I keep forgetting the differences, so here’s a quick photo reference of Baby Lock’s narrow overlock hems and rolled edges.
In the Quick Reference Threading Guide, these stitches are referred to as:
- 3-Thread Overlock-Narrow
- 3-Thread Overlock-Narrow Hem
- 3-Thread Ovelrock-Rolled Edge
All threads used in this comparison photo are Rasant threads (ie. no woolly or stretchy threads used), and are using the minimum stitch length each stitch can have. (2 for Narrow, 0.75R for the others.)
The Overlock Narrow is a neat hemming stitch on its own (when the threads are matched)… until I sew a Narrow Hem which changes my mind… until I sew a Rolled Edge and I love it so much more than the other two. 🙈
That said, I’ve chosen to finish a few recent projects with a simple Narrow overlock; the hem stays thin and flat as it doesn’t get folded in like the rolled hem or narrow hem.
Don’t forget to take the O1 needle out – especially for the rolled edge; Rolled edge stitches look ugly if you keep the O1 needle in.
I experimented using the non-R stitch lengths for the Narrow Hem. With a stitch length of 1 the hem stays flat. With the 1R it’s very close to the rolled hem stitch.
Project examples
This blue skirt was hemmed with 3-Thread Overlock – Narrow. The stitches are exposed but almost invisible as all threads are matched.
The wrap dress below was hemmed with 3-Thread Overlock – Rolled Edge with regular thread in all loopers (and stitch length of 0.75 instead of R0.75 😅).
More about the making of this in:
And the hem of this pink skirt was hemmed with 3-Thread Overlock – Rolled Edge, with woolly nylon in the upper looper and stitch length R0.75 to provide full coverage. The rolled edge looks so beautiful with woolly nylon thread. Read more about woolly nylon and how to thread it in my other post.
This skirt’s pattern and tutorial is available in:
I love Rolled Edges – they look beautiful, full, and professional (especially when woolly nylon is used). It’s slightly hard to secure the end, but there’s a tip for that.
But, sometimes, a narrow overlock is all I need. It all depends on what I feel like for the particular sewing project; so hopefully these reference piccies will help future-me decide 😀
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