Help me choose an overlocker
I need an overlocker. I have decided, I'm going to take the plunge and buy a proper overlocker. It will make my life complete. Honest.
I just can't choose - some of them are very expensive and I can't afford to fork out hundreds of quid on another sewing gadget.
I'm mainly going to be using this for finishing seams. I want to be able to do stretch fabrics on it, and maybe create some nice finishes with rolled hems. So, nothing too fancy, but something with enough functions that I can learn to grow with.
I have seen some great reviews, but these are of the more pricey models and I really don't want to spend so much money - although I will spend as much as I need to to get a good machine.
So, it's between this Janome: which I have to buy extra feet (do I need the extra feet? Will I use a piping foot? and is this different from the one I already have for my sewing machine?) and this Babylock: comes with lots of extras but can only be used with 3 or 4 threads (will I ever need to use with just 2 threads?)
I also like the idea that the Janome can have the blade retracted - sounds like a useful thing to have, but is it?
Of course, I'd really like this Pfaff, but it's a bit pricey. should I be saving up to spend more? Or will one of the cheaper ones do the job?
So: what do you think?
8 comments:
Well, I was going to suggest you butter Mr M up for fork out for the Pfaff - then I clicked on it and saw the price and now I have to clean tea off my keyboard :P
I'm an overlocker ignoramus so I can't help I'm afraid, but they all look like nice shiny gadgets :)
xMx
I work in a quilt shop and all I hear about is how great the Baby lock is. More than anything, I'd buy from a shop that can teach you how to use and care for it.
Best of Luck!
If you were planning to make a living sewing then buy the best you can,if however you plan to just use the machine to tidy up seams for your own satisfaction then go for the baby-lock as it isn't the most expensive so you don't need to justify the over-spend.If you need to you can add on any extra attachments that you might like to use at a later date.Am I wrong?sure you had an over-locker already???xx
Spend as much as you can. Look on Ebay for a used Pfaff. Babylocks are ok at best. Janome is horrid in the States. Bernina is a good machine - I have a used one. Really wish i had the Pfaff....
Best use of overlock is for knits. Doesn't work well on cottons. Look for as many options as possible. You won't regret the extra cost down the road.
Well I'd narrowed it down to the Babylock myself, but I haven't actually tried it. You'd be like my guinea pig there...
In Sew U Home Stretch she says the stitch she uses the most is 3 thread if that helps. Whether you can justify spending more depends entirely on how much money you have and how soon you want it, I think. Of course the most expensive machine is best but we all make the most out of what we can afford at the end of the day.
Hi Anna
Back for a day between trips and reading my favourites in between!! I too have decided that I NEED an overlocker and have been researching for a few weeks. My ideal would be the expensive Babylock that Lisa Lam got recently, but I can't justify the money! so had narrowed down to the 2 options you have picked too!! It'll be great to see what replies you get. As for Sewing Machines Direct, they are FANTASTIC, i got my sewing machine from them. Well off again now (camping), will look forward to seeing the replies on this post when I get back on Sunday. xx
I bought almost the same model of Janome as that (I infact ordered this exact model, but as he didn't have it in stock he sent me the next one up). The only difference with mine is that it has a free arm function - quite useful for small clothes and sleeves. I have to say, I went for the optional feet and haven't used them yet, but would like to - in theory! It will come threaded up and a handy tip I learned from my sewing class is to cut the threads and then just tie new ones in, pulling the threads through with the twisty handle crank thingy.
Sewing machines direct ROCKS!
I would go for BabyLock every time. I can't tell you how many times I have had people tell me that don't user their sergers because they can't thread it correctly ... which is never a problem with the BabyLock. As to the extra feet, I don't have any and have never noticed the lack in the eight or so years I have had my serger. One piece of advice, always have it out and ready to use and you will find yourself turning to it more often.
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