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Main site > Forums > Household & Travel > Old Style MoneySaving > Overlockers - advice please!
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  • FIRST POST
    Trudi_Lavigne
    Overlockers - advice please!
    • #1
    • 10th Oct 06, 10:06 PM
    Overlockers - advice please! 10th Oct 06 at 10:06 PM
    Hi, I am considering getting a second hand overlocker to recycle old clothes and possibly make up some new ones, but I'm not quite sure what the different models do, ie 3 spool or 4 spool etc. Does anyone know, or know of a good website that could explain.

    Also, what makes are good in your opinion? I notice that Sewland seem to be the cheapest on ebay, are they rubbish or acceptable for a beginner?

    I have owned and used a sewing machine for years, so am very confident with that, just have no real idea about overlockers.

    Any advice greatfully accepted!
    Last edited by Former MSE Lawrence; 25-09-2007 at 7:40 PM.
    something missing

    Sorry!

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Page 4
  • Phil25
    My wife has used a Toyota overlocker for several years, loves it and has had no problems. She uses it a lot - it is 4 thread and I think the model is SL3314 which sells at about £150 now:

    www.sewlow.co.uk/toyota-sl3314-overlocker.html

    Sorry!

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  • Squirm
    “
    My wife has used a Toyota overlocker for several years, loves it and has had no problems. She uses it a lot - it is 4 thread and I think the model is SL3314 which sells at about £150 now:

    www.sewlow.co.uk/toyota-sl3314-overlocker.html
    Originally posted by Phil25 ”
    Hi, I just joined the forum and have been eagerly reading about overlockers. I would like to get one but I am still not sure which One to go for. I would like a complete package with the extra feet but I have not used one before. Is the Toyota SL3314 really worth buying. It seems like a really good deal on the website but I am not sure whether I should get one from a shop or buy from the internet just incase something goes wrong. Does your wife use all the different feet? Sorry, first time posting and I am bombarding you with questions. I don't really have anybody to ask round here. Thanks.

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      Rikki
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    • Rikki
    • By Rikki 30th Sep 07, 7:05 PM
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      What's this?

    Rikki
    Overlockers are not the easiest of machines to master.

    I would recommend trying several makes at a sewing shop before deciding which to buy.
    It doesn't mean you have to buy from the shop, but it gives you an idea of what to look for when making your choice.
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  • Squirm
    “
    Overlockers are not the easiest of machines to master.

    I would recommend trying several makes at a sewing shop before deciding which to buy.
    It doesn't mean you have to buy from the shop, but it gives you an idea of what to look for when making your choice.
    Originally posted by Rikki ”
    Thanks for the advice. The only problem I have is the lack of shops round here. I know there is a janome dealer and another that does silver. Not heard of that make before. Will have to go and pay a visit.

    Sorry!

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  • Squirm
    Just seen a silver viscount overlocker 720d for £169 on a site and it comes with all the extra feet. Has anyone any experience of this brand? It seems like a really good deal but it is only that price for a limited time. I am very tempted. the site is coopersewingmachines.com.I thought this was a good price for a 4 thread overlocker.

    Sorry!

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  • Phil25
    “
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by Phil25
    My wife has used a Toyota overlocker for several years, loves it and has had no problems. She uses it a lot - it is 4 thread and I think the model is SL3314 which sells at about £150 now:

    www.sewlow.co.uk/toyota-sl3314-overlocker.html

    Hi, I just joined the forum and have been eagerly reading about overlockers. I would like to get one but I am still not sure which One to go for. I would like a complete package with the extra feet but I have not used one before. Is the Toyota SL3314 really worth buying. It seems like a really good deal on the website but I am not sure whether I should get one from a shop or buy from the internet just incase something goes wrong. Does your wife use all the different feet? Sorry, first time posting and I am bombarding you with questions. I don't really have anybody to ask round here. Thanks.
    ”
    I don't use the machine myself but to try and answer some of your questions:
    - when we bought the machine from our local shop they recommended the Toyota as a very good machine for the price.
    - I have since bought 2 sewing/embroidery machines on the internet with no problems. As mentioned I would try to get to a shop and try the machine out first but then buy online if you can find a cheaper price. Still comes with the same warranty etc.
    - I know my wife does use most of the accessories but what particular feet I couldn't say!
    - what part of the country are you? Through my wife's embroidery business I've got to know sewing shops all over the country...
    - Cooperssewingmachines have the Toyota for £139.95 including some extras or
    http://www.sewingworld.co.uk/Toyota_SL3314.html for £138.94 with free 10 year warranty
    Hope this helps.

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      dragonsoup
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    • dragonsoup
    • By dragonsoup 3rd Oct 07, 1:46 PM
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      What's this?

    dragonsoup
    [quote=Phil25;6446570]
    - I have since bought 2 sewing/embroidery machines on the internet with no problems. As mentioned I would try to get to a shop and try the machine out first but then buy online if you can find a cheaper price. Still comes with the same warranty etc.

    quote]

    I know this is moneysaving but I find this so sad. I bought my new machine from a local independent having spent ages trying out different machines and getting help and advice. Yes I would have saved myself some money buying over the net but very soon now all these independents will have gone bust so where will we go to try things out?

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  • Squirm
    Thanks for all the helpful advice. In the end I opted for the Silver Viscount 720D. There is a shop in York which deals with them so that was helpful. I did end up ordering it off the internet though. My new toy should arrive tomorrow and I already have a whole list of things I want to try !!!!!!!.

    Thanks to all again.

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      nuttywoman
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    • nuttywoman
    • By nuttywoman 3rd Oct 07, 8:17 PM
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      What's this?

    nuttywoman
    “
    Just seen a silver viscount overlocker 720d for £169 on a site and it comes with all the extra feet. Has anyone any experience of this brand? It seems like a really good deal but it is only that price for a limited time. I am very tempted. the site is coopersewingmachines.com.I thought this was a good price for a 4 thread overlocker.
    Originally posted by Squirm ”
    cooperssewingmachines are a good firm, i got my Toyota quilter from them.

    Sorry!

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      wasbrokegettingbetter
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    • wasbrokegettingbetter
    • By wasbrokegettingbetter 8th Oct 07, 10:50 PM
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      What's this?

    wasbrokegettingbetter
    I've just bought a Janome overlocker and am v. excited (sad but true!). I have watched the dvd and had a play and have also rethreaded it.
    Now I want to use it!!!! but of course need loads of thread.
    Can anyone advise me on the best threads to use for man made fibres and also the best place to buy thread cheaply.
    Thanks in advance.

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  • Squirm
    I received my overlocker last week. Couldn't wait to get going but had no large spools of thread. At the moment I am just using normal cotton and it seems to be working fine. I seem to recall mention of some sites in the early forum messages about overlockers. It may be an idea just to have a quick look through them. I am sure there were some websites mentioned. Jaycotts are usually good so I would give them a try. Think the other site mentioned was empressmills.co.uk.
    Last edited by Squirm; 08-10-2007 at 11:24 PM.

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      Rikki
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    • Rikki
    • By Rikki 9th Oct 07, 10:48 AM
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      What's this?

    Rikki
    “
    I've just bought a Janome
    overlocker and am v. excited (sad but true!). I have watched the dvd
    and had a play and have also rethreaded it.
    Now I want to use it!!!! but of course need loads of thread.
    Can anyone advise me on the best threads to use for man made fibres and
    also the best place to buy thread cheaply.
    Thanks in advance.
    Originally posted by wasbrokegettingbetter ”

    Mrs Flittersnoop answered this question for me a while back and here is
    her advice.


    “
    Don't go mad buying loads of
    different colour cottons if you intend just to use the machine for seam
    finishing etc - you can manage with just the basics, cream, white, grey
    and black, most fabrics can be finished almost invisibly with these
    (you might want to add blue and rose as well later on).
    I get most of my threads from www.empressmills.co.uk although I have to
    say their online shopping basket is a bit odd - you might be better off
    giving them a ring, they're pretty quick and efficient.
    by Mrs Flittersnoop ”
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      Rikki
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    • Rikki
    • By Rikki 20th Oct 07, 1:36 PM
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      What's this?

    Rikki
    Quick question:

    I need to finish a seem to take up a pair of trousers. Do I use a two thread overcast stich. Will this be enough for a 94% polyester / 6% elastane fabric? :confused:
    £2 Coins Savings Club 2012 is £4 .............................NCFC member No: 00005.........

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      Rikki
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    • Rikki
    • By Rikki 3rd Nov 07, 1:32 PM
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      What's this?

    Rikki
    Where can I buy a Blind Hem foot for my Elna overlocker? :confused:
    £2 Coins Savings Club 2012 is £4 .............................NCFC member No: 00005.........

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  • Mrs Flittersnoop
    Hi Rikki, you could try Howdens, www.howdenssewingmachines.co.uk - I've just had a snoop around the site, you have to click on your Elna model and then the accessory page comes up.

    I've also just seen your trouser seam question - sorry, didn't see it before, but I would use a three thread myself because it's stretchier than a two thread overcast. I only tend to use two threads for fairly fine fabrics where three threads would be a bit too heavy for the seam allowances and might show a press through the right side of the fabric.

    HTH
    Mrs Fx

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  • fishing-girl
    have just seen this, its in stock at my local tesco extra
    http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.100-3990.aspx
    i have never used an overlocker before but have been sewing on my trusty bernina for many years.i have fancied one for some time just wondered what the experienced peeps out there thought of the spec.
    thanks for any help
    merry christmas

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    • User avatar
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      Rikki
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    • Rikki
    • By Rikki 19th Dec 07, 6:32 PM
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      What's this?

    Rikki
    It comes down to personal preference.

    I tried several different ones at sewing shop before I made my choice and bought an ex demonstration model in the end.

    I use my overlocker to neaten seems before taking them up as well as making complete outfits. You will still need to use your normal machine too.

    I have an Elna overlocker, but then that is the same make as my sewing machine so maybe there is a preference there.

    The overlocker you are looking at does the same as most overlockers. It will come down to ease threading the machine and cost.
    I am not familiar with the tension knobs on the front of the overlocker as mine has the tension dials along the top of the machine.

    Can you look at different machines before you buy?


    * Mrs Flittersnoop goes into shock everytime this thread gets resurrected.*
    Last edited by Rikki; 19-12-2007 at 6:35 PM.
    £2 Coins Savings Club 2012 is £4 .............................NCFC member No: 00005.........

    .................................................. ....................TCNC member No: 00008
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  • Dusty Moth
    Advice on Overlocker Machines?
    Hiya,

    I hope this is the right place to post! My mum has always wanted an overlocker, but never got one as they are expensive. I have been looking at getting her a 2nd hand one as a present because I know she'd love it, but I'm not sure what sort to get?

    At the moment I'm looking at a Sewland one, but I've seen 2nd hand Necchi one for a bit more and Toyota Power lock one which says that it cuts the fabric too which I can't work out if the others do.

    Has anyone used any of these and does anyone have any advice for what might be best? Thanks!

    Sorry!

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      purpleivy
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    • purpleivy
    • By purpleivy 14th Feb 08, 4:20 PM
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      What's this?

    purpleivy
    Hi

    I have an overlocker but not used any of these models. THere's a forum called 'sewing forum' that might be able to help you. If you can't find it let me know and I'll see if I can find it.

    http://www.thesewingforum.co.uk/index.php here it is
    Last edited by purpleivy; 14-02-2008 at 4:21 PM. Reason: adding link
    "Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad"
    Trying not to waste food!

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      HariboJunkie
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    • HariboJunkie
    • By HariboJunkie 14th Feb 08, 4:28 PM
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      What's this?

    HariboJunkie
    “
    Hi

    I have an overlocker but not used any of these models. THere's a forum called 'sewing forum' that might be able to help you. If you can't find it let me know and I'll see if I can find it.

    http://www.thesewingforum.co.uk/index.php here it is
    Originally posted by purpleivy ”

    Is that on MSE? :confused:

    Sorry!

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