6 Best Overlock Machines To Give Your Sewing The Edge

Sewing machines are primarily distinguished from each other by quality and performance, and now, by adding features that give sewists an excellent sewing experience.

They may exhibit all the same features and functions, but quality spells the difference and determine to a great extent whether one is worth buying or not.

Suppose that sewing machines are of excellent quality; having a serge sewing machine may be the clincher.

Aside from quality stitch and comfort, we cannot overestimate a user’s overall satisfaction with an excellent, finished sewing project.

The best overlock machine may as well finish the task for you, to your great satisfaction.

It is the one that will complete the sewing project, doing the mopping up operation and tying the loose ends, almost literally.

This article reviews the best overlock sewing machines currently available, but first, why do we need an overlock machine, to begin with, what does it do, and what makes them a must for sewists, embroiders, and crafters?

Why Do You Need An Overlocker?

An overlocker, also known as a serger, is a specialized machine whose task is to finish the edges of the sewing project smoothly.

It uses different threads, usually between two to twelve, to fix the fabric’s border with an overcast stitch, as it also trims away the seam allowance.

Serger sewing machines can do that at varying speeds. Unlike a regular sewing machine with a bobbin and a needle, an overlocker has a blade, a feature we call loopers, and multiple needles.

Therefore, serger sewing machines are entirely different from ordinary sewing machines. It has other features altogether and has a wholly different use.

You may need an overlock machine because it can give a nice, smooth feel to the sewing project. It looks more creative, and the sewing project will look exceptional if the sewist applies overlocking stitch.

If you are making a sewing project to sell or for business, you will need an overlock machine. It gives your sewing project a no-nonsense professional edge to it.

It is as if you are fine-tuning the fabric or garment. You remove those rough edges, then polish the whole sewing project; the overlock machine is what gives the material its finishing touches. 

Among the things you need to look for in an overlocker are the number of threads (four is the usual number), the adjustable stitch length, and the adjustable pressure foot. They are essential when dealing with fabric.

You also need to look at the free arm and the knife; both are important for sewing and cutting fabric, especially sleeves.

The Best Overlock Machine: Our Top Picks

Here are some of the best overlock sewing machines in the market today:

This Brother overlock machine is ideal for starters and novices with easy-to-operate, simple features and mechanisms.

It is also one of the affordable ones, simply because it is not as heavy-duty and does not feature a lot of options for the user.

But despite that, this machine is very reliable, high performing, and features ¾ thread for perfect seaming.

This one can apply to different clothes and garments, from those with heavy fabric to thinner ones, from formal to casual wear.

Verdict: Sometimes, simple is better, and this is no more true than in this overlock sewing machine, for it gives just enough features not to overwhelm the beginners.

However, its reliability, performance, and affordability more than makeup for its limited features.

The name suggests it: it is heavy-duty, very reliable, impressive, and has that no-nonsense look. Whereas other overlock machines could be cute, this one is all business.

It has a metal, solid frame with two, three, and four thread capacity and a large cutting knife suitable for its no-nonsense sewing duties.

It features color-coded guide assist, excellent LED lights, and adjustable thread tension.

The performance is spectacular, with a speed of 1,300 stitches per minute. Other attachments include a scrap bag, a brush, and others.

Verdict: If you want one that is excellently performing, provides high-quality stitching, and does not break down with frequent use, then this is the serger sewing machine for you.

And with its price of $279, you certainly get your money’s worth.

Others are affordable, while some are easy to use, and other serger sewing machines are reliable, durable, and high-performing.

But if we have to balance them and include the machine-price ratio, another one from Brother could top all of them.

It has a metal frame too, but it is compact and lightweight; it has some advanced features and is also easy to use. It is a combination of excellent performance and reasonable price.

It provides the users with many options concerning stitch length, thread tension, and stitch option, and has a speed of 1,100 stitches per minute, definitely no slouch.

It also comes with many accessories that are of practical use for sewists.

Verdict: You get a lot in terms of performance, reliability, and options. But it does provide excellent comfort, for it is easy to use and operate, it is compact and lightweight, so it is possible to bring it anywhere.

Balancing those pros with the cons, this one still ranks the best overall. It is hard to get that much from a serger machine without giving something in return, it may be priced higher than others, but it is reasonable.

If you just can’t let go of sewing or need an overlock sewing machine somewhere, this one from Juki is very handy.

At fifteen pounds, it is one of the most lightweight overlock sewing machines, but it still packs a high-level performance.

This machine has two, three, and four-thread serger options, with an automatic and automatic rolled hem; it has a color-coded threading looper, one you can use for adjusting stitch length and differential feed.

It is speedy at 1,500 stitches per minute, especially for a portable overlock sewing machine. You can finish all your sewing projects wherever you are before the day is over.

You can work on a different sets of fabrics, from thin to heavy ones. It has some accessories and, unlike other serger machines, this one comes with multiple foot attachments.

Verdict: This one is a mighty serger machine you can bring practically anywhere.

If you are not bothered by the drawback, you can have no problem with this one, especially if you are always out of town.

If the earlier one from Juki is the best portable, this other overlock sewing machine is the most user-friendly.

Threading is no problem; whether for needles or the loopers, you will breeze through the whole process as you start stitching.

With an air threader, you need only push the button so you can thread them according to your desired order. The best thing still, it has a lot of accessories to come with the package: a scrap catcher, tweezer, a screwdriver, and others.

Most sergers, by their nature, are noisy, but this one is a silent operator. You need not worry about the fabric; this machine can handle them with the same efficiency, no matter how thin or heavy.

Verdict: Since the machine offers a lot, naturally, it comes with a price. Excellent threading, nice quality stitching, and sewing experience, almost hassle-free and provides superior comfort.

Whether the price is reasonable for the user depends on whether he wants all of those things. But there is no doubt that this one is among the easiest to operate.

If you are a mid-level sewist who wants a fast, reliable overlocking machine, this one might be appropriate. This one allows you to work with a large area or with a shorter arm.

It has excellent features for intermediate users: a perfect looper threading system, adjustable stitch length, and excellent stitching and fabric-cutting.

It has many accessories, like tweezers, spool caps, a screwdriver, and four needles.

Verdict: It offers much to the table for intermediate users but not advanced users.

Beginners may benefit, but others are more enticing, providing simple features and superior technology at a much better price.

Conclusion

For sewists and even hobbyists, the saying is that they do not need a serger until they use one and realize how wonderful it is.

The good thing is that overlock sewing machines are available, and we have reviewed some, and one of them might be the best serger.

Each has pros and cons, but you need to know your skill level and find the best overlock machine. You can then compare it with others to see if the price is reasonable or not.

But whatever the case may be, you are sure to find one for you as long as you are serious and diligent.

Overlock sewing machines are of great help; they can make your sewing project look great and have that professional feel.