Best Overlockers & Cover Stitch Under £200 in 2026

1) Brother M343D Overlocker — £199.00

The Brother M343D is the strongest choice in this price bracket if you want a true overlocker rather than a standard sewing machine. It’s designed to trim, stitch, and finish seams in one pass, which is exactly what makes knitwear, activewear, and garment making look so professional. With a 4.7★ rating, it clearly earns its place as the top pick for sewists who want cleaner edges and a faster workflow.

What stands out here is how much capability you get right at the edge of the budget. Brother’s overlockers are generally known for being approachable, and this model is a good fit if you’re moving up from basic sewing and want to start finishing projects properly. The main compromise is that, at this price, you’re not getting the bells and whistles of higher-end machines such as automatic air threading or advanced differential feed control found on more expensive models. It’s also worth remembering that this is an overlocker, not a cover stitch machine, so while it’s brilliant for seam finishing, it won’t give you the twin-needle hem look used on many ready-to-wear stretch garments.

Best for: dressmakers, knitwear makers, and beginners who want their first real overlocker and are happy to stay within a strict £200 budget.

2) Brother LS14S Metal Chassis Sewing Machine & A Beginner's Guide to Machine Sewing: 50 Lessons and 15 Projects to Get You Started — £110.95

This bundle is a more general sewing setup than a specialist overlocker or cover stitch machine, but it still deserves a place for makers on a tight budget. The Brother LS14S has a metal chassis, which is a reassuring feature at this price because it tends to improve stability and durability compared with very lightweight plastic-bodied machines. With a 4.6★ rating, it looks like a dependable starter machine for everyday sewing, mending, and simple garment projects.

Its biggest strength is value for money: you’re getting a machine plus a beginner’s guide, which makes it especially appealing if you’re new to sewing and want help building confidence. The trade-off is that this is not an overlocker or cover stitch machine, so it won’t replace the seam-finishing speed or stretch-friendly results of a specialist machine. If your main goal is to neaten seams on jersey or create professional hems, you’ll eventually outgrow it. But for learning the basics, making cushions, hemming trousers, and starting simple clothing projects, it’s a sensible and affordable first step.

Best for: complete beginners, budget-conscious buyers, and anyone who wants a sturdy everyday sewing machine before investing in a specialist overlocker later.

Overall, the Brother M343D is the best overlocker-style machine under £200 because it delivers the specialist finishing power most makers are actually searching for. The Brother LS14S bundle is a better all-round starter package, but it’s not a substitute for an overlocker or cover stitch machine. If your priority is professional-looking seams and stretch-fabric finishing, go for the M343D; if you’re just starting out, the LS14S offers excellent entry-level value.