Choosing an affordable overlocker for home and semi-professional use
Most modern sewing machines can handle overcasting stitches. If you only sew for yourself or as a hobby, a sewing machine is usually enough. However, if you are talking about professional tailoring, you cannot do without an overlocker. Let's try to identify the most popular overlocker models for home and semi-professional use based on personal experience and online reviews. 😉
## What to look for: ⠀ 1️⃣ Number of threads used: - 3/4-thread: edge finishing for medium and heavy fabrics, sewing knitwear; - 2/3/4-thread: same as above + 2-thread seams for finishing thin fabrics (silk, chiffon, organza). This seam is called a rolled hem or "picot edge"; - 2/3/4/5-thread coverlock: combines the functions of an overlocker and a coverstitch machine. Requires reconfiguration to switch modes. ⠀ 2️⃣ Waste tray (scrap catcher): keeps fabric scraps off your table and floor. ⠀ 3️⃣ Differential feed: can stretch the material under the presser foot to create waves or gather it. ⠀ 4️⃣ Presser foot pressure adjustment: useful when working with materials of varying thickness. ⠀ 5️⃣ Knife position: top or bottom. A top-mounted knife is convenient to disengage with a flick of a finger. ⠀ 6️⃣ Manufacturer's reputation😎. ⠀ Models with good reviews: ⠀ 🔹Under 20k: Janome 793D, Juki MO-654DE 🔹20-30k: Aurora 700D, Janome ML785, Brother 3100DL, Juki PE-670, Juki PE-770 🔹30-40k: Juki B-850, Brother 5100D, Juki B-950 (hit), Bernina Bernette b44 (hit) 🔹40k+: Aurora 5000D (coverlock), Juki PE-1500 (coverlock), Bernina Bernette b48 (coverlock), Bernina L450, Bernina L460 (hit). ⠀ My favorite is the Juki MO-735. I will detail all its pros and cons a bit later. 😉
## Selection tips: ⠀ 1️⃣ Only buy a coverlock if you are truly short on space and have absolutely nowhere to put a separate coverstitch machine. If space allows, always choose an overlocker with the intention of buying a coverstitch machine later. Two separate machines are more convenient. ⠀ Continued analysis in the comments▶️
Which models do you use? I suggest we compile our own list, specifically for those buying their first overlocker, i.e., with an eye on price/quality ratio. 😉
I think you are placing too much importance on an overlock for home use...
First, decide how often you plan to use the overlock. If it's from time to time, both Brother and Janome will do just fine. The cost of an overlock includes not only the stitch speed and number of operations but also the duration of continuous operation. It's quite logical that after a couple of hours of non-stop work, a budget overlock will get tired)) Even industrial ones need a rest! Are you sure you plan on working continuously with the machine for 7-8 hours? I mean, you shouldn't overpay; budget machines aren't that bad...
If your hobby is turning into a source of income, I would suggest waiting a bit, saving up, and purchasing the Juki MO-735, which, in my opinion, optimally combines price and quality.