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From: Marlyn
Date: 01-21-2005, 04:41 PM (1 of 24)
| Can anyone please explain to me why I would want to purchase a serger. I have been sewing for over 50 years always with a straight stitch, zig zag, stretch, overcast, rolled hem, etc., etc. I made knit golf shirts for my husband when the knit material was first introduced in Ottawa (1971 - found my BouClair book), and a couple of other knitted outfits with no problem. I want to use some of the newer stretch fabric for tops for my granddaughter. Would this help? I have a built in serger on my sewing machine (Kenmore made by Janome), but have yet to find a use for it. |
User: Marlyn
Member since: 06-11-2004 Total posts: 37 
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From: M & M's Mom
Date: 01-21-2005, 06:10 PM (2 of 24)
| All I can suggest is read the replies I got to my "May Day! Cure for Sergerphobia?" thread (a couple of lines down from yours). Many sewers wouldn't be without one! I am brand new to serging - still think it's a luxury rather than a necessity - but I may change my mind. Save your $$$ until you're sure! |
User: M & M's Mom
Member since: 12-01-2004 Total posts: 102 |
From: Mom of Six
Date: 01-21-2005, 06:42 PM (3 of 24)
|
I think mine makes a nicer looking seam edge also stronger on some of my projects. I have been without mine for a few days (it broke) & I am having trouble getting some craft projects done because they are just harder when you can't serge the edge & have to stitch & turn instead. I bought mine because I was making bridesmaid dresses out of satin for DD wedding & husband said go get it. It was worth it . It made the whole process go faster & paid for itself with the difference between buying dresses & making them. (I bought a $200 white at JoAnns on sale. I wasn't sure I would use it enough to pay for it but lately I have used it more than my machine. If you have a built in one I would try that first though to see if you like it. Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115 
|
From: Kylnne2
Date: 01-21-2005, 06:48 PM (4 of 24)
| Marlyn, I think once you use a serger you will be pleasantly surprised how much time you save and you will be pleased with the professional results one can accomplish with a serger. You can do rolled hems in minutes..even whole blankets. Sergers overcast and cut the seam allowances so quickly. Applying binding and braid, beads and lace, ribbons and trims is a breeze, including the quickness of the blindhemming and gathering..it is much faster than on a sewing machine. The chains from a serger can be used for deco work along with the flatlock stitches. You can do some flatlock on a plain Tee shirts or on blouses to change the entire look. A serger lets you be more creative and also they are so much fun. The coverlock and chain sergers even give another outlet for creativity. One of my sergers has 18 stitch programs..plus the 3 coverhems and chain. These programs are not offered on a regular sewing machine. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: Marlyn
Date: 01-22-2005, 07:16 AM (5 of 24)
| Thank you to all who responded. I now know more about sergers and what they can do. I have had one or two demonstrations, but was still not convinced. There appear to be so many different types, with anywhere from a two thread to a six. Surely you don't use all of the thread at the same time. I will, however, go with M & M's Mom suggestion and use the built in one until I know more. My DH has asked if I can rent one to try it. I think I will look into this. |
User: Marlyn
Member since: 06-11-2004 Total posts: 37
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From: DorothyL
Date: 01-22-2005, 08:37 AM (6 of 24)
|
Marlyn -- I just got a new serger and can't give you a single reason to buy one yet. So far all I have done is finish seams with it and it is faster and there is less bulk but the seams don't look nearly as nice as the finishes I use on the sewing machine -- I have not left a seam unfinished for years. I'm sort of combining flat fell and serged finishes in the shirt I'm making now. I bought my serger up on impulse at half price. There was no one in the store to tell me anything about how it works so I'm on my own. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 01-22-2005, 03:50 PM (7 of 24)
| Dorothy, Usually the finished seam edges done on a serger look much nicer than when finished on a sewing machine. The edge is trimmed off and sergered up neatly. That's what sergers are..they are all about edges. Maybe if you changed your stitch program or stitch length and width it might make a difference. Hopefully if you experiment a bit you will be more satisfied. If so, please let us know. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 01-23-2005, 08:38 AM (8 of 24)
|
Kylnne -- I'll stand my French or flat fell finishes (or sometimes bound) up to any serged finish anytime. But they take a lot longer pressing and trimming. I do have to start remembering I've got the serger sitting there though. I wasted a lot of time putting flat fell seams in two part sleeves where they won't really show, even from the inside. It'll take time but I'll get it. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Mom of Six
Date: 01-23-2005, 11:59 AM (9 of 24)
|
I agree french or flat felled seams do look nicer but for us lazy people a serger looks much nicer than regular seams.
Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115
|
From: Catalina
Date: 01-23-2005, 01:59 PM (10 of 24)
I don't think a serger is a necessity but I've had mine since 1988 and now would not want to be without one. It is especially usefull when finishing seams on drapes, curtains, shower curtains, etc. but I also use it for garment sewing. When I seen one in action, I knew I wanted one- if you have doubts- save your money. If you don't use it, it'll be a waste to buy one. 
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User: Catalina
Member since: 01-06-2005 Total posts: 119 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 01-24-2005, 01:48 AM (11 of 24)
| I find a serger a must have item if one has babies or grand babies. Serging up edges of baby blankets is so much cheaper doing it yourself than buying them made. All that have rec'd these as gifts ask me to make more because they say they hold up better and I make them larger.When the kids grow up, their blankets are still good and stored away lol. Also all the little clothes and bibs etc., the nursery decor etc. I have many grandbabies and expecting 2 more. My daughter in law asked me to make more blankets for her 4th baby coming this spring..she brought me some flannel. I made the blankets..and I am giving her one of my sergers so she can make her own because of the other grandbabies I sew for..I can't seem to keep up. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 01-24-2005, 12:41 PM (12 of 24)
I compare the serger stitch on my regular machine to my serger like this.. Think of rowing a boat with oars, and then think of going over the same water in a speedboat powered by a Mercury 75 engine.. My time is worth so much and I know yours is also.. Now make a t-shirt on your serger.. 25 minutes tops, and I work slowly.. Pants including elastic in waist, 35 minutes.. You cannot beat that with a stick! ! 
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
|
From: cam's gram
Date: 01-25-2005, 09:37 AM (13 of 24)
I just got my first serger, and am kicking myself for taking so long to make the decision  I haven't had a lot of time to use it yet, but I made a new cover for our Lab's bed as my first project, and it took me all of 40 minutes (out of denim, inserted a zipper & serged all the edges). This weekend I made three lined valances -- simple shape, but that took me all of an hour. With my sewing machine, making the seam and finishing the edges would have taken two or three passes for each seam -- the serger took one. I am expecting the same time-saving results for garments -- one pass instead of three! 
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User: cam's gram
Member since: 10-20-2004 Total posts: 22 |
From: soverysewey
Date: 01-25-2005, 10:17 PM (14 of 24)
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You could get one for the same reason I did...it was cheap.....I have the box [with the serger in it] by my computer...I can use it as an end table...so if you need more furniture then a serger might be for you! Really, I am too chicken to get it out of the box and use it.Good thing I got a really good deal at Hancocks!![a closeout 234DE whatever that is] I should view the video that came with it...I should at least take the thing out and examine it...I should get brave and try it out...I should I should I should......
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User: soverysewey
Member since: 12-19-2003 Total posts: 56 |
From: Mom of Six
Date: 01-25-2005, 11:12 PM (15 of 24)
|
Anyone with one they don't want can send it my way! I am going through withdrawal. Mine is broken & I can't take it in until I get some extra money. Maybe it will cost too much to fix & I will need a new one. My Dad's house is very close to sold. We are just waiting for the final approval for the buyers mortgage Co. I have bills to pay but I am sure I will use a little to splurge. That would make Dad happy.
Barb
Happiness is having time to sew!! |
User: Mom of Six
Member since: 11-03-2001 Total posts: 1115
|
From: MartySews
Date: 01-28-2005, 09:23 AM (16 of 24)
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For years I thought a serger was a waste of time and money until my DH surprised me with one. Now, 4 years later, he has upgraded it to the TOL 10 thread and I love it. I use it with almost everything I sew. I love the coverstitches, the ruffling, the neat seam finishes and the ability to do decorative stitching. I feel as if my clothing has a more custom look that is found in high end designer clothing. It really came in handy when I made a bridesmaid outfit using a very ravelly silk fabric for the skirt and velveteen top. When I made several flower girl dresses that were 90" wide, the ruffling and being able to attach to the bodice in one step with a finished seam was a dream. The dresses had a rayon lining, satin skirt and chiffon overskirt attached as one to the bodice. I never would have been able to have the professional look to these dresses without my serger. Our DH's have several saws in their workshops (a circular, skill, radial arm, etc). A serger is another tool that complements the sewing machine. If your budget can handle it, I say go for the best that you can afford. Happy Stitching! Marty 
It takes one moment to change a life.
|
User: MartySews
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 504
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From: Kylnne2
Date: 01-28-2005, 09:03 PM (17 of 24)
| I just noticed Dorothy's post about the flat felled seams. Dorothy have you tried doing the flat felled seams on a serger with your coverhem? They are very strong and durable and with the coverhem only the upper fabric is folded reducing thickness. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 01-29-2005, 09:51 AM (18 of 24)
|
I've barely tried doing anything with my serger. I did finish a shirt -- well it still needs the buttons -- using the serger to finish some seams and the edges at the hems and facings. Other seams were flat fell. It looks good. Next I'm going to make a pair of pants with flat fell inseam and center seam but I'm going to serge finish the side seams and around the pockets. That will save a lot of time since I usually bind the edges of the pockets. It will really cut down bulk too. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Kylnne2
Date: 01-29-2005, 10:48 PM (19 of 24)
| Dorothy do you have the special foot for your serger to do the flat felled seams? I have 3 new feet for my serger and I have been playing with mine. I would like to get more feet but they are quite expensive. I don't think the flat felled seam guide would cost much, I think it is plastic. I'm finding these feet do several jobs where you really don't need a different foot for each task. It looks like the strap and belt loop foot could also be used for felled seams. I remember with my old Babylock I only had a blind hem foot and it was nothing like the blindhem foot I have for my Pfaff and Elna. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 01-30-2005, 09:27 AM (20 of 24)
|
No -- my flat fell are on the good old sewing machine like I have done for years. The only thing I haver done on the serger yet is serging around the edge of seams to finish them. It doesn't have any feet -- well one, of course -- but I'm starting to think of getting more for some fancy stuff. That's if they make them for a cheap White and if I can find them. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: MartySews
Date: 01-30-2005, 05:24 PM (21 of 24)
|
Check with Clotilde.com or Nancys Notions for additional feet for your serger. White is also owned by Viking so if you have a Viking dealer nearby, they may be able to help you. I find that most feet for my Pfaff run about $15 - $20 each. I would think the prices would be comparable for a White machine. Happy Stitching! Marty
It takes one moment to change a life.
|
User: MartySews
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 504
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From: Kylnne2
Date: 01-31-2005, 02:41 AM (22 of 24)
| Marty, are you finding you are using more threads with your 10 threader? Are you using them for Deco work? Oh BTW, I have an Elna 744 and a Pfaff 4842 and found that some of the Pfaff and Elna feet are interchageable. I lucked out when a gift from a friend of 3 Pfaff feet also fit my Elna. If I would have had a different model Elna I might not have been so lucky. But for those of you that might have only a Pfaff or an Elna dealer close by you might be able to buy the feet to fit yur machine not matter which of the two sergers you have. Some of the Pfaff's and Elnas are made at the same factory in Japan I have been told. I've noticed they are designed differently than some of the feet for other sergers and I have also found they can be used for more than one function. I never used serger feet as much as I have on these two machines being they do other jobs well than what they are designed for. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
From: MartySews
Date: 01-31-2005, 08:04 AM (23 of 24)
|
Since I'm still in a learning curve, I've mostly made samples with the decorative threads. I've only owned a serger for 3-1/2 years and this one for a year. There's still a lot to learn. I've taken some classes and have lots of books but not enough practice time to feel confident to work on garments with decorative threads. I do love using my serger though. Happy Stitching! Marty It takes one moment to change a life.
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User: MartySews
Member since: 02-23-2003 Total posts: 504
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From: Kylnne2
Date: 02-01-2005, 06:17 AM (24 of 24)
| I think books are a wonderful way to teach yourself. Many of the new sewing magazines offer tips too. You can find some old treasures at the libray also. I feel that the newer books out now offer more when it comes to chainstitch, deco work and coverhems..and they have more pictures in color to see what the different stitches are with tension changes and the many different types of threads in colors. |
User: Kylnne2
Member since: 07-10-2004 Total posts: 629 |
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