The best overlockers for home

What is overlock

An overlock is a type of sewing machine that has the desired function - sewing and parallel trimming the edge of the fabric while sewing. It is especially important to use such a technique when working with "loose" fabrics, which include knitwear, stretch types, silk, wool, which do not tolerate coarse overstitching.

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An overcast is a special type of seam, the purpose of which is to contain the edge of the canvas, which is prone to shedding during trimming.

It should be noted right away that an overlock for home sewing, which you can buy in specialized stores of sewing equipment or centers for the sale of household appliances, is not a full replacement an ordinary sewing machine. It is a separate variety that is sharpened to perform only one operation.

Some machines have the function of installing a special overfilling foot, but this feature should be checked with sellers during the purchase of equipment if there is a need for processing edges.

What is an overlock for?

As noted above, an overlock is required to process a cut of fabric while sewing. The technology for creating a reliable fastening is as follows: several threads firmly cover the edge, forming a special type of seam, which is called overcast. This prevents further dissolution of the material during the operation of the product.

IMPORTANT!

Almost all models of overlocks for knitwear or other delicate fabrics have the function of trimming fabrics, stitching parts and overcasting. Some more advanced patterns may have the ability to make flat seams, chain stitches, decorative elements.

Specialists in the field of sewing distinguish three cases in which you may need to purchase an overlock for home sewing:

1. When deciding to do sewing to order. In this case, not only the purchase of a high-quality and expensive sewing machine is required, but also an overlock, and maybe a carpetlock, so that one can be considered a master of his craft.
2. If there are perfectionists in the family who cannot wear things that are sewn at random. Some people do not care how well the wrong side of the product is processed, and some cannot wear clothes when everything inside is bulging and threads sticking out.
3. The third necessity, when the question arises of how to choose an overlock for the home, is the situation that most of the things created at home are made of knitwear, stretch fabrics. It can be a variety of swimwear, hoodies, sweatshirts. In this case, the purchase of an overlock will become mandatory.

How to choose an overlock for home use

Before starting a conversation about the main selection criteria, you should determine how the home overlock differs from professional products. The most important difference is the power of the device. Since industrial machines are designed to perform operations in a continuous mode throughout a whole shift, that is, 8-12 hours, they have a more powerful engine.

Also, the case of professional models, as a rule, is made of high quality steel, unlike plastic, which is used in the production of household overlocks.
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The advantage of home models is great customization flexibility. Professional ones are designed to perform only one type of seam, while household ones can have up to 12 different variations.

The more programs are laid down, the more seams can be performed using the overlock.

The cost of industrial designs is several times higher, therefore, when purchasing, you should decide how many things will be sewn. If you plan to organize production on an industrial scale, then the only option will be professional equipment, otherwise a household overlock will be enough.

Overlocks differ in a number of parameters that should be considered when choosing a particular model.

The most preferable will be the purchase of a 4-thread model, which will ensure the variability of the seams and the quality of the resulting stitch.

Number of threads

Choosing which overlock to buy for home sewing, according to reviews, you should also take into account your own needs. The first criterion for dividing the assortment existing on the market is the number of threads when creating a seam. This parameter differs:

• 2-thread. The simplest variety, which is distinguished by its low cost, since only two threads are used to create a seam. Experts do not advise taking such overlocks, since the resulting seam will not be tight enough and of high quality;
• 3-thread. A universal set, by means of which it is possible to obtain a tight seam that is not subject to unraveling even after washing the product. As an additional load, these models can perform a roller stitch and stretch stitching, which is necessary when sewing knitwear;

• 4-thread. More expensive models that perform a three-thread stitch, reinforcing it with a fourth thread. Also, these variations make it possible to carry out a double front seam, overcast the edge and connect parts of clothing;
• 5-thread. The last option for home execution, which provides the largest range of operations. As a rule, in addition to the roller look, he can perform other types of processing, as well as embroider. The purchase of this model will be advisable when deciding not only to process edges, but also to perform more complex tasks.

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There are models that can simultaneously use up to 8 threads, but they are professional and do not need to be used at home.

Manufacturer

There are several manufacturers on the sewing equipment market that specialize exclusively in the production of such equipment. When choosing which overlock is better to buy for a home, according to reviews and experts' opinion, the brand should also be taken into account. The most popular and well-known are:

• Janome. Ideal for beginners, since all products of this manufacturer have an intuitive setting and a minimum number of modes;

• Juki. A distinctive feature of the models produced by this brand is a low level of noise generated and a smooth ride;
• Brother. A company that produces a wide range of equipment, which includes sewing machines and overlocks. The purchase of a product of this brand resembles a lottery: you can buy a quality product, or you can become the owner of a capricious unit;
• Merrylock. One of the best solutions in terms of price-quality ratio. In the presence of a large number of additional functions, the manufacturer sets a completely democratic price tag;
• Astralux. Another budget company, whose products have one obvious drawback - strong vibration. When deciding to buy a model of this brand, you should be puzzled by the purchase of an anti-vibration mat.

Functional

There are a number of options that are required for normal overlock operation. It is their presence that needs to be checked when buying a new device:

• automatic thread tensioning system. There are two types of overlocks on the market - computerized ones, in which the function tension is set in automatic mode, and manual, where the user himself adjusts this index. The operating instructions contain a detailed threading diagram, so problems should not arise;
• a roller stitch, which is used to process the edges of scarves or blouses. Some masters advise using this type of seam to overlap the hem of skirts;

• stitch width adjustment. A parameter that is required to control the seam density;
• knife. It is advisable to choose models where there is a shutdown knife, in particular, when it is required to hem the cuffs on the trousers;

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The presence of a built-in blade allows you to achieve a perfectly smooth, solid-cut cut. This makes it possible not to carry out additional processing after using the overlock.

• function of setting the pressure of the presser foot. Necessary when sewing thick fabrics;
• trash compartment. Another useful addition that allows you to keep the workplace clean, which is very important when trimming the edge with a knife.

Sewing machines - overlocks: an overview of popular models

The best and most inexpensive overlock models, according to reviews from buyers and specialists, are represented by models that have all the necessary functions. The final choice will be subjective.

Janome MyLock 210D

A model that combines build quality, usability and attractive looks. Every detail of this device is designed to achieve high performance and maximize comfort. With proper observance of the operating rules, the machine can work for a long time. Of the features, it can be noted the ability to work with both 3 and 4 threads, the speed of work is 1500 stitches per minute, an automatic threading mechanism, control of the trim width, the presence of a thread cutter. Among the shortcomings, the lack of a display and the function of automatic self-threading of needles is noted. The cost of the device is 12,000 rubles.

Janome MyLock 210D

 Juki MO-654DE

A model that is a combination of price and high performance, providing high speed of work. The unit is accompanied by informative instructions in Russian, which will allow you to quickly understand the features of operation. The features of the device are the variability in the use of threads (from 2 to 4), the presence of self-threading looper, the presence of a stabilizer to control the force of the puncture, a large height of the presser foot. The disadvantages are the absence of a garbage bin and a large weight, which is 8 kg. The cost of the model is 15,000 rubles.

Juki MO-654DE

Brother 4234D

A model that has modest dimensions, but at the same time is in no way inferior to its competitors in terms of efficiency. There is an automatic adjustment of the thread feed speed, the machine can work in 2 and 4 threads mode, the sewing speed is 1300 stitches per minute. One of the obvious advantages is the absence of vibration during operation and the presence of an automatic protection system against twisting of the threads. Also included is a waste bin. Among the disadvantages are the periodic sinking of the thread holder and poor control of the feed of the fabric of the foot. The cost of the kit is 24,000 rubles.

Brother 4234D

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On the net you can find reviews for the Krosh overlock, which is a Russian development. All users agree that purchasing it is a waste of money and nerves, since it works worse than cheap Chinese samples.

Other types of sewing techniques

In addition to ordinary sewing machines and overlocks, you can find samples of sewing devices such as carpet locks and cover sewing machines on store shelves. How appropriate is their use and what are these aggregates?

What is carpetlock

The coverlock is a unique combination of three types of sewing machines at once: overlock, sewing machine and cover sewing machine. With its help, it is possible to achieve an overcast of edges, a flat seam, and the connection of product parts. The only thing this machine is not able to do is make a zigzag seam.

The purchase of a rug for home sewing requires some experience and training of a seamstress. When buying, be sure to pay attention to the completeness of the package. Based on the reviews of which carpetlock is better to buy for home, we can conclude that the best options are models from brands such as Merrylock, Bernina, Pfaff.

 Overlock and carpetlock - what is the difference in appearance

The main design difference between these two devices is that the carpetlock has a large sleeve console. This is a special area for tissue placement. If pre-cut pieces are sewn on the overlock, then already finished products are often sheathed on its close brother. For some operations, it is simply impossible to do without a sleeve that is sufficient in size.

The carpetlock uses three loopers at once, in contrast to the overlock, where there are only two.

How does a carpetlock differ from an overlock in terms of technical characteristics?

The constructive difference between these two devices lies in the number of loopers. This is a special feature that avoids the use of the winding bobbin used in conventional sewing machine. In carpet locks, three loopers are used at once, two of which perform the function of overfilling. With this device, it is possible to simultaneously process up to 10 threads.

Sewing machine - what is it

A coverstitch machine, which is otherwise called a cover-stitching machine, is one of the varieties of sewing equipment. It is simply necessary to create high-quality knitwear or stretch fabrics. What is a cover sewing machine for? Its purpose is to sew an elastic seam used to close the hem edge of a jersey.

In such units, there is no bobbin case, and the threads are fed directly from the bobbin directly to the needle and looper. Unlike the overlock, the threads from the needle and looper are woven not along the edge of the cut, but in an arbitrary place, which is necessary to close the hem. The result is a flat seam, lined with threads from the seamy side.

How much does an overlock cost

There is a fairly large number of models on the market that differ not only in functionality and manufacturers, but also in cost. Budget models are offered at a price of 12 to 19 thousand rubles. If you need a semi-professional model that has computerized control and a larger set of options, then you should prepare to pay from 40 to 60 thousand for an overlock. Once again, you can find out the details of the choice from the video presented.