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Glite Dictionary
🧵 A sewing machine 🧵 To sew edges 🪡 A seam finish
overlock

overlock

7.7
A stitch that sews along fabric edges to stop them coming apart
  • noun
  • /ˈoʊvərˌlɑk/
  • UK
translation icon : puntada overlock
  • The tailor used an overlock stitch to finish the fabric edges neatly.

Examples

  • I learned that an overlock is essential for making durable clothing.

  • OK, But you know, I've seen so much fast fashion with messy overlock that hi hello game.

  • Using an overlock machine, she quickly sewed the seams to prevent them from fraying.

Synonyms

whipping
vsoverlock
  • Specialized
4 6.9

A hand stitch that goes over a fabric edge to stop it coming apart

is the broader edge stitch aimed at stopping fraying
overcast
vsoverlock
  • Specialized
9.3

A long stitch sewn over a fabric edge to stop it from coming apart

is the same edge finish aiming to prevent fraying
overcasting
vsoverlock
  • Specialized
8.6

A long stitch you sew over a fabric edge to stop it from coming apart

shares identical meaning but differs only as another name
overhand stitch
vsoverlock
6.6

A sewing stitch made by passing the needle and thread over the cloth edge to join or finish it

focuses on sealing edges specifically to prevent fraying rather than joining
blanket stitch
vsoverlock
  • Specialized
5.8

A strong decorative stitch for the edge of thick fabric to stop fraying

is a simple edge stitch mainly to stop fraying, not decorative
buttonhole stitch
vsoverlock
  • Specialized
7.2

A row of small sewn loops that finish and strengthen fabric edges around buttonholes

focuses on edge protection generally rather than decorative or opening finish
hemming-stitch
vsoverlock
  • Specialized
7.7

A small stitch that holds the folded edge of a skirt or dress so it looks neat

is used mainly to protect raw edges, not specifically to form hems
felled seam
vsoverlock
  • Specialized
8.0

A seam made by folding fabric edges under and sewing them so the edges do not come apart

protects edges by enclosing them rather than by stitching over the edge

How Secure

lockstitch
  • Specialized
1 6.8
to backstitch
  • Specialized
7.3
overlock
  • UK
7.7
running stitch
  • Specialized
1 3.5
basting stitch
  • Specialized
7.0

Surface Forms

overlock singular
overlocks plural

Morphology

overlock = lock (semi-transparent) = over + lock

The component parts are identifiable, but the stitch/seam sense is technical and only partly recoverable from the meanings of 'over' and 'lock'.

Etymology

Overlock comes from over- 'on top' and lock 'to fasten', so an overlock is a stitch sewn over the fabric edge to 'lock' the threads. That is why an overlock keeps the edge neat and prevents it from coming apart.