roll the fabric edge into the stitch for added durability. Formation When the needle enters the fabric, a loop is formed in the thread at the back of the needle. As the needle continues its downward motion into the fabric, the lower looper begins its movement from left to right. The tip of the lower looper passes behind the needle and through the loop of thread that has formed behind the needle. The lower looper continues along its path moving toward the right of the serger. As it moves, the lower thread is carried through the needle thread. While the lower looper is moving from left to right, the upper looper advances from right to left. The tip of the upper looper passes behind the lower looper and picks up the lower looper thread and needle thread. The lower looper now begins its move back into the far left position. As the upper looper continues to the left, it holds the lower looper thread and needle thread in place. The needle again begins its downward path passing behind the upper looper and securing the upper looper thread (the needle goes between the metal and the thread) . This completes the overlock stitch formation and begins the stitch cycle all over again. Uses Overlock stitches are traditionally used for edging and light seaming. Other applications include: Sewing netting Butt-seaming is used for joining the ends of piece goods. Flat-locking Edging emblems Purl stitching Rolled hemming Decorative edging See also Lockstitch References External links Information on Overlockers Threading an Overlocker Overlocker useful links guide Seams Sewing Sewing stitches