What is an overlock

Scientific and technological progress does not stand still, and even affects such trivial, at first glance, devices such as sewing machines. How not to get confused in difficult terms and facilitate the process of sewing clothes? How can overlock help in this matter and what is it? Can I buy a sewing machine already equipped with an overlock?

Overlock is a specialized sewing machine that allows you to simultaneously cut off excess threads and overcast a cut. A seam made with an overlock can be found on any factory-made clothes. Usually, two to five threads are used in an overlock, depending on the type of fabric.

Important: overlock is intended only for trimming fabric and trimming the edges of the material.

An inexperienced seamstress can mix up overlock, carpet (a sewing machine that combines a sewing machine and an overlock) and a flat-seam machine or a sewing machine (used for sewing from very stretch fabrics. For example, knitwear allows the fabric to be sewn without cutting). However, distinguishing them visually is quite simple. The smallest for the "sleeve" is just at the overlock, since it is intended only for overcasting and cutting threads.

Overlock in a sewing machine

An ordinary sewing machine is not able to combine several types of seams with overlock seams at once. However, there is an opinion that there are sewing machines with an overlock, and people who do not understand these devices ask sellers in stores to sell them just that. This error is explained by the fact that the first machines that knew how to make a zigzag seam were also used to process the edges of clothes with this seam. But in reality, the overlock seam is far from it, and has completely different functions.

Overlock elements that are widely used during sewing:

1. The ability to pull the threads on the machine. One of the delights of an overlock is that it can be configured so that the threads automatically stretch when you need it. Most often these are machines with a computer interface. However, it is not difficult for an experienced seamstress to pull the threads manually - this is quick and easy.
2. Setting the stitch width, which allows you to control the seam and make it denser where necessary.
3. The ability to grind the seam in waves - this function allows you to decorate a thing (for example, sleeves or the edge of a blouse) and is indispensable when sewing skirts or dresses.
4. The ability, if necessary, to turn on or off the knife, which cuts off excess fringe and thread at the edge of the product.
5. Roller seam widely used for processing the edges of wing sleeves and flounces.

Please note: some beginners purchase a seam as a sewing machine. This is fundamentally wrong: the overlock is intended only for processing the seams and edges of the product, however, in no case for sewing directly. Of course, this rule does not work for knitwear - due to the fact that the overlock can sew the edges of the fabric, you can do it only for those who use only knitwear and stretch fabrics for sewing.

Is it possible to do without an overlock, but only with one sewing machine? You can, using a special overlock foot for sewing machines. Such a foot, of course, will not replace all the functions of an overlock machine, but it will allow you to perform the main seams. The overlock foot, unlike the machine foot, has a special rod that allows you to control the tension of the thread. Thanks to this, the seam during the basting will turn out much more accurately and more beautiful. The disadvantage of such a foot is that it is unable to completely replace the overlock - although the seam will look similar in appearance, it should be dressed up anyway with the usual straight line on the typewriter.

Important: if you want to purchase an overlock foot, first check to see if your machine already has one. If not, then do not try to get the first one you get - manufacturers of sewing accessories make overlock legs especially for certain firms of sewing machines. In principle, it does not matter which paw to acquire, since the principle of action is the same for everyone.

A standard household overlock has two loops and looks like a sewing machine. It has two knives - upper and lower - for cutting excess threads. There is also an upper and lower looper, flywheel, foot and needle (the amount depends on the type of seam). Overlock is enclosed in a housing that is attached to the work surface with legs.

Despite the fact that overlocks can use from two to five threads, the usual overlock used for sewing clothes at home or in a small atelier has four threads. Unlike a classic sewing machine, the thread from the overlock spool immediately goes into the looper, bypassing the bobbin. Due to the machine creates a very special line, similar to a complex braid, which is difficult to create on a simple sewing machine. When using an overlock, you need to be prepared for the fact that the thread consumption will be very large. This is explained not only by several coils at once, but also by the technique of weaving the stitch.

Important: due to the large consumption of threads on the overlock, it is much more profitable to purchase large spools of thread in packages immediately.

What are the advantages of overlock, is it worth it to buy, or can you do without it? You can sew without an overlock, as many seamstresses have been doing for many years, sewing seams on a regular sewing machine. When to buy an overlock:

• You are planning to do sewing professionally or sew to order: most customers want to get a thing that is not just similar to the factory one, but even of a higher quality, so you can’t do without professional seam processing.
• most of the fabrics from which the products are made, knitwear? Overlock in such cases is simply a necessary thing. The same applies to stretch things: body, swimsuits, as well as costumes for performances and certain types of sports, for example, figure skating, rhythmic gymnastics, synchronized swimming.
• for those who care about the wrong side of things, you also need to purchase the necessary tools and materials - the impression of even a nice-looking T-shirt can be ruined by an unsuccessful seam.

Types of seams

Using the overlock you can create many different seams, however, we will analyze the most popular options:

1. A two-strand chain stitch, which is widespread and is often used to decorate the finished product. Can be used for stretching things.
2. Flat seams of varying widths that are just perfect for turning t-shirts and shirts.
3. Three-strand stitch, one of the most common, which allows you to beautifully complete the edges of the product.
4. Four-thread reinforcing line.

Why is it worth buying an overlock? The seams at the sewing machine and overlock are very different. Of course, you can sew over the edge with a sewing machine: first, delay the edge with a “zigzag”, and then sew it again. However, if you compare this overcast from photographs, it becomes obvious that the overlock seams for overcast are not comparable in appearance with machine stitching.

Although outwardly a seam-blind seam made on a typewriter can imitate an overlock seam, it is enough to gently pull the fabric several times (and when wearing it is inevitable), and you can say goodbye to the seam - it just bursts and you have to start all over again. If you think that you can get by with an overlock foot only, you should not flatter yourself - the quality of a seam on a typewriter is not comparable with an overlock one. That is why even the smallest ateliers and professional seamstresses working on order have this wonderful machine, which makes their range of possibilities even wider.

When choosing an overlock, focus on the company and the number of threads used - four or five - is exactly what you need. The fact is that multi-thread overlocks can be easily transformed into two-thread or three-thread ones - so you get a multifunctional device, immediately killing two birds with one stone. Also multi-thread devices also have several basting programs - this is also a definite plus. Using an overlock, you can choose a stitch depending on the type of fabric - cotton, stretch or knitted.

To purchase an overlock or not, everyone decides for himself. If you sew a lot for yourself and loved ones or take (even rarely) work to order, then you definitely need an overlock - the quality of the seam is incomparable with the machine. For those who sew only for themselves from cotton, for example, it is not necessary to purchase an overlock: you will rarely use it.