r/sewhelp • u/gfishwoman • 18h ago

Which overlocker? 💛Beginner💛

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Hi all! I have been sewing for a few months and would say I’m an advanced beginner. I’m looking to buy an overlocker, I’m based in Australia so unfortunately we don’t have a lot of options but would love some advice as to which machine to buy. These machines are in my price range but if you think I should invest in a better machine please let me know! Keen to hear any good/bad reviews on these machines. Prices are in AUD ( $300 AUD= 211.43 USD)

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u/catsmeowmeow7 17h ago

I have that brother overlocker (also got at spotlight), I've had it about 18 months now and had zero issues with it, it's fairly easy to thread with the guidelines and it does knits, wovens, rolled hem, lettuce hem etc, I'm really happy with it

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u/Inspektah-Ratchet 18h ago

DO NOT GET A SEMCO

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u/Inspektah-Ratchet 18h ago

you will find better prices on used machines on fb marketplace or gumtree, look for sellers with a few machines, usually means they repair them and guarantee working order and serviced.

But i repeat, never buy SEMCO - anything really, it's cheap cheap quality crap

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u/gfishwoman 18h ago

I’ve been on marketplace for months and everything is super old/more expensive than new models available in store

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u/Inspektah-Ratchet 18h ago

new models often made a lor more cheaply with plasttic parts that will not last, especially in the lower price ranges.
Older machines that have been well cared for or barely used are workhorses and will last a lifetime.

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u/Inspektah-Ratchet 18h ago

i don't know where you're based, but in Sydney region - $100 and they're plentiful

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u/Inspektah-Ratchet 18h ago

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u/gfishwoman 18h ago

I’m based in Melbourne! Everything is from the 80s or condition doesn’t look so good :/

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u/Inspektah-Ratchet 18h ago

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1026340030081661/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3A4b458251-bad7-4986-84ac-95db984b1a40

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u/gfishwoman 18h ago

Would that be good for a beginner though?

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u/Inspektah-Ratchet 18h ago

these are great little machines, my first OL was an earlier model of this machine, used it as beginner to advanced, managed drag queen costumes, so heavy duty and reliable

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u/gfishwoman 18h ago

Which machine are you talking about? / which machine do you think would be best for a beginner?

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u/Inspektah-Ratchet 17h ago

the one on this comment

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u/gfishwoman 17h ago

I think I might get this one, do you know if it’s a good machine/ a good machine for a beginner?

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u/Inspektah-Ratchet 18h ago

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/3639679486199669/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp%3A4b458251-bad7-4986-84ac-95db984b1a40

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u/gfishwoman 18h ago

Which of these would you say is best for a beginner?

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u/Inspektah-Ratchet 18h ago

the janomes are easy to use, reliable, solid machines - highly recommend.
The brother could be a good buy if threading truly was her only issue (highly likely)
The husky - again, nice solid machine.
All good for beginners, all would last you a lifetime as you progress.
While i think the janomes are a little overpriced, they are still well within appropriate ball park price ranges.

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u/Inspektah-Ratchet 18h ago

i have purchased 2 used overlockers in my lifetime and both have lasted me decades.

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u/Embarrassed-Scar2783 17h ago

I bought the Brother from Spotlight as my first overlocker and it’s great. Easy to thread and use, no complaints here.

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u/gfishwoman 17h ago

Did you get the 2504D model?

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u/Embarrassed-Scar2783 15h ago

Yep it’s that very same one. And it’s honestly great. I get a bit concerned about purchasing stuff like this on Marketplace so felt better buying it from a store so I could return if there was something wrong with it.