Basic Specification
Weight – 10.56kg
Size – 32 x 28 x 28cm (12.5 x 11 x 11 approx inches)
Stitch length 1 to 5 mm
Colour - White
Overall Assessment
This is a sturdy machine with a great package that you won’t easily outgrow. Everything has been done to make threading the machine (which many overlocker beginners fear!) as easy as possible with a helpful diagram on the machine, a readable manual, pre-threading and, most innovative of all, the 180 degree threading mechanism for easiest possible access for threading. The generous package of accessories all make your overlocking experience easy and enjoyable and the included set of specialist presser feet are generous and useful!
The Jaguar 488 is not the cheapest out there, but you get plenty for your money and a robust, easy to use machine, with a good warranty, that you won’t outgrow.
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Feel of the Machine
This is a robust and great quality machine. It’s a little heavier than some but not too heavy to easily lift and we like the sturdy, good quality feel to it.
Comes Pre-Threaded
The Jaguar 488 comes with threads through the machine out of the box. You still need to supply your own thread for substantial overlocking, but the pre supplied thread shows you the thread pathways though and so how to thread the machine up. Firmly tie the thread you’re going to use to the thread already in the machine and gently pull it through for your first threading of the machine. This helps take away the fear of first threading up the machine which many people have with overlockers.
Colour Coded Thread Paths
Threading of the machine is also made easier for you by an extremely helpful colour coded threading diagram on the inside of the machine, when you open up the right hand side panel.
Comes with a Great Pack of Accessories!
We love that this Jaguar 488 comes with a great package of accessories. You get a needle set, needle threader, 2 thread convertor, stitch finger, brush, screw driver, tape measure, dust cover, oiler, moving cutter, spanner, thread net, tweezers, spool disc, spool holder, spool cap and an accessory bag.
Accessories Storage
We like the accessory design aspect whereby inside the front cover there is an integrated storage space for storing some of your accessories such as your needle pack, screwdriver and brush. The items click into the space specially designed for them. Not everything will go here and you’ll still need your accessory bag for some of the lesser used items.
Instruction Manual and DVD
The Jaguar 488 also comes with a DVD and a genuinely helpful instruction manual.
3 Year Warranty &
Includes a Set of Specialist Presser Feet
It includes a full set of presser feet for a whole range of functions including blind hems, an elasticator, gathering and piping. If you’re doing a wide range of sewing these will be valuable to you as you won’t need to purchase any more (which can start to add up when you buy them all separately) and you certainly won’t quickly outgrow the capabilities of this machine.
180 Degree Threading Mechanism
This unique threading feature make this one of the easiest overlockers to thread up that we have seen. This is a great feature given that many people fear the threading of overlockers most of all!
In this machine both sides of the lower half of the machine open up (its normally just the right side that opens up for threading) so that you have a very clear and straightforward access to the threading path and it’s a lot less fiddly and awkward than most!
Another Advantage of the 180 Degree Mechanism: Cleaning and Access
The full opening machine front also helps with cleaning. Cleaning the machine is not something many give a lot of thought to when buying an overlocker. However, as the machine cuts away fabric overlockers can be prone to a build-up of fibres, threads and fluff. When this build up combines with servicing oil over time a build-up of matter can start to seriously impair the functioning of the machine. A greater access to the machine mechanism makes it is easier to keep clean.
Access to the whole machine also avoids the problem of accidentally dropping your needle inside when you change it, or dropping a screw inside from changing the presser foot or from the needle block. This might sound like a minor consideration but with some other machines it’s extremely irritating, ridiculously time consuming and breaks up the flow of working if it happens to you. With this design, with full front access, its never a problem and gives a better over all overlocking experience.
Adjustable Stitches and Differential
This machine can be used as a 3 or 4 thread overlocker and it is easy to adjust the stitch width and length. The quality of the stitches is precise.
There is a dual feed differential which can be independently adjusted so this machine can cope smoothly with unusual and extreme fabric types and does not create a puckered finish at the seams.
LED Sewing light
The LED light is well positioned, bright and useful so you can see exactly what you’re doing
Includes a Knife
This machine has a knife to cut excess fabric as you work. The knife can be disabled if you don’t want to cut, for example where you are creating a rolled hem.
Its Not Too Loud
Unlike some machines, which can sound more like machine guns, this Jaguar purrs and is relatively quiet. You shouldn’t end up with overlocker-headache!
3 Year Warranty
This machine comes with a generous 3 year warranty, so you can buy with confidence that any issues arising will be resolved! You will need to keep the box for the warranty.
The Downside of the Jaguar 488 Overlocker
No Free Arm
Really the one main downside of the Jaguar compared to other machines, is that there is no free arm. Because the 180 degree opening design where the whole front opens up, you cannot remove part of the left side to do tubular overlocking such as with sleeves, leggings or the legs of trousers, for example.
(If you want an Overlocker with a free arm particularly for tubular type overlocking, have a look at a Brother overlocker).
Not The Cheapest
The Jaguar 488 is not the cheapest overlocker but it is good value for money.
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