Investing in an Overlocker – My Top Tips

Christine Boyle

Creative Director - Sewing Tutor

An overlocker is one of the most valuable machines you can add to your sewing room. Once you learn how to use it with confidence, you’ll unlock a whole new range of sewing techniques, create stronger seams, and achieve clean, professional-looking finishes that will transform your projects.

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.

💡 Christine's Tip Easy threading = less frustration and get the right guidence on how to use your Overlocker properly.

MY RECOMMENDED OVERLOCKERS

Janome 6234XL (Mid-Range Favourite)

I chose this machine because it was used on The Great British Sewing Bee. I needed a great overlocker not only for my own projects, but also for my students to use.

My machine will be 10 years old in January 2026. It is extremely reliable and is still going strong. It is serviced regularly to keep it running perfectly.

Why I recommend it:

Colour-coded threading
Easy lower looper threading system
Excellent stitch quality
Suitable for beginners but robust enough for regular use
I also love the tray to catch the off-cuts. An added extra that prevents the threads getting on your clothes and the floor.

Best for: Sewists who want a dependable machine they can grow with.

UPDATE MAY 2026 This machine has now been updated and upgraded to the Janome Mylock 654D

👉 View Janome Mylock 654D

"Learn how to use your Overlocker with the right tuitoring."
- CHRISTINE BOYLE, SEWING TUTOR - DIRECTOR COLOUR & CLOTH

Brother M343D (Best Budget Choice)

If you’re looking for a more affordable overlocker, the Brother M343D is a solid, beginner-friendly option. Many of my students have this machine.

Why I recommend it:

Straightforward threading system
Good stitch quality for the price
Ideal for learning the basics without a large investment
Easy to thread

Best for: Beginners or occasional sewists who want a capable, no-nonsense machine.

👉 View Brother M343D

BUYING FROM EXPERIENCE

At Colour and Cloth, we’re in a unique position. We teach people how to use overlockers, we use them ourselves, and we repair them. That means every recommendation we make is based on real-world experience of which overlockers genuinely support users — and which ones cause unnecessary frustration.

Final recommendation

If you want the best balance of ease, reliability, and longevity, the Janome 6234XL is an excellent investment.
If you’re starting out or working to a tighter budget, the Brother M343D is a very sensible choice.

Other options are:

JANOME 9300DX Overlocker

BROTHER Overlocker M343D

Whichever you choose, invest time in learning how to use it properly — your overlocker should feel like a sewing superpower, not something you’re afraid to switch on.

Discover your Overlockers full potential at my Love Your Overlocker Workshop

ABOUT MY OVERLOCKER

Recently I’ve been overlocking velvet, silk, denim and altering t-shirt necklines and taking side seams in. I made my overlocker a new dust cover and bought a Sew Easy Overlocking Mat to reduce vibration on the table. I use the best overlocking thread on my machine and overlocking needles. Over the 10 years I have had this machine over 500 students have used it!

I take my overlocker on the road across Ireland, France and Spain!

Visit Our Sewing Shop

Overlocking in the motorhome

Handy fabric catcher

Altering the side seams on

The Overlocking Technique Manual

The Sew Easy Overlocking Mat

10 years old

Gutermann Bulk Overlocking Thread

Easy to thread Brother Overlocker

Brother M343 Overlocker

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   Ann Gillespie 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had my Janome sewing machine serviced by Brian. He did an amazing job, within 24 hrs, and my machine is now like new.  Brian and Christine are such a lovely couple, friendly and welcoming, very knowledgeable and professional.  I found them inspirational.  Christine demonstrated stitches and types of needles and at the end a little gift which means so much to me.  I would recommend them very highly. Ann
  
 
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   Georgia McStravick 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cannot thank Christine and Brian at Colour and Cloth enough! They recently repaired my Granny Teresa’s vintage Singer sewing machine, which holds so much sentimental value for our family. I felt in such capable, knowledgeable hands from first speaking with them. They explained every detail clearly and made sure to show me the machine working perfectly before I left. A huge bonus was their amazing website—being able to check live updates on the progress of the repair was brilliant and kept me informed every step of the way. Outstanding service, I couldn’t recommend Colour and Cloth more!
  
 
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   Danni 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've just completed a 6 week beginners course with Christine in Colour and Cloth. I had never used a sewing machine before booking the course and was nervous going into it but Christine put me at ease from the very beginning. The course was really enjoyable and the 6 weeks flew in, I learned so much during my time and made a lovely skirt for myself. I would definitely recommend Colour and Cloth to anyone interested in sewing. Christine's knowledge was invaluable and I will definitely be booking another course.
  
 
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   Jackie O'Hara 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent service … very fast turn around .. great reception.. Brian cares about sewing machines.
  
 
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   Janet McNamee 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Left two sewing machines in with Brian for repair/servicing.  His knowledge and attention to detail was very reassuring.  Both machines are now working perfectly.  I would thoroughly recommend.
  
 
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   Elaine Price 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. What lovely people to deal with. I left in my sewing machine to be serviced. My machine is  an older singer model. Im so happy that Brian was able to do a good job servcing  it and  sort out its problems within the mechanism. Also lots of great advice. Great job. Thank you. Very happy
  
 
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   Lucy Johnston 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Contacted Brian to book in my Pfaff machine for repair. He got back to me almost immediately and had it fixed within 48 hours. An excellent job and customer service. Brian and Christine are such a lovely couple and it was a pleasure to meet them. I'll definitely use the service again.
  
 
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   Cal Wright 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This was such a wonderful experience! The skills and knowledge I have taken away will propel any future creations immensely. I’ll never look at the Sewing Bee in the same light! I honestly believe these are life skills, honed and taught in the most easily understood way by Christine… such an honestly beautiful person who truly has the patience of a saint. These past 6 weeks will stay with me a lifetime… tho I do hope to complete another course at some stage again. Highly recommend to anyone with no or a lot of sewing skill or knowledge. You will thoroughly love it!  Fabulous!!! Also had my sewing machine given the once over… cleaned and serviced… by Brian - again, highly recommend! My sewing machine now runs so smoothly, with an excellent timely turnaround. Thank you both of you!
  
 
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   Caroline Colgan 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had such a lovely time with Christine.  She helped me on a mission to adjust and repair jeans I had been looking to have fixed for a long time. Christine's advice was incredible and I went home and completed the adjustments. I also bought a fabulous sewing machine which has been brilliant
  
 
  
  
 
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