If you have a passion for home sewing, an overlocker is a must-have machine. Not only will it help you carry out jobs like garment alternations more efficiently, you’ll also achieve a much better finish on your hems and seams.
However, an overlocker is only a good investment if you can use it effectively. If your needles keep unthreading, or the threads keep snapping when you’re halfway through your stitching, it’s going to cause immense frustration and seriously slow you down.
By following this checklist before you start sewing, you should be able to seamlessly complete your work:
Make sure there’s enough excess thread on the other side of the needle
You need to pull at least 10cm of thread through to the other side of the needle before you start sewing. This length will get shorter as the needle moves up and down, so if you don’t have enough excess thread, it will quickly escape.
Check the looper is threaded properly
This is a task that’s particularly tricky to master, especially as the threading method can vary depending on the model of machine you are using. Be sure to double-check your user manual to ensure everything is correct.
Test the thread tension
If the threads are too tight, there’s a risk that they could snap as you are stitching. If they’re too loose, it could result in uneven stitching. Finding the right level of tension can be a case of trial-and-error, so it’s a good idea to use some scrap fabric to test out the stitching, and adjust accordingly, before you begin work.
It may take time to master the threading process, but once you’ve got the hang of it, you’ll have your sewing projects completed in no time. So why not invest in a Britannia overlocker today?
