Women are always trying to look beautiful and stylish with the help of various jewelry and accessories in their clothes. Now there are many beautiful things, but they are either expensive, or they are sewn mainly for women with model parameters. But they solved these two problems by opting for self-tailoring. Many of them graduated from the relevant courses and now they need to choose between two units: a sewing machine and an overlock. The differences lie in the work performed. In this article we will answer the question, what is the difference between a sewing machine and overlock machines and what is better to choose.
What is their difference
Let's take a look at the difference between an overlock and a sewing machine:
- An overlock is a device with which you can make a professional overcasting of sections on any type of fabric. With the help of the device, excess fabric is trimmed when sewing items of clothing. A carpetlock is a sewing machine with the capabilities necessary for the professional processing of complex textile products. This device has all the features of an overlock. In addition, it can be used to make any seams when processing fabric.
- The sewing machine has two threads, one of which must be threaded into the bobbin.
The threads are intertwined by means of the shuttle and thus a stitch is obtained. Note that for a beautiful and strong stitch, the threads must be securely tightened in the stitch. If these conditions are met, the seam is smooth and beautiful. The special foot and zigzag stitch allows you to overcast cut edges on a standard sewing machine. But with a sharp movement, the thread may break. - When using an overlock, the thread cannot break due to the overlock seam, which is strong, elastic and stretchable. This is made possible by directing the bobbin thread directly into the bobbin instead of the bobbin thread. More precisely, the two lower threads, because the overlocker has the smallest 2 loopers. It is noted that the sewing machine can only work on two threads.
These three-thread units are already obsolete because a four-thread overlocker has been available on the market for a long time, which allows for different combinations of overlock stitches. They can be used as three-thread and two-thread - you must turn off the extra needles. - Overlock and sewing machine differ in design. In the first, there is no special sleeve, which is associated with the functions of the unit. And in a sewing machine, this element is present and its dimensions are quite impressive.
- The overlocker consumes significantly more threads. In overlock products, not spools of thread are used, but large thread spools.
- The overlock cuts the edge of the fabric during the overcasting process.
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Why a sewing machine cannot replace an overlock
The overlocker performs trimming, stitching and overcasting of knitted fabrics or fabrics that peel off quickly.If we talk about the work of a sewing machine, then it sews the details of the product, some models can embroider and make overlock stitches, but it cannot become a full-fledged replacement for an overlock, because it only imitates its work.
And you can also highlight the fact that overlocks can process fabrics with two, three and five threads, in contrast to a sewing machine that only works with 2 threads.
Professional tailors and seamstresses prefer to use two machines at the same time.
How to make overlock stitches with a sewing machine
To make an overcast on the fabric, you do not always need to buy additional equipment, which costs a lot. For those users who do not sew professionally, this does not make sense at all. In some cases, the special overcasting modes available on a standard sewing machine will be sufficient.
For different materials, special programs can be built-in, with the right choice, you can make the perfect stitch. In some cases, descriptions of the seams can be found on the device body. Secondary overlock stitches improve seam quality.
Therefore, before purchasing a sewing machine, you must select the one where the overlock stitching option is indicated in the program lists. This is important if the purchase of an overlock is not planned in the future.
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Which overlock is better to buy
When buying an overlock, most people pay attention not only to its cost, manufacturer, but also to reviews of real buyers, which are not always objective. This is because improperly selected threads or needles can adversely affect performance. You need to pay attention to:
- Number of threads - monotone overlocks are more practical, but at the moment, models with 4 threads are in great demand. They are equipped with two pairs of looper and needles. If necessary, they can be used as three-strand or two-strand (it is necessary to disconnect the needle or install the looper on the convector).
- Number of overcasting programs.
- Price - the higher the cost, the more functionality the overlock has.
- Levers - adjust the length and width of the stitch.
- Creel - prevents thread breakage.
In this article, we talked about what an overlock and a sewing machine are, explained what the difference is between these machines and what to look for when buying.
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