Sewing machine vs overlocker: which do you need first?
An overlocker trims and finishes edges fast, but it cannot replace a sewing machine. Here is when each one earns its place.
Dot's verdict
Start with a sewing machine. It does seams, hems, zips, buttonholes and topstitching. Add an overlocker later if you make lots of clothes or sew knits often.
Start with a sewing machine. It does seams, hems, zips, buttonholes and topstitching. Add an overlocker later if you make lots of clothes or sew knits often.
Pick Sewing machine if
you are starting out, or you sew bags, quilts, home items, mending and alterations.
Pick Overlocker if
you already own a sewing machine and make garments regularly, especially in jersey.
What each machine does
A sewing machine forms a lockstitch with a top thread and a bobbin. It sews seams, hems, buttonholes and zips.
An overlocker (serger) uses three or four threads and no bobbin. Its knife trims the edge as it sews, wrapping it in a stretchy stitch. It cannot topstitch, sew zips or make buttonholes.
Do you need both?
Not to start. A zigzag stitch finishes seams well enough for early projects.
Side by side
| Sewing machine | Overlocker | |
|---|---|---|
| Threads | 1 spool + bobbin | 2 to 4 (some up to 10) |
| Trims fabric | No | Yes, as it sews |
| Zips, buttonholes, topstitching | Yes | No |
| Backstitch | Yes | No |
| Best at | Everything, slower finishing | Fast, stretchy seam finishes |
| Learning curve | Gentle | Threading is fiddlier |
Sources
All checked November 1, 2026. We read these; we did not test the products ourselves.