Blades, feet & cones

The best overlocker parts and accessories for 2026

An overlocker eats consumables that a sewing machine does not. We compare blades, specialist feet, woolly nylon cones and net holders — and cover how to tell a blunt blade from a threading fault.

What we recommend

Madeira Aerolock / Aeroflock Overlock Box

Twelve cones in one box — the quantity an overlocker actually consumes. Present on all six markets, with a separate US reference.

Contents
12 cones (Aerolock and Aeroflock)
Use
Overlocker and coverstitch
Amazon reference
B07CTGLKKW in Europe, B07YMW2VYR in the US
- Twelve cones is the realistic quantity — an overlocker eats four at a time
- Mixes smooth and textured thread, which belong in different positions
- Europe and the US carry different references
7.6/10 ≈ $105 / £63 / 45 €
Check price on Amazon

Who each type suits

Worn knife: A blunt knife chews the fabric instead of cutting it cleanly. The main wear part and the easiest to diagnose.
Loopers and guides: A bent or scratched thread guide catches the thread and makes loops people blame on the tension. A point to check before upsetting the dials.
Specific needles: Overlockers do not all use the same needle system. The manual is the only reliable reference.

The trade-offs to weigh

Original against generic: Original parts cost distinctly more and guarantee the geometry. On a knife or a looper, a tiny deviation throws the whole machine off.
Repairing against having it repaired: A knife is often changed yourself with the manual; setting a looper is a technician's job. Forcing a looper is expensive.
Stock of parts against real need: Keeping a knife and a set of needles in advance stops a project being halted. Beyond that, the parts sit idle.

Questions buyers ask

When should the knife be changed?

As soon as the cut is no longer clean and the fabric frays at the edge. A blunt knife chews instead of cutting.

Can I change the knife myself?

On most models yes, following the manual and with the machine unplugged. A routine operation.

Are overlocker needles specific?

The system varies by machine and is not always that of a sewing machine. The manual gives the exact reference.

Why does my seam make loops?

A thread out of its guide or a damaged guide, far more often than a tension setting. Check the whole thread path before touching the dials.

Do I need original parts?

On the knife and the loopers the geometry is critical and the original is safer. On ordinary accessories, generic will do.

How often should an overlocker be cleaned?

After every project: it produces far more lint than a sewing machine. A dry brush and a thorough dusting out.

Does it need oiling?

Often yes, at the points the manual gives, more frequently than a sewing machine. Overlockers run fast.

What to remember

The knife is the wear part: change it as soon as the edge frays instead of coming out clean. When the seam loops, follow the thread path before touching the tensions — and dust out after every project, an overlocker lints far more than a sewing machine.