Overlock or carpetlock: what is the difference, what is better, pros and cons

2024 Author: Sierra Becker | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-26 03:46

Everyone who is fond of tailoring, at some point, there is a desire to expand the home park of sewing equipment. The question arises - what to buy in order to diversify your hobby and, possibly, turn it into a source of additional income. To answer it, it is worth understanding: what is the difference between an overlock and a coverlock and whether they are needed in principle.

Why a regular sewing machine is not enough

As a rule, a person who wonders which is better, overlock or carpet, and what is the difference between them, already has sewing skills. He probably has a regular sewing machine at home. However, its capabilities are severely limited. The classic machine does not know how to trim, overcast, flat seams and is not friendly with knitwear.

For such operations, a fundamentally different technique is used: overlocks, coverlocks and sewing machines. The differences between them are significant, despite the external similarity. Perhaps only one thing unites them - the creation of elastic seams, indispensable when sewing knitwear.

Overlock

The main and only function of this machine istrimming and overcasting fabric. Both operations are performed simultaneously. There is no usual bobbin in the overlock, the looper acts in its role. It is essential for finishing the edges of knitwear, thin fraying fabrics, silk and other materials.

Depending on the model, it has from three to ten working threads. For home sewing, five is usually enough. The price of household overlocks ranges on average from eight to thirty thousand rubles and depends on the number of working threads, additional functions and power.

Stitcher

The name of many is misleading. It is more correct to speak of a flat stitch (from the English flat stitch) machine. It is designed to work with knitwear. Performs the following types of seams:

• three-needle;
• two-needle wide and narrow;
• chain.

Each of them is used for certain jobs. Flat seams can be seen on underwear or t-shirts, and chain seams can be seen on the cuffs of jeans. When using threads of different colors, you can perform a decorative finish. Flat and chain seams are elastic and do not tear when deformed. The differential can stretch or compress the fabric, making it wavy.

Coverlock

The difference from the overlocker and the sewing machine is that it combines the functions of both. Outwardly, they can be distinguished by the departure of the sleeve. The largest one is at the stitcher, but the overlock does not have it at all. Carpetlock will be the perfect solution if you do not have timepurchase other units. Moreover, thanks to the possibility to carry out chain seams, there is no need for a classic sewing machine. With it, you can grind products from any fabric without fear that the seam will open at the most inopportune moment.

Of the minuses, one can note the high cost and the need to reconfigure for specific needs.

Can a coverlock replace an overlocker and a sewing machine

Here we come to the main question. Is it worth it to buy a carpet with all the external similarity? How is this machine different from an overlock machine so much that you pay much more for it? With the same functions, the carpet lock is more expensive than its two counterparts combined. As a rule, all three-in-one devices are cheaper than individual analogues in the aggregate. In this case, it is not. We should consider the advantages and disadvantages in order to understand this issue.

Pros of a coverlock:

• one machine that can do almost everything you need for home sewing;
• compact, does not require the organization of a separate place to work;
• you can forget about classic sewing machines.

But there are also disadvantages. Here are some of them:

• high price;
• the need to reset for each operation (threading, tension adjustment);
• small working area (arm extension).

It has already been said above how the coverlock differs from the overlock:the ability to perform flat seams. Moreover, it is able to cut and overcast fabric and make a chain seam at the same time. Imagine a pillowcase that is longer than a pillow. It can be shortened, overcast and stitched in one pass. The operation will take a few seconds, regardless of the machine settings. But, given the pros and cons, everyone decides for himself how much these features are necessary and whether he is ready to pay a decent amount.

How to choose a carpetlock

The choice of equipment (especially specialized) is a responsible matter. Before buying, you should pay attention not only to the set of functions, but also to the brand. The market for sewing machines is quite compact, the number of brands is small. As a rule, all manufacturers are quite conscientious, but each brand has its own trademark. Try to analyze what is more important for you: sewing speed or undemanding thread quality, ease of threading or the presence of an additional table, a variety of seams or the ability to work with dense materials.

If you pick up a carpet, you should know that it will never cost less than an overlock and a sewing machine combined, all other things being equal. It does not hurt to pay attention to the presence of additional accessories. It can be a set of presser feet, a table that expands the working surface, a set of tools for servicing the machine, etc. Purchasing these accessories separately will be more expensive.

Even if at the time of purchase there is no clear idea which of the operations of the coverlockare really necessary, do not forget - as you master all the functions, there will be a desire to do something new. And then the restrictions due to the configuration of the machine will become noticeable.

Things that can be sewn on a carpetlock

Besides sewing, overcasting and trimming, there are a huge number of other operations. The possibilities of the machine are greatly expanded with the help of additional paws. At first glance, it seems complicated, but if there is a desire, then daily practice will bring these manipulations to automatism. Various presser feet can be used:

• for denim;
• narrow edges;
• bead;
• cord inserts;
• oblique inlay;
• buttons;
• blind seam;
• hems.

This is not an exhaustive list, each manufacturer claims to support a specific set of presser feet for their machine.

With the help of a carpetlock, you can shorten trousers or curtains, restore bedding and sew almost any item from different materials. The only limit is the tailor's imagination.

Which option is better for those who constantly sew

The decision to buy a particular machine is always left to the end user. If you rarely sew, then it is better to stay on the carpet. This machine will take up little space in your home, but it will have to be reconfigured for specific needs.

For cutting and overcasting heavy fabrics such as leather or felt, it is better to use specialized equipment. What is it likeonce the case when it is worth considering how the overlock differs from the coverlock. The latter, as a rule, cannot cope with such tasks due to its versatility. For flat seams, the coverlock may be inconvenient due to the small overhang of the sleeve, there will simply be nowhere to place the fabric to the right of the foot.

Any versatility imposes restrictions on professional work. If you sew all the time and have a dedicated table where you can place sewing equipment, it is better to purchase an overlocker and a sewing machine. If this is a hobby or there is not enough free space in the house, it is better to choose a rug.