Faqs - overlockers

Questions regarding overlockers.
Back to FAQ Categories

Q. How often should I change the needles on my overlocker?
Q. I have an Evolve overlocker and I rolled hemmed a skirt cut on the bias, but I didn't get a good finish - there were threads sticking out of the hem. How can I get a better result?
Q. I am looking at purchasing an overlocker. My old one doesn't have differential feed, they all seem to have this these days. What difference does it make?
Q. When using the cover stitches on my new Evolve, can I sew as fast as when I am doing overlock stitches?
Q. What is Automatic Thread Delivery?
Q. Do I need to oil my machine?
Q. What is the purpose of the two white screws which came with my Evolve?
Q. I am concerned about the jet air threading. Won't the tubes eventually get clogged?
Q. Are you sure Jet Air won't break? I've heard bad things from a sewing store.
Q. I've heard I shouldn't spit on the threads with Baby Lock machines?
Q. Which threads should I be using for chain stitch and coverstitch?

Back to top
Q. How often should I change the needles on my overlocker?
A. The needles should be changed every 6-8 hours of sewing or with each new project you begin. Ensure that you are using the correct needles for your overlocker, available through Baby Lock dealers.
Back to top
Q. I have an Evolve overlocker and I rolled hemmed a skirt cut on the bias, but I didn't get a good finish - there were threads sticking out of the hem. How can I get a better result?
A. This won't happen with all fabrics, but when it does, all you have to do is increase the stitch width and length.
Back to top
Q. I am looking at purchasing an overlocker. My old one doesn't have differential feed, they all seem to have this these days. What difference does it make?
A. Overlockers with differential feed have two sets of feed teeth which feed the fabric through. When the differential feed is set to 'N' (normal) the front feed teeth work at the same rate as the back ones. If the differential feed is increased, the front teeth work at a faster rate than the back teeth. This is done to gather woven fabrics or to stop knit fabrics from stretching out and fluting. The differential feed is taken below normal if fine woven fabrics are puckering or to create a lettuce/fluted edge on knit or bias cut fabric.
Back to top
Q. When using the cover stitches on my new Evolve, can I sew as fast as when I am doing overlock stitches?
A. When using cover stitches it is always best to sew at a moderate, even speed. That will give you a more consistent stitch quality because your fabric will be fed more evenly. This is especially true when using the combination stitches.
Back to top
Q. What is Automatic Thread Delivery?
A. The Automatic Thread Delivery System delivers a select amount of thread to form a perfectly balanced stitch, regardless of thread or fabric type. As thread moves through the machine it encounters various threading guides, which are designed to collectively put the right amount of resistance on the thread so that all threads arrive in the right proportions. This feature has been patented by Baby Lock, which means that it is EXCLUSIVE to Baby Lock machines.
Back to top
Q. Do I need to oil my machine?
A. It is not necessary to oil your machine. We recommend that you take your machine in once a year and have a technician look at the inside of the machine. At this time they will lubricate any moving parts, but otherwise the parts are oil impregnated and the more you use the machine the more oil it will get.
Back to top
Q. What is the purpose of the two white screws which came with my Evolve?
A. The screws are used to secure attachments to the sewing table, such as the bias binders and belt loop folder.
Back to top
Q. I am concerned about the jet air threading. Won't the tubes eventually get clogged?
A. Actually, no they won't. When you use the jet air threading, the thread gets pushed through the looper and works like floss to clean it out. If using lesser quality threads, it is possible to have small particles of lint in the loopers. Your machine comes with a wire cleaner, which you can use to give the loopers an extra good clean.
Back to top
Q. Are you sure Jet Air won't break? I've heard bad things from a sewing store.
A. Once we created Jet Air Threading, we knew we were onto something good, so we had it patented. Since the development of this amazing feature no other company has ever been able to use it, and our competitors are not impressed. Some are going crazy trying to come up with ridiculous stories to stop people from buying our machines. Some simply do not know our machines, and wrongly assume the worst. We advise that you speak to any Baby Lock owner to find out how reliable our machines are.
Back to top
Q. I've heard I shouldn't spit on the threads with Baby Lock machines?
A. That's right, it's best not to. When you lick the end of the thread prior to threading, it allows moisture into the overlocker. It is not a big problem, but it is better to snip the frayed end of your thread instead.
Back to top
Q. Which threads should I be using for chain stitch and coverstitch?
A. When using coverstitch, good quality thread is required. Be sure to purchase threads that are 60/3 quality threads rather than 40/2 as the former are less likely to fluff and break. Avoid using dry, brittle threads. Threads which have a sheen work best as they have a lubricant. You can also use decorative Jeans thread which is available in cream, topaz, red, magenta, blue and two variegated colours. See our Threads section in the Products pages for more information.