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Do you need an overlocker?

March 11, 2013 By corrie 68 Comments

I was thinking what I’d write about today and then noticed that 3 people had asked about overlockers on yesterday’s blog post! Problem solved! let’s talk overlockers! Do you need one? Are they worth it? Should I just use a zig zag stitch? Ok so I got an overlocker probably after a year or so of sewing. I was doing a lot of clothes for keira and I wanted to be able to do edges more neatly. I do think the edges on the overlocker are amazing. My first overlocker was about $200 second hand on ebay. People often buy overlockers, don’t use them enough so sell them. So picking one up 2nd hand (if you’ve asked the right questions like how old it is, was it bought new, has it been serviced, how often has it been used) can be a smart move. Now the first overlocker I bought had big dials on it for threading the machine up. Unless you can afford an ‘air overlocker’ (which pretty much threads itself) then get ready for the worst part about an overlocker…………….threading. You are threading 4 threads and you have to go through this loop, and down this little piece and through the eye of this and out and through the back of the machine. You need a bit of patience to do it but it’s always worth it. The newer the machine or the more expensive it is generally the easier it is to thread. Do you need one? If you are making clothes and selling them then I kind of think you do need one. It gives you a professional finish to your seams and makes them look amazing. If you’re a home sewer and just getting a bit sick of the zig zag or don’t think it’s up to scratch then you’ll love the finish done by an overlocker. And if you’re sewing with stretch fabrics then you can do whole garments on the overlocker because a stretch fabric seam can be done on the overlocker. You can also do a beautiful rolled hem finish on pretty clothes which is lovely for ruffles and bloomers. I also use the overlocker to make quick cot sheets, face washers and muslin wraps as it gives a nice finish. For me an overlocker has always been worth it and when I was making and selling dresses it certainly made them look fabulous. If you’re hardly ever sewing or just starting out then spend your money on a good basic machine and keep using the zig zag and see how you go or perhaps borrow one for a week and see if you like it. I ran upstairs and quickly grabbed a few things I had made to show you an overlocked seam. So this is done with 2 needles and 4 threads and will not fray, not even a teensy bit which I notice when I do a zig zag. How much to spend and what brand is always up to you. The easier to thread the better which is why I would personally stay away from the thread around the knob machines (like the older janomes) if you can BUT in saying that I’m also not sure how reliable the cheap overlockers from supermarkets are as well. If you can stick to a brand you know like janome, brother, babylock ( – NO I got this wrong, Babylock USA make the Babylock embroidery machines but overlockers are made by Babylock. I stand corrected!), bernina etc then you’re doing well. It’s easier to find parts, get it serviced and just more reliable. For me I’d always rather buy a second hand one from a good brand than a new one from the supermarket eventhough it’s nice to get the impulse buy at the supermarket.

So do you have an overlocker? What do you love or hate about it and what brand are you using? I use a Brother 3043d and love it. Very easy to use, comes with a DVD and have had it for over 3 years without a problem.

Filed Under: overlocker, sewing, sewing machine, sewing room


