Do You Need an Overlocker?
If you’ve been sewing for a while, you’ve probably heard people talking about overlockers and wondered whether you really need one. The truth is that while an overlocker isn’t essential for every sewer, it can completely transform the quality, speed and finish of your projects.
In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what an overlocker does, who should buy one, and when you can happily continue sewing with a standard sewing machine — with our top recommended models to help you compare.
What Is an Overlocker?
An overlocker (sometimes called a serger) is a specialist sewing machine designed to trim fabric edges, sew seams and overcast the edge all at the same time.
Unlike a standard sewing machine, an overlocker usually uses two, three, four or even five threads to create a strong, stretchy and professional-looking stitch. Our range spans from simple 2/3/4 thread machines like the Stitchmaster S100D through to advanced combination machines.
The result is a neat finish that prevents fabric from fraying and gives handmade garments the same appearance as shop-bought clothing.
What Does an Overlocker Do?
- Finish raw fabric edges
- Prevent fraying
- Sew and finish seams in one step
- Create strong stretch seams for jersey fabrics
- Roll hems for scarves and lightweight fabrics
- Produce decorative edging
- Save time on larger sewing projects
If you’ve ever looked inside a T-shirt or sweatshirt, the neat stitched seams were almost certainly made using an overlocker.
Our Top Recommended Overlockers
We compared every overlocker across our Brother, Janome, Novum and Stitchmaster ranges and picked out the standout models — based on genuine customer reviews, included accessories, and proven reliability, not just price.
Stitchmaster S100D 2, 3 & 4 Thread Overlocker
Our entry-level pick and the obvious starting point for anyone unsure how much use they’ll get from an overlocker. Backed by consistently positive reviews and a generous free overlocker pack included as standard.
Novum Easylock 960D 2, 3 & 4 Thread Overlocker
The stronger choice within the Novum range. It includes a significantly larger accessory kit than its closest sibling model, making it better value overall despite a similar price point.
Novum Combi 4070 Overlock & CoverHem Machine
The standout choice if you want more than a standard overlocker. This genuine two-in-one machine converts between overlocking and coverstitch, so you get professional knit hemming without needing a third machine.
Brother 2104D 3 & 4 Thread Overlocker
Our most reviewed overlocker by a wide margin, with reviews spanning several years and consistently high ratings. Arrives pre-threaded with a piping foot, gathering foot, blind hem foot and tutorial DVD included — making it a genuinely strong first overlocker.
Brother 3034DWT 3 & 4 Thread Overlocker
The pick for anyone setting up a dedicated sewing station, as it’s the only overlocker in our range to include a table and waste tray as standard, alongside piping, gathering and blind hem feet.
Janome 9300DX 3 & 4 Thread Overlocker
A long-standing customer favourite with reviews going back over a decade, consistently five-star. One reviewer who owns three different overlocker brands rated this the best of the three — a strong endorsement for reliability and performance.
Janome AT2000D AirThread Overlocker
Our top pick for anyone who dreads threading. This is a genuine jet air threading machine, and every review we have confirms it delivers on ease of set-up, particularly for sewers who’ve struggled with traditional threading in the past.
Do You Actually Need One?
The honest answer is it depends on what you sew.
You Probably Don’t Need One If…
- You only sew occasionally.
- You mainly repair clothes.
- You make cushions, bags or home décor.
- You’re just learning the basics of sewing.
- Your standard sewing machine already has an overcasting stitch.
Many beginners create fantastic projects without ever owning an overlocker. If you do want to dip a toe in without a big investment, the Stitchmaster S100D is a low-risk way to try one.
An Overlocker Is Worth Buying If…
You regularly make clothing. If you’re making:
- T-shirts
- Hoodies
- Dresses
- Leggings
- Children’s clothing
- Activewear
- Knit garments
An overlocker will make sewing much quicker while giving your projects a professional finish. For garment makers working with knits and stretch fabrics regularly, a proven all-rounder like the Brother 2104D or Janome 9300DX gives you the stitch options and durability to match.
Can an Overlocker Replace a Sewing Machine?
No.
This is one of the biggest misconceptions. An overlocker is designed to complement a sewing machine, not replace it. You’ll still need a standard sewing machine for:
- Buttonholes
- Zips
- Topstitching
- Decorative stitches
- Quilting
- Most repairs
- Attaching pockets
Most experienced sewers use both machines together. If you also want professional hemming on knit fabrics, it’s worth knowing that some machines — like the Novum Combi 4070 — combine overlocking and coverhem stitching in a single machine, giving you more capability without a third machine on your table.
What Are the Biggest Advantages?
Professional Finish
Probably the biggest reason people buy an overlocker. The inside of your garments will look neat and professionally finished.
Faster Sewing
Because the machine trims, stitches and finishes the seam in one pass, projects can often be completed much more quickly.
Stretch Fabric Becomes Easy
Jersey, Lycra and knit fabrics can be frustrating on a standard sewing machine. An overlocker creates flexible seams that move with the fabric without snapping.
Stronger Seams
Garments that receive lots of wear benefit from stronger, more durable seams.
Less Fraying
Raw fabric edges are enclosed immediately, helping garments last longer.
Are There Any Downsides?
Like any sewing machine, there are a few things to consider.
Threading
Older overlockers have a reputation for being difficult to thread. Thankfully, many modern machines now feature colour-coded threading, lay-in tension systems and automatic needle threaders. For the easiest possible set-up, the Janome AT2000D AirThread uses genuine jet air threading to thread the loopers automatically, removing the most fiddly part of the process entirely. For a more affordable option, the Brother 2104D and 3034DWT both arrive pre-threaded out of the box with a tutorial DVD included, so you can start practising immediately.
They Take Up Extra Space
An overlocker is a second machine, so you’ll need additional table space and storage.
Extra Running Costs
You’ll use more thread, multiple cones, replacement blades and different needles, although these costs are generally low.
Is an Overlocker Worth It?
If you regularly make clothes, absolutely. Many sewers say it’s one of the best investments they’ve made because it saves time, improves sewing quality, produces professional results, and makes sewing stretchy fabrics much easier.
If you mainly sew home furnishings or occasionally alter clothes, you may not get enough use from one to justify the cost — though an entry-level model like the Stitchmaster S100D makes the barrier to trying one lower than many people expect.
What Should Beginners Look For?
When buying your first overlocker, consider:
- Easy threading
- Differential feed
- Adjustable stitch length
- Adjustable cutting width
- Rolled hem capability
- Free arm (if available)
- Good instruction manual
- Positive customer reviews
Many beginner-friendly overlockers include features that make learning much easier than older models. The Stitchmaster S100D and Brother 2104D are both proven first purchases in our range, each backed by genuinely positive reviews from first-time overlocker owners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can beginners use an overlocker?
Yes. Modern overlockers are much easier to learn than older machines, especially models with colour-coded threading guides, and several of our entry-level models like the Brother 2104D arrive pre-threaded to help you get started straight away.
Is an overlocker difficult to thread?
Older machines could be challenging, but many modern overlockers feature simplified threading systems. For the easiest possible set-up, the Janome AT2000D AirThread threads the loopers automatically at the touch of a button.
Can an overlocker sew denim?
Yes, provided the machine is designed to handle heavier fabrics and you’re using the correct needles and thread.
Can I quilt with an overlocker?
While possible for certain techniques, quilting is generally better suited to a standard sewing machine.
Is an overlocker worth buying?
If you frequently make garments, particularly using stretch fabrics, an overlocker is one of the most worthwhile upgrades you can make — and with genuinely affordable entry-level options available, it’s more accessible than many people assume.
Final Thoughts
An overlocker isn’t essential for every sewer, but for anyone who enjoys making clothes, it can be a real game changer. It delivers faster sewing, stronger seams and the kind of professional finish that’s difficult to achieve with a standard sewing machine alone.
If you’re starting to sew garments more regularly or want your handmade projects to look as polished as ready-to-wear clothing, investing in an overlocker is well worth considering. Browse our full range below, or get in touch with our team for advice on the right machine for your projects.