If you just started your sewing journey then you will come across various stitching techniques and overlock stitches are one among them.
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What are Overlock Stitches?
All sewists need to overlock strictly to make their work shine and look super finished. The overlock stitch is a stitch that will enhance the look of any garment and make it look high-end. If the overlock stitch is missed there are full chances that your garment may look frayed and distorted. The overlock stitch is basically the finishing stitch for woven fabric and the main stitch for knit garments. The main jobs of the stitches are edging, hemming and seaming. This way it will finish and trim off the ends as well.
Overlock stitches are very useful in a lot of different manners. You can experiment with the stitch in finishing, designing, creating patterns. You will understand the importance and use of the stitch once you start using it. the working of the overlock machine is not quite simple. The overlock machine or serger uses a least of 2 threads which give quite a loose sewing but then there is the option of 3-4-5 threads that can give you super results. The 3-4-5 thread machines are a little difficult to the thread as there are 5 threads involved which have to be passed through a lot of holes, which can be confusing. This was the overview of the serger machine and the overlock stitch. let’s know more about it.
2-Thread
The 2 thread overlock is either available in the multi-purpose machine or a few industrial machines. This is a stitch that is not as much preferred by the professionals as it is weak and fragile. The 2-thread stitches are mostly used by the home-based worker or by beginner to ensure safety and ease
3-Thread
These are good for keeping a strong stitch with a bit of elasticity. If you wanna stitch an elastic or finish the waist area, this is perfect. You may wanna opt for 3 threads in case you like your fabric to be stitched a little lightly.
4-Thread Stitch
This is one of the most used and trusted stitches. The 4 thread stitch is firm and steady for any kind of fabric. You can be assured that once you have stitched with 4 threads, your garment will stay in place for the longest time.
5-Thread Stitch
The 5 threads are not so important or useful but by using this you can ensure extra safety and strong stitch so that your fabric is tightly put together. These types are usually used by industry or high-end fashion.
How are Overlock Stitches Made?
Overlock stitches are easy and effective. There are machines to make overlock stitches. you can create an overlock stitch on your fabrics with either the serger that is the overlock machine specially build to do the overlocking and then there is a sewing machine with an option to do overlocking. The machine is great at its work and thus, you can attain the most amazing finish with it. The home-based machine that is multi-purpose has dials on it that can manipulate different stitches and so you can go on the dial and rotate it to the overlock-like pattern, adjust the requirement as per your wish, and there you go. You got what you want. Stitch through the fabric without any worries.
How do we Sew Overlock Stitches? – Step-by-Step Guide
Usually, the overlock stitches are made with industrial machines only as the machine offers 2-3-4-5 threads overlock stitches, so let us know how do we sew an overlock stitch step by step.
- Step 1: thread the machine with as many threads as per your preference of which 3 or 4 is recommended by normal finishing. You may wanna put the threads in the correct order to ensure a good stitch.
- Step 2: Mark your fabric with chalk to create lines on which you wanna sew or put a stay stitch at the line you wanna create the overlock stitch. If you are already good with the machine already, the chalk line is not required
- Step 3: Bring the fabric to the stitch area or under the pressure foot, with help of your feet lift the pressure foot and place the fabric right under the needle form where you wanna start your overlocking.
- Step 4: stitch on the machine and slowly put your foot on the paddle and sew as slowly as you can as the blade will be cut fabric to ensure a clean finish.
- Step 5: Now continue stitching to the point you wanna end it. you will see that your overlocks are beautifully done without any hassle
- Step 6: once you finish, cut the thread with a clipper or scissors.
- Step 7: Continue doing the same for all the areas and you are done!
Also Read: How to Pick the Right Fabric for a Sewing Project
Wrapping Up
This was all about the overlock stitch and its procedures. All these information are well researched and can be used for knowledge purpose. Thank you for reading and hope it was helpful for you. Have a nice day.
