Janome Mylock 134D

i had this bought as a gift for me from my grandparents to start up my own sewing business.
it works like a dream! very easy to handle, great thread control, easy to adjust the tensions on the threads too.
I had to read the instructions and the diagrams a few times to figure out how to thread it up!
you can either do a general overlock stitch, or a rolled hem (which i prefer as it's much neater and smaller in width than the general overlock stitch is.
It comes with some brilliant bits and bobs too.
extra needles, a brush for cleaning all the fluff out. (you will definately need this!) and lots more.

It gives a very good stitch, doesnt need oiling very much either.
i have oiled mine twice and ive had it almost 2 years now. It is very enjoyable to work with and i very much so reccomend it to anyone who is looking for an overlock machine.

An overlocker does 1 type of stitch, which is a general overlock which will neaten seams and stop them from fraying. You can also use it to sew two pieces of fabric together. In america they call overlocking "serging" so if you're used to reading tutorials for sewing on american sites, then overlocking is our term.

I bought this machine from an independant sewing machine seller in Ringsted, Northamptonshire.
but you can also buy them online - mainly on ebay for around £100-£250 depending if your buying brand new or second hand.
You can achieve an overlock style stitch with your ordinary sewing machine using a zigzag stitch, but i highly suggest buying an overlocker as it is very quick, very easy and will change your sewing experience.
i've found it difficult to try and overlock anything other than a straight line or curved edge as it's cutting your fabric on the edge to neaten it and if it goes wrong, your item is ruined, so i'd suggest getting some scraps of fabrics and just testing it over and over until your happy you're in rhythm with the machine.

The foot is the same as a sewing machine, and is slighty faster, so don't press too hard or before you can blink your fabric has been overlocked!

The machine needs 4 lots of thread. Try to buy big cones of 5000m of thread (preferably in the same colour) as it does run down fast with the general 1000m spools. I buy my cones on ebay for around £2.50 and £2.50 postage. You can also buy them in bulk on specialist websites, but make sure to check it is 5000m as sometimes you'll find websites are selling 1000m spools as overlocker thread.

The weight is approximately 3.5kg and comes with a light so you can see your work well.
There is a metal bar that lifts at the back which your thread loops through and keeps it in place and stops the threads from tangling up.
The spools are placed at the back, and you thread them through the bar loops.
The dials on the front are for changing the tensions and really do need your own testing and trialing. They are set at a standard setting of 4, but mine are all different now as i set them to my needs


Review also over on dooyoo.