The Poultry Keeper

Itsybitsy · Joined: 11 Feb 2006 Posts: 1316 Location: Leicestershire

Anybody got a domestic overlocker - or know anything about them?

Just bought myself some fab silk to make a dress and now I'm thinking an overlocker would be better than my usual machine, but I just don't know enough about them to make the right choice for a purchase.

Itsybitsy

Auntie Noo · Joined: 30 Jan 2007 Posts: 485 Location: Guildford

I don't Itsy - but I'm a member of a crafter's forum here www.craftythreadsnyarns.myfreeforum.org and we have a couple of sewers on there who will definitely be able to help.

Spana · Joined: 30 Apr 2005 Posts: 2051 Location: North Cornwall

In my early 20's, many moons ago Laughing

i made undies for M&S using an overlocker but it was an industrial machine. Ive looked at the domestic machines many times and like you have been unable to make a choice so have never bought one. Only thing i can say is a 4 thread would be better than a 3 and make sure its easy to thread up, some are better than others.

Itsybitsy · Joined: 11 Feb 2006 Posts: 1316 Location: Leicestershire

Thanks Aunty Noo, I've had a quick look round that forum and will spend more time there tonight.

Thanks also Spana (why have you changed your name? or have I missed it somewhere) That's very useful advice, I have looked at some overlockers on ebay and most these days seem to be 2 needle/4 thread and some were easy thread . . . so I'll look again. My elder sister used to be an overlocker, I did think about asking her but decided that industrial was probably too far removed from domestic, however you have shown me how wrong I am so I'll give her a ring too.

Thanks again

Itsybitsy

Spana · Joined: 30 Apr 2005 Posts: 2051 Location: North Cornwall

Itsybitsy · Joined: 11 Feb 2006 Posts: 1316 Location: Leicestershire

Spoken to my sister - who was very helpful and explained all the technical terms, she was quite impressed by what was available. . . and I have decided which I am having (from ebay) but haven't clicked the "buy it now" button yet (gulp)

Itsybitsy

Spana · Joined: 30 Apr 2005 Posts: 2051 Location: North Cornwall

Aren't you going to show us then Laughing

Spana · Joined: 30 Apr 2005 Posts: 2051 Location: North Cornwall

Been to Ebay and had a look, too much choice and I'm too out of touch to know whats good and whats not.

The new/old Elna caught my eye tho Laughing

What does BNlB mean Confused

Itsybitsy · Joined: 11 Feb 2006 Posts: 1316 Location: Leicestershire

Haven't pressed the button yet Confused

BNIB means brand new in box or if you're looking at clothes BNWT is with tags.

I tried to paste a link but it didn't look right, I think I may get the new Toyota SL3335, just type in overlocker into ebay it's near the bottom of page 1, but if it's gone it's cos I bought it . . .

Didn't see an Elna, I'll go and have another look, I think I'm going to get a new one though as I don't know enough about them to get a second hand one with a missing instruction book Laughing

My sister was deeply impressed that they have two needles! She was mostly concerned about the cutters for trimming as she said they had engineers to set them up in the factory as the workers couldn't be trusted to get it right as it was very technical and could ruin a garment if it was wrong. That's partly why i'm not getting a second hand one.

Itsybitsy

Gilly C · Joined: 22 Jun 2006 Posts: 2245 Location: South Cumbria

chill I am sure it will be OK I have had good results with an ordinary machine but must admit to not doing much sewing of late !

Spana · Joined: 30 Apr 2005 Posts: 2051 Location: North Cornwall

Really good make Rolling Eyes

and its new with instruction book

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Overlocker-Elna-Model-34T-Never-used-BNIB_W0QQitemZ110187854204QQihZ001QQcategoryZ3118QQtcZphotoQQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

CP · Posted: Sat Nov 03, 2007 12:30 pm Post subject:

To get a link to show on your post, click on the http: address in the top bar & then right click & 'copy' it.

Then where you put it on your post, you click 'paste'

HTH a little. Wink

Spana · Joined: 30 Apr 2005 Posts: 2051 Location: North Cornwall

Thats better, thanks CP Very Happy

CP · Posted: Sat Nov 03, 2007 6:14 pm Post subject:

Glad to be of help. Wink

Looks like an instrument of torture to me. Shocked

What does it do exactly & why is it different to an ordinary sewing machine? Confused

Itsybitsy · Joined: 11 Feb 2006 Posts: 1316 Location: Leicestershire

All ready made clothes are put together with an overlocker, it stitches the seam, finishes the edges with a complicated locked stitch which prevents fraying and trims the excess fabric off the seam at the same time. They also - if you have the right one will turn up with an invisible seam, do rolled hems and all sorts of fancy stuff like that so your home made clothes look more professional.

I did find that one Jan & it is unused, but an older model, and these days technology moves so fast that i think I'm going to go for one that sings and dances as well Laughing

I could put the link up like you said - but cleverer people can put up a link that just says click here instead of all the link printed out and I can't do that Crying or Very sad

. What do you mean by HTH a little?

Itsybitsy