An overlocker does not replace a sewing machine. Its primary function is to clean finish a raw edge, giving the project a professional appearance. Many overlocking stitches have built-in stretch, making them the perfect tool for seaming knit fabrics.
Can you do normal sewing with an overlocker?
Although you can create knit garments on a sewing machine, you can also make them using an overlocker. However, I’ve often heard people say they only use their overlocker for finishing seams. … You will normally need to adjust the differential feed up a notch or two to work with knit fabrics.
Do I need a sewing machine and overlocker?
Long answer: No, you don’t need an overlocker, but it gives a more professional finish to many clothes. If you make clothes that you plan to sell, then I would say it is essential! An overlocker creates a stitch that trims and wraps the raw edges of your project and can sew a seam at the same time.
Is an overlocker better than a sewing machine?
When to Use an Overlocker over a Sewing Machine
If you work on numerous garment construction projects, then it’s wise to invest in an overlocker because of the speed factor. You will work more efficiently with a serger than when using an ordinary sewing unit to complete hemming, seaming or edging tasks.
Can you use a serger as a sewing machine?
Can a Serger Replace My Regular Sewing Machine? Although some projects can be done 100 percent on a serger, a serger cannot replace a regular sewing machine. You will still need a regular machine for facings, zippers, topstitching, buttonholes, etc. A serger cannot do this job.
Does an overlocker sew seams?
An overlocker is a specialized type of sewing machine that produces overlock stitches to sew over one or two pieces of cloth. In most cases, overlockers are used for edging, hemming, or seaming. … Most sewing machines can create a lockstitch to enclose the seam allowance or finish the edges of fabric.
How do you sew an overlocker?
Sewing a seam on an overlocker is really very simple. Fold a scrap of the same fabric you will be using to make the garment in half to recreate the double thickness you will work with when sewing a seam. Look at the distance between the left needle and the markings on the machine casing to the right of the needles.
What can I make with an overlocker?
Some of the things you can do with a serger:
- Seam finishing.
- Making swimwear, T-shirts, lingerie, napkins, tablerunners, etc.
- Insert elastic into clothing.
- Decorate garments making flowers or other trims.
- Finish hem & facing edges with the cover stitch.
- Seaming on knits more quickly that with a sewing machine.
What sewing machines have an overlock stitch?
Juki MO – 734DE Overlocker (Higher price)
- Toyota SL3304 Overlocker Review.
- Brother 2104D Overlocker Review.
- Singer S14-78 Overlock Review.
- Brother M1034D Overlocker Sewing Machine Review.
- Bernina Bernette B44 Overlocker Machine Review.
- Janome 6234XL Overlocker Review.
- Overlocker Bags: Our Ultimate Guide.
Does an overlocker cut fabric?
If you look at your store-bought clothes you will most likely notice the flawless edge of the seams. This is where the brilliant work of an overlocker comes into play – it stitches and trims away excess fabric along the edge all at once!
Do I really need a serger?
When you are sewing with woven (non-stretchy fabrics like in the photo above) a serger is helpful because it will finish the raw edges and prevent fraying. But it is not necessarily the most durable way to sew the seam, so the proper method is to sew the seams with a sewing machine first.
What is the difference between an Overlocker and a serger?
A serger and an overlocker are different names for the same machine. … A serger performs an overlocking stitch, which is really more like knitting than sewing. Overlocking, or serging, trims and binds seams so that the fabric can not unravel.
Do you Backstitch on a serger?
Since you can’t backstitch on a serger, it’s important to finish each stitch to prevent the threads from unraveling. Instead of leaving them long or simply cutting them off, secure your serged seams using one of these simple, tidy finishes.
What is the difference between a regular sewing machine and a serger?
The primary difference is the form of binding. A serger uses an overlock stitch, whereas most sewing machines use a lockstitch, and some use a chain stitch. … Sewing machines perform at much slower speeds than sergers. Even commercial machines and sergers still have a dramatic stitch per minute difference.
Can you do a straight stitch on a serger?
A serger cannot replace a regular sewing machine because many sewing projects require straight stitches. … if you join two details together only with a serger, the whole seam might fray together with the edges of the fabric. Or if it doesn’t, the seam might look a bit wonky at the face side.