Choosing a machine for sewing clothes, sooner or later they think about buying such equipment as an overlock. What this device helps to do and what is used for, we will consider in more detail.
What is this machine for?
Starting to sew a product, they ask about the seam stitching. You can, of course, use the function embedded in even the simplest electric machine. But more complex fabrics, such as silk, knitwear, wool, will not tolerate rough trimming.
For this, an overlock is acquired. What is basting? This is a special seam designed to process the edge of the fabric, preventing the process of shedding.
The price of such equipment is quite high, so you should consider options for models and familiarize yourself with their technical capabilities. And then decide for yourself how necessary such a machine is.
What does an overlock consist of?
This equipment is slightly different from a conventional machine, which can be seen in the main components:
- Telescopic thread holder.
- Needle tensioner (upper loop and lower loop). Located on the body of the machine, in expensive models, you can change the tension through software. With its regulation, different types of seams are formed or their elasticity changes.
- Cutting system - lower and upper knife. In some machines, it is possible to adjust the width of the cut by changing the position of the knife.
- Foot.
- Needles. Their number may be responsible for the type of seam.
- Lower and upper looper. Using these devices, a seam is formed.
- Flywheel.
- Differential feed.
- The unit itself in the case, attached to the table due to Velcro feet.
As you can see, one of the important elements characteristic of the sewing machine is missing - the shuttle.
A seam is formed using loopers.
Overlock Features
There are several main differences from the sewing machine:
- Better seam processing.
- When processing overlock, the edges are cut.
- When working with delicate fabrics, the seams do not tighten.
These differences, and they are also advantages, are characteristic of all types of overlocks, but there are several more possibilities that are characteristic for individual models.
To understand the segmentation of equipment, you should consider these possibilities and the options with which they are obtained.
Types of seams of inexpensive cars
Let's consider what lines an inexpensive overlock is capable of doing. What is this, we already know. This equipment can perform several types of seams :
- Three-strand stitch. The most common stitch that allows you to sew over the edges and sew at the same time, which is important for knitted fabrics. By adjusting the thread tension, this look can be turned into other stitches.
- If you increase the tension of the lower looper and loosen the needle thread, you will get a three-thread flat seam Flatlock. It is not flush, because it can only be done along the edge or along the bend. When cutting the fabric, this seam is used as a flat - for stitching elastic materials.
- The tongue is responsible for the width of the seam, if you remove it, you get a minimum seam - a role hem. And if you pull the thread of the lower tensioner even harder, then the seam will also turn up.
- You can also rearrange the needle, which affects the width of the seam.
- If you add another needle, you will get a four-thread overcasting seam. Such a stitch is necessary when working with knitted fabrics.
As you can see, you can buy an inexpensive overlock for the home, which will allow you to perform high-quality overcast seams.
Consider other types of lines obtained using additional devices.
Convector seams
This device is a metal bracket that is mounted on the upper looper. Using it, you can get the following lines:
- Narrow two-stitch seam. Used for overcasting lung tissue.
- Flat two-stitch seam Flatlock. It can be narrow and wide. A kind of flat seam that can be used both as a decorative stitch and for stitching elastic materials.
- Two - thread role seam with hem. For him, you need to remove the tongue. Using it, decorative bending of thin tissues is carried out.
- By installing two needles, you get a two-needle, three-thread stitch. Use it as a basting and for stitching lightweight elastic fabrics.
The convector is reflected in the cost of equipment. Such an overlock for the home will already be in the middle price segment. You can buy it for 10 thousand rubles.
Chain stitch looper
Adding this option puts the equipment already in the "industrial overlock" category, because it affects the price. But at the same time, there are a number of additional features that are performed only with such a device:
- A two- or three-strand parallel seam for the front side , while on the inside there will be a multi-thread overcast. Such lines are used for sewing knitted t-shirts. And cars are already considered rip-off.
- Chain stitch. Differs in durability and elasticity. It is used for tailoring jeans.
- The chain looper with the overcast looper makes it possible to grind and overcast at the same time, and five-stitch seams are already obtained . The most popular application is sewing jeans.
- Four-thread stitches are used for fabrics in which the edges do not show off so much.
As you can see, an industrial overlock can already work with thicker fabrics.
Additional features
Beginners in sewing should know what other options an overlock might have.
What is differential feed, we have not yet considered. The presence of this device does not allow tissue to collect when sewing the edge.
The sleeve panel is a very important option when working with cylindrical clothing items. There are many additional legs, for example, for sewing in beads, gathering fabric, stitching a suction. A removable trimmed paper tray may also be included. A trifle - but it’s nice and convenient to work.
Refill overlock
Another important topic. Given the difference between this equipment from the sewing machine and the number of threads, you can get confused. Therefore, choosing a model for yourself, it is worth paying special attention to the complexity of this process.
There are a number of devices that are equipped with needle threaders, and there are also with automatic refueling.
Again, these options will affect the cost of the equipment. Therefore, if you are not ready to overpay at the initial stage, then filling in the overlock instructions will help you. You should carefully study it before embarking on this complex process. Overlock Brother greatly simplifies this preparatory phase due to the scheme on the equipment itself. It is drawn in different colors so as not to get confused when threading the thread.
Selection tips
There are a number of features that you should pay attention to when choosing equipment. They are really necessary for quality work:
- Differential feed. This function is required, it will prevent seam tightening and fabric assembly.
- The ability to adjust the foot. This will increase the range of processed materials.
- Panel for the sleeve.
- Availability and speed of threading.
- Productivity should be not less than 1300 stitches per minute .
If we consider the price-quality ratio, then you can pay attention to the Brother overclock.
Reviews
The considered machines are considered by some as excessive luxury, but those who sew a lot consider this equipment indispensable. In their opinion, it really greatly facilitates the work of a seamstress, in addition, it has such capabilities that a conventional machine does not possess.
So which is better to get an overlock? Reviews differ. But one thing is certain: any equipment should be purchased based on needs, on how much and often you sew.
Judging by the numerous responses on the Russian market, Brother overlock is one of the most accessible and popular. The lineup allows you to choose the equipment that is most suitable for any consumer.
Overlock never completely replaces a sewing machine. But in itself, this device is necessary for high-quality processing of seams. Not a single sewing machine can perform the necessary overcasting of elastic fabrics in a quality manner, and this significantly affects the entire product. Therefore, buying an overlock is a matter of time for any seamstress.