An air threading overlocker threads the two loopers by air being blown through two small pipes.
People quite often pull a face when the topic of threading an overlocker is drawn into a conversation. At least, that’s my experience. It’s the thought of threading the loopers, or, as some say, ‘the underneath bit around the gubbins’.
The ‘gubbin’s usually refers to the loopers and the collection of thread guides. At first sight, this can be a daunting prospect. So if you fall into the following categories, an air threading overlocker may well be the answer.
- Easily daunted
- Looking for an easier solution
- Impatient
- Eyes are not as bright as once they were
Manual vs Air Threading Overlockers
A Manual Threading Overlocker
The more basic, or older, overlocker has to be threaded manually. And if we begin, as you always should, with the two loopers, then this is where it can become tricky. The majority of overlockers have two loopers. There are exceptions – but two is the norm. An upper looper and a lower looper.
So, once you have negotiated the tensions, the thread has to be threaded through a sequence of thread guides. This is before we even reach the loopers. Of the two, the upper looper is generally speaking the easier to thread. A few thread guides and then the looper itself is threaded.
The lower looper presents a different challenge. Using tweezers, you must carefully push the thread through the lower mechanism of the overlocker. The handwheel is then turned so the lower looper is turned to the left. The thread is then pushed through a hole in the rear part of the looper. Again, using your tweezers, you grab the end of the thread from the right hand side and pull out some slack. Turn the handwheel again to move the looper to the right. This should now expose the thread you pushed through from the left. Take this thread and push it through the eye of the looper.
Phew!
Now, it must be said, on most modern non-air threading overlockers, there is often a small device called a lower looper threader. It does make threading the lower looper easier, but there are still all the thread guides and the upper looper to thread.
An Air Threading Overlocker
The overlocker with the air threading feature is far less of a headache. Instead take one thread, push it into a tube on the overlocker, push a lever, and the thread shoots through a pipe and comes out at the end of the looper. Job done. Repeat the process for the second looper. On the overlocker with electronic air threading, you don’t have to push a lever, instead you just press a button. Even easier.
A Personal Note
I obviously see and help hundreds of people each year who are hoping to buy a sewing machine, an overlocker, or an embroidery machine. In fact, I’ve known some of them so long, they often just pop in for a coffee and a chat. And as the years have passed, knees, hips, shoulders and eyes no longer work quite as well.
So Mrs Jones who I’ve known for nearly fifty years might say, ‘Alan, my eyes aren’t as good as they used to be’. They then say what a struggle it is to thread their overlocker. Tying threads together can also be a bind.
So… well you can see where I’m going….
What an Overlocker with Air Threading Won’t Do…
An overlocker with air threading won’t sew a better or neater seam. It won’t have a better tension, and it won’t wake you up gently with coffee and marmalade.
Instead, it will make threading your overlocker much easier.
FAQ’s
Is an overlocker with air threading worth the money?
Yes, if you have trouble with your eyes.
Yes, if you find threading an overlocker a challenge.
Which brands of overlocker have air threading?
Baby Lock
Bernina
Brother
Janome
Juki
Will an overlocker with air threading also thread the needles?
Only one or two premium models have air threading for the needles.
More of them have a standard needle threader.
Come to Bambers to see the Overlockers with Air Threading
Here at Bambers you can see a range of air threading overlockers. Call in for a demonstration and a friendly chat about your requirements. We are always happy to help.
