Overlock Sewing Machines – Easy To Use And Efficient
For many years, Overlock sewing machines have been providing home stitched clothing businesses which are mostly home based an opportunity to produce the finest quality of stitched clothing, all over the world. Known as ‘Sergers’, many a times, these Overlock machines are very easy to handle and are extremely efficient. They are far better than the normal basic home sewing machines and can perform stitching tasks with much more intricacy and can also add a tint of professionalism into the workmanship. These sewing machines have over years helped thousands of people to make a living by stitching clothes directly from their homes.
With two loopers and one needle, Overlock sewing machines are capable of producing the finest quality of stitched materials. Many garments that are available in the market for purchase are mostly stitched using an Overlock sewing machine. In general, there are two models in which Overlock sewing machines are available- Industrial and Household.
Household vs Industrial Overlock Sewing Machines
Household Overlock sewing machines are basic yet reliable and efficient. Industrial Overlock sewing machines, on the other hands are swift, sturdy and definitely efficient. These sewing machines are very easy to handle and are also portable. It is even possible to place an industrial version of Overlock sewing machine on a table and put a motor along to quicken the entire procedure of stitching and sewing clothes.
Traditional spool is not used in both the versions of these sewing machines, instead thread cones are used. Three threads cones are placed simultaneously and are named as – bottom looper, top looper, and needle thread. There are many accessories and attachments available for this type of sewing machine as well. One can buy these accessories from near by stores and shops. These accessories can help enhance the working mechanism of this sewing machine. Most of the industrial models of overlook sewing machines come along with foot pedals. Knife is also provided along with the needle, for giving proper dimensions to the fabric being stitched.
It is very important to sharpen the knife from time to time, as it becomes blunt very fast. It is necessary to oil the machinery regularly, for ensuring its smooth functioning. Overlock sewing machine is ideal for anyone who wants workmanships that are of both high quality and professional. Another good thing is that they are available at very affordable prices and anyone can easily buy it. These Sergers are extremely popular and are being used globally and they have been around for hundreds of years.
Nancy asks…
How do I sew an overlock stitch without an overlock sewing machine? (reg. simplicity sewing machine)?
admin answers:
You can’t really do a true overlock stitch, but you can do an overedge stitch, and there are usually several possibilities, ranging from letting the right swing of the zigzag stitch go just off the edge of the fabric, to stitches that look more like serging,
like one that looks like a zigzag between two lines of straight stitching, or one that looks rather blanket-stitch-ish.
A foot with a rudder on the right side or in the middle so you can push the seam allowance up against the rudder can be useful.
Paul asks…
How to finish a seam with an overlock machine?
I just bought an overlock sewing machine, but I don’t know how to close the seam. In a regular machine I just press the reverse button and close the sewing so it wont open, but with this machine every time I sewed something the seam start opening at the end. How can I close the seam?
admin answers:
There are several possibilities…
1) If this seam will be crossed by another, nothing needs to be done (just like sewing machine seams)
2) You can cut the chain off even and use a sealant like Fray Block. Not my favorite.
3) You can pull the chain tails back into the stitching with a “knit picker” type latch hook, a tiny crochet hook, or a tapestry needle (I prefer the tapestry needle) — this is my usual finish.
4) You can tie an overhand knot in the thread chain right up against the end of the seam. To do this neatly, tie the overhand knot, but leave a little loop. Put a pin into the loop and snug the loop up against the end of the seam while pulling on the chain tail. Cut off the excess chain. I use this finish for something that will need hard wear, but I don’t like the little lump.
5) Unpick the serger chain (easiest is to just lift out the needle threads right at the end of the seam), tie a square knot using all threads, and clip excess. Fast and easy, but be careful to clip close to the knot.
6) As for #5, but thread the threads into an embroidery needle and run
them back into the stitching, making a couple of small backstitches to secure them, then clipping.
Helen asks…
Can my regular sewing machine do overlock stitch like the Serger?
I have a regular sewing machine. It’s a singer 40 stitch machine. It has a stitching on there that kind of looks like it could be the overlock stitch (something the serger does — stitch and cut), but I will have to manually cut the fabric and it doesn’t really “overlock” the fabric. I know sergers are design to only overlock, I want a regular sewing machine but was wondering if I can buy an extra piece or attachment to have this effect of the overlocking and cutting. Im not sure if they even make that. Can someone please help?
admin answers:
The bottom line answer is “no”. Even if you have a stitch that looks like the one a serger makes, it won’t be the same. The serger uses 2, 3 or 4 threads and the tensions when running are completely different. A serger also has two threads that are designed to wrap the edge. Regular sewing machines can’t do this. I have a “Cut and Sew” attachment for my Bernina sewing machines. It does the job but not adequately and compared to my serger, it’s incredibly slow. If you want an edge that looks serged, you should use a serger. I don’t know of another sewing brand that makes a “Cut and Sew” attachment.
Lizzie asks…
Where can I find free sewing machine manuals for an Elna T34D Overlock serger and an Elna 2006 sewing machine?
These machines are slighty older models, given to me by my grandmother. She no longer has the paperwork and doesn’t remember how to use them. I’m looking for free instruction manuals for both machines.
Thank you
admin answers:
Go to their particular web site or Google that question; you will get an answer either way