If the Juki MO-2000 QVP is unavailable:

All of the brands listed below were praised by industry experts I spoke to. You can expect excellent build quality from them all.

Here are the models I recommend, starting with my favourite:

1. Husqvarna Amber Air S 400
2. Pfaff Admire Air 5000
3. Janome AirThread 2000D Professional
4. Juki MO-1000
5. Babylock Enspire

Husqvarna Amber Air S 400

It can sew 2, 3 and 4 thread stitches. It includes a built-in needle threader, a built-in 2 thread converter, and waste bin. The presser foot height is 5-7mm; great for sewing thick fabrics. It requires HAx1SP needles. These are standard ballpoint needles that work in sewing machines too. There’s no free arm or extra feet.

Pfaff admire air 5000

It’s extremely similar to the Husqvarna Amber Air S 400. The specifications are almost identical.

Janome AirThread 2000D Professional

This is similar to the Husqvarna and Pfaff, except its presser foot height is lower at 5.5mm.

It’s price has also been raised during the pandemic. It was £899 before August 2020.

Juki MO-1000

This is almost identical to the MO-2000 (my favourite air threaded machine), except it’s missing the information screen that suggests settings.

It sews at 1500 stitches per minute, which is the top-end for domestic overlockers. For comparison, the Husqvarna, Janome, and Pfaff sew at 1300 stitches per minute (which is still fast).

It’s presser foot height is 5-8mm, making it great for overlocking thick fabrics.

Babylock Enspire

Best overlocker with air threading: Juki MO-2000 QVP

(Quick summary)

The Juki MO-2000 QVP is one of the best overlockers with air threading and a needle threader. This means it will thread everything for you, so you can start sewing much faster.

An overlocker seller praised Juki’s quality. He said the brand has a long history of making industrial machines.

It also has an information screen that suggests settings for different stitches. This is very unique. It will save you from memorising settings or looking through your manual.

Scroll down for my in-depth review of this machine, and my favourite alternatives if it’s out of stock.

Accessories you’ll need:

• 130/705H needles. These are standard needles that will work in your sewing machine too. Get a stash of size 80/12 for lighter fabrics, and size 90/14 for thicker fabrics.
• Overlocker thread. Remember that overlockers take 4 threads. Get a set of 4 in black, white, and/or grey and beige (to blend better with coloured fabric). A size 2500m fits nicely on the machine and will last for ages. I would pick one that doesn’t lint too much. I use and recommend the Toldi-lock 100% polyester threads by Gutermann.

Janome AirThread 2000D Overlocker Review:

Pros

The AirThread 2000D is a great choice for sewers who want more stitch options, really easy threading, and sturdier build quality.

2/3/4 threads

It can do 2, 3 and 4 thread stitches. This will let you create more stitches like the 2 thread overlock, 2 thread rolled hem, and 2 thread mock flatlock. Most overlockers can only use 3 or 4 threads.

(Not sure what I’m talking about? Check out my post on overlocker stitches. I talk about what these stitches look like and when they’re useful. I included lots of close-up photos too!)

Really easy threading

• You can air thread the loopers with one push of the lever.
• It has a built-in needle threader. No more poking a thread through the eye of a needle!

These 2 features make threading much faster. You’ll also be less scared of changing thread colours often.

Good build quality

The AirThread 2000D has better build quality than budget and mid-range overlockers. Important for regular sewers who want a more durable machine.

For example, one of its selling points is that the main shaft has been redesigned with “two ball bearings [that] provide low torque”. The product page says this makes the machine more durable and more stable at high speeds.

But is this just marketing stuff?

I asked a technician about it.

A shaft that goes through roller bearings will create less friction on components. It will last longer and is better quality than standard bush-driven shafts.

In simple terms, he confirmed that it does make a difference.

It can handle different fabric thicknesses

It can handle a variety of fabric thicknesses.

• It has a high presser foot lift for overlocking thicker fabrics.
• It has an easy to use adjustable pressure dial with 5 levels (many only have 3 levels). You’ll need this to increase or decrease the pressure when working on very thin or thick materials.
• It has a more controlled 8 piece differential feed to feed fabrics more smoothly.

Easier to switch to 2 thread stitches

If you want to do 2 thread stitches you normally have to find your spreader gadget and attach it to the machine.

However, the AirThread 2000D is even easier because the spreader is built-in.

That’s a nice time-saving convenience. And you don’t have to worry about losing your spreader at the bottom of your sewing drawer.

Warranties

Purchase of the Janome 9300X includes a warranty of 2 years covering parts and labour.

There are many reasons why the Janome 9300DX Overlocker is one of the bestselling machines you can buy. This model is not overly complicated to master and is fairly easy to operate. It features the sturdy Janome construction, delivers precise stitching and is unmatched in performance. The versatility factor is significant in this compact machine. It offers owners basic and advanced features not found in all overlockers, which makes it a wonderful choice for beginners and more experienced home sewists. As expected from a Janome overlocker, there are few to no faults with the 9300DX.