How does overlock work?

For professional and even amateur sewing, one sewing machine will not be enough. The edges of the product must also be processed. This work protects the product from fraying the edges and gives it an attractive appearance. With such a machine you can sew products that will not differ much from products purchased in clothing stores.

The principle of operation of an overlocker

To start working on an overlocker, you first need to thread the threads. The full operating principle of this miracle machine is as follows:

1. The seamstress threads the threads necessary for basting the edges of the garment.
2. Then the desired modes are configured.
3. Then they begin to process the product.

It is processed as follows:

• The needle stitches the fabric. Using the loopers that the overlocker is equipped with, the edge is marked.
• The knife cuts off excess material. These leftovers end up in the trash bin.
• The conveyor pulls the fabric during the processing process.

Important! To work with delicate materials, you can install a removable converter.

What types of operations does an overlocker perform?

These machines are optional equipment. But they perform a very important function of finishing the edges of clothes. In fact, this is their only role. Only different types of seams can differ depending on the material. For which materials may the processing differ?

• Knitwear
• Delicate materials that require thinner double thread seams.
• Elastic materials. They are used for sportswear. Thanks to its ductility, it does not tear during sudden movements of athletes. Swimming accessories also need this kind of elastic treatment.

Conventionally, edge processing can be divided into two operations

• Processing one edge. A typical sewing operation. The hem of the dress and the edges of various garments are basted with a specific seam. The modes are selected by the seamstress independently. The only difference is what type and for what fabric the seam will be. Otherwise the principle of operation is the same. The main goal of this treatment is to prevent the edges from crumbling and unraveling.
• Processing and simultaneous joining of two pieces of material. This operation is used for saving purposes. Two flaps are connected to each other by marking them on an overlocker. They don't just connect. The edge is trimmed and processed at the same time. This operation has a double effect. He connects the flaps and processes the edges. Thanks to this technique, it became possible to sew clothes from various pieces of fabric. It looks stylish and does not interfere with the inside.
• Draping fabric. This operation involves creating folds in the material by pulling it up. An overlocker can also perform this operation. We need drapery to decorate various types of clothing with folds. It can also be used in interior elements.
• Decorative seams. The overlocker not only trims and bastes the edges to prevent fraying. It can be used to create decorative seams. These stitches can be used to decorate clothes.

Important! The number of seams may vary. This range depends on the overlocker model.

Overlock operation diagram

The overlocker works cyclically. Schematically, it can be divided into two processes. The first process is threading. The second process can be considered the edge processing itself. You can also clearly see the operating diagram of an overlocker in videos presented on the Internet.

Threading

The required number of coils is selected. It depends on what product needs to be processed. And what fabric is it made of? Next, the threads are pulled into special holes. The final path of the threads is the needles and looper.

After threading, you need to check how the seam will be sewn. To do this, you need to use a special piece of fabric. You can store it in the accessory compartment. If there are no complaints about the resulting seam, you can start working.

Mode selection

This process can be considered intermediate. You will not need to configure the mode every time. If the desired mode has already been selected and it suits you, then this process is skipped. The fabric is processed immediately.

Fabric processing

After threading, the fabric is placed on the overlocker. Using a presser foot, it is attached to the work surface. Then the overlocker is started. The needles pierce the fabric, and the looper bastes the cross thread. Then the fabric is stretched and the loop is tightened. This is how the seam is formed.

Overlock is necessary for both professionals and amateurs. Although it is an additional sewing machine, without it it is difficult to make good, practical clothes from many types of fabric. This is especially true for fabric, which begins to crumble when trimmed.