is there such a thing as a sewing machine and overlocker in one?

[warthog]

and would you recommend it?

[screaminghousewife]

I've never heard of it, I have an overlocker and a sewing machine. And I love my overlocker.

[jamila169]

Sadly, no -some of the mega expensive machines have a cutter foot and an overlock type stitch on them but it's not much use, the construction of overlock stitching is totally different to lockstitch so your better off getting a separate overlocker -domestic ones are really compact so don't take up much room.
lisa x

[warthog]

ok thanks.

[jamila169]

Ps I love my overlocker too - kids pj's in 45 mins from cutting to ready -priceless!
Lisa x

[warthog]

wow!

[dizzyday07]

I've been thinking about an overlocker too - would you recommend any specific ones?

[jamila169]

Mines a brother one - It's sturdy and has a differential feed (essential to stop things puckering) I've sewn through 8 layers of flannel for nappy soakers with it and it's adjustable enough to sew chiffon. heres a link to reviews [[http://www.dealtime.co.uk/xPR-Brother-1034D Brother 1034D]
Cheapest online is about £169
lisa x

[jamila169]

Mines a brother one - It's sturdy and has a differential feed (essential to stop things puckering) I've sewn through 8 layers of flannel for nappy soakers with it and it's adjustable enough to sew chiffon. heres a link to reviews Brother 1034D
Cheapest online is about £169
lisa x

[screaminghousewife]

Second vote for Brother, I gotmine second hand, much much better than their sewing machines

[dizzyday07]

I've seen this one

I'd only use it really on seams when I'm making my pillowcases/duvet covers so don't know whether as it's not a lot of money to take a chance

[jamila169]

It wouldn't be any good to you dizzy, it's only a 3 thread so there's no seam, just the cut and edge, for anything other than putting pretty edges on things you need a 4 thread which has the chain stitch seam to hold everything together. i agree about the brother lockstitch machines SH - they've oversimplified things so much they don't really perform as a sewing machine any more.
Lisa x

[dizzyday07]

Jamila - now you're getting technical on me!!

So if I was to stitch my pieces together on my normal sewing machine, would this overlocker just put the threads along the edge to stop the fraying?

Whereas your 4 thread one would do the both jobs in one - is that right?

[jamila169]

Spot on dizzy!
lisa x