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Janome My Lock 544D vs My Lock 644D: A Full Feature Comparison
Janome 544D vs 644D
A Feature Comparison
An overlocker is one of the most useful tools that a sewist can have in their sewing room. Not only does a overlocker (or as the American’s call them, a serger) join, edge, and finish hems and seams, they can do it is a fraction of the time that a sewing machine would take! As you start looking around, you may notice that every overlocker in the Janome range can produce a 3 & 4 thread overlocking stitch and a 3 thread rolled hem, and it is important to note that when it comes to stitch quality, every Janome overlocker, from their starting range through to their top of the line models has the exact same stitch quality.
When looking for a good all-purpose overlocker, there are two models that are both often referred to as “a great overlocker for beginners” and “built for heavy use” are the Janome My Lock 544D and Janome My Lock 644D.
So this leads us to ask the question, what is the difference between the Janome My Lock 544D and My Lock 644D?
The Janome My Lock 544D and My Lock 644D do look similar but have a couple of key differences. These relate to the threading and tensions.
Similarities between the My Lock 544D and My Lock 644D
Before we delve into the differences, we should look at their similarities. While there are more similarities between these models than differences, we have detailed what we believe to be the ‘top three’ features that not only set these models apart from the competition, they showcase just how easy overlocking is with a Janome.
Motor & Stitch Strength
Both of these overlockers feature a motor capable of stitching at 1300 stitches per minute (which allows them to glide over heavy materials (like canvas, denim, and even carpet as easily as it does over silks and satins). This means that you can overlock around horse rugs in the morning and after-five gowns in the evening; all on the same machine.
Tension System
While the lay-in tension systems (which opens the tension discs when the presser foot is raised and lock the thread into place when you lower the foot) ensures that every time that you change your threads, you can be confident that they are “in-tension”.
Lastly, the differential feed. While this is a standard feature on all Janome overlockers, it is important to highlight as it can make working with stretch materials a breeze. By adjusting the differential feed knob on the side of the overlocker, you can control the two set of feed dogs that pull your fabric through, allowing you to balance against the stretch/give of a material, or (for decorative overlocking) emphasize it.
Differences between the My Lock 544D and My Lock 644D
Looper Threading
When it comes to the threading of these overlockers (especially the threading of the loopers), the Janome My Lock 544D has the traditional threading points; whereby when threading the lower looper, you pass the thread underneath the needle plate to access the different threading points; while with the 644D, there is a switch that you can flick that moves all of the threading points that are slightly harder to get to into an easily accessible area.
Rolled Hem Setup
The next difference between these overlockers comes to setting the tensions when moving between standard overlocking and rolled hem. When setting up a rolled hem on the Janome My Lock 544D, you remove the left-hand needle, and then set the tensions for the remaining three threads to 4, 3, and 7, while on the 644D, instead of changing the tension dials, there is a switch that internally changes the tension for you (of course, you still have to remove the left-hand needle).
Feature Comparison Table: Janome 544D Vs 644D
|
Features |
||
| Number of Threads | 4 Thread | 4 Thread |
| Overlock Stitch | 3 and 4 Thread | 2 , 3, and 4 Thread |
| 3 Thread Flatlocking | Yes | Yes |
| 2 Thread Flatlocking | No | Yes |
| Rolled Hemming | Yes | Yes (Including Lower Looper Pre-tension Switch) |
| Tension System | Lay in | Lay in |
| Stitching Speed | Up to 1300 SPM | Up to 1300 SPM |
| Adjustable Stitch Length | 1mm to 4mm | 1mm to 5mm |
| Adjustable Cutting Width | 3.1mm to 7.3mm | 3.1mm to 7.3mm |
| Differential Feed Ratio | 0.5mm to 2.25mm | 0.5mm to 2.25mm |
| Adjustable Foot Pressure | Yes (Screw) | Yes (Screw) |
| Weight | 8kg | 8.1kg |
| Quick-Change Needle Plate | Yes | Yes |
| Retractable Upper Knife | Yes | Yes |
| Two Thread Converter | No | Yes |
| Accessory Box | No | Yes |
| Waste Tray | No | Yes |
| Attachment Mounting Screw | Yes | Yes |
| Carry Handle | Yes | Yes |
| Instructional DVD | Yes | Yes |
| Included Presser Feet | 3 (1 Standard + 2 Bonus) + 2 Bonus Attachments | 1 Standard |
| Extension Table | Included | Optional ($99.00) |
