Sewing Machine vs Overlocker: Do You Need Both?
If you’ve been sewing for a while, chances are you’ve started wondering about overlockers. Maybe a friend has one, or you’ve seen the neat professional finish they produce and thought — do I need one of those?
The short answer is: it depends on what you make. But understanding the difference between the two machines will help you figure out exactly where you stand.
What does a sewing machine do?
A sewing machine is your all-rounder. It sews seams, hems, zips, buttons, and much more. Most modern machines also include a range of decorative stitches, buttonhole functions, and even embroidery capabilities on higher-end models.
If you only own one machine, this is the one. It handles the vast majority of sewing tasks from quilting and dressmaking to home furnishings and repairs.
What does an overlocker do?
An overlocker (sometimes called a serger) does something quite different. It trims the raw edge of your fabric, wraps thread around it, and sews the seam in one single motion. The result is that clean, professional finish you see on the inside of shop-bought clothing.
Overlockers work at speed — much faster than a standard sewing machine — and use multiple threads (usually 3 or 4) to create strong, flexible seams that won’t fray or unravel.
What they can’t do is replace a regular sewing machine. You can’t sew a zip, insert a button, or do any topstitching on an overlocker. They’re specialists, not generalists.
So what’s the difference in practice?
Think of it this way. A sewing machine builds your garment. An overlocker finishes it.
If you’re making a dress, you’d use your sewing machine to sew the seams, insert the zip, and hem the bottom. You’d use your overlocker to neaten all the raw edges inside so the garment looks tidy and lasts longer.
You can absolutely sew without an overlocker — people have been doing it for decades using a zigzag stitch to finish seams. But once you’ve used one, it’s very hard to go back.
Do you actually need both?
Here’s our honest take:
If you’re a beginner, start with a good sewing machine. Get comfortable with sewing before adding another piece of kit. A machine like the Brother A65 or Janome 230DC will take you a long way before you need anything else.
If you’re regularly making clothing and want a more professional finish, an overlocker is a brilliant next step. The Brother 4234D is a popular choice for home sewers — easy to thread, reliable, and great value. If you want to push further, the Babylock machines are in a class of their own.
If you already sew confidently and want to take your dressmaking up a notch, you almost certainly want both. Most serious sewers wouldn’t be without either.
Can I come in and try one?
Absolutely. We have overlockers and sewing machines set up in our Kings Lynn showroom, and our team are happy to show you exactly what each one does. There’s no pressure we’d rather you leave with the right machine for you than the wrong one.
Come and see us Monday to Saturday, 9:30am–4:30pm, or give us a call on 01553 773362.