Overlockers

Shop Overlockers Online At Spotlight

At Spotlight, we have a range of overlockers available that will offer durable and stable performance at high speeds. Ensuring that you can quickly and efficiently create a professional looking finish to your sewing projects.

What is an Overlocker and What is it Used For?

An overlocker is super versatile, quick and can achieve a variety of fancy hems and posh stitches, including an overlock. An overlock is a stitch that is used whilst hemming, seaming, or edging, either joining two fabrics together, or you can use an overcast stitch to protect the edges of your material to prevent fraying.The features of this machine will significantly reduce the amount of time it takes to produce a finished item.

An overlocker machine will sew, overcast, and trim excess seam allowance all at the same time, helping you to complete your project in record time. They are also extremely efficient at attaching elastic neatly, ideal for waistbands, and can also be used to sew knits with ease, so that you can easily make your own winter woollies.

What Is The Difference Between A Sewing Machine And An Overlocker?

The main difference is that an overlocker cuts the raw edge of your fabric and loops thread over the edges to prevent fraying, whereas a regular sewing machine simply joins two pieces of fabric.

Some advanced sewing machines can do mock overlocking stitches, however there is no knife to cut the edge of the fabric or needles to loop over the edge of the fabric. If you want to make professionally finished and durable items, an overlocker will achieve that.

What Is The Best Overlocking Machine?

That depends on personal preference and how you are planning to use your new overlocking machine. Entry level sewing machines can be quite affordable if you are staring out, or invest in a pro overlocker to achieve fast results on tougher fabrics. Check out the features by each of our products to figure out exactly what you are looking for from your overlocker.

What is Overlocker Tension?

Similar to a sewing machine, tension refers to the amount of thread that goes into the seam, if you decrease the tension more thread will flow and vice versa. Balancing the tension on your machine depends on what you are hoping to create, and the finished project that you have in mind.

Here are some general tips on understanding the tension of your overlocker:

• We recommend that you read the instructions prior to use, as each machine is different.
• On an overlocker, each thread should be threaded individually and you need to be aware of tension control. Balancing the tensions across all of the threads ensures the best possible results.
• There are many factors that influence the tension, including the type of thread, the fabric, and the seam itself, amongst many others.
• Experts recommend that you place all of tensions on 4 at the beginning, and work from there. We would always advise you to sample your stitches on scrap fabric prior to use.

How Should I Care For And Maintain My Overlocker?

It is important to clean your overlocker regularly because the machine is cutting the fabric whilst it is sewing, there is an increased risk of lint and dust getting into the machine. This build-up can result in significant problems, we recommend removing all excess material and lint after use. It is also advised that you get your overlocker machine serviced once a year to keep it running at peak condition.

Shop Overlockers Online And In-Store At Spotlight

Here at Spotlight, we have a range of overlocker sewing machines available from world-leading brands such as Singer, Brother, Elna and more. All of our machines are sure to provide convenience and speed, whether you are just learning or an experienced seamstress. Also stock up on overlocking threads and machine parts so you have everything you need. Shop online or in-store at Spotlight and join the VIP club for exclusive offers!