A serger allows you to sew a seam, trim the seam allowance, and overcast the edge all in one step. ... Use this stitch to quickly sew seams that will not ravel. It's also a perfect choice for knit garments because the seam is secure yet still stretches with the fabric when worn.

Is a serger really necessary?

1. Why do I need a serger for garment sewing? First and foremost, a serger is the ideal way to create a clean edge on any seam. Not only does the cutting blade trim the fabric edge, but the upper and lower looper threads wrap around the fabric edge, securing or protecting the fabric edge.

What are the benefits of a serger?

A serger produces strong, durable stitches using multiple threads that prevent fraying and last for years. Whether using two threads or as many as eight, a serger encases the fabric securely while still allowing enough give to prevent tearing or broken stitches while surviving countless launderings.

Is a serger necessary for sewing?

You don't need a serger in order to sew beautiful things. Finishing seams without a serger can make any garment or home decor project have a finished look and last a lifetime. I think it is worth the effort to learn how to Finish Seams Without a Serger and make your projects special.

Can a serger sew a straight stitch?

These are two thread serged pintucks, which are commonly made on a sewing machine with straight stitching. ... The serger stitching creates a more decorative pintuck than straight sewing machine stitching.

Do you REALLY need a serger???

20 related questions found

Are Sergers hard to use?

You'll learn it the hard way if you start pushing down your feet: the serger goes A LOT faster and when you reach curves or angles it's harder to control where you're sewing and go out of way! Being a serger, you won't only sew on the wrong place: you'll CUT your fabric… and this is harder to be fixed!

Are Sergers used in quilting?

Yes! A serger is a wonderful machine for piecing a quilt. Whether using a four-thread, three-thread or chain stitch, piecing on a serger is easy and fast. It does take some time getting used to simply because a serger is different from a sewing machine.

Is it better to have a serger or sewing machine?

In short, you do not need a sewing machine and a serger. ... If you work with a lot of knits then a serger will make your projects a lot faster and easier. If you will be sellling clothing or other projects, then a serger will be important to have for finished edges and a more professional look.

Can you hem on a serger?

If you own a serger or have access to one, it can be extremely useful to you in the hemming process. A serger creates a cleanly hemmed edge in one single step, so it's faster than most traditional hems.

What can you make with a serger machine?

Some of the things you can do with a serger:

1. Seam finishing.
2. Making swimwear, T-shirts, lingerie, napkins, tablerunners, etc.
3. Insert elastic into clothing.
4. Decorate garments making flowers or other trims.
5. Finish hem & facing edges with the cover stitch.
6. Seaming on knits more quickly that with a sewing machine.

Can a serger replace a regular sewing machine?

Can a Serger Replace My Regular Sewing Machine? Although some projects can be done 100 percent on a serger, a serger cannot replace a regular sewing machine. You will still need a regular machine for facings, zippers, topstitching, buttonholes, etc. A serger cannot do this job.

Can a serger do a cover stitch?

Yes, it can but it may take some work to do without the cover stitch option. Here are some simple steps to follow to get the cover stitch done on a serger machine: Once you have set up your serger, rotate the hand wheel towards you one full turn. Place the cloth you are sewing right side up and under the foot.

Can a serger sew leather?

One of the most common questions we get asked is, "Can you really sew leather on a home sewing machine?" And the answer is YES! Any good-quality home sewing machine should be able to handle leather; you just need to make a few simple modifications to get your machine leather-ready.

What serger should I buy?

Best overall: Brother 1034D 3/4 Thread Serger with Differential Feed. Best on a budget: Singer ProFinish 14CG754 Serger. Best portable serger: Juki MO654DE Portable Thread Serger Sewing Machine. Best for beginners: Janome 8002D Serger.

Does a serger cut fabric?

Sergers make seams look professional, as well as make beautiful rolled hems and edgings. They sew knits and stretch fabric without stretching it out of shape like a sewing machine might. ... It has a knife that cuts the fabric, which sounds like a good idea but makes the machine seem that much more intimidating.

Why do I need a serger for quilting?

In addition to being great time savers when stitching together blocks, rectangles and strips of fabric, a serger can provide you with some wonderful decorative effects using certain stitches and specialty threads. The stitching a serger provides is fast and precise – something any quilter can appreciate.

Do Sergers have bobbins?

Instead of a bobbin, sergers use looper threads. ... Depending on your serger model, you may have anywhere from two to eight threads on your machine. The more threads your machine has, the more decorative stitching your serger can do.

Is it worth buying an Overlocker?

Overlockers are worth buying if you intend to make lots of clothing, sew with stretch fabrics and make professional-looking projects. Overlockers are not worth using for those who finish their seams with bindings or make home decors that don't require overlocked seams.

How much do Sergers cost?

Basic machines start around $200 and have two to four threads. A more expensive serger has as many as five threads and some have differential feeds, allowing for extra adjustment. High-end machines can cost as much as several thousand dollars.

How many spools of thread do I need for a serger?

However, depending on your serger type, with a common 4-thread overlocker you do need four spools, but you don't really need to use four of the same kind of threads. Because the spools used on the loopers go the fastest, choose to go for a bigger spool in that case.

Why are my serger stitches loose?

When the overlocker stitch has poor tension, only one thread may need adjustment. Adjust too tight threads first as they may cause the other threads to seem loose even when they are not. Learning to adjust the correct thread or threads takes practice. ... The thread that has been adjusted will be slack or loose.

Are serger needles different from sewing machine needles?

While their respective uses might vary depending on the type of fabric, one thing is for sure — sewing machine needles and serger needles are not the same. They serve different machines used for different types of work. While it is possible to use sewing machine needles in a serger, tailors agree there are exceptions.

What is the difference between a serger and an overlocker?

A serger and an overlocker are different names for the same machine. ... A serger performs an overlocking stitch, which is really more like knitting than sewing. Overlocking, or serging, trims and binds seams so that the fabric can not unravel. It professionally finishes the insides of garments.