Overlock is a compact sewing machine designed to process the edges of the fabric with a neat elastic seam. This is especially convenient when working with loose or knitted materials. Things with a seam marking made on an overlock acquire a beautiful finished look.
How to choose an overlock for home
Overlock does not replace the sewing machine, it only complements its capabilities. Therefore, in home use, the seamstress can use a zigzag stitch for sewing seams, which is available on conventional models. Of course, the line does not look very neat, but few people worry about the view from the inside. When you often have to work with capricious stretch or knitted fabrics, you can’t do without professional equipment. The seams made on an overlock are of good quality, do not stretch delicate fabrics. These are the main advantages of all types of overlocks.
On the market there is a wide range of diverse models of overlocks, both the simplest and the most professional. Making the right choice is not an easy task. For this, it is important to first determine the purpose and purpose of the purchase.
Simple economy-class models are designed for overcasting light and medium fabrics. If you have to work with expensive and very thin fabrics, complex seams and many other functions are required, then you should pay attention to the universal model of carpet. Manufacturers indicate in the instructions clear recommendations for operating the equipment.
Important! When choosing a household overlock, you need to take into account the design features of the main models, their technical capabilities.
Loopers
The loopers perform shuttle functions in the overlock and are responsible for the formation of seams, interlacing the threads during the movement of the needle. In household overlocks, there are often two of them - lower and upper. With some differences in the device of loopers in machines of different manufacturers, the possibility of free access to them in case of a break of threads remains common.
Three-strand loopers are installed on mid-price overlocks. With this type of stitching, you can sew over the edges of the product and immediately sew it. Often used when sewing knitted clothes. By increasing the tension of the lower looper and loosening the needle thread, on these models you can adjust the Flatlock flat seam.
The four-thread looper simultaneously sews and overcasts knitted fabrics. It turns out a durable elastic seam. In many models, it is possible to work with three threads by disconnecting one needle. Ideal for working at home. The most common option.
Five-thread models have three lower and two upper loopers with a large stitch width.
Important! The cost of an overlock increases with the number of threads and loopers, so you need to choose a machine, according to your needs.
Refueling Method
Proper threading is an important consideration when using the overcasting machine. If in household overlocks the number of working threads is from three to five, then in industrial models their number reaches 12. In the attached instructions there are detailed schemes for step-by-step threading of threads drawn in different colors, there are schemes directly under the overlock cover.
An unusual overlock device at first seems complicated, and changing threads is extremely difficult. After all, each thread goes through a series of guides to enter the loopers and needles. It is especially difficult to refill the lower looper. Having gained experience, all seamstresses do this quickly and easily. If, nevertheless, the procedure remains painful, there are ways to facilitate it.
- Purchase a model with automatic threading. It will cost more, but will facilitate refueling the machine. Professional seamstresses value this feature for saving time.
- Many seamstresses adapted to cut the threads near the working spool and tie it to a new thread. Then it remains to stretch the thread with the bundle through all the holes.
- When choosing sewing equipment, it is worth paying attention to how well all the loopers are visible, which will facilitate the filling process.
Power
For working at home, household overlocks with small capacities of 75-100 W, suitable for small loads, are suitable. They are easily reconfigurable with one turn of the lever, have up to 12 lines.
Industrial types are very fast, but they perform only a certain type of line. Designed to work full time. Usually, such models for stability come complete with a steel table, which affects the cost, and are equipped with an engine with a power of more than 250 watts.
If a seamstress works at home and sews entire batches of clothing, then you need to think about buying a powerful overlock.
Tension adjustment
The quality of complex overcast seams and their elasticity depend on the tension of the upper and lower threads. In different models, the tension regulators look different.
There are household machines with manual adjustment of tension and experienced seamstresses quickly adapt to set the desired settings. Modern computer-controlled models have automatic settings. This is a good option for those who do not want to constantly reconfigure the machine. The computer itself adjusts the tension of the threads depending on the type of seams.
Stitches
There should be five types of lines that are often used when sewing clothes:
- two-strand chain;
- three-strand overlock;
- wide and narrow flat seam Flatlock;
- four-thread reinforcing;
- three-thread role hemming (roller).
The width of the stitch is determined by the pitch control. It can be used to seal the seam or vice versa. The width of the overlock stitch varies from 1 to 16 mm. This is important when sewing clothes in different styles, when creating various decorative stitches. The shorter the stitches, the higher the strength of the finished seams. Minimum length indicators from 1 to 2 mm.
The speed of household overlocks is up to 1500 stitches per minute. This is enough for seamstresses of any skill.
Presser foot adjustment
The presser foot function makes it possible to work with fabrics of different thicknesses, which expands the range of processed products. It can be satin, silk, knitwear, wool. In this case, the foot is raised to a height of 4 mm. There are models adapted to overcast the thick edges of rugs and carpets - height 2.5 cm.
The best option would be an overlock with smooth adjustment of the presser foot.
Additional features
- differential conveyor for stretching elastic fabric and creasing;
- convector - a metal bracket on the upper looper for different types of stitches;
- removable sleeve platform for working with narrow parts;
- a compartment for collecting garbage - allows you to keep the workplace clean;
- upper and lower knives for trimming the edges of the fabric;
- needles, the number of which affects the type of seams;
- illumination of the working area with lamps or LEDs.
These items are not required for each machine. The instructions for use indicate all the functions of the overlock. When choosing a machine, it is necessary to check its working condition on site.
Important! Conscientious manufacturers additionally complete the machines with all spare parts, confirming their serious approach to the production and quality of equipment.
If necessary, seamstresses can always buy various devices that facilitate sewing.
Which is better to choose an overlock
When purchasing sewing equipment, you need to pay attention to models with high reliability from well-established manufacturers. You can buy a high-quality overlock in a regular store or on the Internet. Each method has its own advantages: the store has the opportunity to test the car, and on the sites of online stores read customer reviews and ask questions to the administrator.
Beginning seamstress
Beginning seamstresses are not recommended to purchase expensive equipment. It will not pay off and will be difficult to master due to lack of experience. A three-thread overlock with a power of 100 watts is perfect.
For those who want to seriously engage in needlework or make sewing and repairing clothes a source of constant income, it is better to buy a four-thread model with a removable sleeve platform. It is desirable to have a conveyor belt and a mini-computer, which will greatly facilitate the workflow.
Important! Recommended models: Family 244D, New Home NH7920 or Singer T80D, Osinka. They have proven themselves well.
Experienced craftsman
When the craftswoman works at home to order, the quality of tailoring plays an important role. Professional pride does not allow you to handle things in any way and take money at the same time.
Experienced craftsmen can not imagine their work without an overlock - this device greatly facilitates the hard work of a seamstress and is indispensable when sewing a variety of things. For long-term work you need cars with great functionality. This is the processing of the neck, pockets, armholes, hemming of the bottom and sleeves. As well as sewing on elastic bands, ribbons, buttons, finishing details, which significantly saves the time of manufacturing things.
Choosing an overlock model, you need to play it safe and immediately buy spare parts for it if they are not included. Perhaps, over time, such parts will no longer be on sale.
For experienced craftsmen, the best acquisition will be a professional carpet. This is an improved overlock model designed for overcasting of varying degrees of complexity and other types of lines.
Now the most popular, time-tested brands of overlocks such as Janome, Minerva, Juki, Toyota, Bernina. At a good price-performance ratio, the Brother model stands out for various loads. Products from well-known manufacturers are a guarantee of quality.
Experienced seamstresses know that to extend the life of any sewing machine, it must be carefully looked after. This is regular cleaning, removal of fragments of threads and fabric with a special brush, lubrication of work units in all accessible places. With careful care, an overlock without breakdowns will last a long time.
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