Overlockers for home sewing. Overlock for home sewing: models, characteristics, settings, reviews The best household overlock
Making your own clothes is fun! And creating it on high-quality equipment is doubly pleasure. The Sewing School receives many questions regarding the choice of sewing equipment. And this is natural, because before you move on to buying a fairly expensive sewing machine or overlocker, it is better to study their capabilities in advance, the availability of the sewing operations you need, and the quality of the stitches. For many amateur tailors, purchasing an overlocker is a real event, since with such an acquisition you can qualitatively improve the processing of internal sections of a product, work with various types of knitwear, easily sew sportswear, swimsuits, perform decorative finishing of product parts, and much more. Let's take a closer look at the functionality of the Bernina L 460/450 overlocker and understand what opportunities open up for you with the purchase of such a machine.
IMPORTANT! Despite all the sellers’ assurances about the reliability of the equipment, its durability and the availability of reviews from happy customers, the first thing you need to pay attention to is the manufacturer’s guarantees and the availability of service centers in your city. After all, if you need to carry out maintenance or repair of equipment, you should have a guaranteed opportunity to contact the service center specialists and receive qualified assistance. This applies not only to Bernina, but also to any other manufacturer.
The overlocker model we tested meets the highest standards and is certified to meet safety requirements in accordance with the “Law of the Russian Federation on the Protection of Consumer Rights.” The overlocker has an intuitive and user-friendly interface. Even if you don't want to spend a lot of time studying the instructions in detail, you will find hints on the machine itself. By following the diagrams and markers, you can easily thread the threads, adjust their tension, set the length and width of the stitches, etc. The machine is very quiet, which you will appreciate during long-term work.
Rice. Instructions for threading the overlocker body
The Bernina L 460 / L 450 is a 4-/3-/2-thread overlock machine that is well suited for processing stretchy and thin materials, performs excellent standard seams and, in addition, has other exclusive features that make work easier and give pleasure when sewing .
When working, it is important to have the opportunity to choose as many lines as possible, because, first of all, this is why we buy an overlocker. This model is capable of producing 16 (!) different types of stitches. Such opportunities seem unnecessary only at first glance, but with a rational approach, it becomes clear what opportunities are open to you. All lines are summarized in a table.
Talitsa. Types of overlock stitches Bernina L 460 / L 450
Exclusive overlock features
Perfect seams are exactly what every craftswoman wants to get first. And it’s no secret that when sewing fabrics of different densities, as well as when replacing threads, on many overlocker models you have to periodically, and sometimes constantly, adjust the thread tension. In this model, such adjustment is solved electronically. The machine has the following functions:
- Electronic motor control for precise sewing
- Patented micro-adjustment of mtc thread.
- Stopping the needle in the up or down position
- BERNINA free-hand system (knee lever for lowering presser foot).
When it comes to stitch length, the stitch length adjustment and differential feed knobs are conveniently located on the right side of the machine. You can easily make the necessary adjustments.
Rice. Stitch length and differential feed knobs
Storing accessories in the looper cover
Almost all manufacturers supply an overlocker with a box with the necessary additional accessories. However, you will agree that placing them in the hinged lid of the overlocker is much more convenient. A special compartment for storing necessary accessories that may be needed during work is always at hand and not a single small part will be lost, because they are all tightly secured with holders. The kit includes:
- Needle set 130/705H (2x No. 70, 3x No. 80)
- Hex screwdriver (1.5 mm)
- Brush
- Tweezers
- Upper looper converter
- Needle threader/needle setting device
Rice. Storage compartment for accessories
Features that help you with your work – you’ll appreciate them!
You will definitely appreciate such a convenient additional device as a waste collection container, which is attached to the overlocker and allows you to collect scraps of fabric and threads and leave the table and work area clean and tidy. The container is easily removable so you can clean it as you fill it.
Rice. Container for waste collection
A thread cutter will save you from constantly searching for scissors and snippers; with its help you can easily trim the ends of the threads. And although such a device is the norm in sewing machines, not every overlocker can boast such a convenient knife!
Rice. Thread cutter
You'll also appreciate features like the knee lever for lowering the presser foot - hands free! (allows you to fix the fabric when lowering the presser foot with both hands).
After sewing, the needle always stops at its highest or lowest position. For this purpose, the machine has a function - the needle can be raised or lowered by pressing the start pedal with the heel.
Replacing a needle on an overlocker? As easy as pie!
Replacing a needle when working on an overlocker is a real problem for many due to the limited distance between the needle holder and the presser foot. That is why the needle insertion device is a real find, implemented in BERNINA. With it, you can easily change the needle in a matter of seconds. Rice. Using the needle threader
Presser foot pressure adjustment. For most sewing projects, you can leave the presser foot pressure at the standard setting. However, if you are sewing seams on thick fabrics, you may need to adjust the pressure. In this case, simply turn the presser foot pressure adjustment knob from extra high pressure to extra light pressure. Replacing the foot is also very simple; to do this, just press the lever, remove one foot and install the desired one.
Rice. Presser foot pressure adjustment
Having tested the BERNINA overlocker, we can confidently say that if you choose it, you will not only get a high-quality modern machine with high-quality performance characteristics, but also a reliable assistant, thanks to which you will be able to create stunning models. We wish you success in your sewing!
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Now there are many offers from different stores and online stores. buy an overlocker. There are many sellers, a large selection... Coming to buying an overlocker, the buyer's eyes widen. Overlockers are produced by various famous manufacturers, the concerns BROTHER, JANOME, TOYOTA, MERRYLOCK, SINGER, PFAFF, LEADER, and each can do something that the other cannot, differs from the rest in design, size, weight... Of course, with such a choice and variety, one cannot do without consultation professional
Most buyers ask the same questions: which overlocker is better? Which overlocker is the cheapest? Which company makes overlockers better? And why, and how... So they arrived. Before buying an overlocker You need to clearly understand for yourself what you exactly want to get from the desired overlocker. After all overlockers can be two-three-four and five-thread and can perform various sewing operations. How can the average buyer decide on all this?
Let's look at the answer to the question - which overlocker is better? The current level of development in the manufacture of sewing equipment has reached almost perfection. Overlockers from any manufacturer, even the cheapest, are issued according to the most modern technologies. Such overlockers can qualitatively cut and overcast fabric any texture. These are various types of knitwear, stretch, microfiber, cotton fabrics, in general the whole range of textile products. Almost everyone overlock performs rolled seam, has a differential feed of fabric, and some models of overlockers are additionally equipped with specialized attachments - presser feet, which allow you to perform this or that operation. We think that best overlocker simply does not exist, everyone is good.
But then which overlocker to buy and not overpay? We will be happy to tell you how overlockers are classified, what they can do, and what operations they can perform besides overstitching, and we think that after such an extensive consultation you will be able to decide what you need. You just need to figure it all out.
1.Sewing machine with overlock, or overlock separately?
Many buyers, having read incompetent reviews on websites from online stores that wrote them themselves, believe that once in a while sewing machine has an overlocker, then you no longer need to buy it separately, it’s enough buy such a sewing machine. Perhaps some buyers are satisfied with this arrangement. But before you blindly obey such a recommendation, ask the sellers in a real store to show how to overstitch a sewing machine. And then see how he does it real overlocker. We are sure that you will immediately notice a big difference - sewing machine overlay very slow, maybe beautiful overcast only medium and thick fabrics; nothing works on knitwear at all (the threads get tangled and the material gets chewed). Overlock real produces overcasting much faster and quieter, unlike a sewing machine, overlocker trims The uneven edge of the material makes a beautiful, even seam and successfully copes with any fabric without any special adjustments. And only after seeing it with your own eyes, you can make a choice for yourself - sewing machine with overlocker, or overlocker separately. Why is there such a big difference in the quality of stitching? We will proceed from the fact that overlocker and sewing machine, these are devices that are fundamentally different in technical purpose. Sewing machine is more focused on sewing materials with a straight seam, the rest of the operations are just “gadgets”. And the main thing purpose of overlock- prevent the edges of the fabric from fraying, secure it beautifully overlock stitch. Overlock should be equally good overcast any fabric. At overcasting knitted and stretch elastic fabrics, too, there will be nothing to complain about. Line It stretches just like the material itself and does not tear. This is achieved by the presence of differential fabric feed. And here sewing simple straight stitch on overlock will not work. There are other hybrid sewing machines for this purpose, these are flat-stitch cover stitching machines And carpetlocks, which stitch the material, grind down special elastic stitches.
2. Differential conveyor, what is it and what is it for?
In simple terms, this is rack, pushing the fabric under the overlock foot. IN cheap overlockers she's the same as in sewing machine- whole. And in overlockers with differential The feed is divided into two halves - front and rear. The speed of movement of these halves is not the same. One half may lag behind the other, or, conversely, move ahead. Thus, the material can slightly gather or stretch when sewing. After stitching knitwear, overcast in stretch mode, converges back. But when it is re-stretched along with the material, the stitch itself stretches. The threads that form it are slightly weakened and therefore do not break. This property overlockers necessary when sewing tracksuits, knitted T-shirts. The cheapest overlockers They can also sew it like that. Only when overcasting elastic stretch fabrics You yourself will have to stretch them slightly when processing.
3. Well then, which overlocker should you buy?
About that which overlocker to buy, a lot of information has been written. But nevertheless, no matter how you read and study it, it is difficult to understand such a large volume of “scientific works”. Therefore, if you have never had overlocker and you are planning several sew, A repair clothes, hem trousers and use it for home-family use, we recommend buying ““. It is inexpensive and quite reliable. Processes the edge of the fabric three-thread seam, after simple modifications it can sew with two threads, and also trims and trims uneven edges of the fabric. Why not an overlocker? Unlike ordinary people, professional seamstresses know Which them need an overlocker. Some professionals even have several overlockers. Depending on the usage factors, one overlock may apply for overcasting thick fabrics, another on thin, the third is set to rulik. In the intense rhythm of work, a professional seamstress has no time to reconfigure overlockers, it is much more convenient and faster to swap them with each other. Here's another useful tip: when buying an overlocker Be sure to pay attention to how the lower threads of the overlocker are threaded. The greatest difficulty is bobbin threading left looper overlocker. Certainly a thread not necessary refuel each time a new one, just tie the ending thread in a knot with a new one and pull it through overlock slightly shaking the main shaft flywheel. New a thread, connected by a knot to the old one, will pass through everything thread guides and holes in loopers, but sometimes it can break, especially when you forget to loosen the spring thread tensioner.Then, of course, you will have to sweat a lot with tweezers in your hands and remember all the relatives of the designers who developed this overlocker. And sometimes the quality of the sewing thread is simply poor. Well, it’s better not to skimp on threads.
4. How many threads can an overlocker handle?
First of all, it will depend on most overlock designs. Typically, modern overlockers process fabric with three and four threads. Four-thread wide is used for overcasting and stitching fabrics of medium and greater thickness. Three-thread seam they sew thinner fabrics, it is narrower and visually does not look as rough compared to four-thread.Some overlockers are equipped with an additional attachment - stitch converter. It allows overlock processing fabrics double thread seam. By doing rolled seam, myself the seam, formed by interlacing two threads, it turns out more elegant and miniature. Such line used when overcasting curtains, chiffon fabrics, even for overcasting knitwear(you get beautiful ruffles along the edge, and the edge of the fabric itself will go in waves). Usually everything imported overlockers you can quickly switch from three-thread to four-thread seam, or vice versa. This is achieved by installing/removing an additional needle. Some types of overlockers can sew fabric with five threads. Three of which are used for formation three-thread seam, and the other two form a straight line running parallel three-thread seam near.
5. What is a carpetlock?
An overlocker, which, in addition to overcasting and trimming the edges of the fabric with a 2-3-4-5 thread stitch, also performs flat cover seams called a carpetlock. The main thing is difference from overlock- the presence of a third looper, with the help of which a chain stitch is formed. Just with the help of this looper it became possible to obtain flat cover stitch.Usually carpetlocks do five-strand, but there are also four-thread. Industrial coverlock models you can find seven or more threads, with the possibility of simultaneous sewing of lace ribbon, etc. This line can sometimes be found in your wardrobe with clothes. However, there are also more complex coverlock models, the number of threads in which can reach ten. Price any carpetlock usually superior sewing machine cost And overlock cost, but in some cases it becomes profitable buy a carpet. Firstly, it is cheaper price cars and overlocker taken together in total, it takes up much less space, because it is one and universal. Herself carpet versatility is that they can use as a sewing machine, as a stitcher and as an overlocker. Coverlock opens up unlimited possibilities for home creativity and handicrafts. Perhaps the patchwork sewing technique will become your new hobby.
6. Coverlock, overlock, or cover stitch...
Of course, the variety of overlocking techniques is great, and we recommend that you do not make a mistake with your choice, because all five thread overlockers are carpetlocks(for example overlock Rostov production AGATE-DONLOC), and this is not always required. Can buy separate cover stitch machine, if you already have good overlocker. There are advantages to such an acquisition: you don’t need to install additional attachments and reconfigure every time overlock on cover stitch, or back to overlock. Having two different devices for their intended purpose, you save time on reconfiguring one.
7 What threads to thread the overlocker with.
No matter which one you use carpet, or overlock,or with a stitcher, you need to pay special attention to the ones you use. Mandatory thread requirement: they must be new, not damp from many years of storage. The best thing buy threads not on small bobbins, but on large ones. Because overlock technique They unwind quite quickly, so you have to refill them often. Buy threads Of course, larger reels are more expensive. But in terms of meterage, thread wound on a bobbin is much more profitable to buy. The threads should be the same in thickness and not too thick, since they only fix the edge of the material of the product being sewn and there is not one, but more of them. Adding up the thickness of the threads in one seam results in a significant margin of safety. lines. Quality thread also affects beauty lines. Threads should be smooth and not very twisted; it is not recommended to use hebesh threads, as they are highly abrasive and grind into overlock thread guides deep grooves ultimately leading to malfunction. And if thread the overlocker of different thicknesses, then you will end up with such a stitch, with uneven tension, bristling and ugly.
This overlock I've been using it for quite a long time. I rate the quality as quite suitable for my needs. Overlock sews with three and four threads. I use it most often three-thread seam. I use this seam to process both cotton fabrics and knitwear. Four-thread seam I almost never use it because it’s more difficult to set up and thread. Overlock small and light, sometimes I carry it with me to work; there’s nothing to do in the watch room anyway. There were also breakdowns- skipped threads. But these breakdowns, which arise so unexpectedly, are also easy to fix. I learned regulate herself looper position, not to mention thread tension. Overlock loves oil, after servicing it clicks. At all overlock design unkillable, he is completely iron, even fell on the floor and nothing fell off of it. About prices: I I bought it for five times cheaper any advertised branded overlocker. I paid less, but the capabilities are the same, I just had to learn how to use and configure it, but it suits me. |
The moment has come choose for myself new overlocker. Until now, you probably used old overlockers MKSHB, Samara, Agat made in Rostov, there were also Orsha ones once upon a time..., etc. We must admit that they served faithfully for many years, fulfilling “all” your sewing whims, but everything has a habit of falling into disrepair and breaking. Of course it is possible repair all this old sewing equipment, but it's better to change. Why? 1. From the moment domestic factories stopped release overlockers(and this is due to the crisis of the 90s), a considerable number of years have passed. Of course and spare parts with parts also ceased to be produced. Naturally, this could not affect maintenance service such overlockers.In a sewing workshop, at best, they will be able to slightly adjust this overlock. |
Overlocker Juki MO 654 DE is a professional household sewing machine with a wide variety of capabilities and a large number of additional accessories and accessories. Overlocker Juki MO 654 DE stands out due to the convenient location of the control handles, the presence of automatic lower looper threader, as well as expanded functionality. Overlocker Juki MO 654 DE can process fabrics with 2, 3, 4 thread stitching of different widths and produces beautiful narrow rolled seam. For overlocker Juki MO 654 DE There are no distinctions regarding the thickness and structure of the fabrics processed. On the overlocker with excellent stitch quality equally good processed light, medium, elastic and heavy fabrics. Overlocker Juki MO 654 DE great fit as for beginners, and for experienced sewing lovers. |
Improvements in technology have also pleased sewing enthusiasts. They have at their disposal compact, convenient sewing machines with many functions that make painstaking work easier. Some people think that finishing the edges of fabric takes the most time, but now this task is much easier. Check out the tools for craftswomen.
Sewing machine with overlock
Why buy a serger separately if you can buy a sewing machine with the same device? The answer is very simple. The difference between seams made on two such different machines will be simply huge. In one case, this is a regular zigzag stitch, simulating overcasting. You will get this result with a regular sewing machine with an overlock function. An acute disadvantage of such a stitch is that it breaks when the fabric is pulled, and in several places. A household overlocker works differently.
Overlock
The device does not replace a regular machine, but serves as an excellent addition. The main purpose of an overlocker for home sewing is to trim excess fabric and overcast the edges to avoid unraveling of the material. There are machines from 2 to 5 lines, with the ability to perform different types of lines. For working with knitwear, three-four-line overlockers for home sewing are suitable. If you need to sew carpets, you should choose only special professional machines. Cotton materials can also be processed using a 3-line machine.
Coverlock
The device can combine the functions of three devices. The coverlock is capable of making overlock (overcasting), flat (cover) and regular stitches using a sewing machine. Thanks to the presence of two loopers, the device does not need a bobbin, in addition, it becomes possible to make a chain stitch (reminiscent of a pigtail). This stitch stretches well along with the fabric, so its use when working with stretch or knitwear is simply necessary. A significant drawback is the high thread consumption.
Coverstitching machine
Attention: this technique was created for one type of seam - flat (which will not interfere with the inside of the product). No other sewing machine can produce high-quality and durable stitching. Stretching knitted clothing will not damage the seam, because it will stretch along with the fabric. This property is very useful when creating comfortable wardrobe items for outdoor activities. Industrial cover stitching machines are characterized by high operating speed, which is beneficial for the mass production of clothing.
How to choose an overlocker for your home
It’s nice that you can buy overlockers for home sewing, that is, for amateur use, choosing from inexpensive machines. If you do not plan to open a studio or sew to order (for neighbors or girlfriends), there is no need to spend all your savings. Nuances:
- A cheap overlocker is suitable for processing knitted fabrics; it will make good seams without skipping or pulling threads.
- The devices often have backlighting and some other features that you may find useful.
- Please note: a household machine is not designed for heavy loads. Long hours of use may cause damage.
Overlock machine from the best manufacturers
Today the market offers a large range of equipment. Information about the best manufacturers and a brief overview of their most successful models will help you choose machines for household and professional use. Depending on the fabrics you plan to work with, you can select overlockers:
- Janome 4952D. The home appliance is suitable for working with corduroy, gabardine, thick silk and other medium-weight fabrics. This model often includes a tongue that helps you change the seam configuration. There is a special platform for working with sleeves. The differential conveyor regulates the tension of the fabric. Using this overlocker for home sewing, you can do overcasting with four threads and twist the edges of thin fabrics. Similar models: Family 244D, Brother 3034D.
- Bernina 800 DL. The technique of wrapping fabrics that can fray after cutting (chiffon) requires a special machine. She must do the seam with two threads, the decorative hem, stitching and hemming the edge of the fabric at the same time. Bernina is designed to perform 15 operations, its price is higher than the cost of conventional overlockers. For working with thin fabrics, Janome 714D, Janome 784D, and Pfaff Hobbylock 2.0 machines are also suitable.
In any business related to working with auxiliary equipment, there comes a time when the “vehicle fleet” of this equipment wants to be expanded - due to increased quality requirements or new skills that require a more advanced assistant. If you work on a computer, there is no escape from updating your hardware. If your favorite job is related to construction, you will constantly buy new hand tools that speed up the operation time and make the work process easier.
Sewing is no exception in this matter - at a certain stage you begin to realize that the capabilities of your sewing machine are not enough. And when the idea arises to try to sew to order, the understanding comes that auxiliary machines are needed.
If you need to improve the quality of fabric processing, if you want to get more opportunities to work with various thin and elastic materials, and especially knitwear, without purchasing overlocker you can't get by.
HISTORY OF CREATION
The history of overlockers begins in the second half of the 19th century, when the American entrepreneur Joseph Marrow decided to leave the gunpowder business for the knitting business. A radical change in the orientation of production not only brought profit and fame, but also made it possible to make a huge contribution to the development of the knitting and clothing industry of the 19th and 20th centuries.At first, the company specialized in the production of woolen products from local raw materials, and bought mechanisms externally. But production volumes grew, and the equipment needed to be repaired and updated - this is how a department of equipment and production of new machines appeared, headed by the son of the head of the company, who turned out to be a talented technician-inventor.
In 1877, the first machine for finishing the edge of knitted fabric with a stitch similar to a crochet stitch - Crochet - appeared. But the matter did not stop there: in 1881 the company issued a patent for the first overlock stitch machine, which, in the course of improvements by 1889, acquired a form that has remained virtually unchanged to this day: the stitch was performed by interlacing three threads, from the needle, the lower looper and the overcasting looper .
It was a fundamentally new machine that did not use a shuttle for sewing. Subsequently, it received the name “OverLock”, that is, “blocking”, which indicated its direct purpose - blocking the edge of the canvas from shedding. The Merrow company still exists today as a small family business. Over the years, they have become the authors of more than 100 patents in the field of sewing machines.
FUNCTIONAL FEATURES
Modern overlockers are not limited to one overcasting seam, they can perform various 2-, 3- and 4-thread stitches , which are used not only for securing the edge, but also for grinding (stitching) parts:Number of sewing operations in modern household overlockers it can be both small - - and impressive - -.
If the overlocker performs 4-thread and 3-thread seams as standard, then to make 2-thread seams it is usually required converter (metal part that fits onto the looper). The converter sometimes comes complete with an overlocker, and sometimes you need to purchase it in addition.
For beginners who are starting to work with an overlocker for the first time, threading can be a difficult task - not everyone gets it right the first time. To facilitate this procedure, manufacturers offer to use the function automatic threading of needles or looper . This function lies in the fact that threading occurs along special guides that guide the thread into the mechanism - which saves you from manually threading the thread into hard-to-reach places, using tweezers or your fingers.
When choosing an overlocker model, ask if it has differential feed function . This option allows you to adjust the tension of the fabric during processing, which allows you to either optimally align the fabric, or vice versa - to gather or stretch the edge being processed. This feature is especially valuable if you plan to work with knits and thin fabrics. Along with this function, it is important to have a manual presser foot pressure regulator. The presence of these two options allows you to freely work with materials of different densities.
Some models indicate such a characteristic as the presence of a puncture force stabilizer. It means that the force with which the machine needle pierces the fabric does not depend on the sewing speed. This feature is provided by an electronic board that controls the tension regulator, which allows you to optimally adjust the machine according to the type of fabric - from thick drape to thin chiffon.
Option switching off the knife Nowadays it’s available in almost all overlockers, and for good reason – in some cases, the knife can only get in the way. For example, when processing small parts, or parts with corners and curves: you may accidentally not calculate the speed and force, and not follow the desired path, in which case, if the knife is turned off, the situation can be corrected, and if the knife is in operation, it will will cut off the excess.
Maximum speed sewing household overlockers - 1300 - 1500 stitches per minute, but you should not chase this characteristic - it is unlikely that you (unless of course you have a sewing workshop) will process products at maximum speed. Rather, it is better to pay attention to the smoothness of the pedal stroke and speed adjustment.
Models with Thread tension dial switches located in the upper part of the case - with this design, the thread tensioners are hidden behind the front of the case and do not interfere. Less convenient design and round toggle switches located on the facade - in this case, the thread tensioners are located next to them, openly.
Features like thread cutter And removable sleeve platform can rather be considered a pleasant addition than a mandatory option: the thread cutter is not always convenient to use, and the platform is more useful in sewing machines when, for example, narrow sections of a sleeve cuff are being processed...
Power consumption overlockers are small - from 85 to 135 W.
Separately, it is worth mentioning that when threading an overlocker, you should strictly follow the instructions, step by step. If you mix up the sequence of some steps, then in the end the machine will not sew, or it will, but crookedly, and you will blame the design. When working with an overlocker, you need to use good quality threads and the thickness recommended for a particular material, otherwise the stitching will be far from ideal. Remember that when processing fabric with an overlock, the thread consumption is high, so for this purpose it is better to buy thread in spools, since ordinary spools used for sewing will run out at the speed of light.
Equipment There are different types of overlockers, so when purchasing, ask what comes with the model you choose. The kit may include: a case, a set of needles, a screwdriver, tweezers, brushes, a spare knife, a 2-thread seam convector, a box for accessories, a waste bin, an oil can.
OVER OR CARPET?
In addition to overlockers, the so-called carpetlocks – devices that combine the qualities of an overlocker and a cover stitching machine. Outwardly, they are similar to overlockers, but have a wider “work table”, because this design is more convenient for sewing operations.First of all, they are distinguished from ordinary sewing machines by their internal structure - instead of the usual shuttle (bobbin), the threads are fed by loopers, as in overlockers. Unlike coverstitch machines, which are aimed at sewing flat knitted seams, they, like overlockers, can process the edge using knives. Such machines can sew seams using up to 10 threads. Using these devices, you can sew products from almost any fabric, but they are most used in the production of knitted items, due to the creation of highly elastic seams based on chain stitch (think of the processing of the edges of the neckline and sleeves of a T-shirt).
On the one hand, it seems - why buy an overlocker if you can buy a carpet locker, because the second one gives you more opportunities? But not everything is so simple - carpets, due to the complexity of their design, are much more expensive than overs (sometimes it’s cheaper to buy a pair of overs + a cover), and setting them up is much more difficult. And every time you need to switch modes, you have to change a bunch of settings. Therefore, it is often advisable to buy a good overlocker for your home, in addition to a regular sewing machine. And for a small workshop, a tandem overlock + cover stitching machine will be more convenient - which will save time on constantly reconfiguring the carpet from one mode to another.
In addition, if there are no strict requirements, flat cover seams on knitwear, made with a carpet or cover stitch, can be replaced with an imitation made by an overlocker - flatlock seams.
PRICE
In the inexpensive price segment - up to 15,000 rubles - you can find devices that perform up to 8 sewing operations using up to 4 threads, with various types of thread tension control (disc and toggle switches), with the ability to turn off the knife, with pressure adjustment and differential fabric feed.In the more expensive price segment - from 15,000 rubles - you will find devices with dial thread tension switches, electronic puncture force stabilizer, automatic needle and looper threading. Carpet locks are also in the same price segment.