Overcast stitch is wrong way around.

[BrendaP]

It's also no longer true to say that an overcast edge is the way edges are finished in the garment industry.  They are nearly always overlocked, which is a different type of stitch altogether and requires a different type of machine.

[So Chic]

I don’t know the answer but I considered buying a F & R machine in the early 1970s but was advised against it by the dealer because the needle only swung to one side. 

[Adey1981]

@So Chic

It's ok, mine's from the early 80's, so it swings both ways!
 

[Missie]

I don’t know the answer but I considered buying a F & R machine in the early 1970s but was advised against it by the dealer because the needle only swung to one side.

Having had a machine whose needle swings to both sides, I would never go back to a machine that only swings to one side.  I have a basic Janome (well DD does) and an old Singer (which is a fabulous workhorse machine) and both have only 1 side swing and it is a complete pain.