You can sew clothes from any materials, including knitwear, beautifully process the cut of the product and not spend money on a separate overlock if you buy a sewing machine with an overlock. Functional modern models allow you to create any things at home with virtually no restrictions. How to choose the right sewing machine with an overlock function for the home, we describe in detail in our article.
We immediately indicate that in such models you will not find a full-fledged built-in overlock that can cut the fabric. These are ordinary household machines with overlock stitches. But they allow you to work with elastic and inelastic fabrics, getting high-quality seams. In such machines there are knitted stitches for sewing, for processing cuts (separate for elastic and non-elastic materials).
The best overlock sewing machines | ||
1 | Leader VS 775E | Best features for home |
2 | Singer Starlet 6680 | Fast and high quality |
3 | Janome 4100L | The most functional |
4 | Brother INNOV-'IS 10A | The most reliable |
5 | Brother Classic 30 | The best balance of price and features |
1. What is the purpose of the machine
How to choose the functionality of the sewing machine according to your needs?The first step in choosing a machine with an overlocker is to understand what tasks you plan to solve with it. This will allow you to determine what level of equipment you need, whether it will be justified to buy an expensive sewing machine with advanced features, or whether it is enough to buy a simple model that performs a few basic operations.
Machine with a basic set of functions suitable if you plan to do simple operations with it: hemming towels, curtains, repairing clothes or sewing simple models from easy-to-process materials.
Multifunctional machine able to implement diverse ideas. It can be used both when sewing elementary things, and when creating complex styles. On such a model, you can set various settings, taking into account the density and complexity of the material, perform a large number of lines - functional and decorative.
2. Control
What type of control to choose?Sewing machines come with electromechanical and electronic control. Both those and others have the right to be the best in each specific situation.
Electromechanical control. The choice of programs and stitch settings are made using the wheels and levers. Inside the case - mechanics, which is driven by an electric motor. Everything is clear and tested over the years. Advantages of electromechanical machines: low price, easy use, inexpensive repairs. Disadvantages: little functionality compared to computer machines. But the included set of sewing operations is often enough for everyday use.
Electronic (computer) control. Such models have a digital display on their facade, and inside there is a computer board responsible for the entire process. The number of sewing operations that is available to the owner of the machine depends on the amount of memory. As a rule, these are simple and knitted, overlock and decorative stitches, different types of loops. The advantages of computer machines: great opportunities for sewing, precision settings. They are reliable and also serve for a long time, but they must be treated with care during transportation. Repairs are usually more expensive than repairing mechanical machines.
3. Number of operations
How many lines will you need?Most often, there are a few lines in use: straight and zigzag (simple and reinforced), overlock and knitted stitches, double knitted, several overcasting and for an invisible hem. This is a basic set, which is enough for sewing a large range of products.
In more expensive models, there are several automatic loops and a variety of decorative seams. They are far from always needed and are often used only once - on the day of buying a machine, when you want to see and try everything. The choice largely depends on what you plan to sew: on home textiles, on dresses for little girls, embroidered patterns look good, but for sewing men's sportswear, most likely, they will not be needed.
Brother Classic 30
The best balance of price and features
4. shuttle mechanism
What type of shuttle is best?The shuttle mechanism is the heart of the sewing machine, and it must also be chosen correctly. The machines are produced with three types of shuttle: vertical swinging, horizontal, vertical rotary.
vertical oscillating - the good old mechanism, known since the time of the indestructible cars "Seagull" and "Podolsk". More often it is in budget models, but this does not mean that it is not good enough. Reliable and durable, the hook allows you to work with threads and fabrics of different thicknesses. But it does not allow sewing at high speed and is noisy in operation.
Horizontal - stands on most household machines with an overlocker. The easiest of all - the bobbin is inserted into it without a cap, and the lower thread is refueled in a couple of seconds. The threads should be thin (or medium thickness) and smooth - coarse threads can ruin the mechanism. The hook is quiet, allows you to sew at different speeds, but it is difficult to sew very thick fabrics with it. But for thin and delicate, this is the best option. Another advantage of the shuttle system is the viewing window through which you can see how many threads are left on the bobbin and whether they will run out in the middle of the line.
Vertical rotary - the most serious device that is installed in industrial and expensive household machines. Suitable for heavy loads, working with any kind of fabric, gives a large range of stitch width and length. With it, it is easy to thread the bobbin thread, take the maximum sewing speeds and keep the room quiet. With a full range of advantages, a rotary vertical shuttle has a significant drawback - it is only on expensive models.
5. Car settings
What settings are needed for a beautiful and high-quality line?An even line without looping and gaps is ensured by the correct settings and various structural elements.
Rack participates in the feeding of the fabric, delicately hooking and advancing the material under the needle. The wider the rail and the more teeth on it, the better the feed. For quilting, it is important that you can lower the bottom feed and turn the fabric in the desired direction. There are models with upper and lower gear rack. The double feed advances the layered "pie" more easily without shifting the layers.
Presser foot pressure regulator also allows you to adapt to thick materials and a large number of layers. Uniform smooth advancement of the fabric works on the quality of the line.
Stitch width and stitch length can be adjusted in different ranges. As a rule, the maximum stitch length is in the range of 4-6 mm, the stitch width is 5-7 mm.
6. sewing machine price
When is a high price justified, and when can you not overpay?Often, Chinese-assembled models are cheaper than, for example, Japanese-assembled cars. Some buyers are wary of buying equipment from China, but in vain. Most eminent manufacturers move their factories there in order to reduce the cost and final price of sewing machines. At the same time, product quality control remains strict in order to maintain the won positions in the market.
Expensive models, as a rule, have a large number of lines and additional features. Such a purchase is unlikely to justify itself if you plan to sew little and only simple things. But if you like to fantasize, decorate things with patterns or initials, sew a lot and various models, it makes sense to invest in an advanced model.
To choose the right sewing machine with an overlock for your home, you need to focus on the functionality and brand reputation you need in your case. And do not be afraid of low price tags and the inscription "Made in China" - such a model will not necessarily be of poor quality.
Janome 4100L
The most functional
7. Buttonholes
Automatic, semi-automatic and manual - which loops are better to choose?All modern overlock sewing machines can sew loops. Different models do this in automatic, semi-automatic or manual formats.
Automatic loops. The machine sews a buttonhole according to the given parameters without much participation of the seamstress. To do this, a button is inserted into a special foot, which is usually included in the package, under the size of which a loop is knocked out. It remains only to choose the type of loop and start the machine, and it already determines its optimal length. This mode is the most convenient, but it is implemented, as a rule, in expensive models.
Loops-semiautomatic. For such loops, slightly different paws are used, which are also included. Semi-automatic basting requires the participation of a seamstress, but the whole process can be controlled. If necessary, you can stop and correct the material.
Hand loops. With manual basting, the user is in control of the buttonhole layout, because the machine itself is simply zigzag stitching. This is quite laborious, but models with manual buttonholes are cheaper than others.
8. Additional features
Needle threader, ruler and other useful detailsMost overlock sewing machines are equipped with minor but very useful parts. They delight when buying and make it easier to work with the product.
Automatic needle threader makes it easy to thread the needle. Very convenient, especially for visually impaired people. A small nuance: when using a double knitting needle, the threads are threaded manually.
Marking on the needle plate allows you to make even lines, observing the desired width of the allowances.
Sleeve platform allows you to comfortably work with sleeves, trousers and reach hard-to-reach places. Part of the body of the machine, usually an accessory box, is removed, leaving a narrow working part. This feature is available in almost all machines, but it will not be superfluous to clarify this point.
Sewing speed adjustment. Also a popular option, but not available in all car models. It is designed to adjust the speed not by pressing the pedal, but by using a lever or button. Convenient for beginners or where it is necessary to pass a difficult section with special care.
Singer Starlet 6680
Fast and high quality
9. Equipment
Availability in the kit and sale of additional partsThe standard package usually includes several paws, bobbins, tools for servicing the machine. Usually these are legs for straight stitches and zigzag, for overcasting stitches, sewing in zippers, and buttonholes.In more complete models, there are varnishes for decorative stitches, hems, oblique inlays and others.
If you like a machine with an overlock, in which the equipment is not complete enough, ask if you can buy the legs separately. As a rule, well-known brands offer a full range of accessories - from additional paws to side tables.
10. Top Producers
Which brand of overlock sewing machine is better?One of the key points of choice when buying sewing equipment is the brand name. The most popular among buyers of household overlock machines are the brands Janome, Brother, Leader.
The first two manufacturers Janome and Brother For more than 100 years, we have been developing and manufacturing various types of sewing equipment. Today, the range of each of them includes more than 100 models of household machines. They are reliable, functional and easy to get additional accessories.
Sewing machines leader appeared on the market relatively recently, but have already managed to attract buyers. They appreciated the great features, high-quality assembly and affordable price of the newcomer's equipment.
The best overlock sewing machines
We offer you to get acquainted with the list of good, high-quality sewing machines with overlock. These are models that can greatly facilitate the work and expand the possibilities of a seamstress.
Top 5. Brother Classic 30
Inexpensive electromechanical model, which is suitable for sewing various products. She performs 27 operations, but none of them is superfluous. Only functional stitches that are most often used when working with knitwear and other fabrics.There is a horizontal shuttle and a handy marking on the needle plate for neat stitching and even seam allowances. The sewing speed is regulated only by the pedal, but you should not work at maximum - when working with complex fabrics, the machine may skip stitches.
Top 4. Brother INNOV-'IS 10A
An inexpensive electronic model combines good basic functionality and the capabilities of computer technology. The 16 steps include stitches for plain and stretch fabrics - all the basics that are used for sewing most items. There is speed control, needle positioning, a convenient horizontal shuttle. The model is liked by most buyers for its high-quality assembly, optimized functionality and quiet operation. But the first time you will have to tinker with sewing thin materials - you need to choose the right settings, otherwise it collects the fabric. There is no way to adjust the presser foot pressure.
Top 3. Janome 4100L
The computerized model of the famous Japanese brand is made in Taiwan. This allowed the manufacturer to maintain a loyal price for a multifunctional machine with overlock and many other stitches. There are 100 of them in total - for stitching, cutting, decorating and making buttonholes. By the way, in the capabilities of the machine to make 7 different automatic loops. Simple operation will allow you to quickly master sewing on it even for beginners. The machine sews at a speed of 820 stitches per minute, which is highly appreciated by craftswomen who sew to order. The only drawback of the model is a soft case.
Top 2. Singer Starlet 6680
A model with an electronic control system, in the production of which the convenience of the seamstress was a priority. Intuitive, simple controls are complemented by a sewing advisor that provides hints when difficulties arise. The package includes a side table for working with voluminous fabrics, 7 most popular presser feet and tools. Models available basting 6 automatic buttonholes, suitable for various types of products. Buyers note the excellent capabilities of the car at a very loyal price. But not everyone is happy with the quality of its assembly.
Top 1. Leader VS 775E
A modern computerized model performs 99 operations, including an overlock line. The machine works with fabrics of different thicknesses, makes decorative seams and embroiders the alphabet. Includes additional options that facilitate the sewing process - auto-threading of the upper and lower threads, multi-stage speed control, needle positioning and reverse. The machine sweeps 8 types of loops. A generous set is complemented by a side table that expands the working space. The only thing that the machine lacks, judging by the reviews, is a hard case.