What should be the thread for the overlock?

Every woman, addicted to sewing, sooner or later faces the need to purchase an overlock. However, when the treasured device was purchased, one of the first problems of a happy owner is the selection of the right threads for it. So, what is the difference between the specialized threads for overlock from conventional and why is it so important to use them?

Overlock, rug and stitching machine

Before you deal with threads, it is worth refreshing your knowledge of what an overlock is, than it differs from a standard sewing machine. It basically makes two types of seams: straight stitch and zigzag. While the first kind allows to connect two or more pieces of fabric, the second one is often used for edge lapping. However, in the case of thin or trailing tissues, the zigzag is ineffective because it stretches and deforms the material. Unlike a sewing machine, the nib is neatly able to process the edges. He does not stretch the fabric, cutting off excess. To form a seam, two to five threads are used. The more they have a particular model, the more types of seams it is able to do.

Overlocks are household and industrial. As a rule, the hulls of the first models consist of plastic. Such devices are less demanding on threads and resources. In this case, they can usually perform several types of joints. Industrial overlocks are designed for hours of work. Therefore, their design is simpler and more reliable. In this case, they are usually able to perform only 1-2 types of stitches.

Sometimes the overlock is confused with a flat-stitched machine (raspashivalkoj). It is able to make flat seams. Designed for the manufacture of products made from knitted fabrics, elastane and other fabrics of similar properties. There are hybrid devices - koverloki. They are able to make flat seams and grind the edge. All of the above devices are rather capricious to sewing threads and often deliver their owners a lot of problems in this matter.

Why is it important to choose the right thread?

Threads for overlock, like needles, is one of those factors on which not only the quality of the future product depends directly, but also the service life of the sewing machine itself. Improperly selected, they can damage the shuttle of the device. In addition, the process of sewing itself depends on the quality of this type of fittings. After all, unsuitable threads will be confused, torn or simply slow down the machine.

What threads for the overlock should not be used?

First of all, cotton threads are unsuitable for overlocks, rugs and flat-stitched machines. They have insufficient elasticity and strength, because of this they often tear during work and deform the plastic parts. Also, do not use the very popular lavsan and reinforced threads. Despite their strength, they can also cause a breakdown of overlocks, as they can not create the necessary tension.

Types of threads for overlocks

There are a huge number of manufacturers of accessories for overlocks: Ideal, Gamma, AMANN Group Mettler, Gutermann, Alterfil, etc. Each of them produces several types of their products. Despite this, three main types of threads for overlockers are distinguished:

1. Universal. This kind can be used on all kinds of sewing machines. Such threads are 100% synthetic fibers. They have additional strength and elasticity.
2. Semi-transparent or transparent (monofilament) threads for the overlock. They are as solid and reliable as the previous one. Their peculiarity is color. They are available in light colors. Have the ability to merge with the color of the fabric.
3. Threads textured for overlock. They have an unusual air structure, but they are incredibly strong. Ideal for sewing underwear and processing delicate fabrics, as the seam gets very delicate and almost imperceptible. At the same time, textured threads should not be used in a two-thread overlock seam. After all, in the process of working on it, they tend to split and become entangled.

Choosing the thread for the overlock, it is first of all to look at their composition. The fibers must be 100% synthetic. Threads of this type are much stronger than natural, as well as mixed.

Requirement for threads

Also it is worth remembering that the type of fabric should match the type of yarns used. Otherwise, when washing and ironing the finished product, unpleasant incidents may occur. Thickness also plays a very important role. Overlock seam is an interlacing of two or more threads. And if they are fat, it will look gross. It is best to use the thread of the following numbers: from 50 to 120. And among the textured are best suited for overlock models number 100, 120 and 250. When buying hardware from an unknown manufacturer, it is worth to assess the quality of the thread. It should be smooth, without knots, thickenings and noticeable defects. As for length, the best option is to buy 1000-meter coils. They are not very expensive. They will be enough for a long time.

Features of selection of threads for industrial overlocks

The household overlock, compared to a sewing machine, is more expensive. Therefore, some lovers sew to save, buy household overlock 51 class. Despite the fact that they are unacceptable for the processing of very thin fabrics and in many respects inferior to modern models, otherwise the instruments can become an indispensable assistant in the sewing business. As for the selection of threads, in this aspect the overlock of class 51 is universal. You can buy any, including Soviet cotton. It is important that all threads of the industrial overlock are of the same thickness. In addition, for each version used, it is necessary to individually adjust their tension.

Overlock for carpets and threads to it

In the CIS, because of the climate, in the dwellings it is common to cover the floors. Due to the fact that the situation in each house is unique, when buying a carpet, carpet and similar products, they have to be cut off. To make the edges look neat and do not crumble, they are overlaid on specialized devices. Such sewing machines require for themselves a separate kind of polypropylene yarn. These threads for overlock carpets are not only strong and elastic, but also do not crumble, do not break with time. In addition, they easily tolerate negative temperatures. The drawbacks of this type of thread can be attributed to the fact that they burn out a little in the sun.

How to fill the thread in the overlock?

Unlike a conventional sewing machine, which runs just one thread (in rare cases, two), in overlock they need to fill a few - from two to five. And in some cases it is quite a laborious occupation. To facilitate their work, many professional seamstresses use the same technique. They simply tie new threads to scraps of old coils at the base, pulling them to the needle itself. And then cut off the knot and tuck into the needle. This method can be used by everyone. But it is worth remembering that such a refueling should be done only with the raised foot. The first time you fill the thread in the overlock, you can ask the seller when buying or use the instructions to the device.

Proper selection of threads for the overlock is very important for its further work and the quality of the finished products. At the same time, every woman should figure out which threads are best for her machine. In this case, this surprisingly useful device will serve her faithfully for many years, helping to realize all the creative intentions.