Can you do overlocking with a normal sewing machine?

The overedge foot is also known as an overcast foot, or an overlocking foot. Essentially it allows thread to wrap around the edge of the fabric to prevent unraveling. It is a magical little sewing machine foot that can give you an edging similar to that of an overlocker with just about any sewing machine.

What does overlock in sewing mean?

(ˈəʊvəˌlɒk ) verb (transitive) to sew (a seam, hem, or edge) with a particular stitch that prevents fraying.

What is the difference between interlock and overlock sewing machine?

The term Overlock and Interlock are used interchangeably. Best Overlock / interlock machine if you own a boutique. Overcast or overedge stitch is used for enclosing raw or unfinished seam or edges. Name differs but purpose is same – to prevent unraveling of fabric.

Is an overlocker necessary?

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?

Because it is specialised for this task, it does a better, faster & more professional job than a regular sewing machine. An overlocker can also trim your seam allowance while sewing. This makes sewing jersey much easier, for example, as you can sew and neaten at the same time.

Do you really need an overlocker?

Overlockers are great for finishing seams and stopping fraying, they make your home sewn products last much longer, especially after a few washes, an unfinished seam will start to unravel. They also make sewing jersey at home much easier, as the overlocked seam lets the fabric stretch naturally.

Can you overlock without a serger?

Yes, you can overlock stitch by hand! Of course, it won’t be as fast as the 2 previous options made on the sewing machine, but you can totally create an Overlock stitch by hand, that prevents the fabric from fraying. All you need is: thread, needle, scissors, ruler and a marking tool.

What are the advantages of an overlocker?

An overlocker’s stitch pattern typically allows for a significant amount of stretch – useful when sewing elastic or stretchy fabrics. And being able to stitch a number of threads at a time can be a huge advantage.

What can I make with an overlocker?

Some of the things you can do with a serger:

1. Seam finishing.
2. Making swimwear, T-shirts, lingerie, napkins, tablerunners, etc.
3. Insert elastic into clothing.
4. Decorate garments making flowers or other trims.
5. Finish hem & facing edges with the cover stitch.
6. Seaming on knits more quickly that with a sewing machine.

Is it worth buying an overlocker?

Overlockers are worth buying if you intend to make lots of clothing, sew with stretch fabrics and make professional-looking projects. Overlockers are not worth using for those who finish their seams with bindings or make home decors that don’t require overlocked seams.

What can I do instead of overlocking?

You can use alternative seam finishing techniques that will finish garments neatly without an overlocker. You can use French seams or flat fell seams or even a simple zig zag stitch. Overlockers are not used in couture garments, in fact many seams are left raw.

What is the difference between a serger and an overlocker?

A serger and an overlocker are different names for the same machine. Americans generally refer to these as sergers, and nearly everyone else refers to them as overlockers. A serger performs an overlocking stitch, which is really more like knitting than sewing.

Do you need special thread for an overlocker?

For perfect results on your overlocker and coverstitch machine it is essential to use a good quality thread that is lint free. For that reason we only stock the highest quality Polyester 120’s and 180’s overlocking thread.

Do I need special needles for an overlocker?

Overlockers have two needles, although you don’t always need to use both needles depending on the stitch you require (more on this later). We recommend using overlocker needles and have a range available with detailed descriptions on which overlockers they are compatible with for quick and easy reference.

Do I need a sewing machine if I have an overlocker?

What Does an Overlocker Do? 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.

What’s the best overlocker thread?

T120s General Purpose Overlocking Thread It is a fine, smooth, relatively strong thread designed to run superbly at high speeds and can be used on both the overlocker needle or looper. This all rounder is available on 250m & 1000m bobbins and also a 7500m thread cone.

Do you need special thread for Overlockers?

What needle should I use for Overlock?

Overlocker needle tip #9: Use needle sizes between 70/10-90/14, smaller needles break easily and larger needles have too tight tolerance between the loopers.

Do you need special cotton for an overlocker?

Ensure that you use the same thread for your overlocker – so it can be different colours but the reels of cotton should be the same quality otherwise it will affect the stitch quality. Don’t buy expensive thread for your overlocker – you can buy big cones of thread if you use your overlocker a lot.