Overlockers, sergers as they are known in North America and some other parts of the world, are one of the most useful items in the sewer's workroom after the sewing machine or computer. This is a short guide to some of the stitches and their use. A number of the features are unique to Bernina.

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Children's clothes and T-shirts, body-clinging swimwear and silk scarves are difficult on a sewing machine but easy with an overlocker. For sewing speed on stretchy seams, fabrics that fray, sequins or beads an overlocker is the answer.

Overlocking is three sewing tasks done at the same time and done quickly. A seam is sewn to join layers of fabric, the edge trimmed to provide a neat finish and the trimmed edge oversewn to prevent fraying.

The cover stitch is found on High Street clothing such as T-shirts, sports clothes and loose stretchy items. 

The standard cover stitch has 2 or 3 rows of stitches  5 or 2.5mm apart on one side and decorative stitching on the other. Frequently used on the hems of T-shirts and sportswear and  for sewing elastic and decorative work. 

Specially engineered feet are used on Bernina overlockers:

Elasticator foot
Multipurpose foot
Blind Stitch foot
Gathering attachment
Cording foot

Make your own sports and leisure wear with an overlocker.

There are several variations of overlock and cover stitch using different numbers of threads. 

Standard overlock stitches. The general purpose 4 thread has limited stretch and an integrated safety seam to prevent unravelling. The 3-thread has more stretch and is used extensively in sportswear. The 2 thread is used for neatening when less thread is desirable.

The very elastic 3 thread super-stretch is used for swimwear, lycra etc., the 3 thread narrow seam for fine fabrics and the 2 thread wrapped for decorative finishing on firm fabrics.

The 3 and 2  thread rolled hems are used for the rounded hems on scarves, linings and handkerchieves.

Flatlock stitches are used for an attractive finish on visible seams. The seam lies flat and gives the characteristic look of patchwork items.

Be creative with a wide choice of fabrics using your Bernina overlocker.

There is more information on overlock presser feet under overlocker accessories on the Bernina accessory shop site.