Four-thread overlock
Two needles and two loopers form a strong, flexible seam for T-shirts, activewear, knit garments and general construction.
Easy-threading 3 and 4-thread domestic overlocker
Brother 2504D
Create strong stretch seams, clean raw-edge finishes, rolled hems and decorative effects with an affordable Brother overlocker designed for everyday garment sewing. The Brother 2504D combines lay-in colour-coded threading, F.A.S.T. lower-looper access, differential feed, free-arm sewing and speeds up to 1,300 stitches per minute.
3 or 4
thread configurations
1,300 SPM
maximum sewing speed
5–7mm
approximate overlock width
0.7–2.0
differential-feed range
A reliable first overlocker for garments, knits and everyday sewing
The Brother 2504D is designed for sewists who want to improve the finish of handmade garments without the cost or complexity of a premium air-threading overlocker.
It trims the fabric edge, forms the seam and wraps thread around the raw edge in one fast operation.
Four-thread overlocking creates strong flexible seams for knit garments, while three-thread settings provide neat finishing for woven and stretch fabrics.
Brother’s F.A.S.T. lower-looper system and clear colour-coded guides make the threading route more approachable for new overlocker users.
An overlocker works alongside your sewing machine
The Brother 2504D is designed for overlocked seams, raw-edge finishing, trimming, rolled hems and selected decorative techniques.
It does not replace an ordinary sewing machine for straight stitching, zips, buttonholes, top stitching or detailed construction.
It is also not a coverstitch machine and does not create the twin parallel hem normally seen along the bottom of a T-shirt.
Straightforward conventional threading
Lay-in guides and F.A.S.T. lower-looper access
The 2504D uses conventional threading rather than air threading, but Brother has designed the route to be clear and accessible.
Each thread path is marked in a separate colour and the upper tension guides use a simple lay-in design.
Slide the blue F.A.S.T. lever and the lower looper moves into an easier threading position.
- Four-colour threading guide
- Lay-in upper thread paths
- Accessible lower looper
- F.A.S.T. lower-looper lever
- Clear internal threading diagram
- Four-cone telescopic thread stand
Three and four-thread overlocking
Three-thread wide overlock
Use the left needle for a wider raw-edge finish on medium and heavier materials.
Three-thread narrow overlock
Use the right needle for a narrower edge finish on lightweight or medium fabrics.
Three-thread rolled hem
Create a compact decorative edge for scarves, napkins, ruffles and lightweight garments.
Three-thread flatlock effect
Adjust thread tensions to create a flatter decorative join or edge finish on suitable fabrics.
The essential features most home garment makers need
F.A.S.T. lower looper
Move the lower looper into an accessible position for easier conventional threading.
Colour-coded threading
Follow four clearly marked thread routes through the tension guides and machine.
Differential feed
Adjust fabric movement to reduce stretching, rippling or puckering.
1,300 stitches per minute
Trim, seam and finish fabric substantially faster than ordinary overcasting.
Free-arm sewing
Remove the flatbed section for cuffs, sleeves and smaller circular areas.
Adjustable foot pressure
Match presser-foot pressure to fine, stretchy, stable or heavier materials.
Quick rolled-hemming setup
Convert the stitch finger for fine rolled edges without replacing the needle plate.
Blind-stitch foot included
Add blind hemming and selected flatlock techniques without buying the foot separately.
Control stretching, puckering and decorative effects
Adjustable differential feed
The Brother 2504D uses front and rear feed dogs to move the fabric beneath the presser foot.
Differential feed changes the relationship between those feed dogs, helping the machine adapt to stretchy, fine or unstable materials.
Increase the setting to help stop knit seams from stretching and waving. Reduce it for selected fine fabrics or intentional stretching effects.
- Approximate ratio from 0.7 to 2.0
- Helps flatten knit seams
- Reduces unwanted stretching
- Helps control puckering
- Can create gathered effects
- Supports lettuce-edge finishes
0.7–2.0
Differential-feed range
Adjust how the front and rear feed dogs move the fabric for stable, stretchy or decorative results.
1,300
Maximum stitches per minute
Fast trimming, seaming and edge finishing for garments and repeated projects.
Efficient everyday overlocking
Complete long seams quickly
At speeds up to 1,300 stitches per minute, the Brother 2504D can finish seams much faster than an ordinary sewing-machine overcasting stitch.
Speed is controlled using the supplied foot controller, allowing slower operation around curves and seam intersections.
- Up to 1,300 stitches per minute
- Variable foot-controller speed
- Fast knit garment construction
- Efficient raw-edge finishing
- Controlled sewing around curves
- Suitable for repeated projects
Adjustable stitch length and overlock width
Stitch length controls how closely each overlock stitch is placed along the seam.
Overlock width controls how much fabric remains inside the finished edge after trimming.
Correct adjustment allows the looper threads to wrap neatly around the fabric without loose loops or excessive curling.
2 to 4mm stitch length
Choose a shorter stitch for dense finishing or a longer stitch for bulkier fabric.
Approximately 5 to 7mm width
Adjust the finished overlock width to suit fabric weight and stitch configuration.
Balanced edge wrapping
Match the cutting width to the amount of thread wrapping around the raw edge.
Rolled-hem adjustment
Combine suitable length, width and tension settings for fine decorative edges.
Better access inside the overlocker
Brother F.A.S.T. lower-looper threading
The lower looper is normally one of the more difficult parts of an overlocker to reach.
Brother’s F.A.S.T. system uses a blue lever to move the lower looper toward the front of the machine.
Pass the thread through the marked guides, return the mechanism to its sewing position and continue along the colour-coded route.
F.A.S.T. threading improves access to the lower looper. It is not an air-threading system and does not thread the machine automatically.
Easy rolled-hemming conversion
Rolled hemming wraps thread tightly around a narrow fabric edge, creating a light decorative finish.
The 2504D converts to a rolled-hem setting without replacing the complete needle plate.
Adjust the stitch length, differential feed and thread tensions for the material and finish required.
- Scarves
- Napkins
- Ruffles
- Lightweight garment edges
- Decorative lettuce hems
- Selected sheer fabrics
Match the pressure to the material
Adjustable presser-foot pressure
Presser-foot pressure determines how firmly the fabric is held against the feed dogs.
Reduce pressure for selected fine, soft or easily stretched materials and increase it when firmer control is required.
Presser-foot pressure works together with differential feed, stitch length and thread tension to improve seam quality.
Flatbed support or free-arm access
Convertible free-arm sewing surface
Remove the accessory compartment to expose the free arm for cuffs, trouser legs, children’s garments and other circular areas.
Refit the compartment to restore a larger flatbed surface during ordinary overlocking.
- Sleeve cuffs
- Trouser legs
- Children’s clothing
- Small circular openings
- Flatbed project support
- Accessory storage area
Bright LED work light
The LED light illuminates the needles, presser foot, cutting line and fabric edge.
Better visibility is particularly helpful with dark fabrics, matching thread and narrow seam allowances.
More value in the standard package
Blind-stitch foot and trim trap included
The New Zealand and Australian regional package includes a blind-stitch foot alongside the standard overlocker foot.
The blind-stitch foot can help guide folded fabric for blind hemming and selected flatlock techniques.
A trim trap fits beneath the cutting area to collect fabric and thread waste while sewing.
- Standard overlocker foot
- Blind-stitch foot
- Trim trap
- Foot controller
- Soft protective cover
- Needle set
- Tweezers
- Thread spool caps
- Thread nets
- Hexagonal screwdriver
- Cleaning brush
- Accessory bag
- Operation manual
- Instructional material
Strong performance across knits and woven materials
The Brother 2504D is particularly useful for fabrics that benefit from flexible seams and clean raw-edge finishing.
Always test the selected stitch, tension, differential feed and cutting width on a project offcut before sewing the finished garment.
- Cotton jersey
- Viscose jersey
- Interlock
- Rib knit
- Lycra and activewear fabric
- French terry
- Sweatshirt fleece
- Cotton lawn
- Woven dress fabrics
- Medium-weight home fabrics
A practical overlocker for garments and everyday sewing
T-shirts
Stretch garments
Leggings
Knit dresses
Children’s clothing
Woven garments
Rolled hems
Flatlock effects
Blind hems
Ruffles
Cushions
Raw-edge finishing
Explore the Brother 2504D
Brother 2504D, 4234D or Airflow 3000?
| Brother 2504D | A dependable 3 and 4-thread overlocker with F.A.S.T. lower-looper access, differential feed, free arm and blind-stitch foot. |
|---|---|
| Brother 4234D | Adds two-thread capability, a built-in needle threader and a more advanced feature set. |
| Brother Airflow 3000 | Adds push-button electric air threading for both loopers, assisted needle threading and premium convenience features. |
| Best reason to choose the 2504D | It delivers the essential stitches and fabric controls most home garment makers need at the most accessible price. |
Important information before purchasing
The Brother 2504D is a conventional threaded overlocker. It does not use air threading.
The F.A.S.T. lower-looper system improves access to the looper but does not thread the machine automatically.
The 2504D does not have a built-in needle threader. The needles are threaded manually.
It creates three and four-thread stitches only. It does not produce two-thread stitches.
Each thread tension is adjusted manually using its individual dial.
It does not sew an ordinary lockstitch, zigzag, buttonhole or coverstitch hem.
Correct threading order, needle choice, tension, cutting width and differential-feed settings all affect stitch quality.
The optional wide table is not included in the standard package.
Brother 2504D specifications
| Machine type | Domestic three and four-thread overlocker |
|---|---|
| Thread configurations | Three and four-thread overlocking |
| Number of needles | Up to two needles |
| Air threading | No |
| Needle threader | No, needles are threaded manually |
| Lower-looper threading | Brother F.A.S.T. accessible lower-looper system |
| Threading guide | Four-colour lay-in threading system |
| Maximum sewing speed | Up to 1,300 stitches per minute |
| Stitch-length range | Approximately 2 to 4mm |
| Overlock width | Approximately 5 to 7mm depending on the selected stitch and needle position |
| Differential feed | Adjustable from approximately 0.7 to 2.0 |
| Thread tension | Independent manual upper dials |
| Presser-foot pressure | Manually adjustable |
| Fabric cutting | Built-in trimming knives |
| Rolled hemming | Yes, with built-in rolled-hem conversion |
| Free arm | Yes |
| Flatbed sewing | Yes |
| Sewing light | LED |
| Presser feet | Snap-on system |
| Standard foot | Included |
| Blind-stitch foot | Included |
| Trim trap | Included |
| Foot controller | Included |
| Wide table | Available separately |
| Machine cover | Soft cover included |
| Approximate machine weight | Approximately 5.6kg |
| Coverstitch capability | No |
| Ordinary lockstitch sewing | No |
Recommended optional accessories
Overlocker presser feet
- Brother gathering foot
- Brother piping foot
- Brother elasticator foot
- Brother pearl and sequin foot
- Brother taping foot
- Additional blind-stitch foot
Thread and needle supplies
- Quality overlocking thread
- Decorative upper-looper thread
- Compatible overlocker needles
- Thread nets
- Spool caps
- Additional cone holders
Workspace and maintenance
- Compatible Brother wide table
- Replacement upper knife
- Replacement lower knife
- Overlocker cleaning brush
- Additional trim trap
- Machine oil where specified by the manual
Brother 2504D FAQ
Is the Brother 2504D an air-threading overlocker?
No. It uses conventional colour-coded threading with Brother’s F.A.S.T. accessible lower-looper system.
What does F.A.S.T. lower-looper threading mean?
A blue lever moves the lower looper into a more accessible position so it can be threaded more easily.
Does the 2504D have a needle threader?
No. The needles are threaded manually. The Brother 4234D adds a built-in needle-threading system.
Can it sew with two threads?
No. The 2504D creates three and four-thread stitches.
What is the best stitch for knit garments?
Four-thread overlocking is commonly used because it creates a strong, flexible seam that moves with the garment.
Can it finish woven fabric edges?
Yes. Three-thread overlocking is commonly used to finish raw edges on woven fabrics.
Can it create rolled hems?
Yes. It can create compact rolled edges on suitable fine and lightweight fabrics.
What does differential feed do?
It changes the relative movement of the front and rear feed dogs to control stretching, puckering or gathering.
Can it help stop jersey seams from waving?
Correct differential feed, presser-foot pressure and tension settings can greatly reduce unwanted waviness.
Does it include a free arm?
Yes. Remove the flatbed accessory compartment to expose the free arm.
Does it include a blind-stitch foot?
Yes. A blind-stitch foot is included with the regional standard package.
Does it include a trim trap?
Yes. The trim trap collects fabric and thread waste beneath the cutting area.
Does it have automatic thread tension?
No. Each thread tension is adjusted using an individual manual dial.
How fast does it sew?
Maximum sewing speed is up to approximately 1,300 stitches per minute.
Can it sew Lycra and activewear fabric?
Yes. Four-thread overlocking and differential feed make it suitable for many activewear and stretch fabrics.
Does it make a coverstitch hem?
No. A dedicated coverstitch machine is required for the twin or triple parallel hem seen on T-shirts.
Do I still need a sewing machine?
Yes. A sewing machine remains necessary for straight stitching, zips, buttonholes, top stitching and general construction.
Is the 2504D suitable for beginners?
Yes. The clear colour-coded threading route, lay-in guides and accessible lower looper make it a practical first overlocker.
Why choose the Brother 4234D instead?
The 4234D adds two-thread stitches, a built-in needle threader and a more advanced feature set.
Why choose the Airflow 3000 instead?
The Airflow 3000 is the stronger option when push-button electric looper threading and maximum threading convenience are the priority.
Is it suitable for a small clothing business?
It can suit home-based garment making and smaller production runs. Continuous high-volume production may require an industrial overlocker.
Product information, manuals and support
Brother New Zealand
View the current New Zealand product information, regional warranty and compatible accessories.
Official Support
Access manuals, threading instructions, maintenance information and troubleshooting guidance.
Brother Australia Overview
Review the complete feature set, included accessory package and official product imagery.
Buy from New Zealand overlocker specialists
Expert advice, genuine warranty assistance and in-house servicing
Direct Sewing has supplied sewing, overlocking, coverstitch, embroidery and industrial equipment throughout New Zealand since 2001.
Our experienced team can explain threading, tension, differential feed, rolled hemming and the practical differences between the Brother 2504D, 4234D and Airflow 3000.
Your Brother 2504D is supported by genuine New Zealand warranty assistance and our own in-house technical workshop. Servicing and repairs are completed by experienced sewing-machine technicians with decades of industry knowledge.
For garment makers wanting an affordable, dependable and easy-to-understand first overlocker, the Brother 2504D delivers the essential stitch options, speed and fabric control needed for professional-looking home sewing.