Have you bought an overlock machine but you don’t know how to use it yet? Do you want to know what the basic principles of its operation are before buying one? Follow this simple guide, and you will learn the basics and some tips to start using the overlock without difficulty
Overlock: the First Steps
The first thing to do to learn how to use an overlock is to experiment with scraps of fabric that you will use as an exercise. Even once you have acquired the basic technique, it would always be good to have a small piece of scrap material of the same fabric, which you have to finish on before the actual work starts, to get the function of the machine tested.
Overlock Juki MO-1000
Then take a small piece of fabric (preferably rectangular, at least for the first experiments) and lift the foot of the overlocker as you would with the traditional sewing machine. Pay close attention to how you position the fabric; it should be parallel to the cutting blade to make sure you get a straight cut and seam.
The first tests proceed very slowly to perfectly acquire the sewing technique and not make smudges that compromise the final work.
Pfaff Coverlock 3.0 Cover Point Cutter – Kit 6 Extra Free Feet
Once you have finished the trial sewing, cut off the excess thread from the piece of fabric but not from the overlocker.
One factor that you need to pay attention to is the side of the fabric on which you are sewing, especially if what you will be doing is not a single seam. If the sewing direction is not respected, the risk is to obtain a correct final result but not perfect from an aesthetic point of view.
When sewing with an overlocker, keep in mind that, unlike the sewing machine, you cannot make the corners without detaching the machine, so each side or section of the fabric will be sewn individually, then cutting as already mentioned the excess steam, which could bother you. in handling the fabric.
Toyota Sl3314
When sewing opposite sides of the rectangular fabric, be sure to sew them in the same direction for an aesthetically perfect result. Practice sewing a rectangular piece of fabric on all four sides and continue until you are delighted with the result. Each time you finish a seam, iron the fabric and the seam with your hand to avoid puckering.
Cutters Singer 14sh654
Once you have acquired this basic technique, you can start doing the first small jobs with your overlock and try to make irregular seams, always practicing with scrap pieces of fabric.
Tell us what were the first difficulties you encountered, share your tips on how to overcome them, and do not hesitate to post with the story of the first project.
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