Overlock / Sewing

Dear users, dear authors,
Could you tell me something about overlocking / sewing?

The serger is one of the most important machines in my collection. It’s ideal for all jersey fabrics, because you can sew anything from a shirt to sports pants in one go. I sewed this tracksuit for myself yesterday afternoon...
For beginners using a serger, there are books like this one: *Sewing with the Serger*; it contains tips and tricks that make sewing easier and explain how and what to do. It’s important to always use 4 threads on the serger; otherwise, the piece you’re sewing won’t hold together. If you just want to neaten raw edges—for example, on pants, a dress, a blouse, a shirt, etc.—3 threads might be enough in some cases. Threading a serger is a bit complicated at first, but with time you’ll get the hang of it very quickly and be able to do it almost blindly ;-) It’s also helpful to have a pair of curved tweezers when threading; without them, it’s difficult to thread the serger.

I’ve been thinking about getting an overlock machine for a long time.... I’ve been researching and comparing different models.... Tomorrow I’m going to a sewing store to get some advice (I already did that today, over the phone) and try out the machines.
The question remains: should I get one with or without automatic threading, and how much should I be willing to spend? How much will I really need it?
The Babylock Enspire, Brother 1034, and Elena 864 are still in the running.
I’m curious to see what happens tomorrow… and which machine I’ll end up taking home…

That’ll definitely be great.
Will you let us know how it went?

I’ll do that... 😊😋

I’ve since bought another coverstitch machine to go with my overlocker—the Pfaff 4.0 Cover. It’s a top-of-the-line machine; now when I sew, I don’t need my regular sewing machine anymore—the coverstitch machine is all I need. Since it has a safety stitch, I can neaten the edges and sew everything together in one go—it’s just great :-)

Best regards, Inge

What exactly is a safety seam?

You know those seams on jeans? Besides the edge finishing, there’s a straight seam right next to it—that makes the seam “safe,” so to speak, so you don’t suddenly find yourself standing out in the open with your pants down :-)

Best regards, Inge

Inge, I’m totally jealous—

I just checked out what that little machine can do. It’s really top-notch.

I have a Pfaff overlock machine. I bought it back when the kids were born (mid-1980s). My mom also sewed her entire wardrobe herself, so we split the cost. But it’s nothing like today. Back then, I got a Pfaff sewing machine (my parents said, “You should buy something proper”), and I still use it today. I also use the overlocker for my gift bags.

  Since I don’t have that much time for sewing, these two machines are enough. But I like to look in store windows to see what’s new and what today’s sewing machines are capable of.

If I sewed as much as Inge does, though, I’m sure I would have replaced my machines by now. 

Thanks for the info, Inge.

So, I bought the overlock machine today—the “Ferrari”.... Babylock enspire 😍
It really won me over and appealed to me 😁.

You’ve really treated yourself to something special—AWESOME!!

Best wishes, Inge

Congratulations + have fun with it!

Thanks—yes, I’m having fun with it.... 😊 I’m just trying it out today...
it’s a joy to serge with it... such a beautiful finish