Overlock - what is it? Sewing equipment, industrial and domestic

Picking up a typewriter for tailoring, sooner or later think about buying such equipment as an overlock. What is this device helps to do and for what is used, we will consider in more detail.

What is this machine for?

Starting to sew any product, ask the question of marking the seams. You can, of course, take advantage of the function laid down even in the simplest electric typewriter. But more complex fabrics, such as silk, knitwear, wool, will not tolerate rough marking. To do this, you get an overlock. What is a mark? This is a special seam, designed to handle the edge of the fabric, preventing the process of its shedding.

The price of such equipment is quite high, so you should consider the options for models and familiarize yourself with their technical capabilities. And then decide for yourself how necessary such a machine is.

What does the overlock consist of?

This equipment is slightly different from the usual machine, which can be seen on the main components:

• Telescopic thread holder.
• Needle thread tensioner (upper loop and lower loop). Located on the body of the machine, in expensive models you can change the tension through the software. When it is regulated, different types of seams are formed or their elasticity is changed.
• Cutting system - the lower and upper knife. In some machines it is possible to adjust the width of the cut by changing the position of the knife.
• Foot.
• Needles. Their number may be responsible for the variety of the seam.
• Lower and upper looper. With the help of these devices, a seam is formed.
• Flywheel.
• Differential feed.
• The unit itself is in the case, fastened to the table due to the feet of Velcro.

Apparently, one of the important elements characteristic of a sewing machine is missing: the shuttle. A seam is formed with the help of loopers.

Overlock capabilities

There are several main differences between it and the sewing machine:

• Better processing of the seam.
• When machining with an overlock, the edges are cut.
• When working with delicate tissues, the seams are not pulled together.

These differences, and they are also advantages, are common to all types of overlocks, but there are several other features that are typical for individual models. To understand the segmentation of the equipment, you should consider these possibilities and the options with which they are obtained.

Types of seams of inexpensive machines

Let's see what lines an inexpensive overlock can do. What is this, we already know. This equipment can perform several types of seams :

• Three-threaded seam. The most common line that allows you to edge the edges and at the same time sew, which is important for knitted fabrics. By adjusting the thread tension, this type can be turned into other stitches.
• If you increase the tension of the lower looper and loosen the needle thread, a flat flat seam Flatlock will come out. It is not crockery, because it can only be done on the edge or on the fold. When cutting tissue this seam is used as a flat one - for sewing elastic materials.
• For the width of the seam corresponds to the tongue, if it is removed, the minimal seam - the role of the assistant will be obtained. And if you tighten the thread of the lower tensioner even more, the seam will also turn up.
• You can also rearrange the needle, which affects the width of the seam.
• If you add another needle, you will get a four-threaded suture stitch. Such a line is necessary in the work with knitted fabrics

As you can see, you can buy an inexpensive overlock for the house, which will allow you to perform quality seam stitching. Consider other types of stitches, obtained with the help of additional devices.

Seams with convector

This device is a metal bracket, which is mounted on the upper looper. Applying it, you can get the following lines:

• Narrow two-threaded seam. Used for sewing light fabrics.
• Flat flat seam Flatlock. Can be narrow and wide. A kind of flat seam, which can be used both as a decorative stitch, and for sewing elastic materials.
• Two - threaded role seam with sub-branch. For him, you need to remove the tongue. With the help of it, the decorative bend of thin fabrics is carried out.
• Installing two needles, you will get a two-needle three-thread stitch. Use it as a wrap and for sewing lightweight elastic fabrics.

The convector is reflected in the cost of the equipment. Such an overlock for the house will already be in the middle price segment. You can buy it for 10 thousand rubles.

Chainstitch looper

Adding this option translates the equipment already into the category of "overlock industrial", because it affects the price. But at the same time, there is a number of additional features that can be performed only with such a device:

• Two- or three-thread parallel seam for the front side , while with the inner there will be multi-threaded suturing. Such lines are used for sewing knitted t-shirts. And the machines are already considered as post-shirts.
• Chain seam. It has strength and elasticity. It is used for sewing jeans clothes.
• A chain looper with a looper looper makes it possible to perform grinding and slicing simultaneously, and five-threaded seams are already obtained . The most popular application is the sewing of jeans clothes.
• Four-stitch sutures are used for fabrics whose edges do not crumble so much.

As you can see, the industrial overlock can work with thicker fabrics.

Additional Features

Beginners in the sewing business should know what other options the overlock can have. What is the differential feed, we have not yet considered. The presence of this device does not allow tissue to be collected when the edge is sewn.

The hose panel is a very important option when working with cylindrical parts of clothing. There are many additional legs, for example for sewing beads, picking up fabric, sewing piping. A removable tray for cut tissue can also be attached. Trifle - but nice and comfortable to work with.

Refueling of overlock

Another important topic. Given the difference of this equipment from the sewing machine and the number of threads, you can get confused. Therefore, when choosing a model, it is worth paying special attention to the complexity of this process.

There are a number of devices that are equipped with needle threaders, and there are also automatic filling. Again, these options will affect the cost of equipment. Therefore, if you are not ready to overpay at the initial stage, then the overlock overlay instruction will help you. You should study it carefully before embarking on this complex process. Brother's overlock considerably simplifies this preparatory stage due to the scheme on the equipment itself. It is drawn in different colors in order not to get confused when refilling the threads.

Tips for choosing

There are a number of features that you should pay attention to when choosing equipment. They are really necessary for quality work:

• Differential feed. This function is mandatory, it will prevent contraction of the seam and fabric assembly.
• The ability to adjust the presser foot. This will increase the range of processed materials.
• Panel for the sleeve.
• Availability and speed of threading.
• Performance should be at least 1300 stitches per minute .

If we consider the ratio of price to quality, then you can pay attention to the overlock Brother.

Reviews

Considered cars some consider excessive luxury, but those who sew a lot, this equipment is considered indispensable. In their opinion, it really makes the work of the seamstress much easier, besides, it has such opportunities that an ordinary machine does not possess. So what better to buy an overlock? Reviews differ in opinions. But one is indisputable: any equipment should be purchased, based on needs, on how much and often you sew.

Judging by the numerous responses in the Russian market, the Brother overlock is one of the most affordable and popular. The lineup allows you to choose the equipment that is most suitable for any consumer.

Overlock will never replace a fully sewing machine. But in itself this device is necessary for high-quality processing of seams. No sewing machine can perform the necessary slicking of elastic fabrics qualitatively, and this significantly affects the entire product. Therefore, buying an overlock is a matter of time for any seamstress.