Overlocker advice needed - Janome 644D and coverlocking?

Question

I am looking to purchase a second hand domestic overlocker and was wondering if anyone had any comments about this machine (the Janome 644D)? Good/bad points? Or perhaps you can reccommend a better option?

I have heard that the Janome 644D doesn't do a coverlock stitch - could someone also explain what coverlocking is, and what I might use it for?

Many many thanks for your help! (Please don't warn me about buying second hand, though. I'm a student so this is the only way I can afford a good machine!)

Answer 1

Coverstitch or coverlock is the hem finish you see on many knit garments... looks like two lines of straight stitching on the front, zigzaggy thread on the back.  Can be imitated on sewing machines that accept a twin needle, though twin needle stitching is not so stretchy.  Whether or not you "need" coverstitch depends on what you're sewing -- if you told me you were making a whole team's worth of women's swimming suits, I'd say it was probably a good idea.  If you're sewing mostly wovens and prefer conventional hems, I'd say it probably wasn't worth the price difference.

Looks like the 644D is still in production, and is not a coverstitch capable machine, but is probably a good beginner's machine.  Sergers do tend to wear out more easily than sewing machines, so I'm a little more cautious about used sergers than used sewing machines.

Basic serger knowledge:

http://www.sergerplace.com/SergerQuestio...

http://missourifamilies.org/features/mat...

Suggested reading from your library: Ultimate Serger Answer Guide.  Complete Book of Serging.  ABCs of Serging.  Serge Something Super For Your Kids.  Sewing with an Overlock.

I highly recommend that first sergers come from good dealers if at all possible -- there's a fairly steep learning curve at first, and a good dealer will make sure you know what you're doing.

It's possible to learn to use a serger entirely on your own, but most folks don't find the process fun.