Sewing is not only entertaining, but also very practical. Each lover of creating unique outfits over time is faced with the need to acquire more professional equipment that allows her to realize her creative ideas better. One of these devices is a carpet. Let's find out what it is, how it differs from overlock, sewing and flat-sewing (dispositional) machines.
General information about the mechanism
Coverlock is a sewing device that professionals often call the "centaur." The thing is that this machine combines both an overlock and an ordering machine.
Its owner does not need to purchase these two devices at once, saving space in the house and the time that would have to be spent on threading.
Note that due to the sound of the word "carpet" the device is often correlated with a specialized overlock for carpets. This is a mistake, because the first unit performs significantly more seams than seams. In addition, it is not designed for stitching as hard fabrics as carpet. The name "carpet" comes from the English word coverlock, which means "cover protection".
What seams can be done on this machine
Regardless of the manufacturer, each carpet is able to make an average of about twenty kinds of stitches. All of them are divided into the following categories:
- Basting stitches. They differ in weaving and number of threads. "Inherited" from an overlock.
- Reinforcing lines. Double. Their goal is not only to finish the edge (unlike the previous ones), but also to fasten two parts together.
- Flat seams (the principle is taken from a sewing machine). They are a decorative stitch, on the one hand, similar to the classic, and on the other, on the weaving of overcast seams.
- Role seam. It looks like a basting, but differs in very frequent stitches. It serves not so much for marking the edges as for decorating them.
What seams does the carpet do not
Despite the multifunctionality of this mechanism, it is not capable of everything. So, among the variety of seams performed by him, there is no ordinary line and zigzag. In addition, it cannot be embroidered with satin stitch, which is theoretically possible on a regular machine.
The failure for these operations is due to the design of the carpet. Unlike a sewing machine, this device does not have a bobbin for winding the bobbin thread (the same is true for overlock and square sewing). Instead, there is a looper in which the thread is straightened from one of the bobbins.
Which threads are better to use
Although many craftswomen in their reviews note that any household carpet (Merrylock, Minerva, PFAF, Singer) is able to sew with almost any thread, professionals recommend treating their choice more carefully.
The fact is that completely natural threads are often torn. However, if the device has a function of "automatic tension adjustment" (Merrylock 011 carpet), then this will happen extremely rarely.
Fully synthetic threads are more tear resistant, but can also tear. They accelerate the wear of metal parts through which they pass by 15%. In addition, they are afraid of high temperatures. The finished stitch may be deformed when ironing or washing at high temperatures.
The best option is reinforced yarn (LH, LL, LB). They are stronger than cotton because of the synthetic core, and a winding made of natural fibers does not allow a line of them to deform when ironed or washed, withstanding a short-term temperature effect of up to two hundred degrees.
Distinctive design features from overlock and splicing
If the carpet is very difficult to confuse with a sewing machine, then this happens often with an overlock. The fact is that some sellers in online stores, not understanding the intricacies, incorrectly classify the device, as in the example with the Merrylock 5000 carpet.
Although it is proposed as an “overlock”, the description indicates its ability to weld a seam, which, in fact, the apparatus of the declared type cannot do.
That is why you should be able to distinguish carpet from the features of their design and functionality.
In terms of their device for weaving threads using loopers, all three machines are close to each other. But overlock and ploskoshvyka have obvious differences. In the first case, the task of the mechanism is to process the edge, while cutting off all unnecessary. Therefore, all overlocks have a knife that performs this function. To do this, the device is placed on the edge of the sewing "table" on the inside next to the needle (s).
The purpose of the sewing machine is to grind parts or process their edges with a curly seam. Therefore, in appearance, it is more like an ordinary sewing machine, seasoned with several bobbins at once. In addition, unlike an overlock, which is capable of wrapping an edge with two threads, they need at least four to sew them together.
Although the carpet can do double-thread overlock overcast or flat seams, but in its arsenal there are always 4+ bobbins. In addition, his knife for trimming the fabric must have a shutdown function. The desktop of such an apparatus resembles that of a sewing machine or sewing machine. As a rule, when performing overlock seams, the inside of it is removed and the knife is attached.
Therefore, externally, such a device always looks like an overlock, but with a working part near the needle, like a sewing machine. Most models have a special function for switching modes between the crossbar and the disposal machine. In addition, as in the first, there is a separate R mode for the carpet covers. It is designed to perform a role seam.
Varieties of Carlock
These devices are classified according to different properties. Below are the main ones:
- By the number of threads: 4, 5 and more. It should be noted that 6-8 threads are used not in household, but in industrial carpet.
- At the place of operation: industrial and domestic. The first are intended for round-the-clock work. Therefore, they are trying to make all their parts out of metal or hardened plastic.
- By type of control: mechanical or computerized. In the second case, working with the mechanism is much easier, but its price is an order of magnitude higher. In addition, repairing such carpet covers is more expensive and more difficult.
- By the method of threading the threads and adjusting their tension: manual, automated.
Is it difficult to thread the carpet
Each person who has at least once worked with an overlock, flat-sewing machine or carpet, will confirm that the most difficult thing in them is to correctly thread the threads and adjust their tension. That is why many are afraid to purchase a carpet, believing that they will not be able to refuel it themselves, despite the instructions.
To help with this, manufacturers of most modern devices are equipped with an automatic threading function (for example, in the Merrylock 007, Merrylock 5000 or Merrylock 5550 carpet, as well as in the Bernina 1300 mdc, Minerva M 4000 CL). True, in the first two devices there is no "automatic tension adjustment" function. But in the Carrylock Merrylock 5550a it is, as in the Juki Magestic MO-75E and SINGER 14T968DC.
Automatic threading of threads can be of two types: pneumatic and mechanical. Both of them are good in their own way, but it is better to give preference to such models in which both loopers will be well visible, since sometimes the automatic system also crashes.
Manufacturers
The popularity and convenience of this equipment has led to the fact that today almost all manufacturers of sewing equipment produce models of carpet covers. However, not everyone manages to create practical, convenient and affordable devices.
In the domestic market, the mechanisms of such brands are considered the best carpet covers:
- Merrylock
- Minerva.
- Juki.
- PFAFF.
Despite the high quality of their products, it is not always available to the average buyer. Therefore, more often than others, budget kerreloks are purchased. These include the products of Minerva (for the Ukrainian market) and Merrylock (more common in Russia, although today it can also be found in Ukrainian online stores).
The best carpet covers from Minerva
Machines of this company can be considered just household. They perfectly fulfill all the required seams, and cost about 350 US dollars.
Being the best among this price category, they have some disadvantages. In particular, they tend to be capricious with threads, especially those made in China. For some reason, the mechanisms do not want to work smoothly with them. However, these machines sew Ukrainian and German threads perfectly. If you follow the instructions, everything turns out quite worthy.
The best are considered carlocks from Minerva models M 4000 CL, M 3000 CL and M 5000 Pro.
Which Carrylock Merrylock is better to choose
Machines of this manufacturer cost on average as much as the products of Minerva. But Merrylock is harder to buy at retail.
The most popular models are 007, 011, 5000 and 5550 a. For a very inexpensive price (compared to other manufacturers) they show themselves well.
True, if you search, you can find complaints on almost any Merrylock carpet. In the reviews, consumers note moodiness in setting up such pads. This is especially noticeable when choosing modes for the seam and fabrics. Also, some are unhappy with the quality of a flat seam. The rest of the carpet covers of this company are praised, but emphasize that these machines are perfect for home use. For sewing outfits to order, they can fail, so it is difficult to create a sewing business with them.
What causes the high cost of such sewing machines
It's no secret that carpet is one of the most expensive sewing machines. On average, it costs $ 350 and above. Only embroidery machines are more expensive than it. What are the reasons for such prices?
- The multifunctionality of the device. In order for him to be able to both overcast the edges and grind the details with a curly seam, a special design is required.
- To simplify the work with the carpet, most modern models are equipped with program menus with the maximum automation of the most labor-intensive processes. Naturally, all these improvements are also very expensive, which affects the total cost of the machine.
- Another reason for the high price of any carpet is that domestic enterprises do not yet produce such equipment. When importing it from abroad, you have to pay tax, which affects the sale value.
Tips for Beginners
In conclusion, we will consider tips for beginners from experienced users. The most useful of them are always the easiest to find in the comments or reviews about the carpet of a particular model.
- If possible, it is worth choosing devices with automatic threading of threads and adjusting their tension. Of course, such models are more expensive, but it will simplify life and save invaluable nerves.
- Before you start using it, you should find an experienced wizard who will show how to configure and work on the carpet. This will help to quickly master the machine, learn some new techniques known only to experienced users, ask questions.
- Do not hide the instruction far. Let her be at hand to check with her in case of misunderstanding. Even an automated carpet is a complicated device. It takes time to learn how to use it.
- Do not be afraid of mistakes. If something doesn’t work, do not despair. you need to figure out what you are doing wrong. Sometimes the reason may be a defective carpet. Pay attention to the instructions and video tutorials on the Internet. With enough effort, you will certainly succeed.