As someone who has never had an over locker, it would have been more helpful to me to see a breakdown of steps visually. Someone setting and using it as well as troubleshooting. I have no doubt some have found this very useful but it missed the mark for me.
Hello, sorry that this video didn't meet your expectation but I'd like to suggest typing in Baby Lock sergers and watching them. They have been EXTREMELY resourceful for me and ultimately convinced me to buy a Triumph, which I've taken formal classes on and absolutely love it. I now wonder how does one do without one. I highly recommend this model but depending on your budget I am sure that there will be a model that meets your needs as well as budget. Best wishes to you on your serger journey!
I originally had a Viking 5 thread which was way beyond my skill set. It was also a real beast to lift and move about as I don't have a dedicated sewing room. I traded it in for a Brother Project Runway 4 thread and absolutely love it. While I'm still in a learning curve, I can't imagine sewing without a serger in my arsenal of equipment. Sew Essentials is such a terrific resource of information and tutorials.
I apparently bought just such a hidden-in-the-closet serger, a four-year-old Baby Lock Diana, never unboxed, for half the price. I absolutely love it. Still learning all it's functions. Thank you for making these excellent tutorials.
Great introduction to sergers! I watched a few of your videos so far and you are going to be my new best friend across the pond. I just bought my first combined serger and cover stitch machine today, and yet I've never sewn on either before. Only having experience with quilting and small crafts, (pouches, tote bags, etc), I'll now be experimenting with a new type of machine, new fabrics and new projects. I'm so excited, and blame the feel of jersey knit for my new obsession. This video was JUST WHAT I NEEDED AS A BEGINNER - thank you! There are plenty of other videos where you go into detail about the machine itself, and I appreciated how this one was simply a beginners guide, just as the title states. The tempo and clarity of your voice/words is perfect - not too fast and not too slow. I feel as if I'm getting one-on-one lessons when listening to you. See you again soon, BFF. : )
I came across your youtube channel a month or so ago and I'm so glad that I did. Years ago I was an avid sewer, but life got in the way and, save for taking up the odd hem here and there, have done very little for 20+ years. Suffice to say, my confidence has wained somewhat but, after watching your channel, I'm raring to go and even considering buying an overlocker, so thank you for your helpful instruction and advice.
Hi how lucky I’m I got home from work today ,and my hubby surprised me with my first overlocker 😬 looking how to use it ,very scared thank you for show how to you one .I have a new brother
Hi, Lucy, thank you so much for the information. I was one of those people who bought one and it sat in the box for nearly six months, but I wouldn't be without it now! I look forward to seeing more videos on what you can do with the machines. Have a good Christmas! Kind regards from Penny ☺️🌲
So great to hear you conquered it Penelope! I will defo make sure I cover the other tutorials and tips for you this year so you can build on your skills even more.
Another great video Lucy. I bought my Babylock imagine from your company a few years back when I was living in the area. Angela demonstrated it and spent time with me giving great advice and guidance. However, for many reasons, I didn’t use it for quite some time and became quite scared of it, and only started with it again recently. There must be many people like me and your video addresses this very real problem. As you suggest going back to the manual and taking the time to practice cured my fears and I have fallen back in love with it in a big way. Keep up the good work Lucy, you’re a star x
Shelly Scott my serger has a very basic manual, then a cd to print your own that is useful. I got half way through printing it and ran out of ink, so disgusting. It is newish to me, my third one, with coverstitch so a lot to learn.
Thank you so much! I bought a BabyLock as my first overlocker - so worth it, because of the nerves about threading! Even so, it has been in the box for a couple of years, but I recently started sewing, and I can’t believe how FAST it is! Your video is so helpful!
Thank you so much for this video. After nearly killing my shoulders and back yesterday, hemming 42 squares of fabric to make a patchwork duvet cover, I am seriously considering an overlocker to make projects like that a lot easier, but I really wasn't sure where to start and what differences there were between different overlockers. Your video has really helped me out and I wish I lived in the UK so that I could just buy one from you guys. I'll have a look online here in South Africa and see what I can find. Your Babylocker sounds awesome 😊
@@josianemukasa3434 Hey, thanks! I've also been looking at the Empisal 760C, since I have an Empisal sewing machine and am very happy with it. I'm hoping I'll find a good deal on Black Friday 🤞
Amazing, very informative. I have taken the plunge this morning and purchased a Brother 3034 dwt overlocker as I want to make everything under the sun but will start off with testing with scrap fabric and progress to hats, and more!
This was very informative, I have been researching overlockers and trying to decide which one to get. I love the auto threader, and I think that would be worth the extra money. I also like the auto tension.
I’ve been contemplating the same thing. I’ve been looking for a gift to myself for my 21st birthday this year and the Auto thread seems to be worth putting in the extra money for
Thanks for the very helpful video. You make it sound so easy but I have just taken possession of my first overlocker and although I have been sewing for many years I'm finding it very challenging. It's a Brother 4234d and I'm sure I will eventually get used to it but I'm not there yet. I can do the threading, which caused me a bit of grief at first, and sewing but I haven't managed to achieve the stitch patterns I want yet. Can I just point out one issue that I haven't heard referred to on any video that I've watched so far and that is that you need to be aware that the cutting device works ahead of the stitching and so if you want to sew anything other than a straight line you need to be aware of this. I tried to turn right while sewing a facing and made a dreadful mess. Despite the difficulty I was able to complete my first project this week and was told that I had achieved a very professional finish. Thanks again.
Are you aware that you can turn the blade "off"? You just flick the front open (where you thread underneath and on the right side where the blade is you just push the button in and turn the blade down.
Don't be scared Myla, you can do it. I totally get it though and you are not alone. Maybe start on some scraps of fabric to ease yourself into it...good luck.
I actually got my serger from a friend who had it sitting unused in her closet because she could never get it threaded correctly so she just gave up trying. My husband got it threaded and I am excited to get the tension and stitch width set correctly, which seem to be my issue.
@@barbarafuoco1674 Hi ! I have some experience using a normal machine, I have bought a overlock brother machine but I’m thinking if it was better for me the normal one because of lack of experience, What would you recommend me ? I would really appreciate your opinion / feedback
Really well & clear explanation on machine. My mum bought me an overlocker but instructions are on a DVD by an Asian lady. I would have preferred a booklet. Will probably buy a baby locker as it seems a lot easier. Thank you x
I have an older Elna that I hid in my closet for *years*...so long that it froze up completely. I sew exclusively with linen now so drug it out, had it serviced and I now use it constantly. I will say however that I'm afraid to touch any dial!! This tutorial is especially helpful explaining the differential feed. I actually had no idea what that was. I bought my overlocker way long ago to use hemming a house full of ruffled curtains; never had a machine that was a dream when the settings were correct and made me want to run over it with a truck when I couldn't get it set correctly.
So lovely to hear things are going well for you now Nancy and I'm so thrilled people liked the explanation about the diff feed so much. Yes we all have those moments when you could throw a machine out of the window I'm sure!
I am a very keen on sewing and have brother machine and I have just purchased a Medion overlocker so I was very interested in your video, I will have to watch it again as there is more to this than I thought
Thank you so much Lucy, I really really enjoyed watching you talk us through the overlocker machine. I have an overlock machine, but, it’s not being used all that much. And I’ve used it, but, not for a while. Please stay safe and well too xxx Mags
thank you for your video! I have wanted an overlock for a long time! I got one for my birthday and now I am ready to use it. I have sewn with my regular machine for 50 years, and am so excited to start using this new machine! I got a Singer S0230, 4 thread. I make many things from home decor, to better wearable garments, and now looking forward to the nicer finishes. I love my singer machine, and because of that, got the singer serger, however that babyloc,,,???? wow! maybe in the future I will get that! Just happy to get started, looking forward to a new experience.
Thank you for the video. Once you have one you will wonder why you waiter do long getting one. I have a Singer Finishing Touch. IMHO a serger should be your first machine you purchase. Then save a for a very good sewing machine. Servers can see complete garments so you don't actually need a sewing machine desperately. Baby Lock is very good machine. If I had known more about them I would have bought one they are so easy to work with.
I have a basic overlocker and never made anything on it, (I have sewed scraps on it to see what it does) so I reckon in 2020 I will have to move it from the back of my table to the front and get going!!!! Thank you for this.
Jane Cartmale oh do get it out and use, there is a bit to learn but a dream to use, so many good things you can do. Best wishes to learn to use it to its best advantage!
My ex wife just gave me a present A janome SMD 222D four thread overlocker, she got it for £15 in a Garden sale, it's immaculate, but has no manual, have managed a few good seams thanks to RU-vid channels like yours Can't seem to find my model number anywhere
I've overlooked for at least 20 years we used to snip the nylon thread and tie the new on and pull it through dead easy .I'm going to get myself an ex industrial janome or brother .
Amazing content! Definitely investing in one after watching this video! I am intrigued by another matter... Where on earth is this accent from??? So lovely and clear yet so unfamiliar!?
I would buy one for the practicality but I never liked the look of clothes finished with overlock . I prefer a more subtle look to my seams . For casual clothes maybe one day .
I’ve seen your video looking for information. Very helpful! Thank you!!! ❤️ Wondering, they are many on the market…. Difficult to find out where they are made in ! Most made in China…. How I know if the quality is good?
A completely different question: can you share the pattern of your shirt? I've just bought my overlocker and this would be a nice first real project. Thx! Karin
Hi I am looking for the user manual for the 606 D empisal overlocker. Getting back after many years of not sewing. I need tto familiarise with the machine again.Thanks
Thanks for all the tips! I just found sewing as my new hobby and am searching/thinking for a serger or a combination serger/coverstitch machine. I guess it will be easier to have jet air threading feature for a combination machine, correct me if I am wrong. Also, I don't know why I have an impression that there is no free arm for combination machine (correct me if I am wrong again). If that's the case, would that be an issue? I know I would use it quite frequent to shorten sleeves and pants.
I was hoping someone would explain how to use a serger with the different threads. Am I supposed to unthread the ones I'm not using? Am I supposed to take one of the needles out if I'm not using it? My manual is not clear on this subject nor is this video.
Have a,brother 1034d but having problems with threading needles due to my eyesight but upgraded to the babylock enspire with airthreading , oh my , thread in minutes,
This was really helpful thanks. I have a 5 thread beautiful Elna machine that I gave up on as I can’t thread it. Am i able to take out that 5th thread and use it that way? I think that would be easier. Regret choosing the complicated one!
I'm not familiar with that machine I'm afraid, but a lot of them with the extra spools allow you to sew with less, if you check the manual there should be plenty of info in there.
I just bought a brother serger. I have a question. If a thread breaks, do you need to retread all threads in the other that is required for the machine? It's very intimidating to me. I am so new to the serger machine.
Thank You for the great instructional video! Can you use the overlocker with just one thread, as a regular sewing machine? Or must you always use at least 2 threads? Thank You!
hi lisa i got a three thread overlocker but the reason i would like to ask with a 3 thr ead i got to use a sewing machine for the seams as well is that the case with a 4 thread.
Some of the overlockers are out of stock at the moment, but we do have a great beginners overlocker in the Brother section here www.sewessential.co.uk/brother-2104d-overlocker we'd be happy to chat to you about it if you need to just email us on sales@sewessential.co.uk
Thanks for doing this video. I was given an overlocker by a neighbour then moved from the area so she couldn't given me any lessons. I am still not 'friends' with it but things are improving. This i probably an obvious question but does the stitch length mean the seam width. If the pattern has a 1 cm. seam allowance do you set a 1cm stitch length? May be obvious but, just wondering.
The stitch length usually means how long the stitches are rather than how wide the seam is. To get the correct width of seam you need to line the edge of your fabric up with a marker on the machine. If you look at this blog article I wrote you'll see what I mean under the header 'sewing seams' www.sewessential.co.uk/blog/five-techniques-sewing-clothes-overlocker/
I bought a Brother 2104D about 2 years ago but I have never been able to use it because the left needle thread keeps breaking. I am new to overlockers. I have carefully followed the threading instructions. I have tried changing the needle and I use good quality thread (maxi lock) What else can I do? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I have a Janome 9300DX and not sure on the needle type to use. On the front of the machine it says to use only HA-1SP NEEDLE 11-14 However when I search for needles they have STRETCH written on the packets. I haven't used knit fabrics yet, so do I have to get needles that don't say STRETCH on them. I just feel unsure about purchasing replacement needles. I have been sewing linen with a size 11 needle and it keeps breaking. So I assume I need a thicker needle size say a 14?
Incredibly unhelpful video, more a sales pitch for the website and preferred machines. For a beginners guide, the machines stay behind her at all times, not at all helpful.
Well all of the Babylock overlockers have the jet air threading system, but the one I have is the Desire 3 which is also a coverstitch machine. We know the full range inside out so if you need any help don't hesitate to give us a shout on 01283210422 and we will be very happy to help.
Hello, I have the Pfaff Coverlock 4862. It's a wonderful machine if I could just get it to sew. I have studied the owner's manual for days, and I'm sure that I have it threaded correctly. I am trying to do program 2, the four thread overedge stitch. It will cut and stitch, but at the end you just see the four threads coming out of the back of the presser foot. The stitches won't remain in the fabric. In the end you just end up with a piece of fabric that has been cut. It's maddening! I'm ready to tear my hair out !😵💫
@@dragonslymphoedma5239 Thank you for answering. I discovered that it wasn't sewing because I didn't have the needles in the right side. It serges now but the loops are big going off of the finished edge. If I try to dial the width to 5.5 like it says to in program 2 then it stops sewing. It wants to stay at 3.5 or it stops sewing, so something is wrong. I am going to have to go to the Pfaff dealer. Thank you again for trying to help.😊
I bought a Brother 2104D and the thread of the left needle keeps breaking. I am new to overlockers. I keep rethreading using a teaching video to make sure I do it correctly. I have changed the needle and using Maxi lock thread. What else can I do? I haven’t had chance to try it out yet! Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I bought a small tool called a "two needle inserter" which is extremely helpful. It costs only a few dollars and makes needle insertion on a serger simple.
i think a sewing machine is more important. if you're not making clothes, for instance, you'll need the sewing machine more. it really depends on what you're making. Also remember that most sewing machines have the option to finish off raw edges.
No, not at all! Well, unless you love sewing knits and fleece, they perform much better on knits. However you don’t have to spend a lot to get a decent serger for 250, or find a better quality one used. I just gifted someone with a really great serger, and sewing machine so you never know!
@@lilolmecj Ah, they perform better on those fabrics! mystery solved! lol i still struggle with woven fabrics, so i guess 2 sewing machines are enough ;p
Sapphire Camui when you have progressed some, go to your sewing machine store and have them show you what a serger can do! They are great , but my mother sewed revelry fabrics using her sewing machine over edge stitch.
Sorry I'm not sure why, here is the link again, I hope that helps and thanks for watching www.sewessential.co.uk/haberdashery/threads/overlocking-threads-and-flosses
ok , but still confused : what can an overlocker do that my sewing machine cant ? I know they can but what . Can an overlocker simply replace a standard sewing machine So Ok be topical show us how to make a Covid 19 mask with an overlocker ? Advantages disadvantages ?
I have just joined a load of wadding pieces for a lap quilt with my new overlocker.... I would have struggled with the zig zag on my sewing machine.. and the joins aren't showing.
I have the Babylock Desire 3 which is an overlocker and coverstitch combined so great for hemming knit garments. If you need any more advice or help give us a call on 01283210422 and we're always happy to help.
