A sewing machine is equipment that stitches together dense materials. Overlock is a sewing machine that processes the edges of non-standard fabrics, preventing the material from loosening. Each individual device is capable of reproducing only one type of seam, starting from ordinary straight lines and ending with decorative lines. A common feature of these seams is elasticity, which allows you to work even with fabrics from knitwear. It is desirable to have a rack, which in the process of working with delicate material stretches the fabric a little, allowing you to reproduce more accurate and high-quality seams.
The main differences between overlock and sewing machine
The main difference between an overlock and a regular sewing machine is that two loopers are installed instead of the shuttle part, which perform its functions. As an addition to them are two knives, the upper and lower, which are responsible for cutting and processing the edges of the product.
The device of the current overlocks provided the opportunity to remove the knives, when required, only by sheathing the fabric. Including in some models two pairs of loopers are installed, which can reproduce seams of four threads. In the process, you can turn off one, two or three loops at once, depending on how many threads you need to get a seam.
Also, overlocks differ in appearance of weaves. From the loopers depends on how the threads will be intertwined with each other, and how many subsequently the lines will turn out in each seam. Any seam is made by one specific looper, but there is a three-thread overcast seam in which both loopers are involved. It is designed for the processing of bulk materials.
A miniature tongue intertwines the threads, thereby being responsible for the width of the overlock seams. If you remove it, you can get a three-thread border, the width of which does not exceed 2 mm. In addition to the tongue, you can install a small bracket made of metal on the upper looper, which brings the lower thread to the needle, helping to form a two-thread weave. Threads immediately into the needle and the lower looper.
Important! Overlock can differ from the sewing machine in the number of threads required. That is, if the overlock simultaneously uses up to five threads, then the sewing machine can cope with only two threads.
Overlock uses threads in such a way that they do not break during the processing of the material. This possibility arises due to the direction of the threads not into the bobbin itself, but immediately into the reel of loops. As a result, the overcast seam is strong and stretchable. The length of each stitch increases, and subsequently the threads are not spent as economically as would be the case with a sewing machine.
Can a sewing machine replace an overlock?
The overlock itself goes as an addition to the sewing machine, increasing the functionality of its capabilities. But it is worth noting the fact that without it it can work well. And until recently, this was so, because the overlock practically did not appear in stores, and only a few professional seamstresses knew about its existence.
The sewing machine is designed to connect the edges of the fabric. But, albeit slowly, it can process the edges of dense materials. In the case of light tissues, for example, chiffon, it is better not to use it, since the appearance of defects and stretch marks is inevitable.
What is an overlock on a sewing machine
If a person does not plan to professionally make clothes, then there is no special need to purchase an overlock. Some models of sewing machines have a built-in program for the reproduction of overcast stitches on certain materials. It will help to process the edges of the products, and in general will improve the quality of the resulting seams. The presence of this program is better to be interested in immediately when buying a sewing machine. But it happens that the manufacturer himself provides a description of such features on the device.
Sometimes an overlock foot is included with the sewing machine. But to purchase it separately, if the device provides for the possibility of its installation. It cannot become a full-fledged replacement, but it can help combine two devices in one, providing the sewing machine with some of the functions of an overlock.
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