Overlock: what is it and what is it for, how to choose?

With an increase in skill, each seamstress thinks about expanding the arsenal of technical equipment available to her. And if a multifunctional sewing machine is not enough to solve problems, you have to purchase additional equipment: an overlock, a ploskoshovny machine or their hybrid version - a carpet. How to choose such a technique, what points should be taken into account, what the reviews of those who have already become the owner of such a machine promise - such questions arise in people who are keen on needlework quite often.

Coverlock is a universal sewing machine that can grind fabric, create flat and overlock seams, chain decorative stitches. Using this technique, it is possible to ensure high-quality processing of the edges of the fabric, regardless of its composition, degree of density and elasticity. During processing, excess allowance is cut off, leaving a clean and even edge. The big advantage of the carpet is the ability to work with fabrics of different densities, roughness, and combine materials of different characteristics without switching from machine to machine.

Most models provide computer control, but you can find equipment with a conventional electromechanical drive and manual adjustment. The presence of the display is relevant only for electronic versions of the carpet - here you can control the settings, use the electronic assistant.

The main purpose of the carpet is the automation of work processes combined in 1 machine. With it, it will not work to sew in a zigzag, Christmas tree, the device is deprived of the opportunity to create a variety of curly lines. This type of equipment is not intended for buttonhole stitching. Carlocks have a completely different purpose. They can grind parts with a double-stitch chain seam - "pigtail", widely used in modern sewing production. In addition, only this machine is capable of upper stitching - other types of equipment are not capable of this.

The variety of modern sewing equipment today can confound a person who is not too experienced in sewing. It will be quite difficult to understand the difference between sewing machines and overlocks without a detailed study of their features. To make a choice, you need to understand how important these or other functions are in the work of a particular wizard.

• Overlock. This type of sewing machine belongs to the category of equipment used to process the edges, edges of the material. The fabric is overcast, if necessary, excess allowances are cut automatically. In the work, 2–5 threads are used, which form an overcast seam during interlacing, which retains its elasticity when stretching materials.

• Surface-sewing machine. It is also called stitching, used to create flat seams on the surface of knitwear, stretch and other elastic synthetic materials. Using this technique, you can easily form stitches not only along the edge, but also in any other part of the material or product. It is ploskoshovny machines that are used to create swimwear, sportswear, T-shirts, T-shirts, and other linen knitwear.

• Coverlock. A versatile technique that can process the edge of the fabric with overlock stitching and form flat seams. For such machines, a medium-sized sleeve is designed to be shorter than for sewing equipment. Some models use the included side table, which makes it easier to work with large items.

In addition to the differences, the carpet, overlock and sewing machines have a common feature. All of them are equipped with loopers, allowing you to do without a spool when feeding the lower thread. It is sent directly from a large coil due to the significant consumption of materials. In the carpet, 2 loopers are used immediately, thanks to which it can form chain stitches and a variety of knitted stitches.

Among the popular carpet covers, you can choose models that invariably receive the most positive reviews. It is worth highlighting several sales leaders.

• Janome 1200D. This is a high-end and mid-range model. Koverlok performs 20 types of lines, is equipped with a differential conveyor, develops a sewing speed of up to 1300 st./min. The model is electromechanical, consumes 120 watts during operation, is equipped with needle filling, a manual thread tension controller, a knife that can be switched off.

• AstraLux Cover Pro 860. Inexpensive carpet with compact dimensions, interesting design, sewing speed up to 1200 st./min. The model is electromechanical, performs 20 operations, supplemented with a cover and a removable sleeve platform. There is a thread cutter, differential feed, adjusting the pressure of the presser foot on the fabric.

• Pfaff 4852. Not the cheapest carpet with a wide range of functions, speed up to 1300 st./min. The model is rather bulky and massive, equipped with a cover. This carpet is capable of performing 18 operations, is equipped with a differential conveyor, looper gas station, and puncture force stabilizer. This is a good solution for an experienced seamstress.

• AstraLux Cover Pro 888. Not the most expensive carpet from a well-known budget brand. The model is not very powerful - only 120 W and 1200 st./min, performs 20 different seams, is equipped with a minimum set of necessary options. This is a good choice if you plan to sew from time to time.

• BabyLock Evolution BLE8W-2. Coverlock supporting work with 2-4 threads. This is a professional-class model with automatic change of thread tension, simple setup, pneumatic threading in the looper, forms a line without fabric, fixing its end.

• Aurora 5000D. Quite popular carpet, presented in the middle price category. This is an electromechanical model capable of performing 14 operations at speeds up to 1,500 st./min. In the presence of a differential conveyor, stitch parameters adjusters, automatic looper refueling machine. This is a good solution for beginner seamstresses.

• Bernina Bernette Funlock B48. The model of the middle price category, equipped with a manual needle threader, can perform 2,3,4,5-thread stitches and flatlock. 23 operations are supported, there is a built-in backlight, the maximum sewing speed reaches 1300 st./min. The assembly of the model is carried out in Taiwan, it is performed quite qualitatively, this is a good option for beginners and experienced seamstresses.

• Elna 845. Swiss-made model with support for 20 different lines. The set includes a built-in switch for a role seam, 2 knife systems - mobile and stationary, a choice of programs using the handle, a converter, a removable foot, an electronic pedal. Koverlok develops a sewing speed of up to 1300 st./min, allows you to adjust the stitch length in the range of 0.5-5 mm and a width of up to 7 mm.

When choosing a carpet for home use, you should pay attention to its functional equipment and the number of available operations. There are several important parameters.

• The method of threading the looper. In the simplest carpet covers, this is done manually; it is important to make sure that all the necessary nodes are freely available. Automatic and semi-automatic threading in the loopers is much more convenient and allows you to avoid hours of training with tweezers in your hands. This is exactly what this type of work looks like when executed manually.

• Brand Trustworthy companies include Merrylock, Singer, Pfaff, Janome, Brother, Babylock Evolution, Juki. Most well-known companies are based in Asia, from Japan to Singapore. Here are just a large part of the models licensed produced at the same factories in Taiwan.

• The method of adjusting the thread tension. It can be carried out in automatic or manual mode. For seamstresses starting with carpet shutters, it is better to choose the most simple option with auto-adjustment, which avoids sagging matter. Experienced seamstresses can easily cope with manual correction of thread tension. The tensioners themselves should be located in one line, frontal placement is used only in the most budget models.

• The presence of the converter. It is necessary to create 2-thread stitches. It is mounted on the upper looper of the carpet.

• The presence of a differential conveyor. It is needed for processing materials with low density or increased extensibility. The conveyor is comb-shaped, located in front and behind the needles. Varying the modes, you can use it to create assemblies, ruffles, shuttlecocks on the fabric.

• Power. It affects the speed and performance of equipment. The maximum needle movement in top models is up to 1,500 st./min. The price of a carpet also increases with increasing power.

• Management method. Mechanical switches are now installed only in low-cost models that require constant monitoring by the seamstress. If we are talking about a more complex, productive technique, it is better to choose a programmable carpet with touch or button control and a display. During operation, the screen displays all the important data about the selected operating parameters.

• Equipment. The wider it is, the better.It is important to understand that large manufacturers usually include in their package everything they need: from paws, needle threaders, spare needles to covers and carrying cases.

Among other useful options in the carpet holders, there may be an adjustment of the force with which the material is punctured, control over the pressure of the upper conveyor on the fabric, and a thread trimmer. If you have to work with bulky products, you should immediately choose the technique with the function of transforming the desktop.

The operation of the carpet requires sufficient experience and understanding of the sewing equipment. If in a normal overlock almost all operations are performed on standard settings, here you have to adapt the settings to specific types of lines. Before you sit down to work, you will have to consider in detail all the features of the mechanism used, the location of the mode switches, otherwise an even and high-quality line will not work. The more threads involved in the work, the more often you have to refill them in loopers. 5-thread models are best chosen with automatic refueling to avoid wasting time.

If you plan to use reels of 5000 m or more in the carpet, it is recommended to additionally use special accessories: conical supports and shock absorbersworn on ordinary vertical pins. They will allow for winding threads without confusion. On small coils apply holdersexcluding the movement of the reel during operation. On slippery threads put on special netspreventing too fast winding.

Proper needle positioning is another important point. Depending on their number, the length shifts with increasing from left to right or in the opposite direction. It is better to clarify the data in the instruction manual for the specific model. Installation is carried out only with a screwdriver and a special device. Needles should not be blunt or bent.

Real reviews of carpet covers, which are most popular among professional seamstresses and needlewomen who prefer to do work at home, look pretty positive. Traditionally deserves the highest ratings Janome appliancescharacterized by top cover, high performance. Overlocks significantly save space, reduce the number of equipment in the home workshop, and make it possible not to change equipment when creating different types of seams.

No less popular inexpensive models from Merrylock brand. Seamstresses note the quiet operation of this technique, its compactness and lightness. But at the same time, the carpet covers of the brand are not adapted for working with multilayer fabrics, materials of large thickness. However, this drawback is redeemed by comfortable work and the ability to change several bulky devices to one multifunction machine.

The following video will tell you why a carpet is needed.