What is the difference between an overlock and a sewing machine, and is there anything you can do?

In everyday life, simple sewing machines are increasingly being replaced by more and more complex and functional ones. This not only improves the quality of finished products, but also simplifies the workflow. Everyone who is even a little familiar with sewing knows such terms as an overlock and a sewing machine. They have a lot in common, although there are differences.

The difference between the overlock and the sewing machine is small. The first serves mainly for trimming and overcasting the edges of the fabric. With its help, you can easily create a stretching or decorative seam. Thanks to the overlock, the edges of the fabric do not fluff, the extra threads do not stick out, and the cut looks aesthetically pleasing. Overlock does not replace the sewing machine, but complements it. Therefore, beginners often do without it at all, but professionals need it. Overlock is especially useful when working with elastic fabrics, such as knitwear.

A stitching machine is needed just for working with such fabrics. It is mainly used to create flat and elastic seams. Such seams can play not only a practical, but also a decorative role.

It is often difficult for beginners to distinguish between the sewing machine and the overlock visually. The first is more reminiscent of a conventional sewing machine due to the extension of the sleeve. This is done so that you can conveniently decompose the product with a thread connection. Overlock does not have a sleeve at all, because this device only works with the edge of the fabric. The sewing machine can sew its stitch anywhere on the fabric, while the overlock provides neatly swept edges.

In addition to visual differences, these devices have technical ones. The main functionality of the sewing machine is limited to working with fabrics such as stretch and knitwear. Its flat seam is ideal for bending elastic products. The main function is to grind material. The task of overlock is completely different. He works along the edge of the product, cutting and wrapping it. It is impossible to make a flat seam with it. But, Now there are so-called carpetlocks. They combine the capabilities of both an overlock and a sewing machine.

Both devices only simplify the sewing process, but are not necessary.. Modern sewing machines can offer users both overcasting and flat seams. Of course, the convenience of their creation and quality can not be compared with specially designed machines for this. A good alternative would be to simulate a flat seam on an overlock. A flat seam consumes a fairly large number of threads. To process a medium-sized product, it will take about three bobbins of 200 meters each. Due to material savings, the most common is a two-thread overlock seam. Thin elastic threads should be chosen, it will be easier and more reliable to work with them. When stretching the seam, ordinary cotton can tear.

You will definitely need a differential conveyor. It looks like a rail with two legs that compress and stretch the material during operation. They carry out the work of a person when, during ordinary sewing, he either stretches the material under the foot, or, on the contrary, pushes him under it. Thanks to this function, the stitches are smooth and elastic. If you intentionally stretch the fabric with your hands, you can make an even decorative seam.

It’s easy to set up an overlock to make a stitch seam. It is necessary to maximize the tension of the lower looper and loosen the tension of the upper. In order for the stitching seam to be narrow or wide, the right and left needles are used, respectively.

Before starting work, disconnect the overlock knife. If your device is an old model, then just pull it and turn up. In new overlocks, it is enough to simply lower it down. Now install the special foot for the flat seam. Do not forget to iron the junction of the fabric, and if possible, sweep it again. The line will stand for the fold. Some sewing machines have a special seam for overcasting. Also, some masters use a simple zigzag or decorative seam.

Each master independently decides what he needs - a sewing machine or an overlock. All of these devices are not necessary or required. Beginners do not have to buy everything at once. At first, you can do without even an overlock. Well, in more advanced models of sewing machines there are many functions to facilitate the process.

Both the overlock and the sewing machine are just a means of speeding up and facilitating the sewing process. Both of them take place both in household use and in professional use. If you still have a choice between these two machines, then first of all it is worth getting an overlock.

About what to choose, an overlock, a folder or a carpet, see the next video.