Overlocks "Prima": varieties, recommendations for selection

The idea that everything new is well forgotten old often applies to sewing techniques. The developed designs are well known to consumers. Overlocks "Prima" are a striking example of such devices.

You can find references to quite different models of Prima overlocks. But all of them were taken out of production back in the 1990s, and no actual information about them has survived. There is practically no official technical documentation either. There are only a few dull mentions that Prima overlocks are 3-thread or 4-thread versions.

Overlock "Prima" 3-thread is very cheap and allows you to perform the simplest overlap of fabric. This technique can even be used to make flat flatlock seams of various widths. You can also prepare the hem and roll up the 3-fiber seam. Despite the limited functionality, 3-thread overlocks almost completely cover the needs of most ordinary users.

Thanks to the second upper needle, you can trim a wide variety of products and work with elastic fabrics. The special treatment will also help to strengthen the places where the increased load is created.

With the help of four-strand overlocks, they make:

• overalls;
• covers;
• bathing suits;
• bags and sacks;
• tents;
• all kinds of theatrical and sports costumes.

The photo shows the Prima household overlock, which is a close analogue of the industrial 51 class overlock. The Prima slats are not designed to handle stretch knitted fabrics. And the setting does not solve this problem.

Owing to other fabrics can also be done without any significant difficulty. If users get hold of this old technique, they can try it, but there are a few things to consider.

First of all, it is worth mastering the work with the needle knot (pictured). The thread must be brought under the plate. If the overlocker starts skipping stitches, the needles are not properly seated. Or the threading circuit is broken. The tightening force is adjusted after loosening the screw with the spring.

On three-thread models, be sure to insert the thread into the right mount. Sometimes the needle cannot be fully inserted into the needle bar. Worst of all, there is no way to visually detect such a problem. It manifests itself only by skipping stitches or by the absence of overlock seams. In this case, it is required to move the needle up to the stop with pliers, avoiding the displacement of the groove to the side.

Difficulties in threading can also arise due to problems with raising the creel. A special screw on the handle helps to lift it. It is only weakened so that the creel can be pulled upwards. When this is done, the screw is tightened back. When threading the thread into the needle threader, thread it into all fasteners along the path.

From time to time the knives on the Prima overlock become dull and will have to be changed. To do this, the knife is pressed to the right and raised up. Replacement can even be done by hand. But sometimes it is advisable to turn to professionals. The cutting surface of the lower knife is positioned slightly below the throat plate. In this case, the blade of the upper knife should fall by 1-1.5 mm beyond the edge of the lower cutter; more accurately select the appropriate installation can only be empirically.

When the Prima overlock begins to hum or squeal, it is almost always associated with a loosening of the motor belt. Most often they try to adjust it by loosening the mount and shifting the motor. Another option is to loosen the bracket on the overlock body... Then the drive and its bracket are lowered.

Almost all models are designed to adjust the stitch length and frequency. This adjustment is made with a special lever. From time to time, any overlock will have to be cleaned of fleece and oil. At least 1 time in 30 days, you have to lubricate the device with a special engine oil.

Proprietary instructions for the use of overlocks "Prima 4M" also pays attention to security measures. In general, its prescriptions can be attributed to other models. It is imperative to provide power supply with a voltage of 220 V and a frequency of 50 Hz. Connection to 127 V networks is allowed only with a step-up transformer.

It is undesirable to let children approach the overlock and allow it to be used as a toy. The instruction also prohibits leaving the device connected without the supervision of an adult. Unplug the overlock before cleaning and adding (replacing) grease. The stitch can be adjusted to the left and right. If the thread is cut, re-threading the looper is not required.

Before overcasting the edge, you need to check how well the stitching is... As needed, adjust the degree of pressure by the foot. For lightweight materials, 80s needles are used. With the help of the 90th needle, you can process knitwear and suiting fabrics, and for felt and dense knitted products, needles No. 100 should be used. When sewing on thickened fabric, you need to:

• use only 100th needles;
• sew relatively slowly (it is even better to turn the handwheel by hand);
• avoid pulling the fabric with your hands;
• Sew a maximum of 6 folds at a time.

Changing needles is strictly required when the needle bar is placed overhead. The flat side of the needle is oriented away from the operator. The groove of the needle is oriented towards it. The output of the rack teeth above the plate is reduced for thin materials, and increased for thick ones. After setting the required value, you need to re-fasten the stopper screw.

The owners' comments about Prima overlocks are contradictory. It is often noted that they are not suitable for working with subtle matters. In general, the devices work pretty well. But over time, malfunctions, looping of the lines may begin. But you can sew on "native" needles with almost any thread and not encounter any noticeable whims. And yet, overlocks of this brand can now be perceived only as a curiosity.

Appliances for home use are chosen primarily based on the number of operations performed. Chasing their variety is not worth it, since it is still unlikely that you will need to make any particularly complex seams. But for a studio, even a semi-professional one, it is worth choosing models of the 51st class.... If you have a differential rail, you can safely work with any jersey.

Of modern foreign brands, noteworthy are:

• Toyota;
• Minerva;
• Bernina;
• Brother;
• Janome.

If you plan to sew and overcast fabrics of various thicknesses, a model with an adjustable foot lift is very convenient. Sometimes the scope of delivery includes presses for fabrics of different weights. Novice garment workers can safely ignore the variety of stitches, they need to get used to at least simple techniques. And of course, you need to study the current reviews.

In the next video you can watch the process of fabric processing on the Prima overlock.