Monday, November 9, 2009

Overlocker Advice

I am seriously considering buying an overlocker, but not sure what to buy.
Janome have some really good deals on at the moment. I really like the 1100DX which is 40% off. Or for a similar price I can buy a second hand Bernina 700D.
Does anyone have any advice?
Also, any advice on features that I need? I have never used an overlocker before.
I'm Looking forward to hearing what you lovely ladies have to say...

10 comments:

Unknown said...

I have a brother, pretty old though, they are probably much more advanced nowadays. thry to get an easy to thread one!. mine is crazy hard to thread! suzie. x

Mari said...

I can't give you advice on the brands as mine is a european model, but wanted to encourage you to buy buy buy one!!! You'll love it. I'm still pretty new using one as well. I reckon I only use it to 10% of it's capabilities and can't live without it. Imagine once I discover the rest of it's tricks!
Happy shopping and thanks for stopping by my blog and leaving such a nice comment.

Tanya said...

HI Stacey, I got one (from myself!) for my birthday in July and like Mare I reckon I haven't discovered all its capabilities, I have a bernina machine and overlocker- I am definitely a bernina chick! I don't know if all overlockers can do this but you need to be able to do, oh, blank head, you know the hem- tiny stitches all close together- sorry mental blank, someone will tell you. Also, it needs to be reasonably easy to rethread and change colours because otherwise you'll be discouraged.I love mine- easy to whip up stretch clothes and great for those gorgeous finishes on cotton clothes. Good luck!

M* (Melanie) said...

I love my overlocker and couldn't live without it. It's now 17 years old and it probably needs to be replaced...

I don't know that much about the features of the modern overlocker but I do know you want to make sure it's a 4 thread machine. Try to get one that does a rolled hem. Some machines need the plate changed to do this but some don't. I'd be going for one that doesn't need changing cos it's a bit annoying.

Goodluck, you'll looooove owning one.

Frk Lundegaard said...

Hi there,
I have a Brother - it's simple - I couldn't live without it

Melinda said...

Hi, mines a Bernina and I really like it. It's an old one - used to be my Mum's but I think that's a testament to good quality. Get one that's easy to thread - you can loose a lot of time and gain a lot of grey hairs trying to thread them!

Christina Lowry said...

Hi Stacey,

My Mum is here today and she used to sell sewing machines and overlockers. I have asked her advice and she says Janome is a great brand, very robust. She wouldn't recommend the Bernina. The servicing and spare parts will cost a lot more on them too. She believes that the best overlocker, especially if you haven't used one before, is a four thread overlocker with a differential feed. Six or eight threads are too complicated and not necessary if you have a normal sewing machine. There is a book you should buy with the machine too, or try and talk them into giving it to you when you buy the machine- 'Janome Overlockers, Creative sewing guide". It only covers overlockers. Then there are more advanced books like Anne Van Der Kley's "The Art of Creative Overlocking" once your more confidant.

Hope that helps. Have fun! :)

cassie hood said...

ohhh, the quilt looks yummy! Keep on going..Yes, everything is arranged with my swap budding. Sewing is happening :D

karen said...

Hiya hunni
Sorry for not keeping you in the loop re the polka dot swap. I posted my parcel out yesterday it should take about a week to get from the UK to the USA and I believe my partner Kate is not far of posting too.
Thanks for popping by to my blog and for your lovely comments.
(((hugs)))
karen

Leonie said...

Hi, I have a Bernina 700D which I have had for about 4 years. It gets used most days and it is fantastic. was worth every cent.