Sewing machine/overlocker

Jasper · #1 (**permalink**) 03-10-2007, 01:00 PM

If this is in the wrong spot, please move it, I wasnt sure where to put my question.
Im looking to start sewing (complete and utter novice here) and Im not sure what I need. Im looking to buy a sewing machine or an overlocker, but I dont know what is best and what to look for in these.
Any help would be great as I have found a bunch on ebay from a factory seconds store and even thought they are cheap, I dont want to waste money.

Rinelle · #2 (**permalink**) 03-10-2007, 01:08 PM

It really depends on what you plan to make. A sewing maching is probably the best to start with though, as it is more versatile.

Jasper · #3 (**permalink**) 03-10-2007, 01:14 PM

I plan to make nappies/covers and clothes. I dunno, what could you make on an overlocker that you couldnt on a sewing machine?

Rinelle · #4 (**permalink**) 03-10-2007, 01:17 PM

Overlockers cover the edges of the material, and cut it off as it sews. It basically stops the material from fraying, and keeps it neat. It does sew, but only edges, so if you wanted to make t-shirts or something, you could probably do it entirely on an overlocker. Most things will require a sewing maching though, and you can always zig zag the edges with the sewing machine to keep them neat, it's just not as tidy.

buttrfly · #5 (**permalink**) 03-10-2007, 01:19 PM

an overlocker is just for finishing edges etc. if you make clothes out of fabric that's going to fray (eg. cotton) and you don't finish the edges, they'll fall apart. the easy/neat way to finish is with an overlocker, but you could just zig-zag along the seams once they're sewn.

all that to say - an overlocker without a sewing machine isn't very useful. but a sewing machine without an overlocker is fine to start with

buttrfly · #6 (**permalink**) 03-10-2007, 01:20 PM

lol Tamara I didn't see ur reply before i posted mine

Jasper · #7 (**permalink**) 03-10-2007, 01:36 PM

Oh, so if I bought a combo machine it would be good for what I need? Basically there is a factory second shop that is selling a homemaker sewing machine overlocker for $175. Can I post a link and someone check it out for me? Or maybe someone can just go and search? I really dont want to waste that money, DH thinks Im a little weird for wanting one already and I dont think he'd be impressed if I made an expensive mistake.

Jasper · #8 (**permalink**) 03-10-2007, 01:39 PM

Oh I made a mistake it says it sews and overlocks at once, so I guess that means that it sews and edge and cuts it off at the same time?
There are two others Im interested in which are strictly sewing machines, both from the same store. DH will be calling me soon so I sorta wanna ask him soon while hes in the right mood! ha ha ha

DePome · #9 (**permalink**) 03-10-2007, 02:02 PM

I'd like to see a link Jasper as I have never heard of that before. My instinct tells me to recommend you stay right away from all of the things that you have mentioned, firstly because factory seconds in electricals sounds VERY dodgy (unless we're talking scratch and dent) and secondly because I have never heard of a sewing machine/overlocker with one kind of exception...

There are industrial overlockers that can sew a seam strong enough to hold the shape of the garment whilst overlocking, they are 5-thread overlockers. They can do this because their first and second threads make a chain stitch which is very secure, and their third, fourth and fifth threads do the overlocking.

When buying a domestic overlocker get a 4-thread (I am not aware of any 5-thread domestics) as this is much more secure than a 3-thread. It sews to straight (parallel) stitches and has two 'loopers' overlocking the selvage edges. However, they cannot make a straight stitch that is strong enough to hold a seam indefinitely.

If it was possible to buy a combo machine that did both things at the same time I wouldn't choose it. There are many times when you ONLY want the sewing part. An example of this (based on your list above) is sewing a soaker pad in to the centre of a nappy inner. You cannot apply something like that centrally on other fabric with anything that overlocks. You also couldn't use such a machine to apply appliques, to quilt, to make buttonholes etc. $175 is also very cheap and I'd be very concerned. I have a 5-thread industrial overlocker and the only time I have ever used it for regular sewing is when I was sewing long seams in skirts. They were long straight seams from the waist to the hem so using the 5-thread saved me time by doing two processes in one. But that was its only use when making clothes. Other things are far too fidly to use the 5-thread, such as making a child's bodice (for a dress) or attaching sleeves. Definitely don't do it!

Really you'd need to be spending at least $300 to get something reasonable in a sewing machine alone. I think it would probably be best for you to get to some classes at Spotlight where you are probably able to use their machines to see if you take to it or not first. You would also be able to establish some likes/dislikes that way too.

Jasper · #10 (**permalink**) 03-10-2007, 02:10 PM

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/HOMEMAKER-LCD...QQcmdZViewItem

Is the diect link to a diff sewing machine that seems ok to me. It is a scratch n dent factory seconds place. Gave up on the overlocker as I obviously didnt realise what they are.
Thanks for your help.