Read our test-review!

We tested the Coverlocker intensively and tell you all the pro's en cons.

WHY you need an overlocker and WHICH overlocker?
We will answer loud and clear and help you to decide which overlocker works best for you.

An overlocker: do you really need an other sewingmachine?
First of all: it is not a sewingmachine. A (good!) sewing machine can do almost anything, but an overlocker is a the dessert after a delicious meal. The finishing touch, the whipped cream on the cake, the golden thread that makes your sewingwork so professional finished. Do we know more metaphors? Probably, but let's stick to the (sewing) lesson.

For example, an overlocker can sew elastic materials together and finish with a 3 or 4 thread-stitches without any difficulty. For example: these stitches at the end of a t-shirt. Turn your t-shirt or sweater inside out and take a look down. So now you know why! Even the best seamstress in the world can't get it done with a sewing machine. An overlocker sews and CUTS the fabric at the same time.

So put those zigzag scissors away and from now on finish your own clothing with an overlocker. The result will be the difference between: "Nice jacket, mmm ... homemade?" And "Wowwwww, such a nice jacket. You are kidding me, did you make it really yourself ???”

In addition, an overlocker also creates decorative seams, even threads beads or pearls on the fabric and is able to do a lot more magical tricks.
And imagine you are working with a sewing machine to deal with a huge piece of fabric that should become a curtain: an overlocker would turn the big job into a piece of cake.

But we won’t tell anyone, because you have just saved a huge amount of money by making your own curtains...

Why do you need a lock machine?
For all those things that an overlocker does and a sewing machine does not. Or maybe the sewing machine is able to the job but you need special feet. And above all: an overlocker is cutting and sewing at the same time.
With an overlocker in addition to a sewing machine, you create beautiful sewingwork and it definitely looks more professional.

Which overlocker do you need?
Overlockers are for sale in different price ranges.

The cheapest is around 200-300 euros and the most expensive are around 1000 euros.

The difference between the cheaper variants and the expensive ones is often in the fact that an expensive overlocker has an air pump threading system.
The threads are blown through the machine, on the way to the end at the needles. This is especially easy for people who are less handy or who don't have the patience to manage the threading themselves.

The expensive overlockers often have more options in terms of stitches and some options are automatically. The same as with a sewing machines. The more expensive the sewing machine, the more options and possibilities.

Professional results
Often the remark "Did you make it yourself..." does not feel like a compliment. Somehow people are noticing the difference between self-made clothes and the stuff you buy in a store. But as soon as you start working with an overlocker, you will no longer hear these words. Why not? Because your sewingwork is now so precisely finished; it looks very professional!

Let’s start adding beautiful labels with your own name or "self-made" on the clothes, because from now on, nobody believes it anymore. With an overlocker: your sewingwork looks like Haute Couture Yourself.
And "Oh wow, did you really make it yourself???" becomes a very big compliment! And you will answer very proudly: "YESSsss!"

MORE INFO:

The best buy: Overlocker Lewenstein 700DE

Facts and stories

A mannequin (also called a manikin, dummy, lay figure or dress form) is an often articulated doll used by artists, tailors, dressmakers, window-dressers and others especially to display or fit clothing.

If you need help marking hems or particular skirts; a sewing mannequin is the best help you can get.
Also if you sew for clients: a mannequin is perfect to fit the clothes every time needed. Most mannequins have several sizes-options, sometimes even 8 or more.
'No-body' has the perfect body; sewing mannequins are a great help for fitting clothes on bodies which are not-standard sizes.

While these forms generally have a much higher price tag (usually between $100and $1,000), their features and longevity significantly outweigh those of the standard display versions.
For one, professional dress forms feature more accurate proportions and are available in a variety of sizes.

Fashion designers sometimes use a technique called draping when designing and sewing garments. Basically, it involves draping fabric around a dress form and pinning it into the desired shape.
Retailers use various techniques to display their products so as to attract the potential buyers. Mannequins, help the retailers to draw the customers to their stores. ...
​They are important tools of retail business.
They first communicate with the customers through visual merchandising.
​
Every Couture-house owns a lot of sewing-mannequins and some sewing mannequins are even labelled and exclusively for important clients. If the client gain weight, she has to inform the couture-house...

Review:
Delivery: within 24 hours 
Package: Light-weight box (5 kg.) 70 x 37 x 23 cm.
Manual: 4 languages (EN, DU, SP and FR): easy and clear drawings 

​The mannequin - or ' dressform' has a lot of options for creating the perfect size. The more the better! 

It is also very stable, which we love. Nothing more frustrating than a mannequin with difficult 'loose' feet. A mannequin is a seamstress best friend, or girlfriend and normally we are very careful with our equipment, but it has to be said: moving a mannequin around is something everybody does. Easy transport (without loosing the feet on the way) is really necessary. Sierra has a great stable standard without getting heavy.
The standard is small enough so that you do not stumble over it when you are fitting the clothes and have to walk around the doll.

Also a big pro is the nylon-foam-fabric on Sierra.  It is perfect to fit the clothes on it, without it slipping away. Even silk remains on its place. It is also easy to pin and for draping clothes.

We love the neutral grey color. The grey color allows you to concentrate on the clothes. It is also a great non-color if you need to photograph your creations. ​

Last but not least: The best buy!

Our Sewing Chanel Community website is getting a new garment. A new blog. Ánd due to popular demand we have decided to write about new products as well on Sewing Chanel-Style and bring you the latest news, best buys and even more news.

Also a Dutch Blog
The blog is written in English. For most Dutch people English is their second language but not their mother-language. Pardon our English, when it is not correct.

We are still looking for English guest-writers and bloggers; so send us an email if you are looking forward to contribute to this website.

​Our blog will aim to inform you about new reviews; sewing patterns, couture-books, our 'Chanel'-projects and a whole new category: Products-reviews.

Products-reviews
We will inform you also about new products which are the best tools and friends for a seamstress. What do you need to sew (without frustrations) and which products are such a wonderfull 'things' you definitely need?
​
As we are sewing for years; we know what it takes to get a project done. Without certain products and tools it is almost impossible to create the real Chanel-Style couture. Sewing machines, lock-machines, a mannequin, good light and an organized sewing-studio: you probably own a lot of equipment already. But what to do when it needs to be replaced or you just need something better? We will inform you thoroughly with experience and information attached.

Now let's get to work!
Let us inform you with in-depth information. Be inspired and start sewing!
We wish you all the luck with your new sewing-project and meanwhile in the sewing-studio, we will work our butts off to keep you going!

Greets, Marga