With the help of any, even a simple sewing machine, you can create a masterpiece. Indeed, the famous and great couturiers worked in the second half of the 19th - beginning of the 20th centuries, when sewing machines only began to come into use, had a minimum of functions and were simple. What to say about such things as computer control, an electric drive or a sewing machine with an overlock function - there was no question about this!
Overlock Function: Seam Features
An ordinary sewing machine makes a “shuttle” type stitch, while an overlock forms a specific basting stitch. There are also differences in the principle of sewing. The classic unit produces a two-thread stitch, and a real overlock allows the master to create even five-thread stitches.
Electric sewing machines with an overlock only imitate an overcast stitch that looks like a zigzag. Special paws make the stitch neat, press fabric tightly. Externally, the stitch will be similar to the stitch of a professional overlock, but in quality - when stretched less durable.
Choose a machine with an overlock function
The market for sewing machines, both domestic and professional, is full of offers from various manufacturers. The buyer often cannot understand the “sea” of sewing machines, gets lost in a huge list of functions, is afraid to overpay extra money - because of this he is able to make a rash purchase.
We will talk about what kind of sewing machines with an overlock are, see what the manufacturer offers us, and help you choose a decent model.
The main selection criterion is functionality
First you need to understand what investments you can afford and for what purpose you need a sewing machine.
Do you want to simply shorten your skirt, cut a curtain or sew a jacket torn by a child, without resorting to the services of an atelier every time? Or maybe you want to make a carnival costume or update your own wardrobe? If the second, then what are you up to? On summer dresses from knitwear or on a coat, or maybe on a rough jeans? Move on.
Here are the main points that you need to focus on when choosing a sewing machine with an overlock:
- sewing machine company;
- a variety of sewing machine models;
- cost.
Overlock sewing machine manufacturers
Here, as elsewhere: there are unconditional leaders and firms that are not widely known. Janome, Bernina, Husqvarna, Brother, Pfaff Singer - the choice is great and ultimately determined by the personal preference of the master, the availability of models and accessories. The availability of service centers for servicing sewing machines is also important, since periodically it will be necessary to resort to their services.
Inexpensive sewing machines with an overlock of little-known manufacturers with a similar set of functions will cost less, but there is a great risk of getting not only low quality. Purchasing accessories for such a machine can be difficult. And one more thing: little-known firms have very individual foot fasteners or bobbin sizes. Therefore, if you decide to save money, be sure to ask about which accessories are suitable and where you can get them.
Variety of models
All cars are divided into:
Households do everything at once, industrial ones - one thing, but “excellent” and with excellent performance. They will sew day and night without breaking. Industrial ones are needed if you are going to open your own atelier, as they are bulky, noisy and expensive.
Depending on the functionality, overlock sewing machines are divided into:
- electric;
- electromechanical;
- embroidery.
Electromechanical - the most economical, they are still classified as semi-automatic. The disadvantage of this model is the limited number of lines, much less than electric.
When choosing, you need to pay attention to whether there are additional paws and the corresponding types of lines in the functions of the device. A more convenient model, the kit of which includes a special device for trimming fabric, imitating knives.
Overview of sewing machines
Are you interested in models with a large number of suture operations or inexpensive sewing machines with an overlock? Their price in any case will depend on the type of device. A fully electric apparatus is more expensive than a mechanical one. The configuration and the number of possibilities also matter.
- Minerva Mini is a real mini sewing machine with an overlock. It looks like a cute handbag, in fact, it is a full-fledged convenient sewing machine. Easy to operate, it has 11 types of stitching, fixed adjustment, the function of adjusting the tension of the upper thread, reverse, winding the bobbin. The price of such an apparatus is from 5 thousand rubles.
- Inexpensive sewing machines with an overlock “Singer” (model 1507) are quite functional, have 8 operations, the function of reverse and speed adjustment, a zipper foot is included in the kit. Their cost is about 6 thousand rubles.
- Janome devices (My W23U model) are sewing machines with an overlock, the price of which starts from 10 thousand rubles. They belong to the semi-professional or professional type of equipment. The nodes of the mechanisms are metal, the engine is reinforced and is able to withstand increased loads. The model has 23 operations, additional legs, including for lightning. There is a function such as automatic loop execution.
- Cars with Brother Overlock (Universal 37S) are even more functional. 37 operations, needle threader, you can even make hidden stitches. Their price is more - about 17 thousand rubles.
Of course, this technique is cheaper than industrial, because the cost of professional machines starts from 25 thousand rubles. There are models worth 35 thousand rubles. for overlaying carpets or carpet.
What are we paying attention to?
When choosing a sewing machine with an overlock, you obviously decided on the goals that you want to implement using this technique.
If you plan to work at home or sew to order - reviews show that it is better to purchase a full-fledged overlock. But this option is not suitable for everyone because of the high price. But for domestic household needs, a simplified inexpensive device with overlock functions is quite suitable. It will be enough to sheathe the household. Of course, not all nodes of the model will be made of metal, there is also plastic, but if used correctly, such a machine will last a long time.
Pads for sewing zippers have almost all models. But not everyone has extra legs. They will have to be purchased.
Optional Accessories - Advanced Features
The basic equipment of the machine with the overlock function limits its ability. To achieve a good result and quality, it is important to choose the right accessories for the machine: the right foot, needle, thread for the fabric or operation. In the instructions for the sewing machine you will find a table of the ratio of the thickness of the needle and thread. It’s hard to make a mistake here.
The master must have special needles, they will be needed in working with leather, stretch, jeans or jersey. Different sharpening of the tip will allow the most accurate work with the material. Beginners are familiar with the situation: skipping a stitch or scraping seams. The overlock sewing machine is not to blame. Reviews show that often the problem is the wrong needle selection.
There are a lot of paws too. The basic configuration contains a minimum. The purchase of additional legs should not be a problem, so when choosing a machine, find out about their availability.
Pay attention to the legs, which are not included in the basic package, but are absolutely necessary:
- Teflon - with them there will be no problems when sewing a product from materials such as leather, suede, faux fur and even plastic.
- Paws, allowing to make a roller hemming edge. They differ depending on the width of the hem - in 2, 4 or 6 mm.