Best Overlock Machines for Home and Professional Use in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update November 5, 2024
If you've got a sewing machine and want to bring your projects up to a pro level, then a serger is a must! Fraying edges ...Read more
PROS

The combination of unique STS and TLS systems prevents slacking and allows better control over different fabrics. Runs smoothly and quietly virtually with no vibrations. A built-in LED light offers great visibility under low light conditions.

CONS

May leave gaps between stitches if adjusted improperly.

OUR VERDICT

Unequalled stitch quality along with ease of use and pretty simple threading make this serger the best choice for both novice sewers who have never used a cover stitch machine before and seasoned sewers with extensive experience.

detailed parameters
Number of threads

2, 3, 4

Sewing speed

Up to 1000 stitches per minute

Differential feed

Yes

Adjustable presser foot pressure

Yes

Stitch length / width

Length: 1-4 mm
Width: 3-6 mm

Built-in stitch patterns

7

Included Presser Feet

All-purpose foot

Dimensions

41.3 x 26.5 x 33.4 cm
Weight: 8 kg

Accessories

Large screwdriver, Small screwdriver, Spool nets, Spool caps, Tweezers, Needle threader, Lint brush, Dust cover, Screws for optional attachments, Foot control, Accessory box, ELX705 needles

Warranty

2 years (can be extended for extra 3 years)

PROS

The trim trap can be used as a holder for accessories to let you keep your all essentials at hand. Features a built-in rolled hemming for projects that don't require trimming seam allowance.

CONS

The overlock machine is a bit noisy.

OUR VERDICT

This all-purpose serger can be used for smooth and accurate stitching on fine, delicate and even thick fabrics. If you want to hem necklines and legs without difficulties, the free-arm feature will come in handy.

detailed parameters
Number of threads

3, 4

Sewing speed

Up to 1300 stitches per minute

Differential feed

Yes

Adjustable presser foot pressure

Yes

Stitch length / width

Length: 0.8-4 mm

Built-in stitch patterns

6

Included Presser Feet

Blind hem stitch foot,
Gathering foot

Dimensions

34 x 30.4 x 28.3 cm
Weight: 7 kg

Accessories

Soft cover, Accessory bag with trim trap, Spool nets, Spool caps, Needle set, Cleaning brush, Hexagonal driver, Tweezers, Instructional DVD and operation manual

Warranty

3 years

PROS

Featuring F.A.S.T. (Fast and Simple Threading) lower looper threading system, this overlock machine is easy to thread even by novice users. The control dials are located on the left side of the housing for easy access.

CONS

The serger may gather delicate fabrics, so careful use is required.

OUR VERDICT

Brother machine is a user-friendly overlocker that offers a great price to performance ratio. Ideal for those who just learn how to sew but want to have a highly-efficient model.

detailed parameters
Number of threads

3, 4

Sewing speed

Up to 1300 stitches per minute

Differential feed

Yes

Adjustable presser foot pressure

Yes

Stitch length / width

Length: 1-4 mm
Width: 5-7 mm

Built-in stitch patterns

5

Included Presser Feet

All-purpose foot,
Blind hem stitch foot,
Gathering foot

Dimensions

29.79 x 27.89 x 33.5 cm
Weight: 6.1 kg

Accessories

Soft cover, Accessory bag with needle set, Thread nets, Thread spool caps, Tweezers, Cleaning brush, Hexagonal driver, Trim trap, Foot controller pedal, Instruction DVD, Instruction manual

Warranty

3 years

PROS

Perfect for stitching through several layers of fabric owing to the clearance between a presser foot and a machine bed. The overlocker is easy to move around with a carry handle.

CONS

A bit difficult to stitch heavy fabrics.

OUR VERDICT

Singer company has created this serger for home use that nonetheless can handle literally any sewing task. It manages hemming cuffs, legs, and necklines easily regardless their size thanks to the unique shape of a free arm.

detailed parameters
Number of threads

2, 3, 4

Sewing speed

Up to 1300 stitches per minute

Differential feed

Yes

Adjustable presser foot pressure

Yes

Stitch length / width

Length: 1-4 mm
Width: 3-6.7 mm

Built-in stitch patterns

6

Included Presser Feet

All-purpose foot

Dimensions

37.2 x 32.8 x 31.6 cm
Weight: 7 kg

Accessories

Tweezers, Needle set, Spreader, Screwdriver, Dust cover

Warranty

3 years

PROS

The model can be operated as either a 3 or 4 thread overlocker, with differential feed, cutting at the same time as you sew. The machine also features stand out tensions for accurate needle setting. You will be able to find lay in tensions that come with tension release, in order to make looper threading as easy as possible.

CONS

The machine is one of the heavier models.

OUR VERDICT

The Jaguar Starter 096 is one of the better options on the market if you're looking for an overlock machine that is capable of handling difficult and stretchy materials and delivering professional grade accuracy and performance.

detailed parameters
Number of threads

3, 4

Sewing speed

Up to 1300 stitches per minute

Differential feed

Yes

Adjustable presser foot pressure

Yes

Stitch length / width

1-5mm adjustable stitch length

Built-in stitch patterns

8

Included Presser Feet

All-purpose foot

Dimensions

39.8 x 38.4 x 33.8 cm;

Weight: 9 kg

Accessories

Stitch finger, needle set, brush, screwdriver, machine cover, spanner, oiler, tweezers, thread net, spool disk/holder/clap, accessories bag, foot control and an instructions manual

Warranty

1 year

Perfect Stitches On All Fabric Types

The Janome CoverPro 2000 CPX is a highly specialised single-purpose machine that sews perfect cover hems. Though, you should be aware that the cover stitch machine doesn't function as a serger or an overlocker since it doesn't feature the knives a serger has and thus, it doesn't cut off the fabric's edge while you are sewing. Every single stitch the Janome Cover Pro does is stretch-fabric-friendly, as it is designed to perform hems that are incredibly sleek and add a professional look to the garments. What's more, the cover hem stitches are neither twisted nor wobbly, so you will be able to make accurate elastic stitches and edge a wide variety of stretchy, fine, synthetic, and extra thick fabrics as well as fray different materials. So, if you need to hem your T-shirt at a neckline or a sleeve, or sew some active wear, the cover stitch machine is the only option since the hem looks really neat and can stretch. What sets this model apart from many other cover stitch machines is its seam tightening system (STS) and tension level control (TLC). To specify, the unique STS with a spring-loaded looper is designed to pull threads tails divergently in order to prevent slacking while TLC provides great control over different fabrics. The combination of these 2 features ensures that you will be able to sew tight flat seams on all types of fabric. It means that the hem won't wear out too soon. For enhanced convenience of use, the Janome cover hem machine offers a built-in LED light that allows better illumination of your working area for sewing detailed projects and it provides much bigger arm space as distinct with many other competing machines.

For those who need several devices for accomplishing different types of projects, we'd like to recommend reading our review on the best embroidery machines.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £639.50
Stock In stock
ASIN B00X5ZHSH0

One-of-a-kind Model For both Novice and Pro Sewers

The Brother 3034D machine can be safely called the all-purpose serger using which you will be able to stitch fine and delicate fabrics such as silk and chiffon, as well as thick materials such as jeans, etc. You don't have to be "a master of threading" to thread this overlocker. It's been designed to be pretty simple and straightforward to control. You don't even need to refer to the manual (included) or a DVD disk, since all the guidelines are drawn on the housing. The Brother 3034D is probably one of the best overlockers for finishing frayed edges; it does it quickly, it trims all excess seam allowance away in no time at all. When trimming fabric isn't required, the knife can be turned off and the machine can be used for other tasks, depending on your projects. Another feature that we liked about the device is its convertible working area with a free-arm that allows much more comfortable stitching of cuffs and sleeves.

For your convenience, the Brother 3034D overlocker comes with a handy bag in which you could store all the needed accessories. The given serger is designed for making sewing a much quicker process. It offers 6 different types of stitches to sew all sorts of specific projects, and it's fitted with a trim trap for collecting shreds of cloth and frays in a convenient way. The Brother 3034D machine is a great quality overlock machine that won't disappoint you with its performance and will easily cope with any task.

If you love unique knitted clothes like sweaters, scarves, mittens, hats, and socks, with one of the knitting machines that we've picked for you, you will be able to make your own clothes in the comfort of your home. 

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B0010AB170

With this Serger You'll be Capable of Anything

Despite user-friendly design and controls, the Brother 1034D overlock machine can add a professional touch to your clothes and homemade garments and it is suitable for sewers of any level and for all kinds of projects thanks to the implemented technologies. Still, its simplicity of use is what sets it apart from many other models and makes it a favoured option by many sewers. To thread the machine, you only need to follow the right order of colour-coded guidelines on the housing. Trimming is also supported and accomplished in a simple way, while when you don't need to it, it can be easily switched off by turning the knife off. Another great advantage of the Brother 1034D overlock machine is that it's fitted with a differential feed that can be adjusted to adapt to any particular type of fabric and allow easier sewing. With all that said, we can easily assume that with an overlock machine like the Brother 1034D, you'll never be challenged by any project and will be able to get the work done in a convenient and quick way at home. 

If you've spotted pilling on your woolen clothes, throwing them away won't be necessary. A lint remover was designed specifically for this purpose, allowing you to remove pilling from delicate fabrics quickly and comfortably. 

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B003CRFAGM

Budget Overlocker for Home Use

If you are seeking a budget serger for at-home use, the Singer Overlock 14SH754 is the best option for you. Despite it is considerably cheaper than some other models, it provides a great number of useful functions. As distinct with cheaper devices, this overlocker allows sewers to use it on literally all types of fabrics with accuracy and a minimum effort. It doesn't gather clothes and it can go through heavy thick fabric smoothly. The maintenance is simple and hassle-free too, owing to the clear instructions and guides provided on its housing.

Good quality product doesn't need to be expensive and if you need a decent overlocker at a good price, you can easily consider this option and use it for a great variety of tasks, including edging, flouncing, pin-tucking, hemming sleeves, cuffs, etc. without adding extra costs. We've given justice to a peculiar 2-thread sewing configuration that makes it easy for sewers to handle delicate fabrics such as silk, satin, taffeta in an accurate way.

The Singer Overlock 14SH754 features a built-in LED light to provide sewers with more light during work, which is handy considering difficulty of certain projects. Additional light not only adds to the convenience of use but also allows higher precision results.

Some fabrics require steaming before a sewer can work with them. And this is done right only if the iron doesn't make any contact with the material. Thus, if you haven't got a steam iron yet, you might find it quite difficult stitching certain fabrics.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £294.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B004LY3WGU

Leader of the Industry

The Jaguar Starter 096 is one of the most impressive overlock machines from the company that is rightfully known as one of the largest sewing machine manufacturers in the world. Although the company produces plenty of devices for individuals to be used in the comforts of their home, Jaguar Japan is mostly renowned for developing and manufacturing machines and overlockers for such giants of the industry as Bernina, Juki, and Singer. And there are quite a few exceptionally good reasons that The Jaguar Overlockers are one of the favourites amongst the sewing aficionados, one of them being the fact that their machines easily produce a professional finish that is far beyond what you could possibly expect from an average sewing machine. You can open both of the front doors, making threading conveniently accessible. And when it comes to said threading, no special tools or tweezers are required.

The Jaguar Starter 096 is a remarkably engineered device that can be operated as either a 3 or 4 thread overlocker, with differential feed, cutting at the same time as you sew. The machine also features stand out tensions for accurate needle setting. You will be able to find lay in tensions that come with tension release in order to make looper threading as easy as possible. The model is also colour coded for convenient threading and comes with a clip-on foot, unique swing-away cutter, and a lint waste tray. You may also be pleased to know that the machine features an integrated storage compartment. It also comes with a dual feed if you tend to work with some of the more stretchy material.

Last but not least, the device comes with an adjustable foot pressure to provide some additional convenience and is capable of delivering up to 1,300 stitches per minute. The machine isn't necessarily one of the more lightweight models but we can certainly forgive it this little flaw due to the fact that Jaguar Starter 096 is one of the better options on the market if you're looking for an overlock machine that is capable of handling difficult materials and delivering professional grade accuracy and performance.

Additional Info

User Manual

Last updated price £269.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B015S3OY1O

What Is an Overlock Machine?

Overlock machines were originally used for industrial sewing. Nowadays, thanks to modern technologies, every sewer can have one at home. So, what for do we need a serger? This device is used to overlock stitches and enclose raw edges in order to prevent fraying. Moreover, an overlock machine trims off excess seam allowance, so you don't have to do it manually. The sergers do a good job in edging, hemming, and seaming and also add a professional look to your garments. You may say that an ordinary sewing machine is capable of it by creating a lockstitch. But it is not completely true since a serger uses loopers to feed several thread cones and adds elastics to the stitches. So, an overlocking machine is an irreplaceable device, for sure.

But it is still not a stand-alone machine and some garments cannot be sewn properly without using an ordinary sewing machine. Thus, we recommend you to look through our review on sewing machines.

What Features to Compare

Sewing Capabilities

Before you decide on any particular model of overlock machine, you should firstly determine what for you are going to use it. If you need a device for home use, we recommend you to opt for a serger that can be used with 2, 3, and 4 threads. Such models show great results in stitching light and medium weight fabrics and accept almost all tread types. But you should look for a 5-thread machine if you need it for commercial use. They create strong seams required for lacing heavyweight fabrics and also eliminate the need to reinforce the seams with a sewing machine. 

Sewing speed and Usability

If compared to sewing machines, overlockers operate at higher speeds, reaching 1300-1500 stitches per minute. And obviously the faster a serger is the quicker it can complete its tasks. Although, it shouldn't be out of blue that such high-performing machines are usually more expensive too. We'd recommend you to opt for a serger equipped with lower looper threaders and needle threaders and surrender the process of  feeding threads to the machine.

Technical peculiarities

An adjustable differential feed function is what differs overlock machines from other sewing equipment and allows users a total control over the speed of feeding fabric through the needle area for the best results. This feature is of the prime necessity when stitching stretch fabrics and is a guarantee of no wave-like effect on the edges. An overlock machine with an adjustable presser foot would help deal with different types of fabric, ensuring that a cloth of any thickness can slip in between smoothly, so if you plan to work with different fabrics, consider this option too. 

Sources:

1. Overlock, Wikipedia. August 27, 2016.

2. Debbie Colgrove Understanding a Serger or Overlocking Sewing Machine, About. September 2, 2016.

3. How to Hem, wikiHow.

4. Serger Thread – Types and Benefits of Using Sergers, Create For Less.

5. Millie Schwandt Choose the Right Serger Stitch for Your Project, Threads.

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