Brother overlockers: models and tips for choosing
If you decide to start sewing, then you should get a sewing machine. Currently, in stores you can find a large selection of such equipment with a wide variety of characteristics. Today we are going to talk about Brother overlocks.
Device
The overlocks are equipped with a special movable upper knife designed for trimming the edges of fabrics. In this case, cutting occurs simultaneously with the sewing itself. And also a lower knife is provided in overlocks. It is needed for double cutting. This element is stationary. On some models, its position can be adjusted. In addition, these sewing machines have a flywheel. It allows you to manually raise and lower the needle. Loopers on the equipment allow you to sew stitches while sewing.
The machine needles guide the thread through the fabric. Three-point models can have only one needle, and four-point models can have two at once. The overlock foot is designed to slightly press the fabric against the serrated rail and the special stitch plate. It helps feed the fabric under the needle and into the cutting system. Most 4-point models have an overlock pin. It works in conjunction with the stitch plate and foot. This element allows you to quickly and easily sew stitches. The special telescopic support of the equipment helps guide the thread from the spools to the tension discs. Tension adjusters, which are usually located on the front of the technique, allow you to control the position of the thread.
Advantages and disadvantages
Brother overlocks can boast a number of important advantages:
- can sew several types of stitches (1 blind and 4 overlock);
- the presence of a special tray for collecting the remaining scraps of fabric;
- the presence of backlight;
- free sleeve function;
- convenient system for adjusting the stitch length and width;
- the ability to adjust the feed speed of the fabric.
Overlocks from this manufacturer also have some disadvantages:
- some models do not have a special thread cutter;
- lack of lubricating oil in a set with a machine.
The lineup
Now the Brother company produces several models of overlockers, which differ from each other in basic characteristics. Let's take a closer look at these models.
Brother 1034D
The model is equipped with a system for automatic threading of the looper and a differential feed type. The sample has a special adjustment of the cutting width of the material and the pressure of the fabric. This sewing machine has a removable free arm and a waste collection tray. The control of the thread tension on such equipment is carried out manually. There can be 3 or 4 threads in total. As a rule, a convenient soft case for storing it is included with the overlock.
The total weight of the product can reach 7 kg. The warranty period for the equipment is 5 years. There is also a separate variant of the M1034D... It is a multifunctional overcasting unit. Simultaneously with the creation of stitches, the machine trims excess material along the edges.
This type is distinguished by the presence of a differential conveyor for feeding the fabric, which makes it easy to work with knitted materials. Such a system has the ability to collect and stretch fabric.
Brother 3034D
This overlock, like the previous sample, has a differential feed type and an automatic looper threading system. The thread tension is controlled manually. Sewing machine can include 3 or 4 strands. She can be suitable for creating rolled seams. The maximum foot lift on this model is about 6 mm.
The maximum sewing speed on the machine is 1300 stitches per minute. The equipment is equipped with a convenient arm platform, a tray for scraps of fabric, a small compartment for additional accessories. The set also includes a soft case. The total weight of the product is 5.2 kg.
Brother 4100D
This model is equipped with a manual material clamping system, automatic looper threading. In total, the equipment can perform 5 different sewing operations. The model is created with a sleeve platform and a separate compartment for accessories. It is also available with an additional accessory bag and reel seats. The sample has a total weight of 5.6 kg.
Brother 4234D
This machine can work with 2, 3 or 4 threads. It has automatic needle threading, differential feed, thread cutter and material pressure control. The model can perform 15 different sewing operations. Its maximum foot height is 6 mm. The maximum sewing speed for this product is 1300 stitches per minute. The machine comes with a pedal. The warranty period for this model is up to 5 years.
Brother 1334DE
This overlocker can carry out 8 different sewing operations. It is designed for 3 or 4 strands. The model has a differential feed type, a sleeve arm. In addition, this sewing machine is equipped with a built-in light bulb, which acts as a bright light. When the presser foot is raised, the thread tension is automatically released.
The product comes with a soft case for it.
Brother 2104D
This option can be used for seams with 2, 3 or 4 threads. And also has the ability to create an imitation of a flat seam. The model is created with a comfortable sleeve-like platform. The maximum sewing speed on this machine is 1300 stitches per minute. The unit is equipped with bright LED backlighting. The total weight of the product is 6.5 kg.
Brother 455D
The unit is equipped with thread cutter, differential feed system, sleeve platform. The thread tension is controlled manually.The equipment has a special automatic system for adjusting the material pressure. The model can carry out 8 different sewing operations.
Brother HF4000ST Strong & Tough
Such a machine is equipped with knives of special strength, which are even capable of removing pins. A separate stand is installed herewhich greatly increases the sewing space. The model can immediately sew a seam, overcast and trim off all excess in one step.
In addition, the product is distinguished by the most convenient refueling system and an additional quick refueling function.
Brother 5100D
This sewing machine can handle cutting and processing materials easily. It is equipped with an upper looper converter that allows you to work with all fine threads. The overlocker has an automatic needle threader that allows you to thread both needles. The set with the device is supplied with special accessories to prevent tissue stretching.
Brother 929D
This variety is suitable for professional finishing of material edges. The maximum sewing speed is 1500 ties per minute. The model can carry out 8 sewing operations. The sewing machine has a special system for adjusting the thread tension and presser foot pressure. The model has a bright backlight. The product is sold complete with a cover.
Brother 655D
The equipment is equipped with a system for adjusting the thread tension, a removable sleeve platform, a quick threading function. The pattern can carry out 8 sewing operations. This model has a 1 year warranty. It comes with a soft case. The weight of the product reaches 5.6 kg.
Brother 3100DL
This model is equipped with thread guides for easy threading and an optional quick threading function. The platform has a sleeve type model. The sample is equipped with a built-in light bulb that serves as an additional illumination. The set includes: a brush for cleaning, a cover, needles (5 pieces), a separate foot for creating a blind stitch.
In addition, the 526D and 555D models can be singled out separately. They can overcast and trim at the same time. Designed for 3 or 4 strands. Such samples are distinguished by a simple threading system.
Selection Tips
Before buying a suitable overlocker, you should pay attention to the list of sewing operations that the unit performs. And also you need to look at the type of device. Models with 3 threads are distinguished by convenient threading and low cost. The 4-thread stitch is used to stitch fabric while overcasting cut portions.
When choosing, you should pay attention to the level of functionality of the device. The most convenient for humans are the varieties with automatic adjustment of the thread tension and the pressure of the fabric to the surface.
User manual
Each overlocker comes with a corresponding instruction manual. It contains the names of all the components, as well as the connection diagram of the machine, which will allow, in addition to preparing for work, also to configure it. First, the interaction between the looper and the needles should be established with each other. Then you need to thread the threads and adjust the stitch length. Finally, you need to install the blades.
In the instructions, you can find the rules for the maintenance of equipment. For example, it contains information on how to properly clean equipment (cleaning is carried out with a brush), lubricate the mechanism, change backlight bulbs, and so on.
Possible malfunctions
Quite often the mentioned overlocks start to jam and work slowly. This is most often due to the fact that the wrong types of oils are used to lubricate them. In this case, the grease must be replaced with another machine compound. Sometimes even suitable oils lose their properties during operation. This most often occurs when equipment stands outdoors for a long time and accumulates dust. In this case, the lubricant dries up and hardens, so it will be difficult to rotate the machine mechanism.
Sometimes malfunctions occur due to improper fixation of individual parts. Before work, it is worth adjusting the pressure of the fabric to the surface, the degree of thread tension and the rise of the foot.
Review overview
Most consumers noticed a low noise effect during the operation of the equipment. They practically do not emit extraneous sounds that interfere with a person. And also some users noted the high speed of the sewing machines of this brand. With their help, you can quickly process a large amount of material. Consumers left positive feedback on the good quality of the described overlock models. They are able to make straight and neat stitches. They also noted the simple technology of threading, relatively low cost, beautiful and modern appearance, ease of maintenance.
The high level of functionality also earned good reviews. Most sewing machine models can perform several different seams at once. In addition, they are able to cut off all excess that accumulates in a special compartment. Almost all samples of overlockers are equipped with backlighting, which allows a person to work with the unit as comfortably as possible. Some buyers left negative reviews about the products of this manufacturer. For example, there are claims that many models do not come with a cover for storing and carrying machines, as well as additional compartments for sewing accessories.
Users also commented that in the instructions for some units there is no information that allows you to correctly configure them. At the same time, it contains instructions on the use of additional elements (covers, compartments, trays for trimming).
In the next video, you will find a detailed review of the Brother 2104D overlock.