overlocker used for?

Overlockers were first used in an industrial setting as a quick and reliable way of sewing over the edges of clothing to give them a high-quality and very durable finish. Furthermore, they are also used for seaming, hemming, flatlocking and for giving a decorative edging.

How much does a Janome 9300DX weigh?

With a weight of 8 Kg the Janome 9300DX is a very sturdy and robust machine. With everything needed to start and finish any dressmaking or home decor project it comes highly recommended.