Overlock legs: selection and operation

A few decades ago, the clothes purchased in the store were significantly different from those that were sewn at home. The difference was in the quality of the processing of the seams. At home at that time it was impossible to smoothly and beautifully overcast the edges of the finished product.

Today, almost all modern sewing machines can easily cope with this task. All seams in the end are not only neat, but in addition to everything, they almost never crumble. In order for the work to go “like clockwork”, a seamstress needs such a detail as an overlock foot, which is easily installed on almost any sewing machine.

Not every seamstress can afford to purchase an overlock. It costs quite a lot and seems to many an unprofitable investment, especially if the seamstress works at home. Therefore, seamstresses instead buy an overlock foot intended for a sewing machine. It is used for overcasting seams of finished products.

In addition, there is an “extender” in it, with the help of which it is possible to avoid tightening the edges of matter. And also such The foot has a restrictive pressure plate, which is intended for overlock stitching, that is, for laying the most even seam. But the plate guide is used to properly separate the edge of the processed material. During operation, the needle punctures both the right and left sides of the pressure plate. And it seems that she braids this plate with thread. Therefore, the material does not contract. Some models of overlock legs may have a knife.They not only cover the fabric, but also cut off all the excess.

Like any other detail, the overlock foot has its pros and cons. To begin with, it is worth familiarizing yourself with its merits.

1. The edges of the matter at the end of the work are very neat and even. In addition, they are not pulled together, which is very important in working with fabrics such as knitwear, tulle or chiffon.
2. With the help of such a detail, it is possible to get pretty high-quality finishing lines.
3. Since the foot has a guide, the edge is worn beautifully and evenly.
4. Using such a foot, it is possible to make a hem.
5. Secret bending is done better.
6. Installing the overlock foot on the machine is very easy. Therefore, even a beginner can cope with such a task.

The disadvantages of this device include a number of points.

• Not all sewing machine models can have an overlock foot. Therefore, when buying, be sure to pay attention to the availability of instructions. It should indicate whether it is possible to install such a part. If there is no such option, then the seamstress will have to buy an overlock or just purchase an adapter.
• When the edges of knitted fabric are overcast, the seams do not always retain their elasticity.
• In order for the final work to turn out to be of high quality, it is necessary to carefully select both the size of the threads and the thickness of the needle. Otherwise, achieving a good result will be very difficult.
• Compared to the overlock machine, the foot construction is not designed for too much load.

An overlock foot may be included with the sewing machine. However, in many trim levels it is not. In this case, you can purchase such a part separately in a specialized store or order online.

It can be found only in specialized retail outlets.

In addition, it is also worth noting that there are paws that are intended for household and industrial sewing machines. They differ among themselves, and this is worth considering when buying. So, for a machine designed for home use, you can buy a foot made of plastic. Whereas for industrial machines, it is worth choosing a part made of metal. After all, the load at the factories is much greater than at home. Therefore, the plastic foot simply can not stand them.

For example, a model such as Janome part most often used in order to be able to sew a rubber braid, the width of which is in the range of 4-7 millimeters.

Those who wish to protect matter from contraction should pay attention to overlock foot AstraLux.

In the event that the seamstress wants to simultaneously grind the parts and to overcast their edges, you need to pay attention to such a foot as Family These parts are best suited for Janome sewing machines.

In order to overlock the blind seam, you need to choose a foot such as Jaguar. Seamstresses, who very often use denser materials, need to look at the overlock foot "G" AU-164. It is suitable for sewing machines such as Singer or Brother.

Those who prefer to use decorative finishing stitching on their products should opt for a foot Juki A9821.

However, most seamstresses turn their attention to the overlock foot. with a side knife or, as it is called in other words, a side cutter. After all, with its help you can simultaneously grind parts and overcast their edges. In addition, it is suitable for both domestic and imported sewing machines.

Before buying an overlock foot for yourself, you need to learn how to work with it. Initially, the seamstress must learn the theory, and only after that proceed to practical exercises.First of all, you need to learn how to put together all the cut out details of the future product. After that, you need to understand how to align the allowances, and the excess matter and threads that stick out, be sure to learn to trim with scissors.

Next, you can begin to install the foot itself on the machine. To do this, disconnect the regular foot. To do this, raise the presser foot lift lever and remove the part installed during production. After that, the overlock foot should be placed directly under the holder, and then lower the lever so that the holder immediately slams on the axis of the part to be installed.

After that, you need to try to sew, to make sure that when the needle is lowered, it does not touch the edge of the foot.

After that, you need to do the adjustment of settings. First of all, it is the adjustment of the tension of the upper and lower threads. With its help, you can make the line go as close to the edge as possible. This is of great importance for very thin fabrics.

No less important is the choice of the necessary line. After all, using the overlock foot it will be possible to make different seams.

• The fastening zigzag. Using such a seam, you can simultaneously connect the edges of matter, as well as overlock them. This allows the seamstress to save her time and effort.
• Stretch seam more used for knitwear, as well as for woolen fabrics.
• Open double stitch It is used to simultaneously grind pieces of fabric that does not stretch, as well as to overcast them.
• Double closed seam Intends for various types of embroidery, for example, on an elastic band, on a very narrow tape. In addition, it is also worthwhile to include overlocking of a single fabric, as well as thicker types of matter, for example, tweed.
• Oblique notched seam best suited for materials that are too thin. Many use it to cut the edges of tablecloths.
• Moscow seam most often used to process thin scarves, ruffles, cuts on dresses or skirts.
• Decorative stitches, which can be used not only on dresses, but also on blouses.

Anyway It is only necessary to select the type of stitch after the presser foot is attached to the sewing machine. Another important point is the length of the future stitch. It completely depends on the type of matter.

When the choice is finally made, under the overlock foot you need to put the fabric so that its edges abut against the rib. Next, you need to make a test line, while controlling the direction. There is a protrusion on the sole of the foot with which the edge of the free thread is supported. Thanks to him, the overlocked seam is beautiful and even. When working with such a foot, it is necessary to remember that it is impossible to pull matter. If you ignore this rule, the line will be uneven, in addition, unwanted assemblies will appear on it.

To summarize, we can say that overlock foot can do different tasks. The result of the work is usually impressive and pleasantly pleasing.

A brief video review below is devoted to an overlock foot designed to make overlock (overcast) seams on a household sewing machine.