General Overlock tips and helpful hints

Overlocker machines are essential for creating strong, professional-quality seams and finishing fabric edges. To get the best results and keep your machine running smoothly, follow these essential tips and troubleshooting advice.

Preventing Needle Drops – Never Lose Another Needle in Your Machine

When changing or removing needles from an overlocker, always take precautions to prevent them from falling into the machine.

• Leave the old needle threaded while changing it—this helps keep track of the removed needle.
• Place a piece of cloth or paper underneath the needle area before loosening the screw to catch any dropped needles.
• Use a magnetic tool or tweezers to safely retrieve a dropped needle without disassembling the machine.
• Always tighten new needles securely to prevent them from slipping out while stitching.

Caring for Your Overlocker – It Needs Tender Loving Care

Regular maintenance will extend your machine’s lifespan and keep it running smoothly.

• Keep your overlocker covered when not in use to prevent dust build up and discoloration from sunlight.
• Regularly clean lint, thread fragments, and fabric dust from the machine, especially around the loopers, feed dogs, and knife blades.
• Oil your machine as recommended in the user manual—overlockers run at high speeds, and proper lubrication reduces wear and tear.
• Store in a dry environment to prevent rust or damage to metal components.

Avoid Sewing Over Pins – Protect Your Knife Blades

Overlockers have built-in knives that trim fabric as you sew, and hitting a pin can damage or dull these blades.

• Learn to "finger pin" instead of using traditional pins. Hold fabric layers together with your fingers as you feed them through the machine.
• If you must use pins, choose ones with large heads in a contrasting colour to the fabric so they are easy to spot.
• Place pins at a 90-degree angle, several inches from the fabric edge, so they are outside the cutting range.
• Consider using fabric clips instead of pins to avoid accidental blade contact.

Blade Positioning – Check Before You Start

Before sewing, always verify that the cutting blade is in the correct position.

• If using the cutting function, ensure the blade is fully engaged and locked into place so it trims fabric cleanly.
• If you don’t need to trim, make sure the blade is fully disengaged to avoid unnecessary wear or accidental cuts.
• Some machines have a blade adjustment knob—turn it until you hear a click to confirm its position.

Safety First – Keep Looper Covers Closed

Overlockers have moving parts that can be hazardous if not used properly.

• Always close the looper cover before operating the machine. Some models are designed to prevent sewing if the cover is open as a safety feature.
• Keep fingers, clothing, and loose threads away from the moving knives and loopers.
• Turn off the machine and unplug it when changing needles, cleaning, or adjusting the blade to avoid accidental activation.

Guiding Fabric Properly – Never Pull or Push the Fabric

Unlike traditional sewing machines, an overlocker has feed dogs that move fabric through automatically.

• Do not pull or push the fabric—this can bend the needles, misalign stitches, or damage the feed system.
• Simply guide the fabric lightly and allow the machine to feed it at its own pace.
• If fabric isn’t moving smoothly, check the differential feed setting—adjusting this can help prevent stretching or puckering on different fabric types.
• For extra control on tricky fabrics like knits or silks, use a walking foot attachment if your model allows.

Troubleshooting Common Overlocker Issues

1. Loops Hanging Off the Fabric Edge

• Cause: Upper looper thread is too loose.
• Solution: Tighten the upper looper thread tension slightly.

2. Fabric Is Stretching or Puckering

• Cause: Incorrect differential feed setting.
• Solution: Increase the differential feed to prevent stretching (for knits) or reduce it to avoid puckering (for lightweight fabrics).

3. Uneven Stitching or Thread Breakage

• Cause: Incorrect threading or tension settings.
• Solution: Rethread the machine carefully following the threading diagram, and check that all threads are passing through the correct tension disks.

4. Skipped Stitches

• Cause: Dull or incorrectly installed needle.
• Solution: Replace with a new, correct-size needle and ensure it is inserted fully into the needle clamp.

5. Overlocker Not Cutting Fabric Cleanly

• Cause: Dull or damaged blade.
• Solution: Replace the upper or lower blade following the machine's instructions.

Recommended Overlocker Stitches for Different Fabrics

1. 4-Thread Overlock Stitch (Strong, Stretchable)

Best for: Knit fabrics, sportswear, activewear, and general seam finishing.

Description: A durable stitch with two needles and two loopers, providing strong seams with some elasticity.

2. 3-Thread Overlock Stitch (Lightweight, Less Bulk)

Best for: Lightweight fabrics, decorative edges, or finishing raw edges.

Description: Uses one needle and two loopers, creating a secure but slightly less durable seam than the 4-thread stitch.

3. 2-Thread Overlock Stitch (Delicate Fabrics)

Best for: Sheer fabrics, lightweight knits, and rolled hems.

Description: A fine stitch using only one looper and one needle, reducing bulk for delicate materials.

4. Rolled Hem Stitch (Narrow, Decorative Edge)

Best for: Chiffon, organza, and scarves.

Description: A narrow, tight stitch that rolls the fabric edge under slightly, creating a clean and decorative finish.

5. Flatlock Stitch (Decorative or Stretch Seams)

Best for: Activewear, decorative seams, and joining fabric layers without bulk.

Description: Creates a ladder-like seam that can be used for both decoration and functional stretch seams.

Check out our range of Singer Overlockers