Janome 8002DG Overlocker Review

Overlockers might seem like they’re all the same.

They have the same function when it comes to casting an overlocking stitch on the edge of your fabric. But that’s not the case. Some are higher end, built with features that not every sewist will utilise. Others, like the Janome 8002DG Overlocker, are built to be simple and easy to use by any maker of any skill level.

To put it simply, when it comes to Janome overlockers, this model is great for beginners! And it is very budget friendly, so if you’re wanting to try out using an overlocker to make your garment or home décor projects more durable and professional-looking, then this could be the perfect overlocker for you! You won’t be spending a massive amount of money on a machine if you’re on the fence about utilising its technique and technology.

With the 8002GD Overlocker, you’ll be able to sew with up to 4 threads, and work with as few as 3 threads so that you can create different stitch variations and use the right stitch for any particular project. And you’ll be able to easily convert the machine to be able to stitch a rolled hem for those projects that you’re using delicate or decorative fabrics.

What makes this overlocker a great choice for beginners is that it has differential feed. This feature helps you control how the fabric feeds through the machine better. It controls the movement of the feed dogs so that you can make sure your fabric is moving though the machine evenly, which is important when working with an overlocker so that you’re sure that you’re not cutting away too much fabric as you feed the fabric through.

You’ll also love being able to adjust the presser foot pressure. Adjustable foot pressure allows you to change the amount of pressure the presser foot puts on the fabric as it feeds through the machine’s feed dogs. That way you’ll be able to control how hard the presser foot and feed dogs grasp your fabric. Lighter fabrics like satin or double gauze might shred if too much pressure is used, and thicker fabrics need higher pressure to feed through evenly.

Another great feature for beginners, but also anyone who knows how complicated it can be to thread an overlocker, is that this machine has easy to follow colour coded threading guides. You’ll easily be able to follow the identifying dots to thread the tension plates perfectly. It’s the same for threading the bottom loopers. And the knife is detachable, so you can remove it to thread the machine or to replace it with something sharper if you need to. The knife is also retractable so that you can easily move it out of the way instead of fully removing it.

You can customise any stitch variation to a maximum stitch length of 4mm and seam width of 5.7mm. That gives you a lot of room to change your seams to whatever your project calls for.

Don’t be intimidated by the speed of this machine. It clocks in at 1300 stitches per minute, but you’ll be able to finish your projects with swift ease. But, if you’re wary about the speed, you can easily control it with varying pressure of your foot control, just like any other sewing machine.

Does this overlocker sound like a great fit for you or someone you know? Stop by the Sewing Studio today or give us a shout any time. We can set up a demonstration with the Janome 8002DG Overlocker or any other machine that we carry so that you can make sure it’s the right machine for you!