Overlockers - advice please!

[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

[Squirm]

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.

[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.

[Squirm]

Originally Posted by 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.

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.

[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.

[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.

[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?

[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.

[nuttywoman]

Originally Posted by 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.

cooperssewingmachines are a good firm, i got my Toyota quilter from them.

[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.

[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.

[Rikki]

Originally Posted by 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.

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

Originally Posted by Mrs Flittersnoop

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.

[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:

[Rikki]

Where can I buy a Blind Hem foot for my Elna overlocker? :confused:

[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

[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

[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.*

[Dusty Moth]

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!

[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

[HariboJunkie]

Originally Posted by 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

Is that on MSE? :confused: