Regardless of whether you are an amateur or a professional in sewing business, when you start sewing, almost immediately the question arises of using auxiliary equipment, except for the sewing machine. In particular, we are talking about a machine, the ability of which is to process the fabric from torsion. And not only, because when sewing elastane products, its use is irreplaceable. However, fortunately at the present time it is not a problem to purchase such equipment both in hardware stores and in highly specialized salons.
If you had to choose, overlock and carpetlock will certainly be presented to your attention. This is where the question arises, what is better to choose and how do both devices differ from each other. Now we are faced with the task of sorting out: what is the difference between carpet and overlock?
The main purpose
Overlock, perhaps a familiar word to everyone, is a technique that, according to its purpose, is designed to overwrap fabric, and at the same time, during work, cuts off excess strips of matter. In professional sewing, it is simply an irreplaceable thing, and it is a great luxury to have one in the home arsenal for amateur sewing. After all, with its help you can achieve high-quality tailoring. It is suitable for overcasting various types of fabrics and textile fabrics.
A coverlock is also essentially the same overlock, only with advanced features. Overlock can be called a combination of overlock and sewing machines. He can sweep almost all types of fabrics. And its main difference is that it easily copes with knitwear. That is, this is the feature through which it prevails over overlock.
Thanks to its special function, it can easily overwrap knitted fabric by applying a smooth, flat (cover-over) seam. This feature gives it a great advantage, since the use of elastic, knitted fabrics in the process of performing various products is very common.
Structural differences
If we talk about external differences, then they, of course, take place in both devices. It:
- special (cantilever) sleeve;
- number of loops.
These two details distinguish them from each other externally.
Console compartment (sleeve)
In the overlock structure, this small part is almost absent. This is due to the fact that its function is reduced to processing fabrics, parts of products that are pre-prepared. That is, it comes down to purely overcasting the finished elements.
The coverlock has a significantly larger cantilever arm area. This is dictated by the specifics of the application, because such devices, as a rule, are used by professionals, in particular, in specialized salons, factories that work with complex products.
Number of loops
This moment, which eliminates the need for winding bobbins.The so-called progress in this compartment.
The overlock has two loops. When working, two, three or five threads can be involved at once. Which method you need in a particular case, you regulate yourself.
The coverlock is equipped with three loops at once, among which two actually carry out the overcasting function. The coverlock is capable of performing the process using ten threads at once. However, in any case, you yourself choose the required amount. This process is controlled by a switch.
Functional differences
Overlock is intended solely for overcasting, and copes with it very well. It is especially indispensable in the process of processing "loose" fabrics that, when trimmed, can quickly spread out.
The overlocker works on the principle of pressing the cut edge simultaneously with several threads and fast overcasting. This is a reliable way to overcast the product for the first time.
The carpetlock can do all this. He also successfully copes with fabrics with a loose structure, and not only. The main advantage of the device is its ability to perform a cover-up method of processing knitted fabric - a flat seam. And also a special processing method successfully copes with the finish of the neck and the like.
Cons of carpetlock
It would seem how such an effective device can have disadvantages. However, there is no perfect technique. Therefore, if there is an advantage in one thing, then in the other they will surely find at least insignificant, but disadvantages. Let's call them:
- High price. So, the cost of carpet covers is really much higher than the cost compared to overlock. Moreover, at such a cost, you can buy two independent units of equipment, for example, an overlock and a sewing machine, and they sometimes cost less than a carpet.
- The complex principle of work. Despite the achievements, it is rather difficult to work on such a device. First you need to understand it well, and then work out in practice. Especially work with knitwear requires fairly quick maneuvers with gear changes. It should be noted that even specialists in sewing technique recognize the principle of operation as complex.
- A lot of weight. Modern carpet covers can be improved by a number of the latest processes and mechanisms, because of which its weight will be quite large. All these additional functions are sometimes not even used in the course of work, but significantly complicate the process of setting up the device and operating.
We examined how overlocks differ from carpetlocks based on the main characteristics and can draw certain conclusions. It is impossible to say unequivocally which device is better on both. Probably, the choice should be based on the needs, capabilities and wishes for such a unit. The main thing is to correctly navigate with respect to the properties and basic functions of technology, and starting from this, make the right choice. Your own right choice.
