overlock

Seam finishing technique

An overlock is a type of stitch that wraps around the edge of fabric to prevent fraying, or the machine (also called a serger) that produces it.

The stitch simultaneously trims and encloses the raw edge: The seams were overlocked for a professional finish.

To overlock is to sew with this stitch.

stitch

serger

Edge-finishing sewing machine

chainstitchLinked-loop sewing method
zigzagAngled back-and-forth path
flatlockLow-profile fabric joining

looper · thread · needle · tension · seam · hem

machine

serger

Edge-finishing sewing machine

industrialOf factories and production
domesticOf the home
BerninaEastern Alps' loftiest point

looper · blade · threading · handwheel · motor · pedal · spool · cone

technique

finishing

Bringing to completion

edgingDecorative border material
seamingJoining by stitching
trimmingCutting away excess

neatening · encasing · securing · joining · hemming · binding · reinforcing

garment

seam

Joined fabric edge

hemFolded garment edge
edgeBoundary or sharpness
necklineGarment's upper opening

armhole · cuff · waistband · inseam · shoulder · sleeve · knit · stretch · jersey · activewear

Categories

sewing techniquessewing, stitching, seam, seaming, hemming
edge finishinghem, hemline, hemming, selvage, selvedge
sewingsewing, sew, sewing class, sewing machine, sewing machines
textile craftssewing, knitting, weaving, quilting, embroidery
sewing termsscissors, pattern, shears, rotary cutter, cutting mat
seamsside seam, back seam, shoulder seam, inseam, outseam

Opposites

stitch type/construction

overlockstraight stitch

Single linear needle pass

lockstitch · running stitch · topstitch · chain stitch · backstitch

edge finishing method

overlockraw edge

Unsealed fabric boundary

Family

overlocker, overlocking

Familiarity: Top 1,000,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Rated G