| When you decide to buy an overlocker, you must | | | | you're assured of its quality. Even if the machine |
| determine first what projects you're going to do then | | | | breaks down, you can count on technical support and |
| gather info about the machine. You'll also have to | | | | the staff. Another advantage is it will have more users |
| consider your future requirements as well as whom | | | | whom you can ask for advice. |
| you're buying from. | | | | Note: after sales support may not be available for |
| What Projects Will You Do? | | | | second hand machines. While they're cheaper, you'll |
| Write down the projects you'll be doing when you get | | | | need to set money aside for potential repair work. |
| the machine. This can be finishing tents, blankets, baby | | | | Your Present and Future Requirements |
| clothes, sewing layers, touching up seams etc. Note | | | | If you see yourself making a career out of this, |
| the fabrics you're going to work with and the stitch | | | | consider purchasing an overlocker with more |
| types. | | | | advanced features. As your skills advance, you'll be |
| This information will help you find the right machine. If | | | | able to make use of its other features. But if the |
| you're still unsure, you can show the list to your friends | | | | overlocker will be for hobby purposes, buy an |
| or the salesperson. They'll be able to point you to the | | | | overlocker with only the features you need. |
| most suitable machines. | | | | Demand a Test Drive or Demo |
| How to Choose a Machine | | | | If the machine is well designed, the dealer should have |
| Before you buy an overlocker, you'll have to examine | | | | no qualms showing you how it works. During the demo, |
| the machine specs. Do you need a lightweight | | | | try to have as many features utilized as possible. If |
| overlocker? If you'll be working on large projects, a | | | | you have specific fabrics in mind, ask that these be |
| bigger machine will be necessary. If you're going to put | | | | used during the demonstration. Gauge how easy or |
| the machine in a cabinet, measure the available space. | | | | difficult the machine runs in the demo. |
| Next, decide if you want a machine with a free-arm. | | | | Other Reminders |
| Examine the control layout. Choose those that have a | | | | While asking recommendations from friends is ideal, |
| conspicuous differential feed. Some overlockers have | | | | your own projects must still be your main guide. After |
| fixed tensions while others have lay-ins. Also, some | | | | all, your friends may be long time users and have |
| machines make it easier to change needles than | | | | different needs. If asking advice from dealers, make |
| others. Don't neglect the threading system either; if you | | | | sure you specify your requirements. Their |
| can't decipher it, don't get that machine. | | | | recommendation should be based on this information. |
| Choosing a Brand | | | | When you buy an overlocker, the foremost thing to |
| Buying from established manufacturers is the way to | | | | keep in mind is your needs. If you examine the |
| go. Ask your friends for info if you don't know the | | | | appropriate features, you'll have little problem finding a |
| brands. If you buy an overlocker from known brands, | | | | machine to help you. |