To create high-quality and beautiful things, you need to have all the necessary equipment. A simple sewing machine will not be enough if you plan to create clothes and work with serious fabrics. Therefore, it is important to determine what an overlock is, what it is needed for and whether a beginner and experienced seamstress can do without it.
Overlock stitch
Overlock stitching is an important stage in creating or repairing clothes. Overcasting the edge of the fabric helps to make the product strong and beautiful. Thanks to it, the edges do not crumble and become durable. Rapid stretching is prevented. Clothes that have been well-treated are not easy to tear. If the edges remain "raw", the fabric will not last long.
Important! An overlock stitch on any sewing machine is just an imitation of high-quality processing.
In addition, overcasting is an important step in the restoration and repair of old clothes. It helps to restore the original appearance of the edges of the fabric.
The difference between a sewing machine and an overlock
The stitches created with an overlocker are significantly different from those created by a sewing machine. The main misconception of seamstresses is the difference between a sewing machine and an overlock machine.
The first device makes a line using a shuttle device. It has one needle. And the overcasting device operates with two loops and two needles. The mechanism of operation is different. By using the overcasting device, you can immediately cut the fabric during the sewing process. Therefore, these are two different devices that should not be confused.
It should be understood that the machine is capable of creating an imitation of an overcast line. However, it is not of such high quality. The distance may not be maintained, and tightening may occur. There are at least 4 types of imitation.
Features of work
It is incorrect to ask the question about what an overlock is in a sewing machine. It creates an imitation using a simple zigzag seam. When stretched, the threads can break. The result is poor quality processing. This is the main reason to purchase a machine for processing. But if this is not possible, it is recommended to know the features of working on a machine with such a line.
A novice seamstress should know that it is worth processing the edges of products using a foot for these purposes. Each type of stitch is suitable for different purposes. For bed linen, for example, you should use bias imitation.
Overcasting the edge
If at the initial stage there is only a regular sewing machine, you need to know what stitch to use to sew knitwear so that it looks like an overlock. Imitation methods:
- Use a straight stitch with a hem.
- Sew with a zigzag stitch.
- Use the "Fake Overlock" line. It is present in almost all modern models.
- Apply a French seam.
Important! The zigzag stitch is not suitable for loose fabrics.
Sewing as on a regular machine
Beginner needlewomen wonder how to sew on an overlock. The opinions of experienced seamstresses differ. This device is designed only for processing fabric. But sewing is also allowed. However, it is recommended to work with knitted fabrics. And the device itself should be five-thread. However, it is not recommended to use such equipment often. Things created in this way are extremely unreliable. They quickly fall apart. The purpose of the overlock stitch is completely different.
Important! A single-needle device is used to finish the edges of blankets.
Overlock foot
The main condition for processing edges is the presence of a special overlock foot for a sewing machine. It differs from the usual one by an additional rod. It does not allow the edge of the material to be pulled or twisted. In this case, the zigzag will really imitate a line for overcasting. If you use a regular foot on an overlock stitching device, it is strongly recommended to make an allowance of 5 mm. And then iron and trim.
Important! It is always important to look at the markings on the body of the device. They show which stitches to use for different fabrics.
What can you sew on an overlocker?
Not all needlewomen practice sewing on a home overlock. Most often, it is used to create bed linen. Perhaps tablecloths and curtains. Therefore, it is difficult to find information on how to sew knitwear on an overlock for any occasion.
At the initial stages, you can sew pillowcases for fun. And then see the difference between an overcast stitch and a simple one. Draw a conclusion after several months of use. The easiest way to make a knitted set of underwear.
Popular models of cars
Almost all manufacturers have provided a special line. But it is worth considering the most popular ones.
- Astralux 700 is a popular option with overlock stitch.
- Brother LS300 is a budget option for light and medium fabrics.
- Janome 419S - a device for any materials.
- Singer 4432 - allows you to sew complex items and repair clothes at home.
If we consider overlock devices, we should pay attention to the manufacturers Astralux, Singer, Podolsk, Juke.
Recommendations for selection
In order for the overcast stitch on the sewing machine to be of high quality, you need to take a responsible approach to the choice of the device. It is recommended to buy a model with a horizontal shuttle. Even for household use, it should have an optimal number of seams. The presence of a special foot for overcasting the edge in the kit is welcome. Sometimes it is difficult to find it separately for some models. Seamstresses do not advise taking the cheapest options even for beginner needlewomen who will work for themselves.
An overlock and a sewing machine are two different devices. Their operating principles are different. Therefore, they cannot be combined. And modern models only have imitation stitches. To work, a seamstress must purchase a special foot. And also choose the right modes and threads for the type of fabric.
