Overlocker

[SpacePuppy]

Can you recommend a make and model? I want to get one, maybe middle of the range, I'm not a complete novice but will need some instruction (maybe one with a dvd etc.) I'm completely overwhelmed by the bombardment when googling overlockers and simply don't know what to beware of and what to make sure is included.

Please help.
TIA

?

no one?

What's an overlocker?

I have a Bernina one - wish I had persevered with the lessons .... even threading it is a nightmare now....

Jodie - an overlocker is the machine to use to finish off a hem/seam - it is the machine that does the Whirly bits/double seams for clothing...

Ah I see, why would you want one with a dvd? Or am I missing something?

DVD for instructions as to how to use??

From my little experience, I would really need a one-on-one lesson or real idiot proof instructions..

Would a sewing shop be able to point you in the right direction??

I did some research on this ages ago and it seemed that you can't go far wrong with a Bernina. BUT you need to get it from the kind of little sewing machine shop that will also give you lessons in how to use it, and don't mind you turning up with the machine 3 months later asking for a refresher course.

Alternatively, John Lewis will give you a demo (they don't do Bernina though) and are really helpful if you pop in for help, even unannounced.

Ah, penny drops. I'm so slow today hehe.

thanks everyone, in short an overlocker is nice to have if you make your own clothes. I guess small shop route it will be. My mum has a bernina (going on 16 years now) and always complains about the threading bit. She lives abroad so is no help in local suppliers else I would've asked her. I've heard of an air threader which literally uses a jet of air to thread no need to sit and do it by hand, but the only ones I could find online were called Babylock and very expensive.

I have a brother, it's an older model, but I think there is a similar model around. Mine is the brother lock 9600. I have a brother sewing machine which is 20 year old, which swayed me in the direction of the overlocker.
I haven't threaded any other overlockers, but I actually find the needles more fiddly to thread than the loopers. The loopers are a doddle!
I think you can now buy overlockers with air threading where it kind of threads itself, but probably quite pricey. Overall I am happy with this machine, it is quiet and runs really smoothly. I do find the knives for this model expensive, it was almost £90 to replace the upper and lower knives (including postage). I managed to get the knives sent from the US, so saved around £30.
Hope that helps a bit!