Get to know your overlocker
Do you want to take your sewing to the next level? If so, our overlocker course is for you. Learning how to use an overlocker will allow you to get a professional-looking finish on your edges, hems and seams, especially on those tricky stretch fabrics.
At first glance, overlockers seem a bit daunting, with their multiple spools of thread and built-in trimming knife. Many sewers avoid using them for years!
Let us show you what a difference they can make, and that it’s easy when you know how.
Come and learn how to make the very most of your overlocker, or find out whether you want to invest in one. This workshop will help you feel more confident about independently threading your machine, show you the common pitfalls and explain the best settings for the variety of stitches that we can use an overlocker for. Using an overlocker will help give a professional finish to your projects and they work particularly well on stretch fabrics.
A follow on session ‘get to know your overlocker 2‘ also runs where we make a number of small projects just from your overlocker.
What will we cover?
On this one-day overlocker course you’ll learn to thread and use your machine independently. We’ll show you how to avoid the common pitfalls, explore the variety of stitches we can use an overlocker for, and explain the best settings for each.
The course covers:
- the parts of the overlocker machine
- threading and rethreading
- working stitch length
- 4-thread overlock stitch
- 3-thread overlock stitch
- narrow overlock
- flatlock hem
- rolled hem
- understanding differential feed
- how to sew corners and curved edges.
How will I be taught?
You’ll be taught in our lovely studio by a friendly and experienced tutor, through demonstration and guidance as you work.
You’ll also be able to ask questions, making sure everything is clear and that you’re getting the best results you can.
Do I need any previous experience or skills?
This overlocker course is for keen sewers who are already competent with a sewing machine.
Are materials provided? Is there anything I need to source myself?
You are welcome to bring your own overlocker or use ours.
If bringing your own overlocker, please remember the foot pedal, power lead, accessory box and manual. Please also ensure that the machine is in good working order or we could waste valuable time.
All fabrics are supplied.
What will I take home with me?
You will take home a catalogue of samples and settings guides so that you can continue at home with ease.
Refreshments
Drinks and biscuits will be available but we recommend that you bring a packed lunch with you.
“Enjoyed the ‘Getting to know your overlocker’ one day workshop. A lovely studio and friendly atmosphere. Sarah was very helpful and patient. Very good direction and instruction.”
Jiya W.
“The beginners’ course on the overlocker, by Sarah, was so informative. I now feel so much better prepared to use my overlocker. So many other courses to choose from! Thank you.”
Jan R.
“I had a brilliant day this week learning to use my overlocker with Sarah, a brilliant teacher and a lovely group of ladies. I arrived a little scared of my machine but left excited to start creating clothes for my grandchildren with my new knowledge. Thank you so much!”
Louise B.
“I had a thoroughly enjoyable day on Tuesday getting to know my overlocker. I learnt so much and came away with the confidence to actually use it and ‘troubleshoot’ for myself. Sarah was a very patient and clear teacher and it was a great atmosphere.”
Fiona B.
“Had a wonderful time today getting to know my overlocker. Never used one before. In the space of five hours I learnt what all the parts are for, learnt how to thread it and also felt confident enough to use it in my next project. Sarah was very patient and we were all able to follow her at our own pace.”
Fay E.
Photography
During all of our workshops photographs are taken for promotional purposes only. Please make us aware at the time of booking if you would prefer not to be included.
Tutor
Owner of Made and Making, Sarah has been sewing all her life. Her passion is helping others to gain the same level of enjoyment from mastering these creative skills. She's known for her infectious enthusiasm, her endless knowledge and for her knack for explaining things clearly, leading to lots of 'aha!' moments. You may have seen her share some of those on the TV channel Sewing Street. In a previous life, Sarah was a branch manager in an insurance firm. Taking redundancy in 2012 allowed her to follow her dream of creating a hub for sewing and craft. At Made and Making Sarah teaches sewing, crochet, needle felting and other craft courses. She's also one of the tutors for the children's workshops. When family life allows, Sarah loves nothing more than immersing herself in her own projects.
