Sewing machines & overlockers

Sewing machine or overlocker: how to choose for your own needs

Updated 21 October 2026

What are you going to sew

A sewing machine is chosen for the fabric and the job, not for the number of stitches in the advert. For small repairs and hems a simple mechanical machine is enough. For making clothes, a computerised one with an automatic buttonhole is more useful. For heavy fabrics such as leather, denim and canvas you need a more powerful machine, perhaps even a semi-industrial one. If you sew knits, you will need an overlocker as well as the machine.

What to put in your request

• type of machine — domestic, overlocker, coverstitch, industrial, computerised or embroidery;
• model — for example Janome 7518;
• new or used;
• what it is for — repairs, making clothes, heavy fabrics, a business;
• features — number of stitches, automatic buttonhole, needle threader, servo motor;
• what is included — table, motor, set of presser feet;
• warranty, delivery with your city and budget.

Example: “I need a 4-thread overlocker for knits, preferably Janome or Brother, new, with warranty. Courier delivery to Christchurch, budget up to NZ$420.”

Sewing machine versus overlocker

A sewing machine makes a stitch and buttonholes, while an overlocker trims and finishes the edge and joins fabric without letting it fray. An overlocker does not replace a sewing machine: they complement each other. 4-thread overlockers are the most common, as they give a strong seam for knits and woven fabrics. A coverstitch machine is for even double rows of stitching on the hems of knitted garments.

What to look at

The body and mechanism: a metal frame usually lasts longer than a plastic one. For heavy fabrics, motor power and the lift height of the presser foot matter. Check which feet come in the box and whether you can buy extra ones. For computerised models, ask whether service is available and what repairs cost, as repairing an electronic board can be expensive.

If you buy second-hand, ask to see the stitch on different fabrics, listen to the motor and check the thread tension and the foot. Find out the age and whether it has been repaired.

Think separately about needles and thread: needles for denim, leather and knits are different, and cheap thread can cause skipped stitches even on a good machine. Ask which needles come with it and how many spools, and whether consumables for this model are easy to get. Overlockers also use several threads at once, so a set of cones runs out quickly.

How it works with BlaBlaPrice

You describe what you sew once on BlaBlaPrice, and sellers reply in chat with the model, accessories, price and delivery. They can see where their offer stands and compete for your request. The best-value offer is shown first, with reviews next to it. Contacts stay hidden and are opened only to the seller you choose. More on the How it works page.

For knitting there are knitting machines, and for looking after finished garments, irons.