I’m another Bernina fan, in fact have two Bernina overlockers, one has the ability to convert to coverstitch though.
When I went on an overlocking course when I had the first Bernina overlocker, there were other makes being used, and the noise from these was considerable. Okay the Berninas are likely to be far more expensive, but the stitching and ease of changing to a rolled hem is just superb.
Morgan has always suggested to people to download some workbooks from the USA think they are called Mastering your Bernina (then either it is for a sewing machine or an overlocker) and although these are for Bernina overlockers you can still follow these through and stitch out some samples for any make of machine, and by doing this it helps you get to know your machine. I would go along with what BrendaP has said take as many samples of fabric that you can muster to try out, and then bring all these pieces back with you, and make a note of what or how you have changed any settings. Even include some old knitwear then you can be shown how to use the differential feed setting which is essential on this type of fabric.
One thing you will need though is an abundance of needles, as you will need to change the needle/needles every garment on an overlocker or after every 8 hours of sewing. It really does pay to stop and clean out the machine every time you use this as the amount of fluff and debris just builds up and can then get caught up within the overlocking which is not good. Oiling regularly is also essential – just think of the speed with which these machines stitch – they work extremely hard.
I personally do not like the Moon threads, I find them hairy and sort of scratchy, but others on TSP find them fine – so it is very much down to personal choice. I also am one that likes my overlocking thread to match the colour of the garment I am sewing – but then that is just me being really fussy.
If and when you go to Hobkirks and possibly come back with a machine, you will probably need to buy some overlocking threads to get you started as there is only likely to be a small amount already threaded up on the machine –just lengths of thread not reels. Quite often people use something called Woolley Nylon on the upper looper and this thread sort of blossoms out after sewing, giving excellent coverage, however finding this particular thread is not easy and can be expensive. If you are planning to use the overlocker for ballet leotards then you may well find this woolley nylon is just what you need. Have a look on some purchased garments and see if you can see those which have a more covered seam than others.
I started off with an Elna overlocker and this was whilst Elna (Switzerland) was still in existence only of course the overlocker was made in the Far East. This was fine and worked well up until three weeks before my daughter’s wedding when enough was enough and I had to buy a new overlocker hence my switch to Berninas and what a difference. Today Elna is part of the Janome group.
By the way some overlockers have a thread catcher that is attached to the front to collect all the debris that is cut away during stitching, other machines do not have this, however you can make yourself a bag that opens up and has a long flat piece that the overlocker sits on and this will catch the debris – or you can use a plastic carrier bag which is not so pretty!
Wherever you go to look at these overlockers, make sure that it is you that can sit down and try out the machine, and then try as many different ones as you can – all prices and that may help you decide which one is for you. Sometimes a dealer may have one he has taken in part exchange so you could find a real bargain. I personally would not go for the cheapest as they are going to be noisy, possibly difficult to thread and you may find has to go back often to be sorted out.
Start saving!!!!!!!!!!!!!!