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Overlock sewing machines are also known as sergers in some regions. They help to trim and neatly finish the edges of woven and knitted fabrics to stop fraying. Unlike normal sewing machines, these machines use several threads and a unique stitch to produce this overlocked edge. Today, there are many different types of overlock machines that serve various functions.
These are regarded as the simplest overlock machines because they incorporate the two most basic stitches used when overlocking. The 3-thread overlock stitch is used to trim and finish fabric edges. At the same time, the 4-thread overlock stitch incorporates an extra line of stitching to provide reinforcement. This makes these machines ideal for basic overlocking garment construction.
This sort of overlock sewing machine has a somewhat more complicated structure than the previous 3 or 4-thread machines. It performs several operations like overlocking, reinforcing, or sewing flat-felled seams, for instance. Furthermore, these machines use five threads to produce a unique stitch combined with several finishing and construction features. Although they are more complex, they are much more versatile and can be used for a variety of tasks.
These machines are multi-functional, providing the coverstitch and chainstitch options within one machine. Hence, these machines are popularly used for sewing hems and decorative stitching. They are commonly used in activewear and other knit fabrics due to their stretchy capabilities.
These types of machines are different from domestic overlock machines and are intended for commercial use. These machines are constructed to cope with heavier fabrics and a greater volume of sewing with a motor that is stronger. Within factories and production facilities, these machines help save time and money.
Industrial overlock machines create high-quality finished fabric edges. They are also used to trim and join fabric pieces, provide high-speed efficient seam finishing, and eliminate fraying. Below are the various industrial applications of overlock machines.
Overlock machines are used in the mass production of garments in the fashion industry to ensure all edges have a neat finish. They help to make many quality clothes within a short time and their efficient use of fabric leads to fewer cases of wastage.
In textile manufacturing, overlock machines are used for edging and finishing all sorts of fabrics before they are used in garment production. This ensures all fabrics are given the necessary treatment and readiness for further processing.
Overlock machines are used to sew with different upholstery materials within the automotive industry. These machines help to give an accurate edging on seats, door panels, and interior linings.
Considering that upholstery fabrics are thicker, overlock machines are designed to efficiently finish the edges of these thicker materials without fraying. They are used in all kinds of upholstery work on sofas, chairs, and curtains.
The overlock machines are mostly used to sew the edges of the fabric in a way that it prevents fraying. This keeps sack and suitcase linings from looking ragged or even gives them the classic look.
Overlock machines are also used in home textile production like curtains, bed linens, and towels. They help in giving the products a neat finish which adds to their aesthetic and quality value within the market.
These fabrics have to withstand a lot of tension and stretching, which is the reason why coverstitch machines are most popularly used in creating workout clothes and camping gear. They give all seams the stretchy finish that prevents ripping or fraying.
If the machine is intended for home use, a simple 4-thread overlock machine should be okay; however, for large-scale production, it would be better to choose an industrial overlock machine that can handle a thicker fabric and higher load with more durability.
The various stitches types an overlock machine can handle are also very essential, as this type of machine is intended for edging, seaming, and all kinds of decorative stitches. Multi-thread machines are versatile because they cover so many tasks.
Ease of use should also be considered, especially for beginners. Machines with automatic threading, tension control, and easier-to-follow manuals are generally more user-friendly.
The fabric to be used is also an important factor. Light to medium fabrics can use a domestic overlock machine, but heavy materials like denim, canvas, or upholstery requires a more powerful industrial machine.
A coverstitch is used for hemming and finishing garment construction and can create professional-quality hems on knit fabrics, generally used in activewear and other types of clothing.
Budget is yet another vital consideration, as home overlock sewing machines are cheaper, while industrial ones are made to last longer and give better performance but are expensive. There are also ways to combine extra features that would pay off in case of professional use.
Some overlock machines offer additional accessories and feet for tasks like roll hems, gathering, or piping, which can increase their versatility and make the sewing processes faster and easier.
Overlock machines are also known as sergers in some regions. They help to trim and finish the edges of woven and knitted fabrics to stop fraying. Unlike normal sewing machines, these machines use several threads and a unique stitch to produce this overlocked edge.
Regular machines are designed to perform all sorts of basic sewing operations like stitching seams. On the other hand, overlock machines perform specific overlocking tasks that include trimming and finishing the fabric's edges with multiple threads.
It is possible to do regular sewing on overlock machines, but it may not give the perfect results of a regular sewing machine when it comes to basic stitching. These machines are mainly created to give professional finishing touches to seams.
Overlock machines should be regularly cleaned and lubricated to increase their working ability over time, and the blades should also be sharpened or replaced occasionally. Most importantly, professional servicing should be carried out frequently according to prescribed time intervals by the manufacturer.
A 5 thread overlock machine adds functional value by allowing stitches to create a variety of seam finishes, including regular overlock and stretch or safety seams, adding unique features for different fabric types and garment structures.