Best overlockers UK
Five overlockers for tidy, shop-style seams at home, from a first machine to a cutting-width-and-differential-feed workhorse, priced at one UK dealer on 1 November 2026.
First overlocker on a budget: Brother 2104D. Want more room and handy extras: Brother 3034DWT. Want 2-thread options and a free arm: Brother 4234D.
The picks
Brother 2104D
The low-cost way in: a compact 3/4-thread Brother with a colour-coded threading guide and an easier lower-looper threading system.
- 3 or 4 threads
- 4-colour threading guide
- Differential feed 0.7 to 2.0
- Up to 1,300 stitches a minute
Skip it if: you want 2-thread rolled hems or a wider table.
£279at Sewing Machine World, inc VAT, checked 1 Nov 2026
Brother 3034DWT
A 3/4-thread overlocker with a wide table, a trim trap to catch offcuts and three extra feet. Threads Monthly lists 1,300 stitches a minute.
- 3 or 4 threads
- Wide table and trim trap
- 3 extra presser feet
Skip it if: you need 2-thread stitches.
£349at Sewing Machine World, inc VAT, checked 1 Nov 2026
Janome 9300DX
A 3/4-thread Janome with an adjustable cutting width, good for matching the stitch to the fabric.
- 3 or 4 threads
- Adjustable cutting width
- Differential feed 0.5 to 2.2, rolled-hem conversion
Skip it if: you want a built-in needle threader.
£349at Sewing Machine World, inc VAT, checked 1 Nov 2026
Brother 4234D
Adds 2-thread stitches for fine fabrics, a built-in needle threader and a free arm for cuffs and sleeves.
- 2, 3 or 4 threads
- Built-in needle threader
- Free arm
Skip it if: your budget is under £300.
£499at Sewing Machine World, inc VAT, checked 1 Nov 2026
Janome 6234XL
A 2/3/4-thread machine that Machine and Thread lists at 1,500 stitches a minute. No free arm.
- 2, 3 or 4 threads
- Up to 1,500 stitches a minute
- No free arm
Skip it if: you often sew small tubes like cuffs.
£549at Sewing Machine World, inc VAT, checked 1 Nov 2026
How we chose
We read Simply Sewing, Threads Monthly and Machine and Thread round-ups and the dealer listing, then grouped machines by who they suit. Scores are left off this list until each machine has its own researched review. Every price is from one dealer on one day (Sewing Machine World, 1 November 2026, which also listed free mainland delivery and a free lesson).
Scores are provisional and come from cited sources, not from testing. How we score.
Questions people ask
Do I need an overlocker to start sewing?
No. A zigzag stitch on your sewing machine finishes seams well enough for your first projects. See our seam finishes guide.
What does differential feed do?
It changes how fast the front and back feed dogs move, which stops stretchy fabric going wavy and lets you gather fine fabric.
3 thread or 4 thread?
4-thread gives a stronger seam on knits; 3-thread is lighter and good for finishing edges. Most machines here do both.
Sources
All checked 1 November 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.