Hi Awilda,

I’ve seen Necchi sewing machines before in Lidl but I haven’t looked into the brand. If it was cheap then it won’t have the same build quality as more expensive machines, but it will still get the job done. Especially if you’re not using it frequently. I would just keep it. Good luck with your new sewing journey! 🙂

Hi Erica,

All sergers can sew a tube, but the seam will stick out. I had a quick look at a store-bought fleece neck gaiter my dad has, and the tube is sewn together with an overlock stitch that sticks out a bit.
I also had a look at some online photos of other neck gaiters made from thin stretchy fabric. It looks like they’re using a flatlock stitch to create the tube, and a cover stitch to fold and sew the top and bottom edges.

That probably made no sense lol. Here’s what I mean by ‘flatlock’ and ‘cover’ stitches.

A flatlock stitch is used to join pieces of fabric together. It creates a strong seam that’s completely flat, so there’s no seam allowance sticking out. You’ll normally see it on activewear. Photo here: https://www.blackdove.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/16830818_1165896073509172_5988885024969043920_n-420x280_c.jpg

I’m not aware of any domestic flatlock machines, they’re all big industrial ones.

Most overlockers advertise being able to do a flatlock stitch, but they mean a faux flatlock. It’s a decorative stitch and doesn’t have the strength of a real flatlock. It looks different too. Here’s a photo of a faux flatlock made using my domestic serger (brother 4234d): https://threadsmonthly.com/serger-stitch-types/#flatlock

A cover stitch is used to hem stretch fabrics. On the outside, it looks like 2 rows of “straight” stitching, but on the inside it has “ladders” that allow the stitch to stretch. You’ll nearly always see this on the hems of t-shirts. Photo here: https://www.strima.com/image/1041619/p/6/texi-treccia-c-matic-premium-ex-3-needle-cylinder-bed-coverstitch-interlock-machine-with-electromagnetic-automatic-thread-trimmer-and-built-in-ac-servo-motor-complete-with-2-years-warranty-5.jpg

You could use this to create a similar effect to a flatlock. So one option is to sew the tube together using a serger, then topstitch the seam down using a cover stitch so that it doesn’t stick out. It’s a bulkier finish, but it looks similar. More info here: https://fashion-incubator.com/flatlocking-compared-to-cover-stitching-and-overlocking/

You can buy domestic cover stitch machines and sergers separately, or 2 in 1 machines that combine them both.

Ok, that was quite a long answer.

Quick summary: all overlockers will create a seam that sticks out. They can make faux flatlock stitches that won’t stick out, but it’s not a very strong stitch. Proper flatlock machines are not available for home sewists. The next best option is to buy a 2-in-1 cover stitch and serger machine to create a similar-looking stitch, but it will be bulky.

I said all this because I’m assuming you want a store-bought finish, but as you can see, it’s a lot of work and machinery.

If I was making a neck gaiter for personal use, I would just sew it together with a zig zag, mock overlock, or twin needle stitch on my sewing machine.

I hope this helps,

Sara 🙂

I am looking for a serger that I can sew a tube shape, I want a seam long wise. I am wanting to make neck gaiters and I don’t want a seam that sticks out (if that makes sense) like when you sew anything regularly. I was trying this Singer Overlock (Mod. 14U354) and it looks like the fabric can only be fed through on one side so that would make it so I cannot due a seam down the middle between two ends. Please help, I would so appreciate your expertise. 🙂

Hi Jill,

A good mid-range overlocker with 2 thread stitches and a built-in needle threader is the Brother 4234d. It comes with a blind hem foot and waste bin included. I reviewed it here and gave suggestions for alternatives if it’s unavailable: https://threadsmonthly.com/best-overlockers-uk/

Are you talking about the Jaguar 489? It’s a mid-range machine that can do 2 thread stitches. I think the threading system on that one is pretty good. It’s worth calling a seller to ask if it has a built-in needle threader. I’m looking at product descriptions now and it’s not mentioned on some websites, but from the photos, it looks like it might have it. Ask them if it’s a separate accessory or built-in too.

The big difference between mid-range (about £400) and premium overlockers (£900) are these 2 features: air threading and automatic tension.

Air threading is when the machine automatically threads the 2 looper threads for you with the push of a button. It will save you from the frustration of threading these tricky areas. It also stops the looper threads from catching each other and breaking while you’re in the middle of sewing, because each thread is protected in its own tube.

Automatic tension is when the machine senses the thickness of your fabric, and then chooses the best tension settings for you.

Neither of these features are essential for most people, but if you want a really easy to operate overlocker, it might be worth it for you.

I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any follow-up questions.

Sara 🙂

Hi Chrissy,

My articles on US sergers have been delayed while I finish up my UK ones. In the meantime, the general points I make in this post still apply in the US.

Think about what specific features you need, and how often you’ll use your machine. This will help you narrow down certain models.

For example, do you need a serger with any of these features?
– 2 thread stitch ability (a lightweight stitch for finishing lightweight fabrics)
– air threading
– automatic tension
– a needle threader
– a free arm

These are some of the big differences between sergers.

If you sew often, I recommend avoiding machines at the lowest price point. The build quality won’t be as good. More info about that here: https://threadsmonthly.com/good-quality-overlockers/

Otherwise, all sergers will create a professional-looking overlock stitch.

In terms of brands:
Brother sergers are a good budget option. Their manual threading system is excellent.
Babylock is a well-respected brand for premium overlockers. Juki has a great air threaded model too.
And Singer’s reputation for build quality is very poor according to UK serger specialists. So I wouldn’t buy a Singer.

Sara 🙂