Investing in an Overlocker

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

An overlocker is one of the most useful machines you can add to your sewing room — it gives you strong, professional seams and makes sewing with knit fabrics far easier and quicker. But for many people, choosing one feels overwhelming.

If you’re buying an overlocker, here’s what really matters.

1. Easy threading = less frustration

The biggest reason people give up on their overlocker is threading. Students are often frightened by how complex it looks, but the right machine makes this far more manageable. 

2. Consistent stitch quality

A good overlocker should produce neat, balanced stitches across a range of fabrics. Features such as differential feed are essential, especially if you sew knits, as they prevent stretched or wavy seams. Easy to adjust settings is also on my must have list.

Both machines below deliver reliable, consistent results when set up correctly.

3. Price guide: What should you spend?

Budget (£150–£250): Great for beginners. Fewer features, but perfectly usable when set up correctly.

Mid-range (£250–£600): Easier threading, smoother running, and better stitch consistency.

Higher end (£600+): Air-threading and advanced features for heavy or professional use. I personally do not like the Air-Threaders – we have seen too many of them on the repair table!

4. Learning to use it properly saves money

This is where our repair experience comes in. In our workshop, we regularly see overlockers that need “repair”. What has actually happened is they have been damaged through user error.

When you learn how to use your overlocker properly — threading, needles, fabric handling, and care — your machine will last longer and perform better.