Whether professional activity or making things for a loved one, many tailors sometimes can not do without an overlock. And if at this stage you do not yet have this sewing device, most likely in the near future you will still think about buying it. Therefore, it would be nice to know in advance what kind of device such an overlock is, and how to choose it.
First of all, an overlock is a special device designed for processing seams and edges of loose fabrics. Picking up the cut of the material, the overlock creates overcasting seams, thereby preventing the fabric from opening. But many initially confuse this unit with a conventional sewing machine. This should not be done, because no overlock is able to replace a full sewing machine, as well as vice versa. It can rather be called an excellent addition to an existing machine. So, how to choose an overlock for the house? We will try to answer this question further.
Types of overlocks
Four-thread overlock
This kind of overlock allows to produce four-and three-section processing of fabric sections. In addition, such devices often have the ability to reconfigure to create two-threaded seams. To do this, you just need to turn off the extra looper. The lower and the needle threads remain.
Overlay with sequins
This kind of overlock will be indispensable if you constantly need to create seams that do not require trimming of fabric, for example, a decorative stitch on the center of the material. Such machines are capable of performing all traditional overlock seams. There is also the possibility of creating more complex knitted sutures.
Five-piece overlock for
Five-inline overlocks will be useful for everyone who regularly works with knitted fabrics. Their set of functions also includes the implementation of stitching seams.
With regard to the last point, a five-thread overlock, it can be divided into two more types: rug and overlock with chain loop stitch. The latter kind is an order of magnitude more expensive, since it has much greater possibilities.
The purpose of buying
Of course, before you buy an overlock, it would be nice to determine for which tasks it will come in handy. After all, much depends on this decision, including the cost of the device.
So, for beginners the best option is an inexpensive overlock with a minimum set of features. Such devices are capable of performing their primary task, but do not have additional functions that may not even be useful to you at the initial stage. So, if you are going to perform on this machine the processing of medium or thick materials, as well as produce some work with knitwear, it is better to buy an overlock of Janome, model 9002D.
Also in this case, perfectly suited Family 244D, Brother 1034D, Pfaff 4752, Necchi 670-150.These units will perfectly cope with the creation of three- and four-thread joints. These overlocks are now the most common, as their quality is always on top. In addition, for the above models it will be easy to find parts.
If you have a desire to perform a sewing stitch or chain stitches, you should pay attention to such models: Pfaff Coverlock 4862, Pfaff Coverlock 4852, Pfaff Coverlock 4874, Husqvarna Huskylock 936. Such devices are much more expensive than conventional ones, but they perform a lot of functions.
Seams and loopers
Unlike conventional sewing machines, overlocks do not have a shuttle. Instead, special loopers provide interlacing. As a rule, in budget devices there are only two - upper and lower. Such a construction is capable of providing a simple three-threaded seam.
Three-threaded suture seam is suitable for the solution of the main task - the processing of the cut of loose fabrics. Although the same seam can be used for sewing two knitted fabrics. An important feature of the overlock is the ability to adjust the tension of the threads. It would seem, such a trifle, but this is what makes the device more functional.
So, if you lower the tension of the needle thread and the thread of the lower looper, you can get a flat seam Fatlock. It should not be confused with a crosstitch seam, as Fatlock, unlike the crosstalk, is performed strictly on a cut or fold.
You can also adjust the width of the seam on any overlock. To establish a specific width, weave on a special tab. And to get a minimum seam, with a width of only 2 millimeters, you need to remove this tongue completely. This method performs a role-based role-playing seam called "three-threaded rim".When adding a second needle, you can get a lot of other variations of the three-thread line.
Additional features of
Needle threader
When working with an overlock, it is necessary to go through the thread embedding routinely. But many machines are pre-equipped with a threading device, which makes it possible to speed up and facilitate work. Therefore, when buying, pay special attention to this additional detail.
Top threading machines. This function can be very useful if you need to perform a two-sided flat seam( decorative).
Differential conveyor
To avoid problems with the stretching of elastic fabrics, many overlocks are equipped with a differential conveyor. This provides more even seams.
Tray for scraps
When working with a device such as overlock, a large number of scraps of fabric and threads are formed. And if the overlock includes a removable tray, where all the surplus will be collected, dirt around the workspace can be avoided.
Trimming width adjuster
This control allows you to balance the thread tension with the edge line. Thanks to this, the line goes out more evenly.
hose platform If the overlock, like a sewing machine, has a hose platform, it will be convenient to handle the seams of cylindrical things.
Threads and accessories for the overlock
To ensure an ideal trouble-free work of the overlock, it is worth paying special attention to the threads used. It is advisable not to take cotton threads into the work, too thick or with knots. Also, try not to use thread of different quality in one work. The thinner and more elastic the thread, the easier it is to slice the slices of different fabrics. The better and better the overlock will produce lines.
It is worthwhile to take a closer look at thread tensioners. In more expensive models that provide higher quality seams, the tensioners are located on the same axis. This stroke allows you to maintain a uniform tension, even during a high processing speed of the seams. In overlocks, all the tensioners are on the front panel.
If the available features of the purchased overlock you will not be enough, you can purchase additional accessories. Such as an additional foot for sewing piping, beads, creating assemblies or just a universal foot. There are even devices for grinding with the help of braids.
This concludes our review of the features of various household overlocks. As a summary of our article I would like to give a couple more tips. Firstly, it's good if the machine is assembled from metal parts, because it speaks for durability. The weight of such a device should be not less than 8 kg. Secondly, make sure that the knives of the purchased unit are victorious, that is, they are made of hardened steel, so they will not be blunted for a while.
So, applying the knowledge obtained in this article, you will be able to make the best choice. And the purchased overlock will become a faithful assistant in your complicated business.
