Overlock threads - which are better?

Each needlewoman and dressmaker is familiar with sewing materials. But not everyone knows how to choose threads for overlock for capricious fabrics, which are better in terms of their characteristics and what are their features. Today we’ll talk about what an overlock is and what materials are needed to work on this device.

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What is an overlock?

Overlock is a type of sewing equipment. A device is used to sew overcast seams. Such equipment is simply necessary if you are working with moody and crumbling fabrics.

Important! What are the best threads for overlock? - To work on such sewing equipment, textured fiber is used, which is made from smooth and thin polyester (dacron) threads. The structure of the polyester fiber is specially changed by additional processing. Due to this, the threads become more tensile, soft and are characterized by great crimp and high elasticity.

Specially processed sewing fiber is intended for:

• Sewing elastic knitwear (underwear, swimwear) and linen.
• Sewing slices.

A thread with a similar structure is used:

• In sewing machines.
• In overcasting machines.

In terms of 1 m, the price of special fibers is 2 times lower than that of ordinary sewing threads (regular twist), which allows using a specially treated fiber for wrapping sections to reduce the cost of the product.

Important! The temperature when ironing textured threads should not exceed 150 degrees. This should be considered when ironing underwear and other products.

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How to choose threads for overlock?

Consider the basic properties of a textured yarn and tell you, due to what characteristics, it is easier to work with them when refueling equipment and overcasting seams of products.

Properties of textured materials:

• A greater degree of elasticity and flexibility than sewing threads. The fiber consists of individual, non-twisted, thin threads. Since on such a sewing machine 3 to 5 spools are used for overcasting, twisted threads are often used for industrial high-speed sewing. This allows you to perform non-rough seams.

Important! Conventional overlock sewing threads are not suitable, as they create an excessively thick seam when sewing, which significantly impairs the appearance of the product.

• Strength and high wear resistance are simply necessary when processing elastic fabrics. Textured raw materials possess not only these properties, but also good flexibility, which makes it possible to easily process capricious fabrics.
• The smoothness of such a thread helps to easily pass through the complex mechanism of the equipment at a significant sewing speed.

Important! Overlock thread for sale in large skeins and bobbins. This allows you to reduce the cost of not only the fiber itself, but also the cost of the product.

Choose threads for overlock separately from sewing to simplify the work on the complex mechanism for seaming, improve the appearance of the product.

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How to work on overlock? Advice

A special device, an overlock, allows you to do those operations that the sewing machine cannot handle, due to its design features. Overlock can cut excess fabric at one step, grind and overcast parts.

Important! A feature of the lines made on this device is elasticity.Overlock does not stretch or tighten the fabric, does not skip stitches and grinds parts without shifting them. Therefore, it is best to sew knitwear on this device.

Many craftswomen, when buying an addition to a sewing machine, encounter various difficulties and questions. We will try to answer some of them.

How to thread

Always thread the device with the presser foot and needle raised. In the instructions for the device or in the figure located on it, the sequence of refueling is clearly indicated. If the fiber does not stretch well, you should manually turn the handwheel so that the needle moves up and down.

Important! So that during sewing, threads from the bobbins are fed evenly, use special holders. For synthetic and silk (sliding) fibers, special nets are put on the coils that come with the device.

How to lubricate overlock?

There is no general rule for this procedure, since different device models have their own instructions and lubrication schemes. In addition, the frequency of lubrication of the device depends on the intensity of its use. Some machines do not require lubrication at all, and some models have silicone grease, which is produced only in the service center. The most important thing in caring for the device is to clean it on time.

Knife adjustment

Almost always, the knife in the device is used in normal mode. If the sections of the product are standard (1-1.5 cm), then the knife edge will remove only irregularities along the edge of the fabric. If the knife cuts more than the fabric needs, then its position should be adjusted.

In addition, to prevent excess tissue from being cut, feed the material correctly under the presser foot:

• In places with curves, feed the fabric as evenly as possible.
• When working with sliding and delicate materials, pay more attention, since such fabrics (silk) fidget under the foot. In this case, feed the fabric very slowly, if possible - increase the presser foot.

Thread tension

When sewing fabrics of different structure, the overlock thread tension setting should be different. Always pick up the tension to the fabric you are sewing. And in order not to forget all the settings in the future, write them down and repeat when working with similar fabrics.

Important! Keep the information in the instructions for the overlock so that it is not lost.

Overlock Needles

In order for the sewing equipment to work without problems and to cope with fabrics of different composition, in addition to the correct settings and high-quality threads for overlock, it is necessary to choose the right needle. The choice of needle depends on the thickness of the fabric from which you sew the product. For example, knitwear requires needles with a rounded tip. On sale such needles are marked: Stretch, Jersey, Microtex. Such needles do not cut through the loops of knitwear, but push them apart.

Important! When choosing the thickness of the needle, focus on the thickness of the knit.

How to hide a tail from an overlock line?

• The threads at the end of the line can be left if they subsequently go into seams or other allowances, for example, under the belt.
• You can leave everything as is even if the threads cross other seams.
• If the fibers remain in sight, then tie their ends with a knot and cut. Hide the tip of the thread in an overlock stitch or in a knit fabric.

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If you purchased sewing equipment without instructions, then do not be discouraged. Today on the Internet you can download the instruction manual for any model of household appliances. Use the device to the joy of yourself and loved ones, delighting your relatives with new new things!