If you’re considering investing in a new overlocker, or if you’ve recently purchased one and are keen to learn the basics, this post provides a review and walk through of the Brother 3034DWT Overlocker. We’ll start with the unboxing, explain the various features of the machine, and finally, we’ll demonstrate how to thread it—a process made easier by the user-friendly design of the 3034DWT from Brother.
Unboxing The Brother 3034DWT Overlocker
In the package, you’ll find the machine thoughtfully packaged, and each unit has been test sewn to ensure it works well. As you unbox your new machine, the first step is to remove all the packaging materials, especially the sticky tapes, ensuring you haven’t missed any. The machine comes pre-threaded, a pleasant bonus for beginners.
Before proceeding, raise the needles using the handwheel and lift up the presser foot lever. Once this is done, you can discard the test thread. Before you start, ensure to raise the telescopic pole and confirm that all the threads are appropriately in place.
What’s Included With The Brother 3034DWT Overlocker
The Brother 3034DWT comes bundled with several accessories. Firstly, a comprehensive user manual that will be a valuable reference, particularly if you’re new to overlocking. There’s also an informative DVD included that provides additional insights, mainly focusing on threading.
One of the standout features of the Brother 3034DWT Overlocker is the detachable sleeve arm. This addition is perfect for sewing small cuffs or the hems of leggings. Additionally, the machine comes with an extension table that can provide extra fabric support when needed. This piece easily slides onto the machine, much like an extension table on a traditional sewing machine.
Another noteworthy addition is the drip tray, designed to catch fabric scraps while you sew. This tray simply slides into a spot beneath the front of the overlocker.
The Brother 3034DWT Overlocker also comes with several extra feet – a piping foot, gathering foot, and blind hem foot. You’ll also find a small cleaning brush for lint removal—an essential tool considering how much lint overlockers can generate.
Also included are a pair of tweezers for handling small pieces and a little Allen key for changing needles. You’ll receive two needles with your overlocker, with one sitting slightly lower than the other—this is standard. You can choose to use one or both needles depending on the type of stitch you wish to perform.
Understanding The Needles
Finally, note the arrangement of the needles. The one on the right is set slightly lower than the one on the left, which is perfectly normal. When changing the needles, remember that the right one corresponds to the lower needle, and the left one corresponds to the higher one. Depending on your needs, you might want to use only one needle for a three-thread or rolled hem stitch, and understanding this distinction will be helpful as you become more comfortable with the machine.
Threading and Tension
An essential aspect of the Brother 3034DWT Overlocker is its threading mechanism. The device includes tension discs, which you’ll find usually stay the same if you’re only using the overlocker to neaten off the edges of your garments. Changes to these settings come into play when you wish to perform a rolled hem, requiring the reduction of some thread settings.
When it comes to threading, the device might seem daunting with its multiple threads. However, if you consider these threads in halves, it becomes less complicated. The lower and upper loopers hold the first two threads, and the remaining two are our needles. This machine’s layout ensures the threading process is simple.
For easy access, the machine’s base can be opened revealing the loopers. Here, you find the lower looper marked in blue and the upper looper in green. While threading the upper looper is straightforward, the lower looper might be slightly trickier, but with this machine, it’s not a big concern.
Blades, Stitch Finger, and Sewing
An impressive feature of the overlocker is the blade. A lever is available to disengage the blade when not in use or when you don’t wish to cut any more fabric. The overlocker also possesses a stitch finger, essential when doing a rolled hem. The stitch finger maintains the fabric’s flatness during sewing, and its removal allows stitches to go around the fabric instead.
Before beginning to sew, ensure the machine is switched on, threads are correctly passing through their respective loops, and the tensions are set correctly. Unlike a sewing machine, you can sew into nothing with an overlocker, which means you don’t need to be sewing into any fabric.
When sewing, you let the feed dogs pull the fabric through. Be mindful not to scrunch up the fabric in front of the blade, as it would impede the blade from cutting through the fabric effectively. After sewing, it’s important to chain off into nothing. Cutting the threads too short could result in unravelling, creating a re-threading issue.
If you’re new to overlocking, practicing four-thread overlocking is an excellent place to start. By taking the time to familiarise yourself with the machine, you’ll soon feel more confident in your overlocking skills.
Seamless Stitching with Stretch Fabrics
Every sewing enthusiast loves stretch fabrics for their versatility, but the stretchiness can also make them tricky to work with. The Brother 3034 Overlocker, however, makes the process much smoother.
One thing to remember when sewing stretch fabrics with this overlocker is not to pull on the fabric. Let the fabric glide through the machine smoothly to avoid unwanted gathers or ripples. The feed dogs will move the fabric along the machine at a pace that ensures even stitches without any distortion.
This overlocker’s unique feature is its ability to provide clean, neat stitches on stretch fabric, leaving it lying flat and well-finished. The key to perfect results is being fluid with your foot pedal to maintain a consistent speed.
Rethreading Your Overlocker
Rethreading an overlocker can seem like a daunting task, but with the Brother 3034, it’s a breeze. To begin with, make sure to switch off the machine for safety purposes. Cut the threads and pull them through the system after raising the presser foot. Remember, when rethreading, the presser foot must be raised, similar to when threading a sewing machine.
With the Brother 3034, you always thread from right to left, starting with the lower looper, then the upper looper, and finally the two needle threads. A pair of tweezers can be helpful to guide the thread through the tension discs and the various numbered threading points.
Ensure the handwheel is in the correct position (at 12 o’clock), and follow the colored threading guide on the machine. Once you’ve threaded the upper and lower loopers and the needles, you can test the threading by running a short stitch on a fabric scrap.
Warranty and Manual for the Brother 3034 Overlocker
Warranty Details
Investing in a piece of machinery such as the Brother 3034 Overlocker is not just a simple purchase, it’s a commitment to quality. Understanding that, Brother offers an in-depth warranty to back your investment, guaranteeing that your machine is safeguarded for three years from the purchase date.
The terms of Brother’s warranty stipulate that there’s no need to register your warranty upon purchase. All you need is your receipt, acting as your proof of purchase and key to any warranty services required. It’s crucial to note that the warranty is non transferable, meaning if the machine is sold or gifted at some point, the warranty does not transfer to the new owner.
This warranty asserts that the Brother 3034 Overlocker will be free from defects relating to materials and workmanship, with some exceptions as outlined by Brother. If any problems arise, Brother covers the costs for repair or replacement of the machine, at their discretion. However, the warranty does not extend to any consequential damages that might occur outside of the product itself, like unusable materials or loss of profit. For the full details, you can review the warranty information here.
Navigating the Manual
The manual for the Brother 3034 Overlocker is a detailed guide that offers invaluable insights into how to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot the machine. For your convenience, the manual is readily accessible online and can be downloaded from Brother’s official website.
Written in easy-to-understand language, the manual covers a range of topics, from setting up the machine, threading it, selecting and adjusting stitches, to performing regular maintenance. It’s a helpful resource for both novices who are exploring the world of overlocking and experienced users seeking specific information or troubleshooting advice.
Pricing of the Brother 3034 Overlocker
Embarking on your sewing journey with the Brother 3034 Overlocker is an investment in a versatile, durable, and easy-to-use piece of equipment. The value this machine brings to your sewing projects is truly remarkable, but let’s talk numbers.
In the UK market, the price for the Brother 3034 Overlocker tends to fall within a specific range, depending on the retailer and any ongoing sales or discounts. Typically, this reliable machine can be purchased for somewhere between £250 and £350. This bracket reflects the average price found across various online and physical stores.
Remember, when considering the cost, it’s important to take into account the features, durability, and overall quality that the Brother 3034 Overlocker brings to the table. It is not merely a purchase but an investment in a device that could well become your best sewing companion for many years to come.
Conclusion
The Brother 3034 Overlocker is a versatile machine comes packed with remarkable features like its simple threading system, impressive stitch capabilities, and superior performance with stretch fabrics, ensuring a seamless sewing experience.
Equipped with an array of stitches including overlock stitches, narrow, rolled, and blind hem stitches, the Brother 3034 Overlocker offers a wide range of possibilities for every project, allowing you to take your creativity to new heights. Additionally, its ability to handle stretch fabrics effortlessly without fabric rippling, guarantees professional finishes every time.
Offered at a reasonable price, this overlocker machine is worth considering if you’re looking for a combination of high quality, performance, and affordability. It is estimated to cost between £200-£300 in the UK, which reflects its robust features and superior performance.
The Brother 3034 Overlocker comes with a comprehensive manual, readily accessible online, which provides a detailed guide on how to operate and maintain the machine. Additionally, Brother offers a nontransferable warranty valid for three years from the date of purchase, covering repair or replacement costs, giving users peace of mind with their investment.
In essence, the Brother 3034 Overlocker is a brilliant machine for both beginners and experienced sewers, providing a balanced mix of simplicity, versatility, and performance, making it an excellent choice for any sewing enthusiast.