Editing Overlock (section)

==History==
Overlock stitching was invented by the [[Merrow Sewing Machine Company|Merrow Machine Company]] in  1881.
[[Image:Overlockerindustrial.jpg|thumb|A Zoje 5 cone industrial overlocker]]
J. Makens Merrow and his son Joseph Merrow, who owned a knitting mill established in [[Connecticut]] in 1838, developed a number of technological advancements to be used in the mill's operations. Merrow's first patent was a machine for [[whip stitch|crochet]] stitching, and the Merrow Machine Company still produces crochet machines based on this original model. This technology was a starting point for the development of the overlock machine, patented by Joseph Merrow in 1889. Unlike standard [[lockstitch]]ing, which uses a bobbin, overlock sewing machines utilize loopers to create thread loops for the needle to pass through, in a manner similar to crocheting. Merrow's original three-thread overedge sewing machine is the forerunner of contemporary overlocking machines. Over time, the Merrow Machine Company pioneered the design of new machines to create a variety of overlock stitches, such as two- and four-thread machines, the one-thread butted seam, and the cutterless [[Embroidered patch|emblem]] edger.

A landmark lawsuit between Willcox & Gibbs and the Merrow Machine Company in 1905 established the ownership and rights to the early mechanical development of overlocking to the [[Merrow Sewing Machine Company|Merrow Machine Company]].

Throughout the early 20th century, areas of Connecticut and New York were the centres of textile manufacturing and machine production in the United States. Consequently, many overlock machine companies established themselves in the [[Northeastern United States]].

In 1964 several engineers and managers at one Japanese manufacturer{{which|date=November 2018}} redesigned the industrial serger they were currently manufacturing as a smaller, lighter model intended for home use. They presented their concept to their employer, and after it was rejected they quit and formed the [[Juki]] Corporation.

Nick Tacony, founder of [[Tacony Corporation]], introduced machinery for producing the overlock stitch (so called "baby lock") to the United States market. This allowed sewing enthusiasts to produce clothing with finishing seams like those made by industrial garment manufacturers.<ref>[http://www.vdta.com/Magazines/FEB12/sw-babylockFeb12.html "Baby Lock, the original home serger"], VDTA Magazine, reprinted from SQE Professional February, 2012. Retrieved on October 21, 2016.</ref>