You can make a role seam on a sewing machine, but if you have an overlock, then experts definitely recommend that it is better to use it. Save time and processing quality will be much better.

What is a role seam

A dense stitch made with small stitches is called a role seam. It is used to create a light wavy edge of matter. It can be used for processing cuts of curtains, tulle or clothing.

Overlock is a type of sewing machine, designed for overcasting sections of any fabrics. The main advantage of overlock is the high quality of processing. This is obvious if we compare the lines made by a conventional sewing machine and overlock ones.

The main types of role seams

The role seam on the overlock, the video of which can be found on the Internet, can be of different types. Its types depend on the number of threads used. There are four of them:

Two-thread;
Three-strand;
Four-thread;
Five thread.

We will consider each view in more detail below.

Double thread used in most modern overlocks. It can also be performed on a sewing machine, if a converter is present. 1 needle and only the lower looper are used. The seam comes out small and thin, ideal for processing transparent, thin fabrics.

Three-strand is considered the simplest kind. It is performed by 1 needle and 2 loopers. With their help, the thread is fed over the fabric. A three-thread seam can be overcast edges in products from any fabrics.

Four-thread is a more complex option. It is carried out using 2 needles and lower loopers. Of course, the three- and four-thread options are similar to each other, the difference is only in the additional line in the second version. The advantage of this seam is strength.

Five-stitch - a classic seam for a trimming. It is ideally suited for the processing of crumbling fabrics, for example, jeans, as it simultaneously grinds and wraps sections. It is a combination of three- and two-strand, between which a sewing line passes at a short distance. For processing with such a seam, it is necessary to use 2 needles and 3 loopers.

Thread Tension Levels

When using the role seam on the overlock, the photo of which you see in the article, the degree of tension of the threads is very important for marking tissue sections. Due to the tension control, the lines are different in appearance and quality.

Adjustment is carried out by a special wheel. Some models of more expensive overlocks are equipped with an automatic adjustment system. She independently sets the parameters based on the desired seam.

In simpler overlocks, voltage regulators (wheels) are located on the plane or on one of the axes, which ensures uniform tension of all threads.

Expert Advice

So, now you know that this is a “role seam on an overlock”. First of all, experts recommend deciding whether you really need an overlock. Its acquisition may be justified if you use it often. For example, if you are tailoring clothes to order and, accordingly, the quality of work should be at a professional level.

Important! You must understand that just as a sewing machine does not replace an overlock, and vice versa. Each has its own advantages. Only the machine can execute sewing straight lines. At the same time, the sewing machine does only an imitation of an overlock stitch. The difference is very noticeable.

Specialists when working with a role seam are advised to observe the following recommendations:

First, you should check the operation of all mechanisms: raising the legs, turning the flywheel, etc .;
When making a role seam, as a rule, only one needle is used - the right one. Accordingly, the left should be removed;
Make the necessary settings for the tension of the threads, etc. Not always setting up the overlock in accordance with the instructions, you will get the desired quality of the seam. Therefore, it is recommended to try it on a small piece of unnecessary tissue;
Hold the fabric so that it does not slip during processing.

If there is not enough experience, try to make the movements slow and careful so as not to spoil your product.

One of the most tedious occupations of a seamstress is refilling overlock threads. There are 2 tips to simplify this process:

The easiest way to initially purchase a model machine with the automatic threading function. It will cost more, but it will justify itself.
In order not to conduct a new thread through all the thread guides, you can use the following trick. Cut the old thread closer to the spool. Then we connect the tip of the old thread with a new bundle. Further, as you probably already guessed, we sip them through the needle, and when a new thread passes through all the elements, we cut off the unnecessary end.