Overlocker and Coverstitch Guides

The Baby Lock Desire 3 is the cheapest Baby Lock machine to include both the overlocker and coverstitch function (also known as a coverlock). It is incredibly easy to thread and produces beautiful stitch quality as you would expect from a Baby Lock machine. In this review we'll highlight the key features, show you how to use the machine, what's in the box and how we can help you with your purchase and for the rest of your own personal sewing journey. Continue reading →

Overlockers aren't just for finishing seams and in this video I'll show you 7 clever tips to take your overlocker skills to the next level. If you've ever struggled to sew a neckband without a bulky bit at the end or wrestled with tricky sewing tasks, like turning through a rouleau strap, this video and blog post is for you. Continue reading →

Sewing jersey garments, especially on an overlocker, can be a scary business, but learning how to sew a simple jersey dress or Tshirt is easier than you might think and so worth it. In this video I'll show you step by step how to construct Simplicity 8982 including all the tapes and interfacing products I use to help you achieve great results every time. Continue reading →

Unpicking overlocker and coverstitch stitches isn't fun, but it's a lot easier and quicker if you know how. Having said that, no matter how many times I do it I always have to remind myself how to do it so I thought I'd write it down and share it with you lovely folk. Maybe that way it will stick?! Continue reading →

A coverstitch binding attachment will help you to achieve perfect and professional knit and jersey neckbands every time. No more stress, no more holding of breath, just straight forward, easy knit neckbands in one simple step. In this video I'll demonstrate exactly how it works and where you can find the attachment for your coverstitch/coverlock machine to make your perfect jersey neckband dreams a reality! Continue reading →

Now the winter chill is setting in we are reaching for our cosy knit and jersey fabrics. Although you can create knit garments on a sewing machine, you can also make them using an overlocker. However, I've often heard people say they only use their overlocker for finishing seams. In this article we'll share some tips and techniques to help you gain confidence in this area and get the most out of your machine. Even if you are confident on your overlocker there are some handy little tips you may find useful. Continue reading →

A few weeks ago we shared five hand stitched hem techniques here on the blog and I promised there would be further posts on machine stitched hems and hem finishes on your overlocker. Seeing as it is now well and truly Autumn when we find ourselves reaching for the cosy knit fabrics in our stash or the fabric store (we have a good range of stretch fabrics on our site if you want to check it out) I thought we'd share the hem finishes you can achieve on your overlocker. Plus I must admit I'm currently in the throes of a long and unwavering love affair with my Babylock overlocker and can't stop raving about it having spent a little time exploring its full capabilities. If you have an overlocker or are considering buying one it is well worth spending a little time opening your eyes to the tasks you can complete on an overlocker - ironically finishing seams is merely the starting point. Continue reading →

A couple of weeks ago we introduced you to overlockers and, as promised, today we're going to share some great uses for your overlocker beyond finishing the raw edges of your garment. Overlockers really can take your sewing to the next level in terms of achieving a very professional finish quickly and easily, which is why you saw them used so frequently in the Great British Sewing Bee this year. Continue reading →

If you're into sewing it's worth finding out what an overlocker is and how it can make your sewing projects more enjoyable. Firstly it can help speed your sewing up and, let's face it, if you have the sewing bug this can only be a good thing since it will allow you to sew more and more projects in the time you have available. Secondly it will help you to achieve a more professional finish to your garments resulting in more of those amazed gasps of wonder from your non sewing buddies as they remark 'I can't believe you made that!' and that just never gets old does it?! Finally there are a whole range of clever tricks you can use an overlocker for other than neatening or finishing seams such as constructing garments in increasingly popular jersey and knit fabrics, creating fancy rolled hems and a whole load of other fancy stitch finishes to name but a few. Continue reading →