What is an Overlocker?
An overlocker (also known as a serger) is a special-purpose machine that produces professionally finished seams, like those found on ready-to-wear garments.
It uses between two and nearly a dozen threads to encase the raw edge of the fabric with an overcast stitch while trimming away the seam allowance – all at speeds of up to 1,700 stitches per minute.
Instead of a bobbin and single needle, the overlocker has a cutting blade, “loopers” and multiple needles.
Best Overlocker In South Africa
Best beginner: Jaguar Starter 098
Best budget: Brother M343D
Best intermediate: Janome 8002DG
Best for reliability: Brother 734DS
Best for speed: Jaguar Advanced 099
Best for ease of use: Singer 14SH754
Best compact size: Janome 9200D Overlocker
Best design: Pfaff Hobbbylock 2.0
Best for large projects: Janome 6234XL Overlocker
Best advanced: Janome Air Thread 2000D
Which overlocker is easiest to thread?
The Bernina L450 Overlocker is easy to thread, controls the tension, and is just an overall great machine for all levels of sewists. You’ll love how easy this machine is to use.
Can you straight stitch with an overlocker?
Both sergers and coverstitch machines sew stitches that form loops and they are technically very similar, which is why you can buy machines that both serge seams and coverstitch.
But you will not be able to sew a straight stitch and folded hem with a regular, stand-alone serger.
Can you use an overlocker without cutting?
Along with an overcast stitch, also called a lockstitch or an overlock stitch, the overlocking foot creates a serger-like finish, without cutting the extra fabric off that the serger does.
If you don’t have an overcast setting on your sewing machine, you can also use a zigzag stitch.
What does an overlocker do?
Overlockers (or serger sewing machines) are used to finish raw fabric edges. They have grown in popularity in the last 50 years since domestic overlockers have become widely available and affordable to the home sewist.
For complete beginners to dressmaking, there are lots of stitches available on a domestic sewing machine (browse our best sewing machines for beginners guide) such as zigzag and an overcast stitches. These can be brilliant for finishing raw edges and making sure garments last a long time.
However, many dressmakers are interested in overlockers as they bring a professional level of finishing to garments in a quick and easy manner.
As well as producing a series of stitches over the raw edge, overlockers also cut away the raw edge of the fabric as you sew for a neat and precise finish.