Did you know that overlock stitching was invented by the Merrow Machine Company in 1881. J Makens Merrow and his son Joseph Merrow, who owned a knitting mill established in Connecticut in 1838, developed a number of technological advancements to be used in the mill’s operations. Merrows first patent was a machine for crochet stitching and the Merrow Machine Company still produces crochet machines based on this original model. Merrow’s original three-thread overedge sewing machine is the forerunner of contemporary overlocking machines. Over time, the Merrow Machine Company pioneered the design of new machines to create a variety of overlock stitches, such as two and four thread machines, the one thread butted seam and the cutterless emblem edger.
In 1964 several engineers and managers at one Japanese manufacturer redesigned the industrial serger they were currently manufacturing as a smaller, light model intended for home use. They presented their concept to their employer, and after it was rejected they quit and formed the Juki Corporation.
We have been hosting our own ‘Overlocking Workshops’ so that everyone that has a machine at home that has never come out of the box, can start to use it with confidence. Janice Croft has been with us again and this is a must do class if you are curious about overlockers. You will learn how to thread it, make samples using a variety of fabrics, and get to know what your settings need to be to achieve the best results. At the end of the day you will leave confident to use your overlocker. You will have samples for future reference and 2 useful projects showcasing your new skills.
We have more workshops coming in the Autumn of 2021, so keep a look out for the new dates.
