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Re: What is the overedge stitch??

redhead2466redhead2466
in Eco-Friendly Family

I have searched everywhere online....ask.com, boardreader, google, and all I came up with was this simple diagram of the stitch:

https://www.singerco.com/resources/stitch_detail.html?content_block_id=209

and this link that I'm pretty sure shows photos of stitches done with sergers that cut the fabric:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overlock

I need to replace my 35 yr. old sewing machine, so i can`t afford both that and a serger right now.  I've been looking online and came across a function called the 'overedge stitch'.  AKA, the 'overlock stitch', or 'merrowing'??  In the past, for some hems, I`ve used a zig-zag stitch and then cut as close to the edge of that as possible.  Does anyone know if this stitch would be better?  Or perhaps closer to what I could do with a serger?  Obviously a sewing machine doesn't cut the fabric, so I'm not even sure how this stitch works...TIA!

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Re: Re: What is the overedge stitch??

  • GladToBeMrs.SRSGladToBeMrs.SRS member

    Oooo...if you can afford a machine with an overlock stitch, ABSOLUTELY go for it.  IMO, the overlock is MUCH better than a regular zigzag for edging.  It is designed to "lock" the "overedge" seam, much like a serger.  Keep in mind that the *minimum* number of threads for a serger is two, whereas the *maximum* number of threads for most standard sewing machines is two (barring any two-needle functions).  Serger seams can have anywhere from two to five threads, and upwards of ten threads.  THAT's a lot of thread! 

     

    =)

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  • redhead2466redhead2466

    Well the model I'm looking at isn't very expensive...$150. 

    It is the 'Singer? Inspiration Sewing Machine 4205', which I can't find a ton of reviews for (2 really good, one bad that says "it didn't work right out of the box" which to me doesn't really mean it is inferior...)

    https://www.zellers.com/stores/shop/product/en/zellers/10001/70988118/70988118

    Just to confirm, I use the overlock and then cut the edge off the fabric, or stitch it right at the edge? Thx.

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  • GladToBeMrs.SRSGladToBeMrs.SRS member

    How cool that they put the overlock is a stitch on that machine.  $150 is quite reasonable, so long as the machine performs well.  Can you try it before you buy it?  

     

    Both of the machines that I have used with overlock stitches came with a special "overlock foot".  This foot has an adjustable guide for the edge of the fabric.  You would do all of your cutting first, then overlock. 

     

    A word to the wise, though -- overlock stitching can be quite slow compared to regular sewing or serging.  

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  • smurfetteinredsmurfetteinred
    Many machines allow you to overcast your zigzag stitch. Maybe that's what they mean by overedge. I've done that with my old rather basic sewing machine quite a bit. I zigzag just over the edge of the seam (ie. the left stitch in and the right stitch just over the side). You wind up with a slightly sergy looking finish. You have to be good at a straight line so you don't go too far over though or you'll end up with a jam.
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  • GladToBeMrs.SRSGladToBeMrs.SRS member
    I've overcasted with my zigzag before, too smurfette.  I don't know about the machine she's talking about purchasing, but mine has a separate set of overcast stitches altogether. 
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