What can you do with an overlocker?
Some of the things you can do with a serger:
- Seam finishing.
- Making swimwear, T-shirts, lingerie, napkins, tablerunners, etc.
- Insert elastic into clothing.
- Decorate garments making flowers or other trims.
- Finish hem & facing edges with the cover stitch.
- Seaming on knits more quickly that with a sewing machine.
Is it difficult to use an overlocker?
Threading An Overlocker As you can imagine it is a lot more complicated than threading a sewing machine with two needles and four threads to contend with. Many overlockers also have to be threaded in a particular order and it can take a lot of time, practice and bedtime reading of the manual for you to perfect it.
What are the benefits of an overlocker?
Overlockers are great for finishing seams and stopping fraying, they make your home sewn products last much longer, especially after a few washes, an unfinished seam will start to unravel. They also make sewing jersey at home much easier, as the overlocked seam lets the fabric stretch naturally.
Can you hem on an overlocker?
A really simple and effect method of hemming using an overlocker. Ideal for stretch hems such as t-shirts, tops. Can be used for other applications as well.
Should you overlock before or after sewing?
Some seams or fabrics benefit from being pressed open after being sewn in order to reduce bulk. In these cases, overlocking raw edges before construction may be the best bet. There may be patterns that require extra attention to fit and detail where you prefer to baste seams before committing to a particular fit.
Can you hem with an overlocker?
Most overlockers can sew a rolled hem stitch. The rolled hem stitch is sewn using either two or three threads, depending on your model – be sure check your instruction manual first. Rolled Hemming is suitable for light weight fabrics such as voile, organdy, crepe etc.
Do you need an overlocker to make clothes?
Long answer: No, you don’t need an overlocker, but it gives a more professional finish to many clothes. If you make clothes that you plan to sell, then I would say it is essential! An overlocker creates a stitch that trims and wraps the raw edges of your project and can sew a seam at the same time.
What is an overlocker and why do I need one?
If you’re into sewing it’s worth finding out what an overlocker is and how it can make your sewing projects more enjoyable. Firstly it can help speed your sewing up and, let’s face it, if you have the sewing bug this can only be a good thing since it will allow you to sew more and more projects in the time you have available.
Can you use cheap threads in an overlocker?
Cheap threads are available and can be tempting, but can result in fraying, breakage and poor stitch quality. Speciality threads can be used in the loopers for a decorative finish, but can sometimes be too heavy for the needles and you should refer to the manual received with your overlocker for advice specific to your machine.
What is the best overlocker for sewing?
Here at Sew Essential we sell a wide range of overlockers from the best manufacturers: Babylock, Husqvarna, Janome, Pfaff, Elna and Brother. We would always recommend choosing a recognised brand rather than a cheap version you might come across in a budget supermarket or high street store – put simply you get what you pay for.
How to sew a seam on an overlocker?
Sewing a seam on an overlocker is really very simple. Fold a scrap of the same fabric you will be using to make the garment in half to recreate the double thickness you will work with when sewing a seam.