Flatlock flat seam is an unsurpassed standard in the production of professional sports equipment, compression garments, rash guards and seamless thermal underwear. Unlike a conventional 4-thread overlocker, a 4-needle, 6-thread flatlock machine cuts seams with built-in knives and joins two fabrics strictly end-to-end, creating a completely flat, elastic and soft-to-the-body seam without protruding scars. In this video tutorial we examine in detail the operation of this special machine.
Contents of the flatlock video tutorial
- 1. The principle of forming a 4-needle 6-thread weave
- 2. Synchronized knife trimming of both edges of the fabric when fed into the presser foot
- 3. Setting the feed differential and tension of textured threads
- 4. Flatlock seam benefits: zero chafing during intense workouts
- Technologist's advice: choosing textured, untwisted threads for loopers
- Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
1. Butt joint mechanics
A special foot with a guide tongue guides the fabric sections under the upper and lower knives, which perfectly align the edges before piercing 4 parallel needles.
2. Threads for flatlock
To create a silky soft finish, the upper and lower loopers are threaded with microfiber textured threads (#160-240), and the needles are threaded with durable polyester threads #120.
3. Seam elasticity
The flatlock seam stretches along with the supplex by 180–200% without breaking the stitches, withstanding enormous dynamic loads in powerlifting and gymnastics.
Advice to the master
When threading flatlock, always use tweezers and strictly follow the color scheme of the thread guides. And you can download patterns for rashguards, leggings and thermal underwear in the catalog ready-made patterns.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to imitate a flatlock seam on a regular overlocker?
A pseudo-flatlock seam can be made using a 3-thread overlocker, but it is inferior to a real 4-needle seam in terms of strength.
What is the sewing speed of an industrial flatlock?
The working speed of modern machines is up to 4200–5000 stitches per minute.
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