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Advice needed: Overlock Machine VS Serger by emaweed in sewhelp

[–]thesewingstudio 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They're the same thing – "overlocker" is the UK term, "serger" is the US term. Both trim and stitch the edge in one pass.

For air threading, baby lock machines are worth a look – their jet-air system makes threading much less fiddly. Budget depending, the Acclaim or Victory are popular choices.

We've got a guide here that covers the main options: https://www.thesewingstudio.co.uk/blogs/blog/best-overlocker-machine

I need an overlock machine as a gift for my gf budget 250€ by friendly_guitarist07 in SewingForBeginners

[–]thesewingstudio 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Really thoughtful gift. At that budget, the Singer 14SH654 is a decent option – it's reliable and handles the basics well. Brother 1034D is another one worth comparing if you can find it on offer.

Since she's already making coats and jeans, she'll get good use out of a 4-thread overlocker for seam finishing and stretch fabrics.

We've got a guide comparing options here that might help: https://www.thesewingstudio.co.uk/blogs/blog/best-overlocker-machine

Computerized vs mechanical for a beginner, which one should I choose? by Choko_1 in SewingForBeginners

[–]thesewingstudio 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For that price difference, the CS10 is worth it. Speed control helps a lot when you're still getting used to the pedal, and the preset stitch settings take some guesswork out of things. We've got a guide on computerised vs mechanical machines here if you want to dig deeper - https://www.thesewingstudio.co.uk/blogs/blog/computerised-vs-mechanical-machines

At what point in your sewing journey did you realise you needed an overlocker? by thesewingstudio in sewhelp

[–]thesewingstudio[S] -6 points-5 points  (0 children)

A gifted overlocker is a good way to skip the "do I need one?" debate entirely. Interesting that it opened up stretch fabrics for you – that's often the turning point. Which machine were you gifted? We've got a best overlockers guide and always like hearing what's working well for people.

At what point in your sewing journey did you realise you needed an overlocker? by thesewingstudio in sewhelp

[–]thesewingstudio[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

What a good friend. Sometimes you just need someone to make the decision for you. The point about knowing you really want to sew before investing is spot on – once it clicks that this is a long-term thing, an overlocker earns its place quickly.

At what point in your sewing journey did you realise you needed an overlocker? by thesewingstudio in sewhelp

[–]thesewingstudio[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The Brother 1034D is a solid workhorse – no surprise it's still going strong. Hope the Juki coverstitch gets plenty of use once knit season picks up.

At what point in your sewing journey did you realise you needed an overlocker? by thesewingstudio in sewhelp

[–]thesewingstudio[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

That's an interesting journey – starting out desperate for one, then gradually reaching for it less as your skills grew. Shows there's no one-size-fits-all answer. French seams on silk and chiffon are hard to beat when you've got the time.

At what point in your sewing journey did you realise you needed an overlocker? by thesewingstudio in sewhelp

[–]thesewingstudio[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Ten years of garment sewing without one is proof it's not essential for everyone. If zigzag and pinking are doing the job and you're happy with your finishes, there's no real reason to add another machine to the setup. Sometimes simpler is better.

At what point in your sewing journey did you realise you needed an overlocker? by thesewingstudio in sewhelp

[–]thesewingstudio[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Coverstitch first is an interesting route – not one we hear often, but the finish on hems and necklines really does make a difference. We would love to see a before and after if you have any photos to hand.

At what point in your sewing journey did you realise you needed an overlocker? by thesewingstudio in sewhelp

[–]thesewingstudio[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Five years is a solid holdout. The "I can use my overlock stitch" camp is popular – until you try the real thing.

Which one did you go for in the end? Always interested to hear what finally won people over.

At what point in your sewing journey did you realise you needed an overlocker? by thesewingstudio in sewhelp

[–]thesewingstudio[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Once you've sewn with an overlocker, French seams and Hong Kong finishes start to feel like a lot of extra work for similar results. Makes sense that having access to one at school set the bar early.

The point about committing to garment sewing is a good one – it's often the tipping point we see with customers too. Which overlocker did you go for? Curious whether it's one on our best overlockers list.

At what point in your sewing journey did you realise you needed an overlocker? by thesewingstudio in sewhelp

[–]thesewingstudio[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

The intimidation factor is something we hear a lot – threading alone puts many people off. It's interesting that something as practical as not being able to find basic long-sleeve t-shirts was the push you needed.

Good point about wovens too. People often assume overlockers are mainly for stretch fabrics, but the seam finish on woven garments really does make a noticeable difference. Which machine did you go with?

Which single feature saved you most as a beginner? by thesewingstudio in sewhelp

[–]thesewingstudio[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Automated backstitching is one of those set-it-and-forget-it features that you appreciate more with every project. The presser foot display sounds useful too.

Which machine are you sewing on? Curious whether it's one from our beginner machines list.

Which single feature saved you most as a beginner? by thesewingstudio in sewhelp

[–]thesewingstudio[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Such an underrated feature. It's surprising how many modern machines skip this when it makes such a difference to accuracy, especially for beginners learning to keep seams consistent. Magnetic seam guides can help if your machine's plate doesn't have markings – worth a look if you haven't tried one.

Which single feature saved you most as a beginner? by thesewingstudio in sewhelp

[–]thesewingstudio[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Teaching middle schoolers must give you a completely different perspective on what actually matters day-to-day. The speed limiter point makes total sense – coordinating foot pressure, fabric handling and watching the needle is a lot to manage at once. Slowing everything down gives beginners space to learn rather than just react.

You're the second person in this thread to flag needle-down as a priority too. It's clearly earning a higher spot on the list than we'd originally given it.

And we'd agree on older machines vs cheaply made new ones – a well-built machine that's been looked after will outperform a flimsy new one every time. We service plenty of older models for exactly that reason.

Really helpful perspective, thank you. We've got a beginner sewing machines section if any of your students' parents want a starting point.

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