Tell me more about overlockers...?

What is an overlocker, why use one, what can it do?
If you need to sew stretchy seams, use fabrics that fray or just want speedy sewing, you would love an overlocker (or Serger as it is known in the USA). Think of todays leisure wear, popular fleece, childrens clothing, body clinging evening dresses, swim wear or even stretchy knitted tops. They can all be sewn on an overlocker ? and fast.

What is Overlocking?
Basically it is the ability to complete three sewing tasks at the same time - and fast. Overlocking sews the seam edges to join layers, trims the edges of the fabric neatly and over-sews the trimmed edge to prevent fraying - all at once. The main advantages are, of course, the speed in which one seam is completed and the ease in which it is done, providing a stretchy stitch that is perfect for jerseys, knits, t -shirting etc. Overlocking is also ideal for fabrics that fray easily as one-step stitching/neatening means less handling and less opportunity for the fabric to fray away as well as providing a lovely neat finish.