Exercise 5 - using the overlocking machine.wps

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Exercise 5 - Using The Overlocker.
Working with the overlocker - When fabric enters the machine, it is moved through the feed
dogs, in the overlocking machines case there are 2 sets. These small moving tracks push the
fabric towards the blades, which then trim the fabric. The fabric is then stitched by loopers and
needles, and pushed out of the machine. Thread is fed from a variety of spools, not bobbins
(which you find with a standard sewing machine), at the back of the machine which enables up
to five threads to operate simultaneously. An overlocker uses a two blade cutting system, an
upper and lower blade, which works like a pair of scissors. The top blade moves, cutting
against the under blade, trimming the fabric.
Domestic overlockers use the same thread as a standard sewing machine.
And also the same needles.
Threading the overlocker - is completely different to that of a sewing machine because there is
no bobbin, just a combination of loopers and needles. The loopers are always threaded first
and then the needles. The combination of which loopers are threaded can vary from machine
to machine and also the combination of stitches selected, for example 2, 3, 4, or 5 thread.
The three thread - combination is formed from two loopers being threaded and the needle.
The most common overlocking stitch combination used is a three thread.
The stitch is formed on the edge of the fabric, as to prevent the cloth from fraying.
The Cover-stitch - Not all overlocking machines have this function but those that do, the
machine needs to be converted to achieve this stitch. The conversion takes place by changing
the front knife guard and swinging the knife out of the way as it is not needed for this
particular stitch type. Two of the loopers are used and a combination of 2 or 3 needles. The
cover-stitch is found on most t-shirts or jersey knits.
The cover-stitch found on the cuff of a t-shirt.
The cover-stitch a double topstitched effect on the top of the cloth and a chain on the bottom.