Overlocker Technique Manual

Julia Hincks is a teacher and textile artist who has been sewing, knitting and crocheting from an early age. She teaches dressmaking, pattern cutting and overlocking classes privately and at colleges in Brighton, UK, where she inspires adults to take up these crafts and improve their skills. Julia has developed a loyal following. She is the author of the best-selling title The Overlocker Technique Manual (2014), which is now available in five languages, as well as The Coverstitch Technique Manual (2021). Julia lives in Brighton, UK. Find out more about her at www.houseofmisssew.com

• About this book 6Why I love my overlocker 8Chapter 1: Overlocking Basics 10Anatomy of an overlocker 12Must-have tools 16Threads 20Setting up the machine 22Getting comfortable 27Getting started 28Fixing mistakes 30Finishing and securing ends 32Adjusting the overlocker settings 34Adjusting the cutting width 35Adjusting the thread tensions 36Adjusting the stitch length 40Adjusting the differential feed 42Chapter 2: Techniques 44Basic stitches 46Simple seams 48Overlocking around corners 52Overlocking curves, circles and tubes 56Stabilising seams 60Mock band hems 62French seams 64Welt and fell seams 66Roll hemming 68Cover stitch 70Chain stitch 72Flatlocking 74Overlocking with decorative threads 76Using a piping foot 79Using an elastic attachment 82Using a blind hemming foot 84Using a gathering foot 86Using a cording foot 88Using a bias binding foot 90Using a taping foot 93Using a beading attachment 94Chapter 3: Quick Constructions 96Evening scarf/sarong 98Simple top 99Tote bag 102Child’s dress 104Quick quilt 106Cushion cover 110Drawstring bag 112Tube skirt 117Guide to fabrics 120Glossary 124Index 126Credits 128

May 14Are you too scared to get an overlocker out of its box? This book for all skills includes photographs, diagrams and illustrations with every basic detail to get started. Once you've got to grips with an overlocker, you'll never look back. It's easy to thread up and sew, edge fabrics quickly and create a perfect finish. Step-by-step instructions ensure you get the best results with any fabric, including knitting.