Overlocker

An overlocker is a machine that does exactly what its name stands for. It is a machine that makes overlock stitches. It is usually used for hems, seams, and edging. It basically sews over the edge of a fabric or at times two pieces of fabric. As the cloth is fed through, this machine also cuts the edges for you.

Origins

Overlock stitching has been around since the late 1800s. It was invented by the Merrow Machine Company. Overlock machines were developed from the designs for crochet machines. The original Merrow Company invention has three heads. As research and development went on, the company was able to introduce various overlockers and overlock stitches.

It is quite unfortunate that Chinese and Japanese companies wrested dominance over the textile industry including overlock stitching. It started in 1964 when the Juki Corporation was established. As it turns out, these Asian companies were able to dominate the said industry by the 1980s.

Uses of Overlock Machines

As stated earlier, the primary use of these machines is for seaming and edging. However, these machines are also put to other uses as well. Companies have used them for rolled hemming, decorative edging, flat locking, and pearl stitching. The idea, of course, is to give your work that professional finish using the overlocker’s decorative stitching properties.

Buyer’s Guide

In spite of its many uses, everyone should note that an overlock machine will never be as versatile as a sewing machine. But if you still want to buy one of these machines you should be aware of a few things before you actually make a purchase.

The very first thing you should think about is the tasks you need to perform and the kinds of stitches you’re going to make. Since these machines are specifically designed as finishing machines, you should consider what projects require finishing or touching up. You should also include the type of fabric you’ll be working with.

You might want to go online and checkout different brands of overlock machines. If you know someone who has been using them, ask what brand they use and what brands they may recommend. You should compare both the price and the capabilities of different overlockers.

Since you have an idea what uses you’ll put the machine to, then you can decide whether you’ll get a lightweight machine or one that is significantly larger. If you will use it for heavy tasks then you should get the bigger machines. As an added note, you should also decide whether you’ll get one with the free arm or not.

As you compare different machines, you should examine the control layout of each model. Include the type of threading system in your inspection. The idea is to get an overlocker that is easier to thread and change needles with controls that are not too complicated.

When you’re at a store, you should ask for a demonstration on how to use a specific machine. If you find anything too complex or a process that seems quite laborious, then you should check out other models.

Using an Overlocker

Overlock machines follow a general method of usage. Some machines may be equipped with other features that will require other methods of operation. The basic way of using this machine, of course, will be quite similar to how you use a sewing machine.

The first step is to insert the needles. Next, you have to thread the machine. You thread an overlock machine quite differently from the way you do it for a sewing machine. Next set the stitch length. After that you need to make adjustments to the differential feed. Next you put the blades in place. After that you position the fabric under the presser foot. And finally you get to step on the pedal in order to work your overlocks.