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Not all overlockers are created equal
With so many machines available in today’s market, choosing an overlocker can be confusing and frightening. It’s important that you get the right machine. The following information will help you to distinguish between a good buy and a potential sewing disaster, and show you why Baby Lock machines are the best overlockers on the market.
Things you should know before you buy an overlocker
Quality and heritage
Baby Lock invented the domestic overlocker, and continues to redefine the domestic overlocker market with a range of innovative and patented technologies. Since the very beginning in 1968, Baby Lock machines have always been – and continue to be – built in Japan for unrivalled quality and durability.
Is it easy to thread?
How long does it take to thread the machine and can it be threaded in any sequence? Many people avoid using their overlocker because it is a nightmare to thread. When you are shown a machine, pay attention to how easy it is to thread the loopers, particularly the lower looper, as this is where much of the trouble begins. If the sales-person is reluctant to let you thread the machine yourself, reconsider buying as you will probably experience problems with threading at home.
Baby Lock machines feature a range of technologies guaranteed to make threading your overlocker as quick and as easy as possible. Our machines use a range of threading systems, depending on your budget and needs: JetAir™, ExtraordinAir™ and RevolutionAir™. All use the same principle of blowing your threads through the loopers with a blast of air – and RevolutionAir™ will even thread the needles automatically too!
Baby Lock machines also feature fully enclosed tubular looper threading paths. Threads aren’t exposed so there's nothing to tangle. And threads can be left where they lay – no more placing threads under the foot and stitching a chain before sewing. With a Baby Lock you can thread in any order and begin stitching immediately without any issues of tangled threads.
How does the ATD System work?
Generally speaking, you get what you pay for. This is particularly true for the quality of stitch you will get from your overlocker. A balanced stitch should not loop off the fabric or contain inconsistencies. Tensions play a big part in creating the perfect stitch.
Baby Lock Overlockers with the pioneering and patented ATD System (Automatic Thread Delivery) allow you to create a perfectly balanced stitch with just the flick of a dial. It works by delivering a specific length of thread to form a balanced stitch instead of putting tension on the thread itself. You simply select A, B, C or D depending on the stitch required. No more tensions – make sure you see this in action!
Coping with thick fabrics
The limitations on how heavy a fabric an overlocker can cut is most often not determined by how strong the motor is, but by the strength of the knife system. Even the heaviest fabrics simply cannot spread the Baby Lock’s lower-mounted, rigid knife system apart. The larger bite allows for easy cutting on thick, bulky fabrics as well. This is due to our patented Advanced Knife Driving System, One-way Clutch System and Vertical Needle Penetration.
Whilst many overlockers have slanted needle positions, Baby Lock machines feature completely vertical needle positions. This allows them to penetrate thick fabrics and greatly reduce needle deflection resulting in less needle breakage. It also means overlocking will not push or damage even the most delicate fabrics.
Speedy?
The Looper Drive System of Baby Lock’s allow the motion of the loopers to be driven more directly from the main shaft. This creates a smoother sewing motion with less vibration and allows greater speeds than ever before.
Adjustable stitch length and automatic rolled hem
On Baby Lock machines a convenient dial controls the stitch length for any stitch. You can even dial a longer or shorter stitch without stopping the machine. This feature makes it easy to customize the stitch dimensions to any fabric or thread. Baby Lock overlockers instantly convert to a rolled hem setting simply by turning the stitch length dial which automatically moves the stitch finger. This Automatic Rolled Hem eliminates the need to change presser foot or needle plate and also eliminates any risk of damaging the stitch finger by removing it manually. Think twice before you buy a machine where you need to waste time changing the needle plate and foot to do a rolled hem.
Differential feed
As essential for stitching knitwear as it is for gathering, differential feed is a major function of an overlocker. Be careful of overlockers which claim to have a 2 to 1 ratio differential feed as this is not always accurate. Ask if the overlocker has a TRUE 2 to 1 differential feed and then ask for a demonstration of the 2 to 1 gather.
The Baby Lock full-featured single unit differential feed is a superior system for gathering, delivering a TRUE 2 to 1 gathering ratio. While some other overlockers use large numbers of working parts to control this differential feed function, Baby Lock overlockers feature a single-unit design. Both feed dogs are controlled directly from the main drive shaft allowing for more consistency in feeding various fabrics.
Fabric support system
The Baby Lock fabric support system allows the adjustment of the lower knife from 3.5 to 7.5mm from the blade to the left overlocking needle. The advantage of this system is the width of the stitch is adjustable on any overlock stitch to accommodate different weights of fabric. With a Baby Lock the position of the stitch finger moves with the position of the cutting blade. This prevents the stitches from rolling the edge of the fabric on a wider stitch width and from looping over the fabric edge on a narrower stitch width.
WOW! factor
The Baby Lock wave stitch is a versatile decorative stitch available only on Baby Lock machines. It’s created by the thread delivery unit, which works to rhythmically grip and release the thread, creating a perfect wave pattern to give your sewing projects a real WOW factor.
Convenience matters
Baby Lock machines are created with convenience in mind:
- A thread cutter in an easy access position will save you even more time as you are sewing;
- Built-in needle threaders make it quick and easy to thread all needles;
- Adjustable presser foot pressure;
- A knee lift for some models;
- Built in accessory storage; and more!
Chain off for coverstitch
Baby Lock were the first domestic machines in the world that were made to ‘chain off’ for cover stitch. Fabric is required to form the stitch in the beginning, but when stitching on a straight piece of fabric, the work can be sewn through and a chain will continue to form without fabric, just like an overlocker. This is a huge advantage as the stitch is then ‘locked’ and will not unravel.
Accessory availability
Ask about the accessories available for your Baby Lock machine. Some accessories are similar to industrial attachments that give you a commercial finish while accessory feet allow you to do more with your machine and take your creative projects further.
Baby Lock machines support a wide range of attachments and feet, and we also have a wide range of other accessories: instructional videos, trolley cases, accessory bags, needles, threads and even a sewing table.
Lessons
A good machine should come with free lessons so make sure you enquire about these. Your Baby Lock dealer will be glad to help you get the most out of your Baby Lock.
Price
If value is one of the most important factors to you, buy the best overlocker you can afford – even if you don’t think you’ll use all of the settings to start with. Baby Lock machines make overlocking so easy you’ll be wanting to try your hand at more advanced techniques and projects in no time! Think of it as future-proofing your equipment – ensuring your skills can continue to grow and aren’t limited by your machine.
