Sewing Machine Buyer's Guide

Overlock machines sew, hem, and trim fabric edges in one step, creating clean, strong seams with multiple threads from cones instead of a bobbin. They’re ideal for stretchy fabrics like t-shirts and undergarments, offering flexible stitches that won’t break. For a polished, professional finish on any project, an overlock machine is an essential tool. Ricoma offers 3-thread to 5-thread models for secure and durable stitching.

Bar tack stitches reinforce high-stress areas on garments, like buttonholes, belt loops, and pocket openings, using tight zigzag patterns. A bar tack machine is essential for ensuring durability and a professional finish on clothing such as pants, jeans, and uniforms.

A coverstitch is commonly used in industrial sewing to finish hems and necklines on stretchy garments like t-shirts, swimsuits, and sportswear. It features two parallel rows of straight stitches on the top and an overlock-style stitch underneath, requiring a machine with two or more needles. This stitch allows the fabric to stretch without breaking, ensuring flexibility and a professional finish. An industrial coverstitch machine is ideal for creating polished garments from stretchy fabrics like lycra, fleece, or knits.

A blindstitch is a sewing technique that creates nearly invisible seams by using minimal thread on the fabric's outer side. Commonly used for hems on dresses, skirts, pants, and shirt cuffs, it provides a clean, professional finish. Ideal for alterations and finishing tasks, an industrial blindstitch machine ensures efficient and high-quality results.