People who love to sew would probably like to try different stitching methods and designs. Normal sewing machines are capable of stitching a lot of types of stitching designs but an overlock sewing machine is completely different from all these. An overlock sewing machine is a specialized piece of equipment that employs three or more threads to generate an overlock stitch.
If you want to try out new stitching styles, or if you need an overlock sewing machine for a commercial purpose, know all the details about this machine before purchasing it.
A Guide on Operating an Overlock Device:
When you first see it, it can be a little scary. Numerous strands branch off in different ways, and you have yet to learn how they are connected. But you can get there with just a bit of work. It would help if you started by reading the handbook completely, ensuring you fully grasp it, and then giving it a go.
You should choose a thread color that closely matches your cloth when overlocking, as it will be more noticeable than a conventional straight seam. It should aim to reach the print’s most prominent color. You can also use a contrasting thread as per the design requirement.
However, it’s good to sew a test piece first in case the final product doesn’t look how you envisioned.
Different Overlock Stitch Varieties and Their Uses:
- Butt-seaming: It’s a simple stitch made by overlock sewing machines one thread through the fabric at a time. This method of finishing textiles is sometimes called “end-to-end seaming”. The stitch will also be sturdy.
- Double-thread stitching: The overlock sewing machines look like any other. You may get a neat finish when you use double thread overlock to edge lightweight textiles. The stitch could be sturdier.
- Triple-thread stitching: Since the triple-thread stitch is more durable than the double-thread stitch, it can be used to seam materials that will be used frequently. You can sew the edges with a decorative pattern too.
- Four-thread Stitching: The four-thread stitch is required for a more substantial and durable stitch. Fabrics designed for prolonged use can benefit from this. The overlock pattern is a dense stitch, yet it is still flexible and serves as a backup. It can also take on a bright finish for aesthetic purposes.
- Five-thread stitch: This overlock sewing machine’s stitch is superior to any other. Two threads are used for straight stitching, whereas three lines are used for overcasting loops on this machine. It is not necessary to back a 5-thread stitch with a straight stitch.
- Rolled hems: Intricately finishing raw fabric edges is a breeze with an overlock machine. It seals the borders of the fabric piece that prevents the inside item to leak through. Hems rolled up are perfect for sheer materials like tulle and silk.
- Straight stitching: There is no seam allowance when two fabrics are joined with a flatlock stitch. Joint hems become thinner as a result. Sportswear and fleece typically use this stitch to minimize chafing.
- Blind Hemming An overlock machine is suitable for hemming weaved textiles and stretchy garments like a shirt. It’s far more effective and simpler than using a standard overlock sewing machine to make an invisible hem.
Also Read: Six Solutions For Your Janome Sewing Machine Problems
Five Different Uses for an Overlocker:
An overlock sewing machine has so many different usages and out of them, the most common five are-
- Personalized Pillowcases: It would help if you made a pretty pillowcase as your first project. Look for a colorful, beautiful fabric to use as a decorative toss pillow or sew personalized bed pillows for the kids.
- A warm quilt or blanket: Create a quilt out of wooly cakes or a warm blanket out of multicolored fleece fabric. A simple DIY may brighten your home throughout the drab winter months.
- An Infinite Scarf: Scarves are a safe fashion choice, that’s for sure. A practical accessory can be made from fabrics as diverse as silk, fleece, and cotton.
- An elastic band for the head: These timeless items from the past are making a comeback in today’s fashion. Overlock machines are well-known for producing flawless stitches in elastics.
- T-Shirts: You can go on to woven fabrics when you feel comfortable operating the machine. All-cotton or cotton-and-polyester blends are our recommendations.
Conclusion:
This is all you need to know about overlock sewing machines. So when you will be able to do these many stitches with this machine, why not have one?
