Overlock machine
Also known as: Serger, Overlocker, Merrow machine
Industrial sewing machine that in one pass trims, overcasts and joins fabric edges using needle and looper threads.
Description
The overlock machine (US: serger) is a specialised sewing machine that performs three operations in one pass: it trims the fabric edge with an integrated upper/lower knife, overcasts it to prevent fraying and joins two fabric plies. Instead of bobbins it uses loopers that wrap the thread around the edge.
Overlocks are classified by thread count:
- 2-thread overlock: edge finishing of light fabrics
- 3-thread overlock: standard finishing, stretch seams (jersey)
- 4-thread overlock (safety stitch): very stable manufacturing seam – standard in T-shirt and sweatshirt production
- 5-thread overlock: combines chain stitch + overlock into a particularly strong safety seam (jeans, workwear)
Industrial machines run at 5,000–9,000 stitches per minute; leading brands are Juki, Pegasus, Yamato, Brother, Baby Lock and Merrow (inventor of the overlock stitch, 1889). The overlock is essential for sport-, underwear- and knit-garment production because it allows the seam to stretch.
Properties
| Function | Trim + overcast + join |
|---|---|
| Thread configurations | 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-thread |
| Standard garment | 4-thread (safety stitch) |
| Speed | 5,000-9,000 stitches/min |
| Manufacturers | Juki, Pegasus, Yamato, Merrow |
| History | Merrow 1889 (USA) |
Related product categories
Sources & references
1- Wikipedia: Serger (Overlock) Wikipedia — Freie Enzyklopädie https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serger
