Overlocker.

I'd love one too- but heard they can be a nightmare to thread. If you Google overlocker, there are lots of tutorial. But like you, would be very glad of recommendations.

They are indeed a nightmare to thread, which puts me off using mine.

I just use my zig zag facility on my machine, not as good as overlocking but it will seal edges of a turning or hem.

Any more suggestions?

I have a lovely Janome overlocker, I forget which number, but it was about £350, and the threading is fine. The cheaper ones are a nightmare to thread which is why I didn't get the most basic model. Frister and Rossmann do one for about £250 which is supposed to be easy thread too, so you get what you pay for. I went to a couple of classes to teach you how to use them and all the features which was super useful, although you do get a DVD with the machine . I do love it and if you are into dressmaking it gives a much more professional finish, and it's great for stretch fabrics too, and it does lovely rolled hems on fine fabrics. I use mine a lot.

I have Brother 1034d which I used quite happily for a number of years. It's difficult to recommend a particular model as I believe one should try and feel comfortable with a machine before buying. I went on an overlocker course where the tutor had overlockers to use for the day, gave me confidence to look out for what I needed. Here in Oxfordshire there are a number of courses available. Also if you have a good sewing shop nearby they may do 'manufacturer' days, where reps come in and demonstrate for you. I recently went to see a 'Brother' day where I saw the latest models and also what is available to suit your own budget and needs. Didn't 't buy but nice to look around.......

Thanks for the responses. There is a shop in Tunbridge wells that sells them so will have to visit it. I may then wait until the stitching show in Alexander palace in the autumn to see if there are offers on the price. Morag89 is the Brother 1034 easy to thread?

I don't like threading my machine if I'm honest, but I don't use it as often as my sewing machine. I need to concentrate on the colour coding as there is a sequence in the threading, but it doesn't take long to get the hang of it. Attending a course was very helpful for me....One other thing about this one it's quite noisy, I'm lucky to have a room upstairs to shut myself away, something I hadn't considered when I bought mine....

Do the over lockers cut off the spare fabric? Do you need to be very accurate with the fit - I assume there is little room for manoeuvre ?

Yes overlocker can cut and sew at the same time. You should be sure of your seams as it's much harder to unpick overlocker seams, I usually sew on the sewing machine and overlock the final seam, though if you are sure of the fit you can just sew and finish at the same time with the overlocker.