Overlocker With A Variable Speed Control

I'd be glad of advice & shared experience.

My 16 year old Janome overlocker works beautifully. However, increasing arthritis in my ankles particularly is making it very difficult for me to control the speed reliably. I am now using it for longer seams and finishing, but recently felt I couldn't do a neckline beacuse my speed control was poor.

The only overlocker I can find with a manual control is a Bernina well over my budget. However, Babylock do machines with a variable speed control - I would still need to press the foot pedal, but being able to control the speed from a manual dial means that I can just sew slowly. At least, that's what I assume - I am going to try them out at the NEC in March.

They are a hefty price, but I could stretch to that, especially if I get a coverstitch / overlocker.

Thanks for any input!

· 2 months ago

You must have an account to comment or reply on threads - please log in or join the community.

Sort replies by:

Glenda H · 2 months ago Community Member

I saw someone who used the foot peddle on the table next to the machine and operated it by hand. That would of course leave only one hand to guide the fabric through but it may tide you over until you can test a new machine.

· 2 months ago

AnnieRose · 2 months ago Competition Winner

Thanks Glenda, I have tried that, but found it even worse! I am generally quite unco-ordinated, quite apart from the arthritis. But I do appreciate any suggestions

· 2 months ago

DianeH · 1 month ago Community Member

I didn't realise there were overlockers with manual speed control. That would be very useful. My first overlocker (cheapy one from Lidl) worked fine and I used it for about five years, but the speed control was either stop or warp speed!

I did some looking around and went to try a Brother 4234D and the speed control via the pedal was brilliant so I purchased it right away. I have since had other issues with this machine following a botched service, so that is now in the naughty corner, but I am going to send it to another dealer to have it looked at and hopefully it will still be useable (it will be a back up machine as I have since purchased a Babylock Enlighten which is absolutely fantastic, and the speed is well controlled, but only with the foot pedal, not a separate dial).

Hope you can get it sorted out.

· 1 month ago

AnnieRose · 1 month ago Competition Winner

My main sewing machine is a Janome atelier 7, which has a speed control, and a manual button. For those who can control the speed by pedal very well, this sounds fiddly. But I no longer can, so find it useful.

These overlockers with a speed control dial are more expensive, and I haven't seen any used ones for sale (maybe because they are quite new)

The 2 I have found are 'coverlock' macines fromm babylock - Gloria & Ovation. This needs very careful thought at those prices!

· 1 month ago

DianeH · 1 month ago Community Member

Yes, my Brother sewing machine has a speed control slider which is very useful at times.

I wondered if it was one of the combination machines that you were referring to - I didn't check them out when I bought mine, as I just wanted an overlocker at the time, and then also recently treated myself to the Euphoria coverstitch.

There is an offer on at the moment with an ambassador code (only until 1st Feb) for £250 off the Ovation (and different amounts off some of the other machines as well), so not sure if that helps you. I missed out on both of my purchases, but there was a 10% off the coverstitch at an open day, so I'm happy!

· 1 month ago

AnnieRose · 1 month ago Competition Winner

Thank you! I haven't quite decided what to do - but it seems as if the speed cotrol goes with the expensive combined machines. I think that it makes sense to wait and try the machines. £250 is tempting, but no good if it the wrong machine for me. Which Open Day? I wondered if there would be another one.

· 1 month ago

DianeH · 1 month ago Community Member

Yes, you need to make sure it works for you. Babylock have open days at various retailers, and there was one near me back in September where they have 10% off on the day. Check out their website and it will tell you the events and see if there are any near you.

· 1 month ago

AnnieRose · 1 month ago Competition Winner

Thank you Diane. I have checked - the nearest & soonest is the exhibition at the NEC in March, which I have tickets for. Can I ask you which overlocker you got and how you find it? I have never used Babylock, though reviews speak very well of them - thanks, Jacky

· 1 month ago

DianeH · 1 month ago Community Member

They should have some deals at the shows as well, so you may be lucky and get a good price, whichever brand you go for. I would take some fabric samples with you to test out - the stands always have standard fabric that behaves and does not cause problems.

I have the Enlighten overlocker and I love it. I did have a bit of a glitch with the tension a while ago, but I think it was some dodgy fabric and all is well now - it has auto tension so there are no dials to adjust. Threading is lovely with the air system, but to be honest my Brother 4234D was so easy to thread anyway and I never had any trouble with that machine. But the Enlighten does give a lovely stitch on all weights of fabric.

· 1 month ago

AnnieRose · 1 month ago Competition Winner

Thank you - good point about the fabric. I have some thin stretchy jersey that will be just the job! The Enlighten doesn't have the adjustable speed dials, but very glad that it suits you, and speaks well of the brand.

· 1 month ago

Join the community!

Sewing doesn't have to be solitary.

ThreadySetGo is a vibrant and welcoming space for sewists of all ages and skill levels.

It's completely free to get started!

Join Log In

Verify Your Email

Before being able to interact with the community you must verify your email account so we know you're a real human being!