Singer Elite SE017 review: fast overlocking at a low price

Is the Singer Elite SE017 Overlock worth buying? If you’re after a fast, feature-packed overlocker at £310 and you want easier threading, the Singer Elite SE017 actually makes a compelling case. It’s got a 4.4/5 rating from 25 reviews, so most buyers seem happy, and right now it’s at its all-time lowest price—£310—which doesn’t happen often.

First impressions

The Singer Elite SE017 isn’t trying to replace a sewing machine but works as a practical sidekick, at least if you go by the spec sheet. At £310, it’s more expensive than budget options like the Brother M343D (£199), but not as high as the Janome 2212 sewing machine bundle at £268.09—though really, that’s a sewing machine, not an overlocker, so it’s not a direct competitor.

The SE017 is about speed, cleaner seams, and making setup less of a hassle.

What makes the SE017 stand out?

Singer’s big selling point here is the industry’s first lower looper LED. It’s a small detail, but if you’ve ever fought with threading an overlocker—especially around the lower looper—you know how much that extra light can help. It just makes things less fiddly.

There’s also 2, 3, and 4 stitch thread capability, which means you get 6 different stitch types. Handy if you bounce between different projects.

The speed is no joke either: 1300 stitches per minute. If you sew a lot of seams or do garment work, that’s going to save you time. The free arm is a nice touch too. Just pop off the accessory compartment and you can handle cuffs, pant hems, and other awkward circular seams a lot more easily.

How does it perform in real use?

From what’s out there, the SE017 leans on three main things: visibility, speed, and versatility. That lower looper LED should make threading a lot less of a chore, and honestly, that’s a big plus for anyone who’s struggled with overlockers before.

With 1300 stitches per minute, you’ll move through seam finishing fast—especially on knits, activewear, or anything that needs tidy raw edges. Six stitch types, thanks to the 2, 3, and 4 thread options, give you enough flexibility for most home dressmaking.

You won’t get advanced coverstitch or industrial features here. It’s a home overlocker, not a do-it-all machine.

Build quality and usability

Singer highlights precision and speed, so they’re clearly aiming this at regular, everyday use. The free arm is genuinely useful—round seams can be a pain without it.

That lower looper LED? It’s a thoughtful touch. Singer obviously looked at what makes overlockers intimidating and tried to fix it.

There’s a catch, though. You don’t get automatic threading, differential feed, or a big accessory pack. If you need those, you’ll want to look at other options before deciding.

Is it good value for money?

At £310, the SE017 definitely isn’t the cheapest overlocker out there. The Brother M343D is £199 and the Brother 2104D is £265. Both come in cheaper and, with 4.7/5 ratings, they’ve got stronger review scores too.

Still, the SE017 has its own appeal if the lower looper LED and Singer’s focus on easier threading actually make your life easier. And since £310 is the all-time lowest price, with the average also £310, you’re not missing out on a better deal by buying now.

How does it compare to the Brother M343D and Brother 2104D?

The Brother M343D sits at £199 and has a 4.7/5 rating. The Brother 2104D is £265 and also rated 4.7/5. Both are cheaper and better reviewed, so if you just want the best value, the Brothers look pretty hard to beat.

But the Singer Elite SE017’s real strengths aren’t price or rating. Instead, it’s about the lower looper LED, that 1300 stitches per minute speed, and the practical free arm. If those features fix a headache you’ve had before, the Singer might still be the right pick—even if it’s not the obvious winner on paper.

Final take

The Singer Elite SE017 is a quick, thoughtfully designed overlocker. Its genuinely useful standout feature? That lower looper LED.

It’s best for sewists who want easier threading visibility and fast seam finishing. If you’re happy to pay £310 for that kind of convenience, it could make sense.

The main issue here is really the competition. Both the Brother M343D and Brother 2104D come in cheaper and boast better ratings, so the Singer needs those usability extras to justify its higher price.

If you want the strongest value, you’ll probably want to check out the Brothers first. But if you specifically want the Singer’s threading aid and free-arm convenience, this one’s a sensible buy at its current lowest-ever price.