Stebnówka Czy Overlock?

Lockstitch or Overlock?

What can a sewing machine do?

If you sew a lot of garments in stretchy fabrics such as jersey or polyester, an overlocker can take your hobby to a whole new level. The overlocker stitches and sews in one step. The result is elastic seams that look like the seams used to sew store-bought clothes. As a result, jumpers, shirts and even sportswear or swimwear made from slippery lycra can be made easily and much faster than with a conventional sewing machine. The main difference from a home sewing machine is that you can only sew along the edge of the fabric. It is not possible to sew along the length of the fabric. A normal overlock seam is sewn with four threads.

Narrower seams can be achieved by sewing with only three threads. The fabric is cut along the edge when sewing. On many overlockers, you can pivot the blade if you do not want to cut the seam. Most overlockers also have a differential feed. This allows you to adjust the amount of fabric fed at the top and bottom. With the right settings, you can even pick up fabric. Overlockers also have different feet, for example for creasing or attaching an elastic band. Compared to a normal sewing machine, threading an overlocker is more complicated due to the four threads. If you have the opportunity, test a few machines in a specialist shop and ask to be shown how to thread them.

These details are useful when making a purchasing decision:

Is the light bright enough?

How complicated is the threading?

Are threading aids available?

Can the blade be folded?

Is there a waste receptacle into which the cut-off material can be dumped?

What stitches are available?

Are there feet or other accessories included?

Do I need to adjust the thread tension myself, or can the machine do it itself?

Typical coverstitches are often found on raglan shirts, where the seams are clearly separated. A coverstitch machine uses up to three needles simultaneously. Unlike an overlocker, threading is less complicated.

Overlock, critical stitch or 2 in 1?

The overlock and the covered stitch are often available in combination. In just a few steps, the overlocker becomes a machine for the covered stitch. Such models are available from various manufacturers. There is nothing wrong with this combination and it is particularly practical if you do not have a lot of space. However, you should consider beforehand whether you really want to make such a conversion. Otherwise, you may want to leave the machine in the mode you are currently using and just stick with it. Especially if you sew a lot or regularly use overlock and covered stitches, the conversion can quickly become cumbersome. It is best to ask the shop to show you how the conversion works. That way you can decide whether you are comfortable with it or whether you prefer to use the two machines separately.