What is the difference between an overlocker and a carpetlocker?
The modern market offers a wide range of sewing equipment for seamstresses, but how not to get confused in it and choose the most suitable items? Don’t know the difference between an overlocker and a coverlocker, and what a coverstitch machine is? Let's try to understand the features and note the differences between each device.
The content of the article
The main purpose and design of the device
First of all, it is worth understanding the main purpose and design of each of the listed devices.
Overlock
An overlocker is a sewing machine that a seamstress uses to overcast the edges of fabrics. It comes with one needle or two and it also has a trimming function. Previously, the very first sewing machine, which sewed with a zigzag stitch, was mistaken for an overlock machine. Their stitch was made of two threads and was a shuttle stitch.
IMPORTANT! -The overlock machine makes three-, four- and five-thread seams with a chain stitch. The result is a durable and elastic binding, ideal for knitwear.
Today you can find overlock feet for each machine on sale, and it will also do overcasting stitches, but a separate machine is much better suited for this purpose. They would allow us to purchase funds.When you choose an overlocker, you should pay attention to the number of threads that can be used to make the winding. Chiffon and silk are very thin fabrics and require a two-thread overlock, while most household overlockers have a four-thread overlock. It is better to buy threads on large spools, since the consumption will be high. If you are sewing a product made of knitwear, then the differential rail will suit you best. During the sewing process, it stretches the fabric.
REFERENCE! The seamstress prepares pieces of fabric in advance and trims them for her convenience. This machine works with ready-made material, so it has a small sleeve.
Coverlock
This sewing machine combines a standard overlocker and a flat-stitch sewing machine with the ability to make a flat seam on knitwear. On a carpet machine, the seamstress will grind the fabric and use a different mode to make a flat seam. The product is sewn using a chain stitch rather than a lockstitch. This model is suitable for professionals; the sewn items look like they came from a store!
ATTENTION! Only she makes a seam with a top cover (a type of cover stitch, it is placed in such a way that it looks the same on both the front side and the back). Only a carpet locker will make a five-thread overlock stitch.
This equipment has the following disadvantages:
- High price (the company and the available functions influence this). You can buy an overlocker and a sewing machine for the same price.
- The equipment has many different modes, and it takes training to use them all to achieve good results. It can take a lot of time and the seamstress will not get used to it right away. When working with knitwear, you need to switch modes, and this causes difficulties.Therefore, many tailors choose not a carpet locker, but an overlocker and a sewing machine, but they also take up more space on the work table.
- Difficulty setting up the unit.
- The carpet machine weighs more than other sewing machines. For some workers this is also a minus.
Ten threads can be inserted into a carpetlock. The kit may include various other devices, for example, an additional table or a touch panel where sewing functions are switched.
Rasposhivalka
Each knitted item has an elastic flat seam. It is made by a seamstress on a cover sewing machine. Previously, such a machine was used in clothing factories, these days you can have it at home for sewing T-shirts, suits or swimsuits.
The classic machine has five-thread stitching. On such a machine the edges are folded. The seam turns out to be very strong and durable - there are two- and three-cornered stitches on top, and on the wrong side there are lines with threads in the middle. Today, small household sewing machines are available for sale, but they are mainly used in production, where sewing orders are huge. With this machine, you will sew fabrics flat without cutting them. The seam is elastic with a flat stitch and neat, with thread on all sides. In it, the edges will not crumble and the cut will be hidden securely. It stretches very well, which is indispensable for a tracksuit or T-shirt. The seam can also be made decoratively. Pants, skirts, sleeves are often hemmed in the hem, and belt loops are decorated. There is no shuttle device in it; the threads are immediately threaded into the needle and into the looper.
Functionality of each device
The seamstress uses cover-stitching sewing machines for knitwear or other fabrics that have a lot of stretch.An overlocker will perfectly process the cut of bulk products. He immediately trims the edges of the fabric and stitches it. It is used when working with loose materials whose structure is unclear. At the same time, several threads in it hold the cut and the product does not fall apart. In one step, the parts are ground down very efficiently and the cut is stitched tightly. And a carpet locker can do this and even more! The bottom and neck of the item will be perfectly processed.
The main differences between overlocker, coverlocker and cover stitcher
What makes carpet, overlock and cover stitching machines similar to each other is the common part – the looper. The lower thread is threaded into it and there is no need to use a bobbin. These machines have one similarity, but many differences.
External differences
Externally, the models differ from each other - sleeve length:
- The shortest one is with an overlocker.
- The longest one is at the ruffle.
- The middle one is from a carpet locker.
Technical differences
In terms of technical components, the coverlock contains everything that is found in an overlocker and a stitcher.:
— grinds and cuts fabrics, as is done with an overlocker;
- has a spreader and a looper, like a sewing stitch, it makes a flat sewing seam on knitwear.
Sewing equipment must be ideally matched to the seamstress’s goals. To do this, you need to study all the technical characteristics and decide on the price. It is also important to understand what fabric you need the products from and how often you will use the machine. Only in the combination of all these factors will work be a joy and the desired result.