Sewing using an overlock stitch is an essential part of creating garments. This stitch fires up seams, preventing frayed and untidy threads from appearing. It also has the added advantage of creating a professional finish to any finished product. If you’re an aspiring or experienced sewer there’s no better machine to use than a Brother Model Sewing Machine. Here are some tips on how to use this incredible machine to get the perfect overlock stitch.
Essential Tools
The first and most essential part of your sewing project is to ensure you have all the right tools. Start by gathering the materials needed, such as thread, needles, and an appropriately sized presser foot. Set the thread in the correct tension, the presser foot at the correct height, and practice your hand movements on a scrap piece of fabric. The right overlock stitch requires practice and patience.
Adjusting Thread Tension
To get the perfect overlock stitch, adjust the thread tension for each of the four spools of thread: two for the looper, two for the needle. Change the bobbin tension to balance out the four spools of thread, finding that perfect tension where the threads are laying correctly without pulling or overriding. You might have to try the tension a few times before you get it right.
Threading the Bobbins and Loopers
Threading the looper and bobbins is a straight forward but essential step in stitching the perfect overlock. Start with the right looper, thread it first and then onto the second looper. Thread the first bobbin and then the second bobbin into the machine. When you’re finished, the thread should be coming out both sides of the needle.
Choosing settings
Now that you have the right thread tensions, it’s time to move onto the settings. There’s a variety of settings that you can choose between, the most popular being the triple overlock, the double fold and the three thread overlock stitch. Choose the one that works best for the project that you’re working on.
Practicing the Movement
Finally, before you start stitching, practice the movements on a piece of scrap fabric to ensure you’re comfortable and confident with the overlock machine. Make sure you keep your hands up and close together when using the machine, so that you can keep a consistent tension on the bobbin. Then you’re ready to start working on the project.
Practice your stitch
First, it’s important to have a good understanding of what the stitch should look like by simply observing the knot. The overlock stitch should have a consistent height and size, and should be free of any loose threads. This can be achieved by adjusting your stitch length and overlock width settings correctly. Always start by practicing on a single layer of fabric, seeing if the needle is going through the fabric in the correct location and the threads are knitting correctly.
Stitching the Overlock
Start by guiding the fabric under the presser foot of the machine and slowly lowering the foot as you begin to stitch. As you move forward, be sure to create even pressure on the fabric so that the overlock stitch does not become too loose or too tight. This will help to create a consistent stitch on the fabric. As you reach the end of the stitch, raise the presser foot and remove the fabric from the machine.
Finishing the Overlock
Finally, once you have finished stitching the overlock stitch, you should be left with neat and tight seams that look professional. At this point, you can now trim off any excess thread with scissors. This will also help to prevent any loose threads from forming on the fabric.
Checking the stitch
Before moving onto the next step of your project, it’s essential to check the stitching on the fabric. Look closely at the stitch, making sure it is consistent in both height and size. If there are any loose threads or inconsistencies, make sure to fix them immediately to ensure a clean, professional-looking finish.
Troubleshooting
In the unlikely event that you encounter any issues with your overlock machine, one of the quickest and easiest things to do is reset it back to factory settings. This will allow you to start fresh and have a better chance of finding the correct settings for your project. If the problem persists, you should refer to the machine’s user manual or consult a trained technician.
QA Checking
In order to ensure that the overlock stitching is going to last and keep its shape, you should always make sure perform a QA check on the fabric. This will help to detect any potential issues that might arise in the future, such as loose threads or incorrectly tightened seams.
Saving Settings
If you are working on a project that uses the same type of fabric and stitch, it is recommended that you save the settings in the machine’s memory. This will save you time and effort, allowing you to quickly and easily recreate the same stitch pattern in future projects.
Cleaning and Maintaining the Machine
Finally, in order to keep your Brother Model Sewing Machine in tip-top condition, it’s essential to keep it clean and well maintained. Regularly oil and clean the thread spools, presser foot and needle, replace worn out needles, and keep the machine free of dust and lint. This will help ensure the longevity of your machine and get the best results every time.
