Sewing household overlock: description, characteristics, types, prices

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

In our time, sewing equipment is available to everyone. There are various models of sewing devices on sale that allow you to perform a full cycle of sewing operations at home. One of these machines is a household overlock machine.

What is overlock used for

Overlock is a type of sewing machine designed to trim the edges of fabric. In one pass, the overlock cuts off excess fabric, stitches together the parts and processes the cut. Some models perform complex seams, chain and decorative stitches and many other operations. Domestic sewing overlockers are an addition to sewing machines, since the latter do not sew overcasting seams.

A feature of overlock machines is their ability to make elastic seams, which are necessary when sewing knitwear.

Modern overlock functions

If we compare the Soviet household overlock and its modern counterparts, the latter are distinguished by great opportunities. The current models of overlockers are created using the latest technologies and allow you to overcast any fabric with high quality: stretch, knitwear, chiffon, silk, curtain materials.

Modern household overlock allows you to perform the following types of seams:

1. Regular basting.
2. Connecting seam.
3. Role wrap.
4. Colorful seam.
5. Decorative stitching.
6. Seam without cutting.
7. Flat or cover stitch.
8. Chain stitch.

Expensive overlock models can perform more than 50 different operations.

Features

Household sewing machines and overlock machines are distinguished by the fact that in the latter, instead of a shuttle mechanism, loopers are used to weave threads. In inexpensive models, the design consists of an upper and lower looper.

In any overlock it is possible to adjust the tension of the threads. Thanks to this, the device can sheathe fabrics of different density and elasticity. For example, by reducing the thread tension in the lower looper and needle thread, the overlock sews a flat seam.

Also, all models have a seam width regulator. The user can set the desired width by making a weave on the tongue. By inserting a second needle, you can sew various variations of the three-thread stitch.

Additionally, household overlock can be equipped with the following parts:

• needle threader - the presence of this device speeds up and facilitates the procedure for threading threads;
• differential feed - designed for elastic seams;
• removable scrap tray - it collects thread and fabric scraps that are formed during sewing;
• arm platform –device for sheathing products of a cylindrical shape.

Types of household overlockers

Today there are many types of overlockers, but they all work in much the same way. They are arranged according to the same principle and are designed to process the edges of fabrics. The main difference between overlockers is the number of threads used. So, on this basis, the following types of household overlocks are distinguished:

1. 2-thread overlock - designed to seal the cut edges of the fabric so that they do not crumble. Some models allow you to perform a rolled seam with two threads.
2. 3-thread overlock - characterized by the presence of 3 loops that exchange threads during sewing. The device sews the edges of the fabric with rolled stitch, regular stitch and in some cases decorative stitch.
3. 4-thread overlock is the most versatile sewing device, allowing you to make different seams using 4, 3 and 2 threads, if the model has a converter.
4. 5-thread overlock - used for mass production of textiles. Such a machine is usually used in the industry for sewing clothes with simultaneous grinding of parts. Basically, 5-thread overlockers perform a flat seam, which is used to process the sleeves and bottom of T-shirts and other knitted fabrics. Household overlockers of this type usually perform only the function of grinding parts. There are also 5-thread models that do not cut the fabric. With their help, you can sheathe products with decorative stitches and complex seams, formingpatterns and drawings.

How to choose

When buying a household overlocker, the following parameters should be considered:

1. The width of the edge processing of the fabric. Almost all models have the ability to adjust the width of the seam, the maximum value of which can be 9 mm.
2. The presence of the function of differential feed of the sheathed fabric. It is necessary when sewing knitwear and for making connecting seams. The differential rail contributes to the implementation of an elastic seam, which does not tear when the fabric is stretched. Also, this tool allows you to make the edge wavy.
3. Ease of threading the loop. It is good when the overlock is equipped with a threader. It is mechanical and pneumatic. When examining such models, you should pay attention to how the loopers are viewed. If they are clearly visible, threading will be easy.
4. Purpose of purchase. If an overlocker is needed to make a regular overlock seam, then it is better to choose an inexpensive model with minimal features. To solve more complex tasks and sew products from different types of fabric, it is recommended to buy a household overlocker with a wide range of operations. The most popular are 4-thread overlocks with detachable loopers.

Janome Overlocks

One of the best sewing machines are Janome household overlockers. Under this brand, a large selection of models with different design features is presented.

All Janome overlockers are equipped withdifferential conveyor, knife bottom drive system, stitch length and foot pressure regulator. In each model, it is possible to turn off the knife and switch to a rolled seam without replacing the needle plate. Zhanome overlockers use household standard needles.

Features of Janome machines:

1. Multipurpose.
2. Color-coded threading.
3. Availability of the refueling indicator.
4. Foot speed control sewing.
5. Smooth speed control.
6. The presence of illumination in the working area.

How much does a household overlocker cost

The price of an overlock for home starts from 7 thousand rubles, depending on the configuration and manufacturer. So, the Avex budget model costs 8 thousand rubles. For a 4-thread overlock Yamata, you need to pay about 10 thousand rubles. Models of this cost usually perform up to 10 sewing operations.

Complete multifunctional household overlockers are much more expensive. So, the price for 2-thread models of the brand Baby Lock ranges from 90 to 120 thousand rubles. They perform 50 sewing operations on different fabrics.

The cost of overlock is also affected by brand awareness. Chinese analogues of popular manufacturers can cost several times less.