Overlockers

Zziggi

What exactly does an overlocker do? Can anyone explain please? How is it different to a sewing machine?

Have been offered and old one. I'm just deciding whether to accept it or whether it really would be useless to me. I felt so silly to ask the person what it actually did!

bj-sailaway

I'd dream of owning an overlocker! They cut and overthread the edge of the fabric, so kind of finish it off all in one. Do you have any fabric tablecloths or napkins, they are probably overlocked at the edge, or look at the inside seam of some of your clothes, they are all threaded along the edge so the fabric doesn't fray, that is overlocking - a dream for anyone who sews. Some are easier to use than other - but for free! What make is it?

Bargainloverbec

Accept the offer immediately! I love love love my overlocker it's my favourite gadget.

An overlocker basically 'binds' the seams so if you look inside any shop bought garment you will probably be able to see what I mean. It gives a neat and professional edge to things and it's so much quicker than trying to zig zag all your seams.

My latest trick is to cut a large square out of the back of OH's old shirts that would otherwise go in the bin and bind the edges on the narrowest gauge to make hankies (and before you all throw your hands up in horror at the idea of even throwing away half a shirt yes of course I cut off the buttons to re-use as well!!).

HTH.

Rebecca

frugalfairy_3

I would grab it with both hands, but make sure you get a manual with it. They're a lot more complicated to thread than a sewing machine and more temperamental until you get used to them.

tootles_2

If its a four thread overlocker it will sew clothes together as well...... a three thread will only cut and bind the edges, you need to sew the seams first.

juno

The best advice I can give you is do not unthread it. We had an overlocker, and one of the threads came undone and no matter how I tried to rethread it it wouldn't work properly and got tangled round the metal bit to stop the cutting blade attacking you.

Zziggi

It's got 4 threads and i don't know what brand it is.

So i should accept readily and learn hwo to use it then?

tootles_2

In short ... yes..... When you want to change the needle and looper threads break the cotton at the back of the machine and tie the new thread onto the existing thread.... pull gently from the front and the old thread will pull the new thread through, the loopers will take the knots ok but the needles you will have to snip the threads just infront of the needle eye and thread through by hand, its the loopers which are the b*****s to thread if they come undone, on mine there was a diagram which shows how to thread the machine but I found that pulling the existing threads was the easiest way of putting new thread on the machine.......... enjoy it, they are great if you have a lot of sewing to do and for making underwear its a breeze.....

maryb

Grab it with both hands. My overlocker came with a video and I think most do. If you can find a dealer for your make of overlocker they might be able to order one for you and the manual will probably be on the manuafacturer's website.