SingerElite SE017 Overlock

Originally I ordered a Janome 2300DX but I found it to be very loud and clattery, like an old fashioned typewriter, additionally it was restricted in the number of stitches it could do (either a 3 or 4 thread) and threading it was a major operation. So I decided to swap it for this Singer Elite SE017 on the basis this one can do six different stitches including a two thread stitch, was a very similar price, I had seen a woman on YouTube singing its praises and showing its features in a series of videos and plus I hadn’t seen a bad review for it anywhere. What you might find helpful is what I didn’t know before it arrived. Firstly, on unboxing you will see a tiny plastic bag with three very cheap tools. Screwdriver, tweezers and lint brush. You also get two replacement needles, a replacement lower blade and a tiny “converter” which is needed for two thread stitching, oh and a scrap catcher bag which just literally tucks under the machine and over the edge of your worktop. Honestly I was very nearly put off by the naff tools, still I lifted out the machine and realised it doesn’t come with any thread (the Janome came with 4 cones and threaded up), by this time I was rather despondent, however I realised each thread holder did have a colour co-ordinated strand of thread which was threaded through the relative colour coded threading system, panic over as I was able to attach thread cones by tying the ends onto the ends of each strand, I then pressed the foot pedal until the new threads came through - which they did except the left needle thread which had come untied. If this had been any of the other 3 threads I would have had to take them all out and then rethread the machine again in the proper order, so it was very fortunate, plus I was able to take advantage and try out the 3 thread stitching only using the right needle. This machine runs like a dream, so much better than the Janome, no clattering noise, it sounds like a well tuned but powerful motor. It literally sailed through 4 layers of corduroy, I used the recommended settings for medium woven and it needed no fine tuning. I tested it also on knitted bouclé, I did need to adjust further from the recommended settings for knit but once I did there were no issues. I also tested it on two layers, each of corduroy and thin poly cotton, I did think this might be an issue for it but no problem at all. It has an adjustable differential feed, stitch length knob and you can adjust the stitch width by moving the position of the needles via a knob. It has two stitch finger positions standard and rolled for rolled hems. It runs with no issues, you simply offer up the fabric to the presser foot edge, press the pedal and it gladly takes it off you stitching very very smoothly and very fast too at full throttle, or with less heavy foot pedal pressing, will stitch super slowly, either way the results will be stitched beautifully. It has a table comes off too so you can stitch tight curves like cuffs etc.This overlocker is so easy to thread and to use. This has been my first foray in to overlockers and this little beauty has left me obsessed! I LOVE it.

This is a great overlocker. It's my first one and I'm still getting to know it, but so far it's been fabulous. I was dreading having to rethread it, but in the end I found it reasonably easy. The video on Singer's website was also really useful for this!

Great little machine. Not too big and bulky like some of them out there. Well respected brand that lives up to its name. Highly recommended.

Great little machine especially as I am new to overlocking. The reading is always tricky but once you get the hang of it there’s no problem. I definitely recommend it.

This is my first serger. Foot pedal makes a grr noise then starts really fast you cant control the speed too well. It runs whilst the presser foot is up and then jams the foot plate if you dont notice it. No indication on the knife blade knob what you are turning it to and ive tried using a torch, magnifying glass and persistence but it just doesnt show a sign of what you set it on and so have to do lots of test runs to know what you have the knife at the right width. Ive tried contacting singer but a upper replacement knife part for this model doesnt seem to exist either. However for a basic model and my first serger it is ok.

Does. An excellent job.