Steps to Improve Overlock Performance – (Simple & Affordable)

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Last Updated on September 12, 2022

Steps to Improve Overlock Performance: Overlock is unlikely to surprise anyone today. More and more sewists are striving to purchase not only a sewing machine but also an overlock because you want to sew from different types of fabric, including knitwear. 

Steps to Improve Overlock Performance

On a conventional sewing machine, fabrics that can stretch are difficult to sew. Seams are usually not of good quality. For these purposes, an overlock is used. It is also designed to make beautiful cuts and finish the edges of parts. 

Improve Overlock Performance

But are you always satisfied with the performance of your overlocker? Do you know a few tricks to improve its functioning? Today we will try to give you some valuable tips on eliminating some defects in the overlock.

Problem 1: Thread Sags When Sewing Knitwear

This problem brings a lot of trouble because you want to perform a neat edge processing of knitwear. Some people try to overcome this defect by increasing the looper thread tension. But this is wrong. It is not necessary to do so.

The solution to the problem is very simple. To do this, you need to do the following:

  • Open the cloth trimming width adjuster;
  • Increase the cutting width;
  • Test on a piece of knitwear.

Following these simple manipulations, you can quickly get a beautifully finished seam without sagging threads.

Problem 2. Stuffing

When sewing on an overlocker, sometimes we encounter such a nuisance: when passing through the seams, the stitches begin to fill up very often, and it turns out such a “density” of stitches in the area of ​​​​the crossed seam.

Let’s try to solve this problem.

  • We start sewing in the usual way.
  • We gradually approach the seam.
  • We stop overlock.
  • We switch the coefficient to the number “2”.
  • We sew a seam.
  • We stop work again.
  • We switch the regulator to its original position.

That’s all the solution. You will get neat and beautiful transitions through the seams.

Problem 3: Not Enough Presser Foot Lift

When thick sewing fabrics, in many cases, the presser foot lift is not enough. We solve the problem.

  1. On the back wall, unscrew the screw and remove the panel.
  2. We lower the presser foot holder with a hexagon down.
  3. The paw dropped to the lever.
  4. We tighten the foot in this position with a hexagon.
  5. Check that the presser foot rises to a considerable height.

Problem 4. Uneven Tissue Advance

You can solve this issue with a flick of the wrist. You need to slightly cut the edge of the fabric inserted into the overlock. You will see that the seam has been done perfectly.

Some useful overlock tips.

A few more life hacks in one line

  1. All overlockers are factory set to #90-80 needles. Do not use needles of a different thickness.
  2. The needle plate should have guides to keep the fabric from going inside the needle plate.
  3. Ensure that no metal objects, such as basting pins, fall under the knife cutting edge.
  4. For overlock work, do not use large weave threads.
  5. Remember: before changing the feed rate, you must raise the overlock foot first.
  6. After working on the overlock, loosen the knife’s spring by moving it to the leftmost position.

These simple tips will help keep the unit in good condition and work on it without any problems.

How to Quickly Change Threads on an Overlocker

Threading on an overlocker is difficult for some users. Let’s give a few tips on how to do it easily.

  1. When changing threads, cut the previous ones right next to the spools (old threads remain threaded into the overlock)
  2. Install new spools and tie the ends of the new threads to the previous ones.
  3. Be sure to use a weaving knot. It is tiny and easily fits into the eye of a needle.
  4. When changing the threads, you must either loosen the thread tension with the regulator to zero or raise the presser foot, and the regulator plates will open.

Conclusion

Such a replacement of threads will be done very quickly and painlessly. These simple tips will make it easier for you to work on the overlocker, extend its life, and improve the sewing quality.