7 Clever Overlocker Tips

This week I'm sharing some of my favourite overlocker tips and tricks with you. Have you ever struggled to overlock a bulky seam or struggled to start and finish the stitches on a neckband evenly? Do you wish you knew how to create some more imaginative techniques to take your knit garments to the next level? Did you realise you can make some of those more challenging and arduous tasks such as gathering stitches, turning straps through and hemming easier with your overlocker? Then this video is for you! I'll take you through no less than seven awesome overlocker techniques that you are going to love. Overlockers aren't just for finishing seams and I can't wait to show you all the fun you can have.
0:00 Introduction
0:55 Overlocking over bulky seams
1:57 Neckband technique
5:43 Gathering stitches
6:59 Rolled hem
8:19 Lettuce edge
10:00 Turning straps
12:40 Hemming technique
14:03 Conclusion
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[@katiecourtney246]

I love her. This is the first video I've seen by her. I will definitely be a regular viewer. She makes everything she taught very understandable. Bravo!😃

[@TheJudeJane]

Gathers on Janome serger using regular serger foot: Left & right needles: 7 Upper & lower loopers: 3 Differential feed: 2.5 Stitch length: 4 No need to pull threads. If you want more gathers, just turn needle disk tensions up from 7 to 8. For less gathers, turn needle tension disks below 7 (try 5 or 6). Makes tons of ruffles in seconds, ladies and gents. Happy 🧵serging!!😊❤️

[@ivorputnam5958]

This woman is such a great presenter.

[@dawnchurchill5971]

❤❤

[@rosemariequilessimon4163]

This is just chock-full of terrific info and I'm so grateful. Knit neckband have been the bane of my sewing life for so long and now I can't wit for next chance to use your techniques. It's all great!

[@bridgetwhite5547]

Thanks for those great tips.

[@SewEssential]

You are so welcome!

[@maureencullen1008]

I couldn't see the need for an overlocker as I usually use woven fabrics.I've now changed my mind.Brilliant vlog.

[@AnnabelleC0306]

Lol. I feel the same. I have one and never used it. Now I'm dusting it while I watch the video. Lol.

[@SewEssential]

Wow that's fantastic news, thanks for sharing Maureen that's amazing. Yes there is so much you can do and I will demonstrate more possibilities in the future too.

[@SewEssential]

Haha that's brilliant news Annabelle I hope you fall back in love with it now

[@doedelbroesel3239]

??? Especially for woven fabrics, overlocking is essential if u don’t lining a garment. Which u don’t do for trousers or blouses... how otherwise u manage to not have frilly edges???

[@maureencullen1008]

@@doedelbroesel3239 I either use my pinking scissors ,french seams,my zig zag stitch x

[@annacameron5454]

Thank you for the wonderful tips, I now see my overlocker in a new light. Can't wait to try some of these tips

[@ZelenecGirl]

Very helpful tips. Thank you

[@marciahighsmith4820]

I have learned so much from your videos and I appreciate your effort.

[@kathymannn146]

Lucy, lovely Lucy. Learned so much from her tutorials.

[@SewEssential]

Ahhhh thank you so much lovely Kathy, that is such a lovely thing for me to read!

[@sshaw4429]

Wow! I had no idea! Thank you for posting.

[@patriciabond5338]

Brilliant video full of tips and tricks. My overlocker is quite old now but I'll have practice at all of these. All are so useful.

[@sewhappysarahr8912]

That strap turning method blew my mind! Thank you for this video!

[@kf9058]

I just found a babylock imagine on Facebook Market for an excellent price and I could cry watching this I can't wait to sew 😭 these tips are lifesavers lol

[@belindasmith8790]

Thank you for all your tips. They will be very useful in the near future.

[@nancyjones8735]

Very helpful hints. Thank you.

[@hannahc933]

My Overlocker is under used. Thanks for sharing your those tricks. ❤🇦🇺

[@diannebaldwin3667]

Thanks so much for this wonderful video - I was told it could do more than what I have been doing !!! Now to put it through the paces !! Thank you again.

[@brendadouglas9833]

Really do thank you. These are amazing ways of using my overlocker.

[@cc.s3850]

My Bernina overlock machine turned this year 31 years old, :) i have sewn countless garments on it and "she" is still going strong💪. Unfortunately the machine does not have so many functions like the new ones. Btw i am now the proud owner of the coverlock brother 3550 with the top looper my Christmas gift to my self and 3 years ago i purchased the yuki dx7 as my birthday present🎁 so i am all set to make all kind of garments. Last week i purchased a lot of jersey fabric in a outlet... the sales man is just grinning when he sees 👀 me, because i always buy soooo much!

[@lylianjettar3637]

Excellent tips. Thanks a lot!

[@vivlee3840]

Fabulous tips. I come back to this video regularly.

[@natasha4467]

Brilliant video, thanks so much!

[@rosaliepingree4198]

Your video was very informative. The Babylock machine sewed so smoothly! Please do more tips videos. Pittsburgh, PA USA

[@SewEssential]

Thanks I will do I'm trying to plan more for the New Year right now

[@Joy1957K]

OMG! There ARE Angels... I knew it! Thank you saviour for this tutorial of yours. I am ready to hit my overlocker with a new vision. 👏👏👏😍🙏😁❤️️😘🇦🇺

[@SewEssential]

Aaaah so sweet of you to say thank you!

[@kentishbunyip6081]

Excellent tips, thank you. Can't wait to put them all to use.

[@dianetufty570]

Very informative and such neat ideas to save time and effort- thank you

[@annholmes9650]

Lucy, I love watching your videos, but I do wish you would use a common or garden Brother Overlocker - not all of us are fortunate enoughnto have an all singing all dancing machine, like a Babylock. x x x

[@KnittingsAndSewings]

That strap technique is wonderful! Great tips

[@drolmaling200]

Great, I don't understand everything you say - I am Dutch and living in France for over 30 years, and I "just" bought an overlocker, so I am not familiar with the vocabulary. Showing "how to do" explains everything verry well :) Thanks ! One thumb up and one more "abonnée" :)

[@SewEssential]

Oh wow thanks Drolma, good luck with the new overlocker.

[@geoffandchrisb9663]

Wow! Amazing techniques thanks!

[@paulinecollins788]

I liked the tip on sewing hems & loosing the bulk when you go over them ..so simple great tip. Thank You

[@lindacampbell70]

What a great technique! Thank you so much.........

[@lenalambe8136]

This is fabulous! Thank you for all those wonderful ideas!

[@maudellecarlson6787]

Thank you very much for your very Informative video I’m excepting your challenge I just don’t know when I can get to it but I am definitely going to do it thank you so very much I subscribed and I’m looking forward to seeing more wonderful sewing tips from you

[@corneloringett-ferreira2409]

What a wonderful video! Thank you. It inspired me to start using my overlocker.

[@SewEssential]

Wonderful!

[@dianejohanson98]

Great tips. Appreciate the video instructions you provide. Thank you.

[@pharbottle]

Great video! Full of fantastic tips! Thank you

[@denisedorsey2889]

Great tips. I've often used the folded hem technique. Just recently realized that I can use the same technique to create a channel for elastic waistband in the cozy lounge pants I'm making my kids!

[@SewEssential]

Oooh what a great idea! Thanks for sharing!

[@user-tz9ze7cj4r]

Moze li prevod na srpski

[@janekoelle9905]

Very nice examples for overlocker. I would like to see how to use a french curve for making adjustments.

[@SewEssential]

Thanks for sharing Jane I'll add it to the list.

[@janetcozens5756]

Oh my goodness I'm over the moon finding your techniques thank you for sharing your hints n tips 😃😃😃👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@ingridcummins683]

Hi Lucy, I just got my first overlooked at the age of 78.I love watching your videos. I have a lot to learn. From South Australia. Cheers.

[@faith4u28]

I loved my overlocker but I haven't really use it other than sew dress edges I just learned something today with this video

[@ireneerickson1568]

I have struggled with my overlocker machine to complete steps as above. The tips have been great! My machine is an entry level machine and I have never been satisfied with the rolled hem finish I get from it.

[@SewEssential]

I'm so glad they were helpful to you.

[@dharmert6487]

So useful. Brilliant video. Thank you.

[@davidfitzpatrick2431]

You gave me so much imfo in 15 mins thank you

[@lindabrown7374]

I've have been sewing on an overlocker for many years now. Sure learned a lot from this video. Thanks from the U.S.

[@Kaitzyy]

Wow. Such genius tips.

[@m53goldsmith]

Received an overlocker for Christmas, so this will be most helpful -- thanks!

[@SewEssential]

Great to hear!

[@sewagnes6706]

Great tips! Thanks for sharing😻

[@lynnshepard7485]

Oh my gosh, Lucy! I know I’m late to the party, but thanks so much for these tips! I’ve definitely been under utilizing my Babylock serger. That stops today. 💗

[@serenitysews1691]

Lucy loved this, must say I cant recommend my BabyLock enough. It is probably the best thing I have ever bought for sewing my own clothes. Even changing the needles to Coverstitch is not as bad as I once thought.

[@kellykatharinemckinley5437]

Brilliant. Please do more of these great tips

[@SewEssential]

I will, I'm already trying to cook up some plans...

[@wendyjager455]

Brilliant thank you for your tips, very clear, even makes sense if not using the same type of Overlocker.

[@michellebeyer1096]

Such a useful tip for sewing the neckband on with a neat finish. I'm definitely going to be trying this, thank you!

[@daneekaplan4284]

Great tips- I am new to overlocking and while I love using it- sewing so fast is fun- it intimidates me.

[@ctaylorluce]

A good approach is to make lots of samples and label them for future reference. Before working on a garment, test on scraps!

[@SewEssential]

I remember feeling like that too, but stick with it and you will love it I promise. it is scary at first but you soon get used to it and practice is the best way to build your confidence.

[@SewEssential]

Yes always test on scraps!

[@christ3392]

Wow Lucy, what a great vid. I love the gathering tip. Thank you so much x

[@judidavieswebb]

I found this tonight and I'm going to so glad I did. You have made this so understandable. GREAT!

[@dianelrsmith9840]

I wish I knew this a long time ago!!! So Easy to follow her tips for the overlock machine! Very Clear instructions, very clear pictures of what to do, EXCELLANT!!!

[@k3of5ks]

Fabulous tips. Especially liked the knit neckband. Thank you!

[@cindyadams376]

Thank you for such brilliant ideas!!

[@thebrumstitcher495]

Great ideas, thanks Lucy! I need to get my overlocker out more to use these tips x

[@sosewmad]

Brilliant, a game changer for me. Especially the hemming and the neckband tips, thank you

[@irenewhiting6779]

Thank you so much for the great tips, can’t wait to try them out xx

[@paulamurphy6796]

Thank You, so to the point and inspirational-- seriously best videos from you!!!

[@SewEssential]

Ah thank you that is so kind of you to say

[@1957val]

Oh my goodness! Such wonderful information. I never knew there were so many ways to use my overlocker. Thank you.

[@jeaninecoe5012]

Thank you Lucy for the wonderful tips definitely going to try the gathering and hemming ones. ☺️

[@sandrahectormcletchie352]

⁰

[@clairequinlan6235]

Great,easy to forget things like this . A great reminder. Thank you Lucy

[@77Lavo]

Wow, love these tips, especially the one to sew and turn the strap the right way, thank you

[@UrMoM67849]

A great refresher! Thanks.

[@socarole66]

Fabulous video. One of the best yet Lucy. So many tips, I just hope I can remember them. Thank you.

[@ctaylorluce]

You can save videos and make a serger playlist to keep all your tips easy to access.

[@SewEssential]

Wow thanks so much that's really lovely of you to say. The beauty of the channel is you can always come back any time you like and find the tips again if you do forget them. Sometimes I even refer to my own tutorials if I can't quite remember how to do something!

[@irenedale5256]

Fantastic video again, thank you Lucy. 💕 always love what you bring!

[@suepopoff3159]

I have just ordered an overlocker, and am anxious for it to arrive. I am so please I have found your video, it is so helpful, and I will be watching more! Hello from Canada 🇨🇦

[@published1789]

Super useful summary. I've seen a lot of these tips but felt I didn't have confidence I'd remember them properly. Your little, jump right in style demos are so much appreciated!

[@SewEssential]

Oh that's so great to hear, sometimes I get so nervous about whether I've gone the right way about things and whether people will like or understand them so it is so nice to hear comments like this thank you.

[@waterboy8999]

This was a very helpful tutorial for this 59 year old joiner that's still learning this wonderful craft. I don't have an overlocker yet. Greetings from Scotland.

[@tulaj_pieska]

Awesome tips! Thank you 🙏🏻 I can’t wait to use them, all of them are super handy! Much love from Poland ❤️

[@sandravanlankvelt6537]

Nothing better than a Baby Lock Serger as well as their sewing machines for sure. Thank you for your lovely video it was very helpful. God's blessings.

[@elizabethswan2040]

Great, this is such a useful video, thank you for taking the time to do it.

[@mollypolly30]

Thank you, lovely to hear that West Country accent now I’m living in Australia 🇦🇺!

[@peeshyholland433]

Hi Lucy This was the best video. I love seeing all the tips that make sewing easier. Thank you.

[@janetmacphee4916]

Very helpful, will certainly take onboard, great ,

[@antoniettekoshykar426]

This was probably the most useful video I have seen this year! Thanks so much!

[@irenedyrynda9084]

I enjoyed all your tips which were a great reminder as I haven't done any sewing for a while. It's given me a boost to get back to the machine again. Thank you.

[@janetcozens4623]

Wow that's fantastic how these items are done with an overlock machine 🎉 .Just love the Straps you have shown me a very different way of making straps 🎉 Many many thanks for 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊 xxxx

[@BattyKnitter]

Thank you for this video! I loved all the tips, they were all quick and to the point but still easy to understand!

[@sewgems]

Thanks for the tips in this video, I've just bought my first overlocker so this video is fantastic 🙂

[@SewYourOwn]

The first tip blew my mind. THAT’S HOW YOU DO THAT. Thank you so much, you have literally changed my life. Also the second tip was really great. I have heard of it before, but I never saw it illustrated so well.

[@SewEssential]

Ah that's so kind of you to say thank you

[@jasn98]

Thank you so much! I haven't received my overlock serger yet but appreciate thia video to give me something to try when I do!

[@TheKatzKidz]

Blown my mind!!! New to stretch fabric sewing and going to try my first tank top this weekend - I feel so much more prepared after this!!!

[@liverbird46]

Excellent tips. Love the last hem stitching.

[@kristinpitcairn5791]

Great videos. I just tried my new serger for the first time last night and wasn’t sure why I needed it. Now it know! Thank

[@DayDreamer-bm6vo]

So many different ways of using a overlocker, thank you for sharing. Is it possible for tips onto overlocking a hem on jersey fabric as at the moment mine are coming out stretched and wavy and for the life of me I cannot think how to correct it. Help is needed. Thank you.

[@lunasmum6869]

Differential feed is what you need. It causes the two sets of feed dogs to move at different speeds. Try it on a piece of scrap fabric the same as you are overlocking. If I remember rightly (I haven't used my overlocker for a while so check this) a higher setting is needed so the feed dogs will feed the fabric through faster and so avoid stretching. When set at 1, or whatever the normal setting for your machine is, the feed dogs may stretch or even gather fabric. If that isn't what you want then the differential feed needs adjusting.

[@Cyrilmc222004]

Thank you so much Lucy, I really really enjoyed watching you create those different types of seams and boarders on fabrics. Yes I’ve watched this before. Please stay safe and well too xxx Mags

[@shellyscott8275]

I so needed this video Lucy. Huge thanks for lovely clear demonstrations 👩🏻 😍👏

[@patriciabennett961]

Thank you for this Lucy! Such great tips and techniques!😊👍

[@fayepanting9674]

Amazing , thankyou so much for all your tips

[@SewEssential]

It's an absolute pleasure Faye, thanks for watching.

[@julieottaway177]

thanks so much I have just brought my first overlocker and this has helped me so much x

[@dianetighe5999]

Oh my goodness, this was so clear and very well explained , great tips thank you so much .

[@bref1318]

This has been the most useful video ive ever seen on how to use my kverloxker/serger. Thank you!

[@hmf5328]

such amazing tips for my Overlocker, thank you so much for making my life easier.