Overlocker

[cantkeepawayforever]

Considering buying an overlocker for DD, who is a very competent young adult dressmaker. For an indication of level, her last project was a loose-fitting wool coat with lining based on a Vogue pattern.

The sewing machine she uses (mine!) is a John Lewis brand, but JL only has 2 overlocker models at slightly different price points.

Can you recommend an easy-to-use and not overly expensive overlocker that she won’t ‘grow out of’ quickly?

My first machine was a brother entry level model - very reliable and used it for years. Only put to the side when I upgraded to a baby lock (very much next level)

Not that helpful really, but I've had a Janome 9200D for about 5-6 years, about £320 new, and there are similar models still much the same price. This is a 4-thread overlocker, which requires careful handling and rethreading (always knot and pull through, don't attempt total rethreading at peril of your sanity!). It does overlocking and rolled seams.

Overlockers make sewing stretch fabrics, and fabrics that fray badly - like loosely woven tweeds, and satin linings - much easier and give you a much better finish on seams. I've just branched into making swimwear which is tricky but great fun, and an overlocker is good for that.

So as your DD sounds serious about her sewing, it would help massively if you can stretch to a decent overlocker in the £300-£350 range or a second hand reconditioned machine from a reputable supplier if such can be found.

I have the Brother M434D and I love the finish it gives to clothes. Currently £249 but frequently on offer.

Thanks all. Got DD the Janome 9300DX - not the fanciest machine but seemed OK for a budget version and from a decent brand.

I anticipate much stress over re-threading as that’s always mentioned in the reviews!

That's great, enjoy some great sewing projects. Keep the machine clean and if the thread colour needs changing just turn the tension down to 0, knot on the new thread near the reels, cut off the old thread and pull through the new thread.
Remember to turn the tension dials back up for sewing!

Have fun, it's a great tool.