Stitch Type 504: Overlock Stitch

This animation shows the formation of an overlock stitch, which is a special version of a chainstitch. Its special characteristic is that one or more threads enclose the fabric edges preventing them from fraying and that the seam allowance is cut off by a trimming knife.
Stitch type 504 is formed with one needle thread and two looper threads. The created seam is very elastic. It is used for hemming and seaming but also for joining seams on woven and knitted garments.