Home masters and just beginners in the field of sewing will need an indispensable assistant - overlock. Consider how to choose an overlock for home use, its functions, additional features, as well as distinctive features.
What is an overlock?
A specialized sewing machine called overlock is designed for processing the edges of the product and sewing parts.
Before choosing a sewing overlock, it is worth determining the quality of the fabrics with which the seamstress plans to work at home. All models differ in functions and power. If you plan to work only with knitted fabrics, you can take a small compact machine with a minimum set of functions. If the seamstress plans to work with outerwear, then it is better to make a choice in favor of a universal device.
Most often, overlock processes the edges of bulk fabrics, which prevents their further dissolution. In addition, when processing with overlock, you can not only cut the fabric, but also simultaneously grind several parts and overcast the cut line. Some models with advanced functionality have the option and can process the edges with a decorative seam.
Why an overlock, but not a sewing machine?
Some people think about how to choose an overlock sewing machine, and whether it is possible to process the edges with a simple sewing device. Not all sewing machines cope with the function of processing the edges of products with high quality. In addition, the sewing machine and the overlock are different devices, both in terms of operation and technical parameters.
A conventional sewing machine sews parts with a shuttle stitch and two threads, so over time these edges may fray. Overlock is overcast with at least three threads. This is not to say that the sewing machine is overcasting the edges of the part, it simply imitates the overcast seam, if there is a special foot, while the edges of the part are very tight. With an overlock, the edges of the product are always elastic and protected, which is important for children's clothing or sports apparel.
Varieties of overlocks
Before choosing a home overlock, you need to know that these devices come in several modifications.
- A household overlock that grinds the edges into four threads (this type of device can be reconfigured if necessary to mark the edges of the products into two threads).
- Machine with a seam seam (performs a standard seam, but there is also an option in the form of a decorative seam).
- Five-thread overlock (you can work on such a device with any knitted fabrics).
At the same time, five-thread overlocks can be further divided into two groups. This can be a carpet with the ability to create a flat seam, and an overlock with a chain stitch looper, which has great functionality and, accordingly, price.
Regardless of the type of device, a differential supply of fabric should be installed in it, the pressure of the foot should be regulated, which would allow working with fabrics of different densities, the thread should be threaded easily, and the sewing speed for household needs should be at least 1000 stitches per minute.
Additional features
Depending on the model and before choosing an overlock machine, you should familiarize yourself with its additional features and devices.
Some models have upper thread-laying machines, which allows a decorative flat seam to be made on the front side of the fabric, while it will be double-sided. A differential conveyor is suitable for working with stretching and elastic fabrics. With its use, the line is smooth and elastic. The needle threader will save time for threading the needle.
All additional accessories that go to the overlock, and their advanced functionality, are selected depending on the intended frequency of use of the machine, the complexity and nature of the work of sewing clothes.
What threads are needed for an overlock?
Considering the question: “How to choose an overlock?”, It is also worth mentioning about threads. The edge marking directly depends on their quality. If you use threads of different density and thickness, then the edge may turn out to be uneven and with gaps. The overlock machine is very sensitive to thread tension.
Most often, for overlocks (regardless of modification), threads on large bobbins are used. They have a minimum thickness, not much "twisted" and they last for a long time. Not only the quality of the overlay, but also the future appearance of the product depends on this. Thickened threads in the overlock are not used, especially for thin and elastic fabrics.
How to choose a suitable model?
Before choosing an overlock for home use, you need to answer a few questions: why do you need a machine and how much work is planned to be done on it. The choice also depends on the nature of the fabrics with which the seamstress plans to work. If it will be only jerseys, then you can stop at an economical overlock model or carpet.
What to look for when choosing?
- Equipment. The machine should be equipped with a differential conveyor, with the help of which the edge of the fabric is not stretched during processing. The platform for removable sleeves allows you to process the edges of pants and small items. A trim tray may be needed when making large volumes of tailoring.
- Convenience of use. The machine has many buttons and various functions. The seamstress must understand how to switch from one option to another, that is, the so-called control panel of the machine should be understandable.
- Thread requirements. Simple economy-class models are less demanding on the quality of the thread. More expensive options process the edges of products with threads only on bobbins.
- The size of the machine. For home use, the machine should be compact, not bulky. It is worthwhile to think over the place where she will stand in advance.
- Manufacturer. Buy equipment only from well-known and trusted companies that provide warranty and after-sales service in the event of a breakdown. In addition, you can always find spare parts for such models or supplement your machine with auxiliary functions if necessary.
Popular device manufacturers
Cars of the middle price category will suit a seamstress who plans to work with various fabrics, which must be taken into account before choosing an overlock. Most modifications of this price category are suitable for home use. They differ in both design and advanced functionality, while the quality of processing is always high.
Well-known manufacturers who present the device at an average price are Elna, Janome, New Home, Minerva, TOYOTA, Family, Merrylock, Juki and Brother, but all of their models are quite functional. The Juki brand previously produced models for industrial production, but later retrained for low-cost devices for home use. The only drawback of the models of this company is the high cost of repairs and spare parts for it.
In the question of how to choose an overlock, user reviews are inclined to the following models.
- TOYOTA SL 3335 and TOYOTA SL3487. The case is metal, which indicates the reliability of the device. The machine performs seams in 2, 3 and 4 threads. The degree of pressure of the foot is adjustable, there is a differential conveyor, the device is designed to work on various fabrics.
- Minerva M840 DS. The device is distinguished by reliability, high quality work. The machine is equipped with a powerful engine, so it can easily cope with different types of fabrics. Additionally, there is a removable sleeve, the length of the stitch, the fabric tension is adjustable. Plus: the working surface is equipped with a backlight.
- Janome MyLock 205D, Janome T-34. A cheaper option compared to the two previous models. The machine has seven programs that allow you to work with different types of fabrics, regardless of their thickness. The lines come out beautiful, but the refueling of cars is more complicated and there is no platform for the sleeve.
Conclusion
Before choosing an overlock, you should pay attention to many different factors. The quality of work on the processing of edges directly depends on this. Additional features of the machine will allow, over time, the beginning seamstress to switch to mass tailoring.