Quick overlocking question!

[HelenThatsHisWilly]

Hello lovely people. I have a janome 525s and have been quilting and making home furnishings for a bit but I'm looking to branch into dressmaking. I just wondered - how essential is an overlocker (as my machine doesn't have one)? Would an overlocking foot such as the one linked below be adequate for making (mainly) children's clothes? Any other tips about what I can do to finish clothing other than buying an overlocker machine?

Sorry, guess that wasn't such a quick question! Many thanks to anyone who has the patience to reply

m.ebay.co.uk/itm/221676470961?_mwBanner=1

Hello,
I have an overlocker and I love it. However, it's an expensive piece of kit, and not necessary for dressmaking, really, unless you are doing a lot of it.

You can use pinking shears to finish edges to stop them from fraying, or zig-zag close to the edge. French Seams are sometimes a possibility.

I've not used an overlocking foot on an ordinary sewing machine, so I can't answer that question.

I wouldn't buy an overlocker straight away if you are just starting out. I make a lot of clothes for my children (and not as many for myself!) and I do find it useful. I'd wait until you find you love dressmaking first. ]

Thanks pookamoo for your lovely response. I have used the zigzag stitch in the past for the edging of cushion covers etc to stop it from fraying, but I wasn't sure if this would be adequate for clothing. Thanks again

You're welcome!

Of course it will depend on the fabric you're using, but zig-zag is usually fine, and certainly ok while you're starting out.

I have an overlocker and like it for certain things, but, if you are making children's clothes zig zag stitch, or even better an overlocker foot for your machine will be more than fine.

I have an overlocker foot for my machine which I rarely use, but it stops the puckering that you can sometimes get with a zig zag stitch on the edge of a fabric.

I always do narrow french seams on my own clothes within the original seam allowance on fine fabrics, they are really easy, especially on cotton and look really finished.

Like pookamoo says, I wouldn't buy an overlocker right now (unless you really want to try one and find a used bargain somewhere). I would probably buy the foot you have listed though.

I love my overlocker, but to get value for money you would need to be sewing quite a bit. Your machine should have come with foot C, that will give you an over edge finish when using a zig zag. Use the widest [5] width and length about number 1 and it will stop the fraying.

As Pookamoo says french seams are brilliant, for a jacket you could use bias binding to cover the raw edges.

I have been sewing for yonks about 5 years seriously, and longer before that casually and I have only just got an overlocker.

Totally unnecessary but makes everything a little bit faster and tidier. Sewed lots of children's clothing including knits without it though!

Although "foot C" might not apply to her machine, all brands are different!

the Janome 525s comes with a foot marked C, its called an overedge foot. It has a metal edge designed to run along the cut edge of the fabric, use the widest zigzag and shorter length and it works really well.

I have one, but would agree that it's a fun if slightly scary toy and not a neccesity.

I don't think it is a necessity either, my mother sewed everything we wore and wore the most beautifully tailored clothes - she has never owned one.

But you know OP, if you want one and can afford one why not?

I prefer french or bound seams on grown up clothes (mine) if appropriate. I use my o/l for sewing knits and dealing with edges that I can't be bothered to bind or are unsuitable for french seams.

It does a nice rolled hem though and a good blind stitch/overlocker hem in one fell swoop. I am pleased I have it but would cope without it.

I would think it less necessary if I didn't sew so much for myself tbh.