Flatlock
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Flatlock is a sewing machine stitch that butts two edges of fabric with no overlap.[1] The flatlock stitch is used on swimwear, active wear, and infant clothing.[2]
Description
It is commonly used in sports wear as there are less fabric to chafe.[1] A similar stitch can be achieved on overlock machines, but the result is thicker as the cloth slightly overlaps.[1] However, some industrial overlock machines can do flatlock stitches.[3] Yamato Sewing Machine Mfg. advertises their interlock sewing machines as "Flatlock/Coverstitch" machines.[4]
While home overlock machines can produce a mock flatlock stitch that is similar to the flatlock of a commercial flatlock machine, it lacks strength because it only contains 3 threads instead of the 6 threads in a true flatlock stitch.[5]