Types of Industrial Sewing Machines
Sometimes the appropriate industrial sewing machine is not a lockstitch machine. On this page are described a few of the many other varieties of industrial sewing machines.
Zig Zag Machine
The zig zag machine works the same way as the drop stitch machine, but can also provide a side-to-side motion. The feed can be disengaged so the machine can be adapted for monogramming. Full control of the witch control can be obtained. The zigzag machine is great for attaching binding and is a good dual duty machine in the home or alteration shop. See the Singer 20U73 Industrial Sewing Machine- Professional Zig Zag as an example.
Blind Stitch Machine
The blind stitch machine (sometimes called a feller or fell-stitch machine) uses only one thread and a looper to catch the material. Used on pant cuffs, to attach the lining in a suit jacket, and in drapes, the stitch cannot be seen from the right side of the material. For an example, see Juki 718 Industrial Sewing Machine- U.S Stitch Line.
Serger or Overlock Machine
The serger is sometimes called a merrow machine. When production workers were introduced to this unusual machine that could stitch and cut the fabric at the same time they saw a big label on the front reading "Merrow" and they assumed that was the name of the machine. In fact "Merrow" just meant that the machine was produced by the Merrow company of Hartford, Connecticut. An example of an industrial serger is the Merrow MG-3D Industrial Serger
The Serger stitch is formed with loopers that cross over them self at the same time that the needle Pearce's the material this ties the threads in a crisscross manor creating a very flexible stitch. The knives of the machine cut the material ahead of this action to make a clean smooth area. (Example Juki MO6704S Industrial Serger- High Speed Overlock)
Industrial sergers are made in 2, 3, 4 or 5 thread formations. A 2-thread machine is used for men's clothing where there is just a need to finish just one layer the material. The 3-thread is the most common stitch formation, the seam you see in most women's clothing. Four-thread sergers are called mock safety stitch machines. The machine gives you an extra straight stitch on the one side but the stitch is tied to the others on the backside. Sometime you will find this stitch down the middle of the stitch formation. The 4-stitch formation is used when you want a stronger stitch but still want a lot of flexibility. Five thread sergers are called true safety machines. The 5-stitch serger has a straight stitch about 1/8 inch away from the 3 thread formed stitch. This is used when you want a very strong stitch and is good when you are constructing jeans or sewing other heavy materials.